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In my never ending search for a new car, I'm thinking about an A3 Sportback. Like the thought of a 2.0tdi. I haven't driven them yet, but should I be focusing on a sport or SE. Is the ride significantly better on the SE. Also, if snybody owns an A3 diesel, any idea on running costs. Thanks. (No, I don't like the Golf)
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Buy a 1 series (120d) far more satisfying.
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Unfortunately, my eyesight is functioning perfectly, so no chance.
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Midlife, just been through exactly the same quandry and I have the 120d on order - I know exactly what you mean but have you actually seen one in the flesh and sat in one and experienced it from inside looking out ? I know its not easy on the eye but I completely dismissed the BMW until I saw one by accident while dithering over a 3 series coupe . PS the engine is at least as good if not better and then there is the RWD. I drove the A3 td sport and whilst the handling was better it just reminded me of my existing Mk4 Golf.
P
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I would favour the BMW 1 series but it is very expensive for what it is and the one I tried had some trim rattles.
I don't rate the new A3 at all, the ones I have tried (and I had a Sportback as a loan car for three weeks as well as a couple of different ones for a day at a time) have been pretty ordinary - I feel the same way about the new Golf. There is a lot of road noise and the new dash looks cheap and nasty to me. With Audis in general the SE rides better than the Sport, the Sport has more seat adjustment but many people (including me) find the sport seats narrow and uncomfortable. And it's really ugly, but so is the 1 series.
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Yes, and room in the back and a spare wheel would come in handy, too.
I haven't driven an A3 but if it follows the usual Audi pattern the Sport gives more precise handling in exchange for a harder ride. Depends on your style of driving - personally I'd go for the SE every time but that's just my preference for comfort over on-the-limit handling.
Try both if you can. Engine performance is the same for both as far as I know. The 2.0 TDI is similar to, though faster than the 1.9 - a little noisy but plenty of power when you need it.
Both should hold their value equally well, although they're expensive to buy in the first place. You're paying for image, superb build quality and a feeling of well-being that one doesn't quite get in a VW or a Skoda (though in the latter case this is replaced by a very good feeling of driving a bargain. I still wish I could have persuaded SWMBO into a Fabia VRS).
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I second the SE as the standard Audi ride, in the current A3 and A4 at least, is firm enough. The 2.0tdi is a very flexible engine, noticeably smoother and more linear than the 1.9 and yet a huge whack of power when you need it. By all accounts you should also give the new Tfsi a drive.
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I'm looking at the same vehicle and the SE will be the choice with the addition of a DSG gearbox (if BMW did something similar I'd be interested in the 120d, but I'm not a fan of 6 speed manuals).
Cruise control is standard on the SE and the Sport has alternative extras I'm not interested in. From experience of other Audis the Sport set up gives a harsher ride - a combination of larger wheels, lower profile tyres and stiffer suspension.
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I'm looking at the A4 2.0 TDi as well as the equivlant Saab and Volvo. The ride on all is crashy, especially with the Sport or equivalent model. I looked at the A3 Sportback and liked it, but there are better deals on the saloons noted above than the A3.
How about the Volvo V50 or is that too estate like? It doesn't have the diesel automatic option that the larger vehicles have , but the A3 does, especially the DSG. You must buy the DSG with paddles or its a bit of a waste.
As a left field choice - Hyundai Tuscon CRDT?
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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Got an A3 Sport 2.0TDI 3dr, with 9000 on the clock now. I've driven both the SE and the Sport, and on the whole I prefer the sharper handling of the sport over the SE. The SE is noticeably smoother but it is a much less precise drive too and wallows on corners. As for running costs I'm averaging 46mpg, with lows of 40mpg and highs of 62mpg. I love the car and would have another.
Regards
Chris
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Am in a similar position.
Have driven both SE and Sport variants and found the Sport ride to be far too jittery!
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You looking at Sportback or 3 door? Sportback has new grille now, 3 door apparently doesn't get it until next Summer according to Audi Customer Services.
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