This is my 2nd A3, the first was one of the originals back in early 97 and was a real head turner. The original one was on order for 6 months and was only a basic 1.6, though it went well enough if you worked it hard. My new one is a Kingfisher Blue 1.8T, I didnt replace the other A3 with this one, instead I bought a Golf GTI 1.8T which was unfortunately written off earlier this year (not my fault I must add!!) The A3 is a better car in some areas than the golf but in others the Golf excelled, here are my key points and a rating of each car out of a max of 5:
Handling: Golf: 4 A3: 5
Performance: Golf: 3 A3: 4
Comfort: Golf: 3 A3: 4
Interior Refinement: Golf: 5 A3: 4
Looks: Golf: 4 A3: 4
Audio Quality Golf: 5 A3: 3
The main problem I had with both A3's is the lack of ground clearance at the front, caused mainly by the overhang, the engine cover has already been replaced due to it catching on driveways.
The A3 1.8T overall is far more economical than the 1.6, this is mainly due to the fact that the 1.6 needs to be worked so much harder to extract the performance whereas the Turbocharged one is nearly always on top of the job. I have averaged 35MPG over the past 14000 mies which is a mix of driving though the majority is motorway 90mph stuff.
A good car though the original head turning appeal is now wearing off.
MC
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Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed tiptronic Automatic, 5 Speed Manual - 1595 cc - Max Speed: 116 mph - 102 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: Technik SE, Technik, S line, Sport, SE
Not bad intro, but info on what the car has to offer would have resulted in a higher rating. If you ever redo this op, please let me know and I'll reread it and review my rating :)
Advantages: Great build quality, lots of toys, pretty nippy and a name you can trust. Disadvantages: Fuel consumption, fault on stereo and uncomfortable on really long journeys.
adamquean 25.02.2009 (25.02.2009)
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Review of AudiA31.8T Quattro
Advantages: Great build quality, high reliability, long periods between services, good image. Disadvantages: Little bit too sensible, high price, not very exciting.
Petsi 25.10.2002 (25.10.2002)
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Review of AudiA31.8T Quattro
Aug 8th, 2000
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