Facelift 2.0 190PS TFSI quattro Opinions Needed

koder

koder

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I was wondering if any current owners could share their experience on 2.0 190ps TFSI engine with quattro. I've found a a handful of old threads but no real mention of their experience with this engine. There's also a lack of reviews online.

What's the acceleration like, MPG, drivability, sound? How have your opinions changed now you've had the engine for a few months?

I'm waiting for my local dealership to get back to me on arranging a test drive as they don't currently have one in stock.

I was considering the S3, but with a baby on the way I think the PCP + running costs (premium fuel, insurance, tyres etc.) will be too much. Also the spec I'm considering is slightly over the £40K tax barrier where as a Black Edition Sportback with the exact spec I want is approx £37K (I've had quotes for £32K with discounts). So I'd have to make a few compromises with the S3.

I'm coming from a MK3 TT 2.0 quattro which I love, but it's obviously not practical and my wife owns a Yaris - which is quite spacious for a small car but I prefer to be the one driving ;)

My only concern is the acceleration, according to Audi 0.9 second slower to 60MPH than the TT, in my mind it doesn't sound much and I'm hoping I won't notice the difference. I need the test drive to find out, but anyone with experience of driving both cars?

Any advice would be much appreciated!
 
koder said:
I was wondering if any current owners could share their experience on 2.0 190ps TFSI engine with quattro. I've found a a handful of old threads but no real mention of their experience with this engine. There's also a lack of reviews online.

What's the acceleration like, MPG, drivability, sound? How have your opinions changed now you've had the engine for a few months?

I'm waiting for my local dealership to get back to me on arranging a test drive as they don't currently have one in stock.

I was considering the S3, but with a baby on the way I think the PCP + running costs (premium fuel, insurance, tyres etc.) will be too much. Also the spec I'm considering is slightly over the £40K tax barrier where as a Black Edition Sportback with the exact spec I want is approx £37K (I've had quotes for £32K with discounts). So I'd have to make a few compromises with the S3.

I'm coming from a MK3 TT 2.0 quattro which I love, but it's obviously not practical and my wife owns a Yaris - which is quite spacious for a small car but I prefer to be the one driving ;)

My only concern is the acceleration, according to Audi 0.9 second slower to 60MPH than the TT, in my mind it doesn't sound much and I'm hoping I won't notice the difference. I need the test drive to find out, but anyone with experience of driving both cars?

Any advice would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
There is a few members on here with this engine mate l am sure they'll give you the info you want, it's a rare model so finding one in stock would be difficult as for running costs fuel and tyres not a lot of difference... But like you say the road tax threshold is a pain
 
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Or does it need to be brand new? Can you not go for a lightly used S3 say an ex demo car from a dealer? Then the tax is done by someone else and you have the car you would prefer. Also the demo cars can often have a good spec????
 
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Might find my extremely nerdy graphs useful mate....if you do it might slightly justify the amount of time I spent on it. Admittedly it was about 20mins, but I think most on here would say it was 20mins too much... :p

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...5tfsi-vs-2-0tdi-2-0tfsi-quattro-vs-s3.352627/

Basically, it comes down to insurance. Fuel and servicing is likely to be very similar, and despite a lower cost, the greater depreciation of the 2.0TFSI model makes it similar in terms of total cost of ownership.

Your comment about the specifications and breaching the £40k tax threshold is certainly something to consider. However....in the grand scheme of things, is an extra £310 a year that big of a deal given the difference in performance....? When you consider depreciation, interest and fuel costs, it represents about an extra 5% on the yearly cost...but yea..better to not pay it...!

dadracer55 said:
Or does it need to be brand new? Can you not go for a lightly used S3 say an ex demo car from a dealer? Then the tax is done by someone else and you have the car you would prefer. Also the demo cars can often have a good spec????
Click to expand...

This would certainly be my approach, but the tax will be £450 for the next 5years, so would still be chargeable to you if the original RRP was >£40k. You would have to look for cars registered before the VED change in April 2017.
 
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DrEskimo said:
Might find my extremely nerdy graphs useful mate....if you do it might slightly justify the amount of time I spent on it. Admittedly it was about 20mins, but I think most on here would say it was 20mins too much... :p

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...5tfsi-vs-2-0tdi-2-0tfsi-quattro-vs-s3.352627/

Basically, it comes down to insurance. Fuel and servicing is likely to be very similar, and despite a lower cost, the greater depreciation of the 2.0TFSI model makes it similar in terms of total cost of ownership.

Your comment about the specifications and breaching the £40k tax threshold is certainly something to consider. However....in the grand scheme of things, is an extra £310 a year that big of a deal given the difference in performance....? When you consider depreciation, interest and fuel costs, it represents about an extra 5% on the yearly cost...but yea..better to not pay it...!



This would certainly be my approach, but the tax will be £450 for the next 5years, so would still be chargeable to you if the original RRP was >£40k. You would have to look for cars registered before the VED change in April 2017.
Click to expand...

Tis the season for Scrooge..... After all lol
 
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I have the 2.0TFSI, although not quattro. I've only had it a month, so still taking it easy TBH. However, I'm impressed so far. It has a decent sound when accelerating, a good amount of torque (which, coming from a diesel, was important to me), really pleased.

MPG is ok. On a decent run, expect mid 40s. Short trips are around 30. My average is 34MPG, but I've only done 400miles so far.

Before buying mine, I took a quattro for a test drive and was really impresssd. My only comment would be that you might find very little difference in PCP payments between the A3 BE quattro and the S3 due to the residuals.
 
Thank you, that's made it more difficult and given me a lot to consider! I don't mind a graph - I'm already compiling my own cost comparison spreadsheet to bore the wife with later :D

Regarding fuel costs and the extra road tax, it's not a lot per year or at each refuel but over the course of 4 years and 15k miles per year it's going to add up. I'm just thinking that's money that could go towards holidays or the baby. I'm doing fine now with the TT, but I think the S3 is on another level e.g. premium unleaded will cost more on each refill.

At the moment, I'm thinking if the 190PS is similar in performance to my TT, which I'm already happy with and is slower than an S3, then I'd probably go for the A3. Otherwise I need to reconsider, maybe save up for a bigger deposit or find a used S3 - at the moment I've not come across one in the spec I want.
 
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koder said:
Thank you, that's made it more difficult and given me a lot to consider! I don't mind a graph - I'm already compiling my own cost comparison spreadsheet to bore the wife with later :D

Regarding fuel costs and the extra road tax, it's not a lot per year or at each refuel but over the course of 4 years and 15k miles per year it's going to add up. I'm just thinking that's money that could go towards holidays or the baby. I'm doing fine now with the TT, but I think the S3 is on another level e.g. premium unleaded will cost more on each refill.

At the moment, I'm thinking if the 190PS is similar in performance to my TT, which I'm already happy with and is slower than an S3, then I'd probably go for the A3. Otherwise I need to reconsider, maybe save up for a bigger deposit or find a used S3 - at the moment I've not come across one in the spec I want.
Click to expand...

Sell the baby when it comes and get yourself a awe singing awe dancing S3.... Lol
 
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Thanks Dave, I assume your test drive with quattro was with the 190PS too? MPG sounds similar to what I'm getting now, low 30s when in dynamic but easily get low 40s if I drive sensibly. Hopefully yours will improve over time too.

I've got a PCP quote for the A3, I was trying to work out the S3 but the Audi calculator has stopped working so I can't get the final payment. I don't suppose anyone has it for an S-tronic, 15K miles and 4 years?
 
koder said:
Thank you, that's made it more difficult and given me a lot to consider! I don't mind a graph - I'm already compiling my own cost comparison spreadsheet to bore the wife with later :D

Regarding fuel costs and the extra road tax, it's not a lot per year or at each refuel but over the course of 4 years and 15k miles per year it's going to add up. I'm just thinking that's money that could go towards holidays or the baby. I'm doing fine now with the TT, but I think the S3 is on another level e.g. premium unleaded will cost more on each refill.

At the moment, I'm thinking if the 190PS is similar in performance to my TT, which I'm already happy with and is slower than an S3, then I'd probably go for the A3. Otherwise I need to reconsider, maybe save up for a bigger deposit or find a used S3 - at the moment I've not come across one in the spec I want.
Click to expand...

My kind of man...!

What body shape you after (behave Jassy....)? Getting a S3 Sportback under £40k is pretty achievable with decent options, but saloon is pretty tough....!

I honestly doubt you will see much in it between the S3 and A3 in terms of MPG. Even over 4yrs it’s not going to be much.

Decent spec S3s do come up. I’m always keeping an eye on the market so I’m prepared if I do want to buy a car again. £25k will get you a nice example, and deprecation will be nearly half that of a new car, so if you have the capital upfront and don’t mind having a ‘used’ car, it can work out quite well.
 
I know I'm opening a can of worms with this one, but the number of stolen S3s was a consideration for me; I have a young family and the thought of them being put at risk (albeit a small risk) for the sake of a car just wasn't worth it. It might be something to consider, @koder?

@Brumbrum1 might be able to give you a better overall view - he's had his a while now.
 
koder said:
Thanks Dave, I assume your test drive with quattro was with the 190PS too? MPG sounds similar to what I'm getting now, low 30s when in dynamic but easily get low 40s if I drive sensibly. Hopefully yours will improve over time too.
Click to expand...

Yes it was. The S-tronic was beautifully smooth and effortless. The quattro was quick off the mark. It was a lovely car to drive and had it not been so close in cost to an S3, I'd have gone for that.
 
koder said:
I was wondering if any current owners could share their experience on 2.0 190ps TFSI engine with quattro. I've found a a handful of old threads but no real mention of their experience with this engine. There's also a lack of reviews online.

What's the acceleration like, MPG, drivability, sound? How have your opinions changed now you've had the engine for a few months?

I'm waiting for my local dealership to get back to me on arranging a test drive as they don't currently have one in stock.

I was considering the S3, but with a baby on the way I think the PCP + running costs (premium fuel, insurance, tyres etc.) will be too much. Also the spec I'm considering is slightly over the £40K tax barrier where as a Black Edition Sportback with the exact spec I want is approx £37K (I've had quotes for £32K with discounts). So I'd have to make a few compromises with the S3.

I'm coming from a MK3 TT 2.0 quattro which I love, but it's obviously not practical and my wife owns a Yaris - which is quite spacious for a small car but I prefer to be the one driving ;)

My only concern is the acceleration, according to Audi 0.9 second slower to 60MPH than the TT, in my mind it doesn't sound much and I'm hoping I won't notice the difference. I need the test drive to find out, but anyone with experience of driving both cars?

Any advice would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...

I would consider the 184bhp tdi Quattro. I had the 184 in a mk 3 TT before moving to my S3.

The engine is great, very punchy and great economy. I had it in FWD format driving circa 15k miles a year, it was averaging 52mpg and I didn’t hang about on the motorway.
 
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davemk said:
I know I'm opening a can of worms with this one, but the number of stolen S3s was a consideration for me; I have a young family and the thought of them being put at risk (albeit a small risk) for the sake of a car just wasn't worth it. It might be something to consider, @koder?

@Brumbrum1 might be able to give you a better overall view - he's had his a while now.
Click to expand...

Ha ha yeah I don't want to start anything (I've read a posts about stolen S3's), it's something to consider and I've previously had those thoughts about my TT (didn't stop me from buying it though :p )
 
TYb said:
I would consider the 184bhp tdi Quattro. I had the 184 in a mk 3 TT before moving to my S3.

The engine is great, very punchy and great economy. I had it in FWD format driving circa 15k miles a year, it was averaging 52mpg and I didn’t hang about on the motorway.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion, the diesel does have good stats but I prefer the characteristics of a petrol engine so I've not considered it.
 
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koder said:
I was wondering if any current owners could share their experience on 2.0 190ps TFSI engine with quattro. I've found a a handful of old threads but no real mention of their experience with this engine. There's also a lack of reviews online.

What's the acceleration like, MPG, drivability, sound? How have your opinions changed now you've had the engine for a few months?

I'm waiting for my local dealership to get back to me on arranging a test drive as they don't currently have one in stock.

I was considering the S3, but with a baby on the way I think the PCP + running costs (premium fuel, insurance, tyres etc.) will be too much. Also the spec I'm considering is slightly over the £40K tax barrier where as a Black Edition Sportback with the exact spec I want is approx £37K (I've had quotes for £32K with discounts). So I'd have to make a few compromises with the S3.

I'm coming from a MK3 TT 2.0 quattro which I love, but it's obviously not practical and my wife owns a Yaris - which is quite spacious for a small car but I prefer to be the one driving ;)

My only concern is the acceleration, according to Audi 0.9 second slower to 60MPH than the TT, in my mind it doesn't sound much and I'm hoping I won't notice the difference. I need the test drive to find out, but anyone with experience of driving both cars?

Any advice would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
I came from a similar background.
Had a MK2 TT 2.0 petrol STronic from new and never had a reason to change it until the kids really couldn’t get in it.
Loved the car.
I find the engine to be very similar.
Loads of torque so I rarely need to extend it.
It’s definately quieter than the TT and I do miss the rasp from the exhaust.
There is no “pop” changing gear with a full throttle.
Quiet on down shift.
I was initially intending to buy the S3 but backed away in favour of the lower A3 and added some toys which I still enjoy.
City mpg is 35.
Fast motorway is 45mpg.
Best run was 52mpg to Oxford & back.
The Quattro is obviously quicker off the line but once your going I guess there is no difference ?
It doesn’t struggle to put the power down so not sure Quattro is necessary.
It’s more anonymous than an S3 - whether that’s a good thing is personal preference.
Happy to help if you need anything else.
I’ll post a picture when I can.
Brum
 
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koder said:
Thank you for the suggestion, the diesel does have good stats but I prefer the characteristics of a petrol engine so I've not considered it.[/QUOTE

No worries, just a suggestion.

Shame having to leave the TT, loved the interior of the mk 3. Shame the TTS is so much more than the S3.
Click to expand...
 
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8C28112F C5FD 4901 AB30 9539E0368123
Old picture when it was clean.
 
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Bear in mind you don't have to put premium unleaded in the S3.
I do but do I notice much difference on daily driving? Not really.
So that's it decided, order an S3 in the morning :whistle2:
 
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Brumbrum1 said:
I came from a similar background.
Had a MK2 TT 2.0 petrol STronic from new and never had a reason to change it until the kids really couldn’t get in it.
Loved the car.
I find the engine to be very similar.
Loads of torque so I rarely need to extend it.
It’s definately quieter than the TT and I do miss the rasp from the exhaust.
There is no “pop” changing gear with a full throttle.
Quiet on down shift.
I was initially intending to buy the S3 but backed away in favour of the lower A3 and added some toys which I still enjoy.
City mpg is 35.
Fast motorway is 45mpg.
Best run was 52mpg to Oxford & back.
The Quattro is obviously quicker off the line but once your going I guess there is no difference ?
It doesn’t struggle to put the power down so not sure Quattro is necessary.
It’s more anonymous than an S3 - whether that’s a good thing is personal preference.
Happy to help if you need anything else.
I’ll post a picture when I can.
Brum
Click to expand...

Thanks Brum, appreciate the mini review and good to get your perspective considering you've come from a TT too. I'm torn as the A3 sounds like a decent car and I'm sure I'd be happy with the power but maybe I won't enjoy it like the TT. The inner child still wants the pops. I don't want to be bored in a year and wishing I had something else.

For me, the TT was my dream (achievable) car and I had wanted one since the MK1, it's going to be a sad day to see it go. I'm now thinking I'll have something to be excited about with the S3 as it's that bit more special even if it costs me a bit more.

I'm going to call a few other dealerships tomorrow and see if I can get a test drive, I think it's the only way I can settle this.

BTW, your Floret looks awesome and a very nice spec. I'm considering Floret for the A3, but if I go down the S3 route I'll probably go Navarra - more decisions to make!

I want to get my order in soon as supposedly prices are going up in January.
 
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Koder, did you see the other thread I tagged you in? If it's Navarra you're after, you should talk to deanshaw24.
 
koder said:
Thanks Brum, appreciate the mini review and good to get your perspective considering you've come from a TT too. I'm torn as the A3 sounds like a decent car and I'm sure I'd be happy with the power but maybe I won't enjoy it like the TT. The inner child still wants the pops. I don't want to be bored in a year and wishing I had something else.

For me, the TT was my dream (achievable) car and I had wanted one since the MK1, it's going to be a sad day to see it go. I'm now thinking I'll have something to be excited about with the S3 as it's that bit more special even if it costs me a bit more.

I'm going to call a few other dealerships tomorrow and see if I can get a test drive, I think it's the only way I can settle this.

BTW, your Floret looks awesome and a very nice spec. I'm considering Floret for the A3, but if I go down the S3 route I'll probably go Navarra - more decisions to make!

I want to get my order in soon as supposedly prices are going up in January.
Click to expand...
I also love Floret. If you need Navarra pics let me know, that's what mine is mate (Saloon).
 
There is a Parkers review that looks at the merits of the various engine options https://www.parkers.co.uk/audi/a3/saloon-2013/long-term-reviews/audi-a3-saloon-20-tfsi-quattro/

If with a new family member your priority is performance then in essence you know in your heart which version to go for. That been said I love the economy of the COD, this being there the family car, we have other cars that have more nimble performance.

... I’m sure you will have done this, but do try and fit the pram / ISO fix base (the amount of leg room needed is ridiculously stupid) and bags of stuff all in the boot etc. Others disagree but the Saloon works best for us.

Car shopping is fun (if not done with a new born baby) enjoy !!
 
I've just agreed to a deal for a brand new S3. I never found a 190 to test drive and in the end I kept going back to the S3. Just waiting to get a confirmation on the build week, but hoping to collect March or April.

I'll miss the TT, but I'm really excited for the extra power and something new and shiny. :yahoo:
 
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audi upgrades
Fantastic. What spec did you go for?

The long wait is torture! ;)
 
davemk said:
Fantastic. What spec did you go for?

The long wait is torture! ;)
Click to expand...

In comparison to most I've gone for a small spec; S-tronic, Navarra and Technology Pack - I couldn't go without the Virtual Cockpit after having it in my TT for the past 2 years. The standard S3 comes with everything else I want or need - mainly the engine, quattro, LED lights and 5 doors :)

It's a long wait, but we've got a baby due in the next few weeks so I'm sure I'll have plenty to preoccupy myself with.
 
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koder said:
In comparison to most I've gone for a small spec; S-tronic, Navarra and Technology Pack - I couldn't go without the Virtual Cockpit after having it in my TT for the past 2 years. The standard S3 comes with everything else I want or need - mainly the engine, quattro, LED lights and 5 doors :)

It's a long wait, but we've got a baby due in the next few weeks so I'm sure I'll have plenty to preoccupy myself with.
Click to expand...
Congrats mate! You'll love it.
 
koder said:
In comparison to most I've gone for a small spec; S-tronic, Navarra and Technology Pack - I couldn't go without the Virtual Cockpit after having it in my TT for the past 2 years. The standard S3 comes with everything else I want or need - mainly the engine, quattro, LED lights and 5 doors :)

It's a long wait, but we've got a baby due in the next few weeks so I'm sure I'll have plenty to preoccupy myself with.
Click to expand...

Folding mirrors. You know you want to ;) :D

Yes, speaking from experience, you will definitely have your hands full! Is this your first?
 
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