1.6TDI Sportback

Let down by gearbox and dealers

It's a small car. which is what we wanted. However, it's not particularly space efficient and the boot is miniscule with the optional spare wheel. It's just about sufficient for a weeks shopping for a family of 4 but don't expect to be able to get say a bike in unless you're prepared to remove the wheels.
Reliability had been generally good but not perfect, the CD / radio unit had to be replaced, a major oil leak from the oil filter cap was caused by the dealer over-tightening it and cracking the plastic cap, and an oil pressure switch has failed. Other than that, the tyre pressure monitor system occasionally throws a fit when all the tyre pressures are fine but then is ok when reset.
It's good to drive, but economy has been poor after the Audi "emissions fix", easily 10% worse then before. Handling is excellent but tyres are expensive for this model. The major niggle is the lack of torque below 1800rpm and the 5 speed gearbox which is over-geared for the engine meaning that you often have to change down to a lower gear than you would expect. It cries out for a 6 speed gearbox which is a miserly move by Audi not to fit one to this model.
In summary, it's a good drive on the open road but hard work round town. Small size means it's easy to park, but the boot is smaller than you would expect.

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