Which engine- 1.4TSI vs 2.0TDI vs 1.6TDI

sat1983

sat1983

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Convinced my dad to get an A3 but he is budget conscious- I would have advised the 184 but that's too rich for him!

He will be doing anything between 15k and 20k miles a year and the 1.4 Petrol TSI seems a decent bet for everyday motoring. 150PS and high MPG due to cylinder deactivation technology.

Its the cheapest A3 with decent performance and torque. Can't help but think most people think a diesel would be a better bet. the 1.6 TDI is only £100 more to buy but really slow and dull.

2.0TDI 150= Thinks its not worth paying the extra.. I would think so and very unsure whether I'll convince him but can only try...

I'm told diesels always last for ever whereas by 6 digits miles a petrol may feel more tired- is this the case or would people still generally believe this? I'm trying to evaluate it financially when it is time to get rid in say 5ish years.

Would diesel potentially be the enemy by then?? Lots of questions!
 
Forget the 1.6....Yes the 1.4 is a cracking engine.But would I like doing 15-20k miles I'm not too sure?
I drive the 1.4 a lot and to be honest I still find it lacking on the power and on long journeys it can get tiring...The 2.0 tdi on the other hand has decent torque and coupled with Stronic I should imagine would be the choice for such mileage...
 
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Anyone dissing the 1.6tdi is just jealous that we can go 550miles on a tank!! :yahoo:Its a great little engine. Had mine for 7months and put nearly 10k miles on her. On the motorway i easily get 60mpg and in town around 40-45mpg. I never really feel like I'm lacking performance to be honest. In dynamic mode she's quite feisty. Nothing like an S3 etc... but iv never wanted more, like when over taking . Defo go for Sport trim or above. The SE or base model isn't great and those seats won't be good for long journeys. Sport seats are lovely.

Also, £0 tax per year on mine. Not sure what it is for newly registered cars but cant be much.

There is another recent thread where a chap asked almost the same question as you and got a bit of help. Might be worth searching for it.

You mention it is "slow & dull". have you actually driven one?

Edit: Here is the link to the thread i mentioned.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/which-engine.297657/#post-2863977
 
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Having owned both the 1.4tfsi and the 150 2.0TDi and had the 1.6 TDI as a loan car a couple of times I would not go near the 1.6

Both the others are cracking engines but given the expected mileage and if a lot of that mileage is motorway miles I would go for the 2.0TDI for its in gear torque at motorway speeds
 
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I tend to disagree about the power of the 1.4 150bhp COD over long journeys. I came from a B7 MRC Stage 2 RS4 and YES there is a power difference, obviously, but the 150bhp is more than enough fun for the A3. I would suggest a Pedal Box and a DTUK remap too and sure your in A3 1.8 territory. I drove the 1.6 diesel model but preferred the 1.4 petrol.
 
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I've had the 1.6TDI S-tronic sport for nearly 2 years and it's performed brilliantly. You can't compare it to high powered A3/S3 but in comparison to the 1.4 150 COD I chose the 1.6TDI. It's power delivery is much more everyday useful and the mpg is fantastic. I drove the 1.4TFSI and 1.6 TDI back to back on test drives and much preferred the 1.6. As said, stick it into dynamic/Sport mode and it's a fun wee car. I'm averaging 48 mpg over 2 years. On a run I've seen 72mpg through 50 mph zones. At normal motorway speeds 70/80 I averages 55-60mpg. The sports seats are extremely comfortable and supportive and that coming from someone's who's had 4 back surgeries.
Tell your dad to go drive both cars and let him decide. What you like may not be what your dad likes or wants and while everyone on here will have differing opinions about power power power power, I think you'll find that your dad maybe pleasantly surprised by the 1.6TDI.
 
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20,000 miles pa is diesel engine territory and if it involves a lot of motorway cruising, the bigger engine the better.
 
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I would also say 20K (rather than 15K) is getting to diseasal territory, and you may benefit from increased torque and fuel economy. I've also heard you have to get to around 30K to "beat" a decent petrol now. Diseasal already costs more than petrol/litre most of the time, which erodes the MPG advantage. My 1.4 amazingly has almost the same torque at lower revs as my old 1.6 diseasal Ford Focus engine had. I'm very happy with the 1.4 so far, thought not doing his kind of mileage at the moment.

My 2 cents is the diseasal advanage re tax and fuel cost per mile can only be reduced as public opinion about them is only going to encourage/support higher taxing etc in all respects. There are already folk talking about/planning differentiated congestion charges and even bans in certain areas. Even if it doesn't happen big time any time soon/by the time you come to sell the car, my bet is resale values for diseasals can only go down, relatively, due to all the rhetoric. This was all a distinct influence for me going petrol this time.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-not-doing-meet-EU-air-pollution-targets.html

Oh, and disesal engines IMHO definitely don't sound as good from the outside/at idle ;-)

> I'm told diesels always last for ever whereas by 6 digits miles a petrol may feel more tired

Yeah, I've heard that too. Not sure why - with all the emissions stuff they're no less complex, and not sure they're actually designed to last longer these days. I'll vote it depends more on your luck with the particular engine you have and how it's treated. There will always be examples, of course, of any type of engine failing early or lasting forever... In my opinion over time it's actually components like worn transmission and suspension parts that make a car feel more tired than its aging engine (unless there's actually something wrong with it).

Also look up DPF replacement costs for a diseasal (required for Audi as I recall when it gets into 6 digit mileages). That can somewhat erode the cost advantages you've accrued to that point...
 
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Wibbly said:
My 2 cents is the diseasal advanage re tax and fuel cost can only be reduced as public opinion about them is only going to encourage/support higher taxing etc in all respects. There are already folk talking about/planning differentiated congestion charges and even bans in certain areas. Even if it doesn't happen big time any time soon/by the time you come to sell the car, my bet is resale values for diseasals can only go down, relatively, due to all the rhetoric. This was all a distinct influence for me going petrol this time.
Click to expand...

Of course all this depends on the governments direction regarding the environment & emissions. Trump has ordered the deletion of all info regarding climate change from the Environment Protection Agency in the US and granted permission for extra oil pipelines. Our special relationship will probably not affect our views in the UK or Europe but considering diesel is already so popular in the EU, accounting for over 65% of sales in some countries & 55% as a whole in the EU (UK is 48% last year compared to 48.8 petrol!) The Financial Times predicts that diesel sales will be below 9% by 2030 but in my view it will coincide with the popularity and take over of electric cars and not the downfall of diesel completely. Petrol will be affected just the same as diesel will when EV's become a major player in the next 5 yrs. The big change is the new Tesla Model 3 coming out which will bring a proper electric car which is cheaper than most EV's & priced to compete with our A3's, viable & good range choice. All the things that will encourage people to change to EV's.

One thing to add. In Paris, they recently added a yearly fee called the Crit'Air. This is calculated on the emissions of your vehicle. My Audi A3 1.6tdi is 5 euros a year! Same as petrol cars but after 2010! hardly seems like they are even bothering. Its all about generating funds.....

I would advise on choosing a new generation engine with low emissions, be it petrol or diesel. This would future proof it against any major fees/tolls, especially if you are considering city centre driving...
 
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Ormesome said:
Its all about generating funds.....
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Yup, and I think if the govt of the day sniff a politically acceptable opportunity they will go for it. For example, diseasal is already taxed significantly higher than petrol (even thought it costs less to produce) because it's a revenue generator and we're prepared to accept it. The rising tide of environmental/health concerns over diseasal (regardless of how clean the most modern engines are of all health concerning contaminants) and how much traction it gets is what will count. But I agree with your comment that the proportion of sales and diseasals already on the road means targeting them more, other than slowly over time, will not be politically too digestible.

None of us can predict the future (your comment about the US being a case in point), hence why I started with 'My 2c'. Just one opinion. And I don't think I'll go for diseasal again any time soon.

I also agree that electric is the future - but when it really goes mainstream it too will be taxed 'according to what the govt of the day can get away with'. I don't expect cheap motoring, even then.
 
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Wibbly said:
Yup, and I think if the govt of the day sniff a politically acceptable opportunity they will go for it. For example, diseasal is already taxed significantly higher than petrol (even thought it costs less to produce) because it's a revenue generator and we're prepared to accept it. The rising tide of environmental/health concerns over diseasal (regardless of how clean the most modern engines are of all health concerning contaminants) and how much traction it gets is what will count. But I agree with your comment that the proportion of sales and diseasals already on the road means targeting them more, other than slowly over time, will not be politically too digestible.

None of us can predict the future (your comment about the US being a case in point), hence why I started with 'My 2c'. Just one opinion. And I don't think I'll go for diseasal again any time soon.

I also agree that electric is the future - but when it really goes mainstream it too will be taxed 'according to what the govt of the day can get away with'. I don't expect cheap motoring, even then.
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Totally agree mate. Cheap electric motoring is prob best now to be honest as, like you said, when we all start to adopt it, the government will see a new way of taxing it, especially as lost revenue due to lower sales of diesel & petrol. Literally just got an email from Tesla giving info on a new S model. 392miles of range with free charging. If the Model 3 is near this spec but with lower buying price (rumours are its near £35k so easily in range of S3 UK prices) then its a good time to change.
 
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I'd be looking at pre-registered cars now the new tax rules are imminent. Order a low emissions car now and it's gonna be saddled with a three figure VED bill. All the cars we drive now with £20-30 road tax bills will no longer be available after April.

I hate road tax so I'm getting a Zoe next time!
 
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Ormesome said:
392miles of range
Click to expand...

I've no experience of it (and off topic here) but I've heard tell those range figures are somewhat optimised (a bit like but not as bad as official MPG numbers!)
 
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In terms of relaxed driving the 2.0 tdi. He is doing enough not to worry about Dpf issues .
Longevity , modern diesel cars are pretty complex so would not say they win over petrol on that front .
The anti diesel lobby though could be a concern . All very subjective when comparing to the resources used to make the batteries on an electric car . However, in our bandwagon world diesels are seen as the devils work.
The 1.4 tfsi is a well sorted little engine and my daughter was doing 25 k a year in her A1 and had 90k on it when she traded for another one in Misuno ! If it was me I would go for the 2l tfsi , but if the budget won't stretch the 1.4 will be fine .
 
musicegbdf said:
He is doing enough not to worry about Dpf issues.
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Agreed, it should not fail early doing reasonable miles. But don't they likely need replacement anyway at ~1ooK? miles, and the car will be doing that before it's sold.
 
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simonali said:
All the cars we drive now with £20-30 road tax bills will no longer be available after April
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And how long before ever older cars begin to have their currently low tax raised in the interest of "creating parity with modern cleaner cars"?

Targeting new cars first is just easier to digest because it's more of a choice for the consumer - buy new and it's just part of the cost of choosing to run your new car. If you don't like it, don't buy the car. Much harder/creates more potential hardship to unilaterally slap an enormous increase on a bill you already agreed to pay at a certain level...
 
simonali said:
I'd be looking at pre-registered cars now the new tax rules are imminent. Order a low emissions car now and it's gonna be saddled with a three figure VED bill. All the cars we drive now with £20-30 road tax bills will no longer be available after April.

I hate road tax so I'm getting a Zoe next time!
Click to expand...

What's this exactly!!
 
Do 1.4 owners not have lower than expected MPG? My brother and colleague both have 2016 ones (golf and ibiza) and they struggle to get 40mpg taking it easy. There seems to be a lot of the same opinion online too.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
 
DeanoC said:
Do 1.4 owners not have lower than expected MPG? My brother and colleague both have 2016 ones (golf and ibiza) and they struggle to get 40mpg taking it easy. There seems to be a lot of the same opinion online too.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
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Not driven the wife's Leon for a bit but noticed just shy of 40mpg on a 140 mile round trip mostly on duel carriageway last time I took it out....Was also the first time my boy was car sick.....:puke2:
 
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The engine that produces more torque from low down will be the nicer to drive .

2.0 tdi .
 
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sat1983 said:
Ouch! Thanks for that- best get buying before April then!! And 2.0TDI 150 it has been decided!
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Good choice. Perfect blend of MPG and BHP for most peoples needs. Im sure you will be happy :) Defo check out that link above to the car tax changes. My 1.6tdi would be paying £120 tax for the 1st year then £140 per year opposed to £0 at the moment if i was buying new now. Think I'm right in saying the 2.0tdi has jumped from £20 to £140 per year. Im sure the tax rises will counter any profit made from the newer reg should you happen to be able to get your new A3 on a 66 plate opposed to a 17 plate.
 
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Ormesome said:
Good choice. Perfect blend of MPG and BHP for most peoples needs. Im sure you will be happy :) Defo check out that link above to the car tax changes. My 1.6tdi would be paying £120 tax for the 1st year then £140 per year opposed to £0 at the moment if i was buying new now. Think I'm right in saying the 2.0tdi has jumped from £20 to £140 per year. Im sure the tax rises will counter any profit made from the newer reg should you happen to be able to get your new A3 on a 66 plate opposed to a 17 plate.
Click to expand...

Thanks! believe it or not reading your message has killed it a bit as I have realised it will be on a 17 plate and I'll have missed my boat for the old tax!!
 
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sat1983 said:
Thanks! believe it or not reading your message has killed it a bit as I have realised it will be on a 17 plate and I'll have missed my boat for the old tax!!
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Oops sorry mate! :blink:

no 66 plate A3's knocking around your local dealers? you always see loads of pre-registered or non registered new cars in Vauxhall and other dealerships, do Audi not do this?
 
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Get your dad to drive all three, surely it's his choice. As you can see all the plonkers on here have a different view. So you don't want him taking your or our advice as if he doesn't like it you're to blame....................
 
steeve said:
Get your dad to drive all three, surely it's his choice. As you can see all the plonkers on here have a different view. So you don't want him taking your or our advice as if he doesn't like it you're to blame....................
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Oy! Who are you calling a'Plonker'....lol
maxresdefault.jpg
 
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I chose the 1.4 TFSI 150PS engine as I only do around 7.5k miles a year and it's very brisk! I did a (roughly) 400 mile round trip to Stansted (full tank) a few weeks ago from Cardiff and there were still 170ish miles left in the tank still. With the cylinder on demand system I find it has decent fuel economy (roughly 55-60MPG on motorways).
 
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Ormesome said:
Oops sorry mate! :blink:

no 66 plate A3's knocking around your local dealers? you always see loads of pre-registered or non registered new cars in Vauxhall and other dealerships, do Audi not do this?
Click to expand...

Yep a good few- but not with the small spec I wanted- Dipped beam assist and ACC!
 
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sat1983 said:
Yep a good few- but not with the small spec I wanted- Dipped beam assist and ACC!
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If you go in to your dealer can they not locate cars at other dealerships to the spec you want and get them delivered? surely there is a car with the spec you want in the Uk!!
 
While I'm here guys- whats the best of financing that car? Audi's APR is way too high but they have deposit contributions. Could he take the finance out with them initially, borrow the money from a low APR lender and pay Audi finance off?
 
Ormesome said:
Oops sorry mate! :blink:

no 66 plate A3's knocking around your local dealers? you always see loads of pre-registered or non registered new cars in Vauxhall and other dealerships, do Audi not do this?
Click to expand...
You will find that most Audi's are built to order and dealers do not have loads of them sitting around waiting to be purchased. I will be collecting my new 2.0TDI-184 s-tronic quattro on 1st March so will just get in before the new tax rates. Mind you even an extra £220 in VED over 3 years is not a lot when you consider the purchase price (and the VAT) on a new car.
 
Interested to know what owners think, a few years later.....

I have been looking at the 2.0TDI but should I also consider the 1.6TDI? Is it too sluggish?
I previously had a B9 2.0TDI 190.

How do owners find the 1.4TFSi? Is it something I should consider as well?

Thanks in advance.
 
ScottishA4B9 said:
Interested to know what owners think, a few years later.....

I have been looking at the 2.0TDI but should I also consider the 1.6TDI? Is it too sluggish?
I previously had a B9 2.0TDI 190.

How do owners find the 1.4TFSi? Is it something I should consider as well?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I found the 1.4TSFI underpowered, great around town, but anything more and it becomes questionable. I only had it for half an hour to test drive, but left me a little disheartened.

The 2.0TDI is spot on really. It's off the mark pace is extremely quick, and fuel economy is great. It's fairly refined,and had the possibitility to be safely mapped into very decent numbers.

Sure, people will think you're the devil and you are melting the ice caps for driving a diesel, but its worth the hate.
 
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Whilst accepting that a turb-diesel will always hev very good (and quite addictive) low down grunt, I can't se myself ever buying diesel again. Too many issues these days with all the anti-pollution measures, adblue, DPF, EGR.
 
I have owed my 1.4tfsi saloon for over 3 years now, came from a golf r. I find it very nice to drive especially with the 7 speed dsg. My work journey is 40mile round trip on motorways, and sat with the cruise control on (due to average speed camera most of the way) i am getting over 60mpg.

Longest i have kept a car for a while and so happy with it cancelled my finance and bought it outright. Personally i wouldn’t have a diesel have had quite a few in the past but have just gone right off them.
 
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I drove the 1.4TFSi in the A1 and it was very nippy and a joy to drive. I realise that the A3 is a bigger heavier car. I drive a mix of country roads and Motorway so I was more leaning towards the 2.0TDI, although I'm keeping my options open. I don't do alot of mileage and its only going to be a temporary car until my Dodge Challenger Scatpack arrives from the US (when I actually find one!).
 
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