Saloon Ordered...

[cuke2u]

To me the sb with roof rails looks like a hearse and I could never think about buying one so good job that Audi brought out the saloon. Point of fact is that it doesn't share any body panels with the sb only the convertible, it also has a wider track and wheelbase, thus it should ride better. The comments about the wheel arches are true as they are bigger because, again along with the convertible, they are the only A3 that has them big enough to have 19" wheels fitted. There is one base colour the saloon looks good in and that is is white so I suggest looking at that colour too but all of the reds that Audi have seem to me to be the worst colours of the whole range.

I wouldn't judge the look of the car from my photo as the shadows make it look different than it did in the flesh. Hell who am I to have to defend what is the prettiest looking car in the whole A3 range and if it wasn't for the 'exclusivity' of the saloon I'd be sticking with my Ford..

 

[Fragup]

To me the sb with roof rails looks like a hearse and I could never think about buying one so good job that Audi brought out the saloon. Point of fact is that it doesn't share any body panels with the sb only the convertible, it also has a wider track and wheelbase, thus it should ride better. The comments about the wheel arches are true as they are bigger because, again along with the convertible, they are the only A3 that has them big enough to have 19" wheels fitted. There is one base colour the saloon looks good in and that is is white so I suggest looking at that colour too but all of the reds that Audi have seem to me to be the worst colours of the whole range.

I wouldn't judge the look of the car from my photo as the shadows make it look different than it did in the flesh. Hell who am I to have to defend what is the prettiest looking car in the whole A3 range and if it wasn't for the 'exclusivity' of the saloon I'd be sticking with my Ford..

I noticed you deleted the side profile photo, may be just the photo / small camera lens on phone which made it look so bad.
I have seen plenty of photos of s line saloon that look really good, so better alloys (19" is a must form what you say) and lower suspension is probably the answer. But that, applies to a lot of cars to be honest. I am surprised i disliked it so much as was red, my favourite colour on A3 hatchback and Saloon.

 

[cuke2u]

Hi, as far as I am concerned the photo was just down to the shadows and the lighting as I have seen better photos taken by lesser camera's than the one we had. We only took them, hurriedly, because we felt we needed too. But no they weren't taken with a phone. However expect much better ones when I get my car. I doubt if I could live with 19" wheels with a s-line suspension as the ride quality would be terrible, and the road noise would be higher.

 

[RobbieWebs]

19" wheels and sport suspension might be a good compromise
The 19" wheels look amazing on the saloon

 

[BGS]

Have to agree on the wheels so went for the 19's on my order. Just seem to fill the space nicely. Not sure i could live with SLine suspension and the 19's all the time though so Mag Ride seemed like the way to go. If i understand correctly this lowers the cars to the same degree as sports so should look okay.

 

[cuke2u]

Explain how 19" would fill the arches anyway. Overall the circumference is exactly the same as any other size as the tire is a lower profile to compensate for the larger wheel. If would have thought that is an illusion that the arches are filled aside from the width of the tyre...

 

[BGS]

Its exaclty that, an illusion. Because there is less black tyre it looks as though the wheel arch is more completely filled. The alloys fill more of the space making that black area smaller. Illusion or not, thats how it looks.

 

[cuke2u]

In my book then it would be a waste of money paying out for what is an illusion and an unforgiving ride quality. But then that is my personal opinion as I think the 18" wheels on the s-line 'fill' the arches enough...

 

[paullowther]

In my book then it would be a waste of money paying out for what is an illusion and an unforgiving ride quality. But then that is my personal opinion as I think the 18" wheels on the s-line 'fill' the arches enough...

Screw it mate, just fit some 24's with spinners... Or even better GET TANK TRACKS.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

That is the worst new A3 I've seen, looks dated and cheap in this pic, May be is the high suspension and alloys don't work on the saloon.
looks like a old Suzuki liana from the side. Front is still cool though. I would stick with the hatchback .

I was trying to think what the saloon reminded me of and yes that is pretty close !

Get that order revised to a Sportback asap :icon_thumright:

 

[BGS]

I was trying to think what the saloon reminded me of and yes that is pretty close !

Get that order revised to a Sportback asap :icon_thumright:

In my book then it would be a waste of money paying out for what is an illusion and an unforgiving ride quality. But then that is my personal opinion as I think the 18" wheels on the s-line 'fill' the arches enough...

Each to their own, you have to go with what you're happy with. After all, its your build. Some people think the myriad of options in the configurator is a pain or a money making scheme for Audi.

Whatever the real reason it allows us all to build 'our' car. For some people thats a kermit green RS6, for me 'twas the saloon, in red, with 19's.

However, if tank tracks and gull wing doors become an option i shall be amending my order immediately

 

[Collegeboy09]

I wish I had a manual to read. I'm a stickler for reading up on them before I get any car. Ford provide them free online and I wish Audi did so too...

I found this linked in a German audi forum. It's not all the manual but it's certainly got some bits in it. May be of some interest to people

Operation

 

[cuke2u]

Hi, confirmed for week 47 build..

 

[Fragup]

Went in to dealer to sort some things out with my order and saw this Saloon in showroom, so took a photo, first I've seen in the metal.
not sure if I like it or not, took photo and found comparable red sport sportback to compare. I know what I prefer, but am sure everyone will have different opinions so will let others judge.

 

[cuke2u]

Hi, the very same saloon I took photos of. But yes, some colours suit some car better, that's life. However I'd never consider base red for any of my cars, or the red metallic either unless it is Candy Red:

 

[Fragup]

I liked the saloon more than I thought I would in person, the front and especially back and angled views are really nice, but still not sure of the side view ?
to be honest I took 3 photos and this wasn't the best but people in back ground / in the way so thought it was wrong to post.
better alloys and especially s line body kit would really make a difference.
i really liked the red (am biased) it's just it works best on sportier versions (I.e. s line)
the mrs thought it was an A4 and think a lot of people will assume the same unless they know otherwise.

 

[cuke2u]

Hi, I think that Audi deliberately gave it a similar look to other saloons in its range. I've found this one and apart from the wheels it looks like the version I've ordered.

mobile.de Neuwagen

 

[Fragup]

Hi, I think that Audi deliberately gave it a similar look to other saloons in its range. I've found this one and apart from the wheels it looks like the version I've ordered.

mobile.de Neuwagen

Thats more like it ! I must admit I think you have won me back round on the saloon, in your link looks 100 times better, I love that from all angles including side view, shows how much a few details can total change the look !
I still still prefer sport back, but not by much if it were to look like that.
and looking like an A4 is no bad thing.

 

[cuke2u]

I think the saloon in white also looks good as well mobile.de Neuwagen

 

[Fragup]

I love the Glacier white S line with pano roof / privacy glass on the hatchback on a par with Daytona on hatchback (after Misano are my favourites),
But i think Daytona looks much better than Glacier on the saloon.
Metallic Colours suites saloon styling far better.

 

[Breit]

when my car arrived, my dealer called me and said s-line saved this car, "it looks very nice but without it it would be just another car on the street". it,s been 4 days since i have it and i love it, i am so happy i got saloon not hatch.

 

[ACWKGYTO]

To me its got a touch of the BMW or even Merc about it....thats not a bad thing but does look quite 3 series from the rear

 

[Jscribe]

Hello everyone. really glad i found this forum. Great and encouraging considering the fact that i have more or less been configuring an Audi for the past 8months, lol!
Finally settled with Audi A3 Saloon S-line in Shiraz Red with the following add-ons:
- Acoustic parking system (rear only)
- Advanced key
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with light and rain sensor package
- Deletion of model and technology designation at rear
- Door mirrors – auto-dimming on the driver's side, electrically adjustable, folding and heated
- Electrically-adjustable front seats
- Electric lumbar support
- Non-smoking package
- Privacy glass
- Technology package
- Tyre pressure loss indicator

Yet to make an order. Hope to go in the 2nd week of December and sort it all out.

 

[Jscribe]

Forgot to mention its 1.4TFSI 6 speed

 

[Sandra]

Very nice spec. Welcome to the 8V section. Everyone is really friendly in here. x

 

[cuke2u]

Hi, my salesperson has just mailed me that my car has now gone into production, he has also asked me to go over on the 21st to collect a loan car but I don't know what that is...

 

[hta]

Posted some pictures of the Saloon in pictures thread #912 (Finnish version) in 18" wheels and sport suspension in Glacier White from day before delivery. Personally, I think it is one of the best looking cars in the segment even though Sportback is the preferred norm for many (even in Finland). Atleast it is quite exclusive

 

[cuke2u]

Posted some pictures of the Saloon in pictures thread #912 (Finnish version) in 18" wheels and sport suspension in Glacier White from day before delivery. Personally, I think it is one of the best looking cars in the segment even though Sportback is the preferred norm for many (even in Finland). Atleast it is quite exclusive

I agree it is the best looking car out the A3 range, unlike the A3 that looks like it's missing something on the back, and the sportback, which is really a estate, the saloon has nicely balanced body structure and lines, not all nose...

 

[cuke2u]

Right, I am now getting some idea of the loan car I am getting as the salesperson stated "it’s a as good if not better than what you have on order". I am looking forward to the car now...

 

[royalsteve68]

I think the saloon looks nice and would have ordered the s3 saloon if the rear headroom was a bit better. I ordered the more practical ss3 sportback in the end the s3 look a little bit like the old rs4

 

[cuke2u]

ss3? ;-) Not doubt the sportback can carry washing machines however I'm done with all that as my focus provided the space necessary for our last ever house move. As I never will sit in the back of my saloon to drive it and the boot space is bigger it suits my purposes exactly..

 

[Breit]

In first month I did 5 000 KM with my A3 Limousine and I can tell you it was the best choice. I am so happy i did not take Sportback (I was so close) I would regret this. Happy to see that you getting closer to your colection day.

 

[cuke2u]

Thank you Breit, it'll be mid January I think now. Any later and I'll wait until the '14 reg in march...

 

[PilotAudi]

Saloon does look good but need the greater practicality of a hatch!If it arrives mid-Jan I would wait for March unless it's a company car!! Will be worth at least +£500 at resale IMHO.

 

[cuke2u]

Maybe, however the deal is around my car as a P/X and it will drop in value in that time. Also the thought of my car being 6 weeks in the dealerships compound on the south coast with hundreds of seagulls flying about and landing on my car does not appeal to me...

 

[PilotAudi]

If you can make of without a car for a few weeks maybe an option worth waiting. South coast seagulls no problem with German plastic protection. Check out the difference in value between a feb 2011 60 plate and a March 2011 11 plate of the same car if you still need convincing.

 

[cuke2u]

Yes I know what the difference will be, however I do expect my car mid Jan, hopefully, and they are giving me a loan car until it arrives...

 

[CraigI]

Just get it when it arrives. The more filth/bird **** (the covers on the car don't cover it adequately IMO) gathered on the car in the dirty field it will be left in the more the Audi "specialist" cleaners will likely scratch your paint or leave it smothered in swirls when they "clean" it. I'd always select having the car in my care and custody as soon as possible rather than have it sitting and rely upon a guess at it being a few hundred pounds higher in value three years down the line. It's madness if you ask me, get it and drive it.

 

[Breit]

Just get it when it arrives. The more filth/bird **** (the covers on the car don't cover it adequately IMO) gathered on the car in the dirty field it will be left in the more the Audi "specialist" cleaners will likely scratch your paint or leave it smothered in swirls when they "clean" it. I'd always select having the car in my care and custody as soon as possible rather than have it sitting and rely upon a guess at it being a few hundred pounds higher in value three years down the line. It's madness if you ask me, get it and drive it.

You are 200 % right, get it as soon as you can!!!

 

[cuke2u]

As I have posted before I will have the car in my care as soon as I can...