Hatch V Saloon

D

deci

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Probably been discussed to death, but I'm considering swapping my 2013 1.6TDI S-line hatch for an equivalent spec Saloon.

Has anyone done this or considered it? Any pros and cons?

My main reasons are practical ones. I rarely use my A3 boot with the shelf out so the Saloon boot size seems perfect. I'm done with 3 doors I think, not because of back seat access but mainly because of the door size on the hatch. The sportback isn't an option because I simply don't like how it looks...

Would a 1.6 Saloon be sluggish compared to the hatch - i'm happy with how nippy my hatch is.
 
You'll not regret the swop to a saloon but what I don't understand is why you should say a saloon that weighs more or less the same than the SB would be sluggish? Why don't you arrange for a test drive if you're not sure. Unless you do the mileage then the 1.4 COD is much smooth and if not nippier than the 1.6 diesel and good mpg can be had as well...
 
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Didn't realise the weights are similar - presumed that the bigger saloon would be heavier than my hatch. My local audi don't have a 1.6 saloon for me to test drive so I'm asking here.

I do too many miles to own a petrol car.
 
A good dealership should be able to source a car if they feel that you are genuine, which obviously you are. Other than that there shouldn't be much difference, the saloon might be more refined and quieter due to how it is constructed. I can't say from personal experience though as I have only driven the saloon..
 
Saloon, nice as it is, looks dated to me and is less practical. In fact, they remind me of a Passat, which isn't a good thing. Don't get me wrong, they're very nice, especially in S3 guise, but nah, hatch all the way for me, with sportback a close second. If you want a good looking, premium four door saloon, you buy a BMW.
 
Funny thing is I think the Hatch looks more dated than the Saloon and how many people actually need a hatchback to carry a fridge or chest of drawers anyway.
I got a new, boxed mountain bike in the back of the TT, who needs 5 doors ;)
 
Don't forget that the nice design feature in front of the front wheels is not on the saloon. To me it makes a big difference to the great design of the S-Line and is one of the many reasons why I went for the S-Line over the Sport.
2013 audi a3 12 1920x1080 copy
 
See, I personally don't like that bits, didn't like them on the RS4 either. I don't think it would suit the lines of the saloon.
IMO they look a bit Focus RS and they have no purpose but there's plenty people that will like them.
Each to their own ;)
 
I think hatch, sportback, saloon and err, the girlie version with the cloth hood :jester: all look good/bad with differing wheels and colours, oh and of course, personal preferences. There's a brown metallic A3 saloon in our visitors car park at work today and it looks horrible. Yet I saw a sportback in that colour a few weeks ago and it looked OK.... saloon does look dated to me no matter what colour, just something about it I can't put my finger on - I guess because it is so anonymous. Dunno. I certainly wouldn't want one. I'd much rather get a sportback or as I have, the best looking of the lot, the 3 door hatch

With regard to how many people need a hatch back, well, virtually everyone I know. I don't know about fridges and chests of drawers, but mine gets used for shopping, kids push chairs, fishing tackle, trips to the dump, etc, etc, etc... BTW, chap's right about the TT coupe, it's incredibly practical, but it is effectively a hatchback if you think about it. I used to get all my fishing gear into my TTRS & TTS with no problem at all. But there wasn't much room for passengers :jump:
 
glospete said:
Don't forget that the nice design feature in front of the front wheels is not on the saloon. To me it makes a big difference to the great design of the S-Line and is one of the many reasons why I went for the S-Line over the Sport. View attachment 39622
Click to expand...
But who really takes any notice of a very small design feature over that of the overall look of the saloon than that of the sb? Not alot...
 
Funny that - saloon owners don't like the feature and SB and HB owners do :whistle2:
 
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Both good looking cars with features that appeal to their owners, everyone's a winner.
 
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glospete said:
Funny that - saloon owners don't like the feature and SB and HB owners do :whistle2:
Click to expand...
But did I say that I didn't like the feature, no read my post again and you'll find that I stated it was a small feature compared to overall beauty of the saloon. Please don't twist what I said...
 
cuke2u said:
But did I say that I didn't like the feature, no read my post again and you'll find that I stated it was a small feature compared to overall beauty of the saloon. Please don't twist what I said...
Click to expand...

And did I quote you? No so please don't twist what I said! See post 8.
 
Last edited:
audi upgrades
Ok guys play nicely.

Any new Audi looks great, and I'm a big fan of the A3 saloon, it's a baby A4. Looks very smart, if I had to be picky I think the 3 door and sportback look a little boxy whereas the saloon has more shape and lines to it so I'd choose it every time
 
I currently own the SB and think it's a great looking car, particularly like the triangular feature by the front wheels.

But I will be going for the saloon next as I think it looks at bit more special. The only caveat would be that it has to have 19's to really set it off.
 
My favourite bits of the Sportback & Hatch are the front interiors ;)

Seriously though, I could have ended up with any one if them.
I looked at an S3 Sportback, the wife preferred the Hatch but we both liked the Saloon more so we decided to wait the 6 months for delivery and pay the extra for the Saloon.
 
glospete said:
And did I quote you? No so please don't twist what I said! See post 8.
Click to expand...
However you quoted no one but your post followed mine. if you were aiming your retort at a particular post then please quote them. This way we don't get mixed up as to who you are aiming your post at....
 
OK, please stop bickering and get back to posting about the thread topic.
 
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I'm really torn between the SB and the saloon for the S3. The current shape A3 SB looks less estate than ever before IMO, and I really like the side profile of the saloon, but not so much the back when viewed from behind. Purely from a financial point of view, if you were going to spec 19" wheels and magnetic ride, it makes more sense to buy the saloon where they are included on the UK spec and so won't be a vast amount of money lost on trade-in as the other options will be.
 
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