Arex Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Hi eveyone, I wonder if you can give me some advice - I am just about to order an A3 2.0TDi SLine and I am being totally indecisive about whether to get it with DSG or Quattro. The thing that will probably swing it for me is the difference in performance - the DSG box seems to make the car slightly quicker upto 60 which is good, but I think I would prefer Quattro as long as it doesn't make any slower than the 2 wheel drive version. Anyone any thoughts on this before I spend £20k or so? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimBean Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Get them both, you can't go wrong then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Welcome I had the same thoughts. DSG is very good indeed but after driving the 2.0Tdi in the wet I found that the traction control was cutting in, a lot. I love Quattro in my current car but as my driving is mainly round town now I thought the convenience of DSG might outweigh the benefits of 4wd. It didn't! Quattro is so good when you plant your foot! Don't think I could go back to fwd now. Go quattro, you won't regret it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arex Posted January 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Heh - wish I could. I certainly wouldn't have minded paying another grand or so to get both, but Audi only let you do that on the 3.2. Sadly on the TDi, it is either one or the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontio Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 when i went looking for my A3 i drove a couple and even though you can not get dsg in the 8L shape the 4wd felt better than the fwd in too many ways to list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vagman Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Get both.........you know it makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethH Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Hi eveyone, I wonder if you can give me some advice - I am just about to order an A3 2.0TDi SLine and I am being totally indecisive about whether to get it with DSG or Quattro. The thing that will probably swing it for me is the difference in performance - the DSG box seems to make the car slightly quicker upto 60 which is good, but I think I would prefer Quattro as long as it doesn't make any slower than the 2 wheel drive version. Anyone any thoughts on this before I spend £20k or so? [/ QUOTE ] Hi Arex, (or should I say Simon) I think you should get neither because you can't afford a new car (you only bought my Astra Coupe off me in June!) and should save your pennies for a rainy day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h5djr Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 The number of times that the quattro will be of advantage in normal driving of a 2.0 TDI is limited. If you lived in a country where it snowed for several months every year it would be a different matter. The DSG box will be an advantage to you everytime you drive the car. When I had test drives in both a manual 2.0 TDI and DSG version I found myself having to do a lot more gearchanging that I had been used to with my 1.8Ts. When you pull aware at junctions and roundabouts the engine hits maximum revs for any gear very quickly for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. With the DSG, even if your driving it in manual mode the DSG will change up as soon as it hits maximum revs. Once you get up into say 3rd gear you can just drive using the centre stick, steering wheel paddles or fully automatic, whichever you prefer on that particular day. It's like having at least 2 cars rolled into one. I have test driven a quattro as well, but much prefer the DSG to the manual gearbox. If I could not have both the quattro and the DSG I personally would definitely go for the DSG. It adds a whole new dimension to driving. Dave R ----------------------- A3 2.0 TDI SE DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 I'll go out on a limb here and bet that you've never owned a quattro. If you have then I'll be shocked. I've rarely driven either my TT or S4 in the snow and yet the quattro has demonstrated it's value hundreds/thousands of times. The DSG is very good at what it does and I'm confident the technology will become the standard for all automatics within 10 years or so. It's personally not for me but understand why so many people like it. DSG is a tool which saves fuel and gives less unpower times when driving. On the down side, for me it takes away too much driver involvement. Quattro is a tool that gives you more especially when traction conditions are limited. On the downside the extra weight uses fuel. At the end of the day it's personal choice and I wouldn't say one choice or the other way right or wrong. e.g. if you're driving a 1.6 around town all day then a quattro is of limited value and a DSG could be a big benefit. If you're out enjoying your car then quattro assists and a manual give you more involvement. p.s. I've never owned a DSG. My experience of one is limited to : A3 3.2 DSG test drive TT 3.2 DSG test drive (did I mention this was before any dealers or magazines? ) TT 3.2 DSG drive at Oulton Park track on a very wet day! p.p.s. Arex - how will you be using the car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h5djr Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 Hi Scotty No I have never actually owned a quattro, but I have driven a quattro version of the A3 1.8T for a day on several occasions and have also driven a new A3 3.2 quattro for a day. Whilst I agree that the quattro gives better traction for a powerful car I do not think it's necessary for the 140bhp 2.0 TDI in normal driving. On the race track perhaps, but then I don't drive on race tracks. I personally have driven petrol engine cars with manual gearboxes for the last 40 years and it was the DSG that made me buy a diesel. To me the DSG actually enhances the driving experience, particularly when driving quickly in country roads. Being able to set-up the car for corners with just a flick of a paddle is, to me, more enjoyable than having to use a clutch. I feel I have just as much control of the car with the DSG as with a manual. Fortuately Audi make manual and DSG and quattro and fwd version of the A3 available to us to choose the one we think is best for our style of driving and the power of car we are driving. The problem seems to be that Audi UK do not make the combination of quattro and DSG with the 2.0 TDI engine available in this country for those who want it. I'm pretty sure that it's available in Germany and other LHD countries. I notice that you drive an powerful S4. If I was driving such a car with that amount of power I would agree with you about the need for a quattro but not for a 140bhp 2.0 TDI. But then I find I do not need that sort of power to enjoy my driving. I still drive in the region of 20,000 miles a year including continental driving and find a fwd 140 bhp quite adequate. I don't drive slow, probably spending more time over than under or at the speed limit and am quite happy to cruise at 120-130mph when the conditions permit in Germany. Dave R ------------------------ A3 2.0 TDI SE DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h5djr Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 Having just had a look at the price list on the Audi Germany web-site it seems that the combination of 2.0 TDI, quattro and DSG is not available in Germany either. My apologies to Audi UK for suggesting that it was their decision not to import that version. I know in the past it was possible to get the 150bhp 1.8T engine in other than Sport trim in Europe but not in the UK. Dave R ------------------- A3 2.0 TDI SE DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 I think we're saying similar things i.e. it's horses for courses. This is why I've asked how the car will be used. I've heard many reports about the combination of the diesel and DSG being a great combination and I have no doubt at all that they are. If you're at the level of fast driving and setting cars up for corners then quattro would be of benefit. However it would also be a hindrence (due to its weight) if this is not what you do often. Audi don't really push quattro as a performance enhancer. They sell it as a safety feature and as such can be useful on any car. e.g. Imagine coming around a bend and finding a big puddle or mud all over the road. Admittedly the higher performance cars will utilise it more than the lower powered ones. With regards DSG you mentioned you felt more in control of the car than with a manual. This is probably quite true as it's always under power/engine braking and never in neutral which a manual is many times in a journey. The point I was suggesting was not so much about control but about my feeling of involvement and how I get my enjoyment from driving. I like trying to get the perfect gear change/heal and toe etc. When it comes right then there is a feeling of satisfaction. I feel this is removed when going for DSG. Basically I feel it's less involving. I believe that it's another one of them horses for courses subject. As long as I enjoy my selection and you enjoy yours then we're both perfectly happy. We have different requirements and hence both selected vehicles that suit us more that the other. Variety, differences and choice are all good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arex Posted January 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 Hi everyone. Thanks for the comments. It is interesting to hear about all the different experiences people have had. Over the last day or so I have now driven a car with Quattro and a car with DSG. I think it is safe to say they both add a lot. For me, the Quattro would be good because it allowed you to safely and quickly pull onto a roundabout or out of a junction without wheelspin. Even on the 2.0TDi you can easily wheelspin doing both of these. The DSG was totally wicked. I think with the TDi it is especially good as the ratios run out faster than a petrol engine there is more gear changing to do and it does it very well, so on balance I think that is what I will go for. . . . Hi GarethH, (or should I say Gareth) - Cheeky Monkey! I will see you later this week....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h5djr Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Hi Arex In my opinion the best choice. I'm sure you will enjoy it every time you drive the car. The DSG still brings a smile to my face whenever I change gear. When you do get you new car make sure you use it in tiptronic mode. It adds greatly to the driving experience. Dave R ----------------------- A3 2.0 TDI SE DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harddrive Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Hey Arex, I wouldn't be asking about if to get DSG or Quattro when you have the completely wrong engine in the car to start off with. Go back to the dealer and tell him that you want that excellent 3.2 V6 installing and they will sort out the DSG and Quattro for you at the same time. Honestly I had this problem when I was choosing the car and I can't compalin with my final choice......Then again I told you this already, the other day when you were looking at my car and asking what options I had on it. P.S. if people hadn't already guessed Myself, Arex (whatever that means), KieranH (not sure if this is his handle) and GarethH all work in the same department and all have new A3's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h5djr Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 A3 2.0 TDI or A3 3.2 V6. Perhaps it depends of who has to pay for the fuel. Dave R ----------------------- A3 2.0 TDI SE DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arex Posted January 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Yup - would have to agree with that fuel statement. Plus the several k difference in purchase price. Plus the 6 or 7 groups difference on insurance. Plus the higher road tax. The V6 is certainly quick, but in the areas that really matter to me (e.g. overtaking) the TDi is really suprisingly good too. On a price\performance basis, I just think the TDi really is one excellent buy. Anyway Chris - you have also said to me that if they had offered the TDi with DSG and Quattro you would have probably bought it over the V6! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harddrive Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Don't say that or the wife will hear! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gren Posted February 1, 2005 Report Share Posted February 1, 2005 Evo reviews the Golf GTi with DSG this month. They actually mark it down over the normal manual. Comments such as 'it's so good at what it does that it takes away some of the driving anjoyment' or something like that. What they did say was that it was better than the semi-auto in the Ferrari 430. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hancockk Posted February 1, 2005 Report Share Posted February 1, 2005 FYI Harddrive, KieranH handle is 'Carkie' and at this rate I think we should all club together when it comes to servicing time as we should one hell of a discount if we get them serviced at the same stealer :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted February 1, 2005 Report Share Posted February 1, 2005 It depends what you want. Do you want to have maximum traction at every possible moment then get Quattro. It will give you the ability to get maximum acceleration and a little more security when you are really attacking a road. However, it does add weight. In poor conditions / snow yes it will help you get off the line but that same system adds extra weight that will also hamper your ability to slow down. I have an A4 Diesel and it was great for traction but the weight and or the normal SE suspension made it handle terribly. I could put my foot down any time any place and get maximum thrust but had a few opps this car isn't slowing down very much moments that were none too nice. I have got an A3 2.0 T FSI Sportback now (Click below for review) and its fantastic. Yes it will give me lots of wheel spin on demand in the lower gears. But it also lets me drive in a far more relaxed manner. I am far less dangers than I was and with roads these days just getting busier this system is great. I can chill when I want to or in a major traffic jam, or blast down a back road with the car blipping the engine as I change down for a corner with both hands on the wheel. Fuel economy has is good for more reasons than just DSG alone. I would not normally have chosen an auto, but am very glad that I did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizze Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 IMHO If the Quattro had been available with the DSG box I would have gone for that, but after driving auto diesels and manuals I could not go back to a manual/diesel combination, there is just too short a range between changing gears. But then when you change to a car which is available with Quattro and DSG I would probably prefer the manual as it is petrol! They are both great cars, but go with your instinct, I can live with out quattro but I could no longer live with a diesel maunal now I have had auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusader01 Posted February 4, 2005 Report Share Posted February 4, 2005 We have a 2.0T DSG, its excellent but I feel it could use the Quattro, the traction light comes on quite often. I can't understand why you can't have both! I think Audi Uk said something along the lines of we can't do combinations to suit everyone when I rang to ask!(makes you despair with them) Perhaps they plan on bringing a DSG Quattro out later when Sales begin to flag a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted February 4, 2005 Report Share Posted February 4, 2005 What you mean perhaps they'd bring out a DSG car with Quattro and perhaps a little more power/performance? I reckon with with the 3.2 DSG quattro already out, they're looking for ways to give some market space for another model. Now I wonder what they could call that model? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riz Posted February 4, 2005 Report Share Posted February 4, 2005 [ QUOTE ] What you mean perhaps they'd bring out a DSG car with Quattro and perhaps a little more power/performance? I reckon with with the 3.2 DSG quattro already out, they're looking for ways to give some market space for another model. Now I wonder what they could call that model? [/ QUOTE ] Ahhh the S3 maybe Riz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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