Options, decisions decisions... !

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Jerodequin

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Hello all,

I think I'm homing in on the specific options and model of A3 Sportback I'm going to order, but was looking for a little advice and experience from those who have already bought and used many of the options available.

I'll list the options I'm going for and the rationale behind each below, then I have a little budget left over and am stuck on what (if anything) to add! Any comments, shared experiences and advice is extremely welcome :)

Options I'm going for:

A3 Sportback, 1.4 COD Sport

Interior trim:
- Blck Clt - Rallye Cloth Upholstery
Think I'll be very happy with these..​
Options:
- 7k9 Tyre Pressure Monitoring (62.50)
This has saved me a few times on previous cars, so a must for me...

- 7w1 Audi Pre Sense Basic (166.67)
Seems like a worthwhile addition(?)

- 7x5 Parking System Plus With Park Assist (408.33)
My wife loves this on our current car so another must add...

- Door Mirrors-folding/Ele Adjustable/Htd (125.00)
I know some consider this unecessary, but it's one of the little extras I like to have :)

- Heated Front Seats (216.67)
Love heated seats, wouldn't be without them!

- Hill-hold Assist (75.00)
Am going for an s-tronic, but from what I've read this is still a useful addition(?)

- Pcg Adaptive Cruise Control (291.67)
Sounds amazing, couldn't say no :)

- Pnu Satellite Navigation Sys-sd Card Bsd (412.50)
Still waiting for a longer test drive where we can give this a go, but as long as it works well, would like this.

- Qe1 Storage And Luggage Package (120.83)
Seems useful, not 100% sure if worth it or not?

- Wb6 Xenon Light Package (1,041.67)
Full LED is tempting but Xenon are much better value and seem 99% as good. One thing that isn't clear is do you get daytime running LEDs on the front with the Xenon pack - Audi salesguy seemed to think not?

​
- Wbi Comfort Package (250.00)
This sorts out a few other bits like light and rain sensors, dimming rear view mirror etc (and makes some of the other options cheaper!)​


So after having added all this I still have about £600 available for extra option(s), making the following possible:


- 1n7 Progressive steering (295.00)
From what I've read, I don't think I'd like or appreciate this

- 3l5/7p1 Electric Front Seats (550.00)
Cool, but without a memory function not sure it's worth it?

- 4f2 Advanced Key (425.00)
Not sure I really care about this, start button is cool, but is it really worth the extra?

- 4x4 Rear Side Airbags (300.00)
How much do these improve safety given the car is already 5 star rated, does everyone add these?

- 6xk Door Mirrors-auto Dimming/Adj/Fld/Ht (250.00)
Already added the electrically folding/heated mirrors - not sure one auto dimming wing mirror is really worth it?

- 7p1 Electric Lumbar Support - Front Seat (195.00)
This is just the lumbar component and just the driver side? I guess I don't really understand what it adds - just adjustment or something extra? (same as for the full electric seats?)

​
- 7y1 Audi Side Assist (450.00)
Have read that this can cause a lot of false positives if you forget to turn it off outside motorway use, how useful do people actually find this?

​
- 8g2 Variable Headlight Range Control (175.00)
How useful is this? I know the Xenon light pack adds cornering lights already?

- 9vd Audi Sound System (255.00)
Need to see what the standard system sounds like, but I'm guessing I would probably be happy with the standard (do you lose space in the spare wheel area if adding ***?)

​
- 9ze Audi Phone Box (325.00)
From what I've read this is a waste of money?

- alternate 17" alloys (250.00)
I think I'll be happy with default wheels, for the money I'm more interested in gadgets and items that improve comfort and capabilities rather than looks.

​
- Ka2 Reversing Camera (275.00)
This looks very cool from a pure gadget perspective, but seems unlikely we would actually need it in a car the size of the A3... what do you think?

​
- Pcb Audi Active Lane Assist (450.00)
Sounds semi-useful but have also heard people saying they always switch it off as it's annoying.. Seems it also adds speed limit display too? what do people think?

​
Thanks for taking the time to read through my long list above, really appreciate any advice or experience anyone can share!

J
 
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If you order now, you *should* get the tyre pressure monitoring as standard anyway.

You do get LED daytime running lights ('eyebrow' lights) with the Xenon pack, yes. I love the Xenon lights, well worth adding.

Of your options in the bottom list, I have the advanced key, auto-dimming drivers mirror, lumbar support, audi side assist, audi sound system, variable range headlight control, reversing camera and lane assist. Out of all of those, if I could only choose one, it'd probably be the reversing camera - really really useful!

Advanced key is actually quite nice, more convenience than anything but it works well and is more useful than you think at face value.
Auto dimming drivers mirror - couldn't be without it I think, very nice when you have annoying cars with badly adjusted headlights behind you - in combination with the rear view mirror that auto dims too. The passenger mirror isn't so much in your view all the time so doesn't matter that much that it doesn't dim.
Lumbar support - It makes things comfortable, but it's pretty much a set and forget option for me! I do sometimes adjust it slightly on long journeys though.
Side Assist - I added this as I thought £450 is cheap for the avoiding of a potential accident. It works pretty well.
Sound System - Love it in mine, worthwhile upgrade over the base system if you like your music!
Variable range headlights - Works well in the right situation, makes a bit of a mess of things occasionally though. Doesn't work as well as some other options.
Reversing camera - Wouldn't be without this one either now! Love it.
Lane Assist - Works pretty well when it works, does occasionally give a false warning of not holding on to the wheel when you are which is annoying. Again I thought £450 is cheap for the avoidance of a potential accident - it's quite useful when you might be distracted by something else like setting up sat nav, changing music etc.
 
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Sounds like a nice comprehensive list. My comments are:

WB6 Xenon Package - I'm pretty sure the LED daytime lights are included in this package. I will know for certain when I collect my new 8V later this week as I've included the Xenon package.

9VD *** - Yes the *** sub-woofer fits inside the space saver spare but that is the only space it uses.

17" alloys - I'm having the standard C9X alloys on mine and seeing some the other day I think the do actually look better in the flesh.

KA2 - Reversing camera - this is useful in some parking situations. One place where I park often is by the side of a building with also some large bushes and the parking sensors are set off by the bushes. There is also a concrete waste bin behind the car and I have actually managed to tap this a couple of times. The reversing camera would help to prevent this which is why I've added it to my order. A lot cheaper at £275 than having to get a rear bumper repaired!

6XK - Auto dimming mirror - I have auto-dimming mirrors on my existing A3 and find it useful when driving at night. It does stop you being blinded by the headlights of the car behind.

Personally the only 'Driver assistance' that I've gone for is the ACC and I don't thing I need or would use any of the others and as you say I think some of them would be annoying. I use a TomTom Sat/Nav as this can have a good speed camera database (PGPSW) added and will beep in advance of the camera position whereas the Audi built-in one cannot. The TomTom also tells me the current speed limit at any time so I don't need any of the other system to do this.

Other than what I've said above I think you have made a good choice of model and options.
 
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Personally with the £600 I'd upgrade the sound to *** for £255, as I think you'll hear on ASN that the standard system isn't up to much.

However I'd actually drop a couple of things on your current list and get Tech Pack instead, which I think adds a lot of functionality.

I'd drop pre-sense as you get some funtionality through Adaptive cruise on this anyway, park assist, and the storage and luggage pack and upgrade the SD Sat Nav to tech pack...

Personal view of course. I'd not really recommend the majority of other options you have on your choice list at the bottom really, some are gimmicks (Advanced Key, reversing Camera, Phone box) and some are not really worth the cash IMO (Side assist, headlight range control, electric seats). The rear air bags I actually didn't get as I've read they can be dangerous in combination with child seats (which I'd have) so depends on who you'll have in your car!
 
Joetidman said:
Personally with the £600 I'd upgrade the sound to *** for £255, as I think you'll hear on ASN that the standard system isn't up to much.
Click to expand...

Having not personally been able to make a direct comparison with *** (which in fact might be good enough) I would strongly considering an upgrade to B&O. That was the option I added the last but now probably is most pleased with - it just stunning (providing you do spend some time in the car and like to listen to different kinds of music [as yet only radio for me] - for me it was kind of a revelation).:yes:One thing is sure, for any other A3 I will order in future, the B&O is a mandatory :thrashi:
 
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Jerodequin said:
Hello all,

I think I'm homing in on the specific options and model of A3 Sportback I'm going to order, but was looking for a little advice and experience from those who have already bought and used many of the options available.

I'll list the options I'm going for and the rationale behind each below, then I have a little budget left over and am stuck on what (if anything) to add! Any comments, shared experiences and advice is extremely welcome :)

Options I'm going for:

A3 Sportback, 1.4 COD Sport

Interior trim:
- Blck Clt - Rallye Cloth Upholstery
Think I'll be very happy with these..​
Options:
- 7k9 Tyre Pressure Monitoring (62.50)
This has saved me a few times on previous cars, so a must for me...

- 7w1 Audi Pre Sense Basic (166.67)
Seems like a worthwhile addition(?)
 Wouldn't bother - a work colleague has this on his Golf and it's twice nearly caused an accident!
- 7x5 Parking System Plus With Park Assist (408.33)
My wife loves this on our current car so another must add...

- Door Mirrors-folding/Ele Adjustable/Htd (125.00)
I know some consider this unecessary, but it's one of the little extras I like to have :)

- Heated Front Seats (216.67)
Love heated seats, wouldn't be without them!

- Hill-hold Assist (75.00)
Am going for an s-tronic, but from what I've read this is still a useful addition(?)
 Pretty pointless with s tronic as the engine creep avoids any roll back on a hill
- Pcg Adaptive Cruise Control (291.67)
Sounds amazing, couldn't say no :)
 Unless you do a lot of miles on empty motorways - waste of money IMO
- Pnu Satellite Navigation Sys-sd Card Bsd (412.50)
Still waiting for a longer test drive where we can give this a go, but as long as it works well, would like this.

- Qe1 Storage And Luggage Package (120.83)
Seems useful, not 100% sure if worth it or not?

- Wb6 Xenon Light Package (1,041.67)
Full LED is tempting but Xenon are much better value and seem 99% as good. One thing that isn't clear is do you get daytime running LEDs on the front with the Xenon pack - Audi salesguy seemed to think not?

​
- Wbi Comfort Package (250.00)
This sorts out a few other bits like light and rain sensors, dimming rear view mirror etc (and makes some of the other options cheaper!)​


So after having added all this I still have about £600 available for extra option(s), making the following possible:


- 1n7 Progressive steering (295.00)
From what I've read, I don't think I'd like or appreciate this
 Nope.
- 3l5/7p1 Electric Front Seats (550.00)
Cool, but without a memory function not sure it's worth it?
 Nope.
- 4f2 Advanced Key (425.00)
Not sure I really care about this, start button is cool, but is it really worth the extra?
 Definitely no - unless you want someone to steal you car with a laptop...
- 4x4 Rear Side Airbags (300.00)
How much do these improve safety given the car is already 5 star rated, does everyone add these?

- 6xk Door Mirrors-auto Dimming/Adj/Fld/Ht (250.00)
Already added the electrically folding/heated mirrors - not sure one auto dimming wing mirror is really worth it?
 Had auto dim door mirrors before - pretty pointless IMO and if you have one smashed, as I did, expensive to replace.
- 7p1 Electric Lumbar Support - Front Seat (195.00)
This is just the lumbar component and just the driver side? I guess I don't really understand what it adds - just adjustment or something extra? (same as for the full electric seats?)

​
Useful if like me you suffer from a bad back
- 7y1 Audi Side Assist (450.00)
Have read that this can cause a lot of false positives if you forget to turn it off outside motorway use, how useful do people actually find this?

​
- 8g2 Variable Headlight Range Control (175.00)
How useful is this? I know the Xenon light pack adds cornering lights already?
 Had as standard on my last two cars - I would spec that
- 9vd Audi Sound System (255.00)
Need to see what the standard system sounds like, but I'm guessing I would probably be happy with the standard (do you lose space in the spare wheel area if adding ***?)

​
I usually have BOSE as the standard speakers are pretty poor - deliberately so I think - so you spend more money on options! Anyway, I test drove S3's with B&O and then the audi sound system. Not that much difference IMO, so I saved myself a few quid and went for the audi upgrade system, I only really listen to the radio anyway...
- 9ze Audi Phone Box (325.00)
From what I've read this is a waste of money?
 No idea, but Bluetooth is essential in any car these days - I've ordered the tech pack with the high spec, which gives me the mobile phone package as standard.
- alternate 17" alloys (250.00)
I think I'll be happy with default wheels, for the money I'm more interested in gadgets and items that improve comfort and capabilities rather than looks.

​
- Ka2 Reversing Camera (275.00)
This looks very cool from a pure gadget perspective, but seems unlikely we would actually need it in a car the size of the A3... what do you think?
​
nice to have, but if you have parking sensors, what's the point?
- Pcb Audi Active Lane Assist (450.00)
Sounds semi-useful but have also heard people saying they always switch it off as it's annoying.. Seems it also adds speed limit display too? what do people think?

Waste of money - had this on a loaner S5, was really rubbish.

Thanks for taking the time to read through my long list above, really appreciate any advice or experience anyone can share!

J​
Click to expand...


Hope that helps?! Good luck with your purchase,​
 
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SilureMark said:
- Pcg Adaptive Cruise Control (291.67)
Sounds amazing, couldn't say no
Unless you do a lot of miles on empty motorways - waste of money IMO

Hope that helps?! Good luck with your purchase,
Click to expand...

I have to say that the ACC was my second revelation, and it is not that expensive considering what you get - in my view.
 
I wouldn't have keyless entry on a car by choice. came across a problem with someone else the other day where they were driving the car with the key in their pocket drove quite a few miles stopped and left the car running and his wife then got in and drove and the guy stayed at home.the car drove perfectly and she stopped at a petrol station to fill up and when she got back in it wouldn't start, of course she didn't have the key on her.as the car was running when she took over it never crossed her mind.just thought I would drop that in the mix when choosing options.
plus for over £400 I cannot really see the benefits of it.
 
So much with options depends on your own individual likes and circumstances. To me B+O would be a totally waste of £790 as I never listen to music when I'm driving and I would gain nothing from anything related to a smart phone as I don't have one or need one.

Different circumstances = different requirements.
 
DAYTONA500 said:
Reversing camera worth every penny imo
Click to expand...

It seems handy and actually useful. I regret I did not include that option, especially as I also have detachable tow-bar. I might consider a (obviously, expensive) retrofit here.
 
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h5djr said:
So much with options depends on your own individual likes and circumstances. To me B+O would be a totally waste of £790 as I never listen to music when I'm driving and I would gain nothing from anything related to a smart phone as I don't have one or need one.

Different circumstances = different requirements.
Click to expand...

If you have B&O, you might transform to a car listening music fan, it's that good :)
 
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GreatBallsofFire said:
It seems handy and actually useful. I regret I did not include that option, especially as I also have detachable tow-bar. I might consider a (obviously, expensive) retrofit here.
Click to expand...

It's great for towing, when you have the towbar you get a towing option on the reversing camera display which puts a single line in the middle that you can line up with the towball (it moves as you turn the wheel like the 2 lines in the normal mode), makes it so easy!
 
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To add my 2p-worth to SilureMark's in-line comments:
Definitely spec hold assist. It is great with S-tronic and nothing to do with moving off on a hill.
I have phone box and, other that getting a USB charging port in the arm rest, it is pretty pointless (and it's nothing to do with Bluetooth).
ACC is worth it as the whole point is that it is good when you are NOT on empty motorways.
*** is bare minimum you should have. The basic sound system really isn't very good.
 
s3 owner said:
I wouldn't have keyless entry on a car by choice. came across a problem with someone else the other day where they were driving the car with the key in their pocket drove quite a few miles stopped and left the car running and his wife then got in and drove and the guy stayed at home.the car drove perfectly and she stopped at a petrol station to fill up and when she got back in it wouldn't start, of course she didn't have the key on her.as the car was running when she took over it never crossed her mind.just thought I would drop that in the mix when choosing options.
plus for over £400 I cannot really see the benefits of it.
Click to expand...
A start button instead of a key is sporty and fairly cool gadget (and should be standard, albeit with or without the advanced functions) hence I considered it but left it in the end for the same reasons as you.
 
Personally would buy an s-line as xenon is standard and Storage And Luggage Package is well.
You should order The Interior lighting package for sure even if you didn't list it,worth every penny makes a real difference to the interior.
 
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Xenon is standard on s-line, but the xenon pack on sport and SE gives you more functionality - the adaptive lights, which don't come standard on s-line.
 
I'd be careful about listening to anyone who says 'x is a gimmick' or 'y is pointless' - it just means they personally don't have a need for it, doesn't mean the option is pointless or useless at all. Although for things that someone has specced and then commenting on, I'd say the comments are valid (eg the phone box one above). Someone has already called the reversing camera a gimmick and the advanced key a gimmick... both of which I'd completely disagree with!
 
Just to add bluetooth is standard on all A3s, so you don't need to spec phone box or tech pack just for bluetooth (though tech pack obviously adds a lot of other stuff).
 
I can't argue with most of the options you chose because I've just taken delivery of the same model and almost exact same spec. I didn't order the following:

- 7k9 Tyre Pressure Monitoring (62.50)
Didn't see the point as I can normally tell when a tyre is deflated

- 7w1 Audi Pre Sense Basic (166.67)
The ACC already has some pre-sense ability anyway

- Heated Front Seats (216.67)
I only found this necessary with leather, which I didn't order

- Qe1 Storage And Luggage Package (120.83)
Didn't order it and I don't regret that decision

From your extra options:

- 1n7 Progressive steering (295.00)
I drove a Golf GTi with this fitted and it was pretty good and I would have specced it if it was available with the sports suspension delete - which it isn't.

- 3l5/7p1 Electric Front Seats (550.00)
No memory option so much less useful although now I've got the manual adjustment it lacks the ability to make minor adjustments, but I don't regret not spending the extra.

- 4x4 Rear Side Airbags (300.00)
We specced these as we often carry back seat passengers

- 6xk Door Mirrors-auto Dimming/Adj/Fld/Ht (250.00)
Like you I only ordered the lesser mirrors. No regrets so far.

- 7p1 Electric Lumbar Support - Front Seat (195.00)
I've got this - it's on both front seats and is very useful in giving a decent seating position. Glad I specced it.

- 9vd Audi Sound System (255.00)
I've got this. Recommended.

- Ka2 Reversing Camera (275.00)
I probably would have specced this if it was cheaper. Maybe unnecessary with park assist.

- 7y1 Audi Side Assist (450.00)
I drove a Qashqai with a similar option fitted and I found it unecessary and annoying.

One last point, the Xenon light pack comes with LED DRLs and rear LED lights like on the S-Line, which are very cool. Worth every penny.
 
I had a reversing camera on my previous car, but just have sensors on the A3. I do actually miss the camera; yes the sensors are good but the camera shows you more, and I think adds some safety.

The lumbar support is worth it IMO, although like SilureMark I have a bit of a dodgy back. Finally, would also echo the comments about interior lighting pack.
 
cemerson said:
I'd be careful about listening to anyone who says 'x is a gimmick' or 'y is pointless' - it just means they personally don't have a need for it, doesn't mean the option is pointless or useless at all. Although for things that someone has specced and then commenting on, I'd say the comments are valid (eg the phone box one above). Someone has already called the reversing camera a gimmick and the advanced key a gimmick... both of which I'd completely disagree with!
Click to expand...

As the OP has asked for folks opinions that's what he getting! I'm not going to get upset if someone tells me getting B&O is a waste of money, it's horses for courses!
 
Indeed, but it would be nice if the people commenting had actually specced the options and could therefore give an informed view about them rather than making something up because they didn't want it :)
 
I think sharing the logical reasoning of why you chose to spend hundreds of pounds in one thing rather than another is fair enough. You're hardly likely to spec the whole options list just to work out which ones are rubbish are you? In any case I tried out many of those options on one of my several test drives, which was sufficient to make a decision, include advanced key and reversing camera...
 
I've got advance key on mine but I wouldn't spec it for the reasons I've stated.
 
That's quite a contrived and unusual set of circumstances though (not to mention a bit stupid of the owners!). I find the advanced key really useful and convenient, especially when you have your hands full!
 
Thanks for all the comments and info so far everyone, certainly lots to think about.

I notice several people have mentioned the electric lumbar support as a good option - if this option is selected without the full electric seats, is it still possible to adjust the seat height etc as you would normally?
 
The seat height is operated in exactly the same way with or without lumbar support.
 
Jerodequin said:
Thanks for all the comments and info so far everyone, certainly lots to think about.

I notice several people have mentioned the electric lumbar support as a good option - if this option is selected without the full electric seats, is it still possible to adjust the seat height etc as you would normally?
Click to expand...
It is certainly a good option if you are prone for back pains, otherwise I would not call it crucial in any way (but still a nice to have and perhaps good for the used car value). I did not have it in my previous car and never missed it because the Audi sport seats are so good from start. However, that is only if you naturally fit with in with the fixed height of the lumbar support in the non-adjustable. Why not test a car without and check it out?
 
If I had my time again I'd order B&O, Tech pack, interior light pack, ACC and HHA oh yeah and make it an S3 instead!
 
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cemerson said:
That's quite a contrived and unusual set of circumstances though (not to mention a bit stupid of the owners!). I find the advanced key really useful and convenient, especially when you have your hands full!
Click to expand...
don't know how you say its contrived i.e obviously planned, artificial, or lacking in spontaneity; forced; unnatural. don't think it was classed as that as it was me that had to struggle to get the vehicle off the forecourt, locked in gear, with handbrake on and steering locked.
I just find that its money that I would personally use for some other option. horses for courses really
 
I think the only change I'd make to my spec is to add S-tronic, and possibly the 184 though not that bothered about that. Can't put a tow bar on the S3!
 
cemerson said:
I think the only change I'd make to my spec is to add S-tronic, and possibly the 184 though not that bothered about that. Can't put a tow bar on the S3!
Click to expand...
I know, and cant get the Tdi Ultra fuel consumption in an S3 either. Not with the money I can put up anyway :)
 
I find the keyless entry is one of the most useful advanced technology available in a car. But, unlike my previous car in which it was a standard fitment, I was dissapointed to find it only worked on the front doors. I have quite quickly got used to switching my car off before I leave it. Only stupid people leave their keys in the ignition so why should keyless be any different?
 
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