[Audi A3/S3] Thinking about a used A3 Sportback 3.2 DSG

[freaknout]

I'm thinking of trading the 325i touring in for an A3 3.2 Sportback. I'd like something quick, not too big and practical. The A3 seems to fit the bill so any comments from the team who've owned one of these?

Pretty keen on knowing how much space there is in the back and the hatch. Real world fuel economy and what options to consider!

Ta in advance.

J

[Cupramax]

If your in the least bit bothered about fuel I'd get a 2.0TQ not a 3.2. Not slagging off the 3.2 but its a big old lump and tends to make the car feel a bit front heavy which I felt spoilt the handling on the ones I'd driven so ended up with a 2.0T. Also the 2.0T will remap to 240-250hp anyway giving the same bang for less bucks. Space wise a Sportback has about the same if not a tad more rear legroom than an A4 surprisingly (newer design) and the boot is a good size for general use. The only things to watch out for is the Sline ride can be very jiggly, the Sport & SE models tend to ride better. As for options its the usuall Audi stuff, BOSE, interior light pack, leather, SATNAV, heated seats etc etc. The more options the better.

[freaknout]

Cheers.

We don't do many miles and I like bigger engines so I though the 3.2 would be the go. I will drive a 2.0T too though if you think it effects the handling a bit. I'm not that keen on the sline body adenda myself. Prefer to hide my light under a bushel

[edo]

3.2 is a good engine - makes a lovely noise too. Helped a mate buy a standard (non S-Line) and its a great stealthy car. Loads of torque.

[freaknout]

does he think it a good buy edowen?

[shao_khan]

I think the issue here is as well is gearbox type - because I believe it limits options - i.e. no 2l T Quatro DSG but there is a 3.2Q DSG - so if a quatro was the order of the day then it does limit petrol engine choices.

the 3.2 is nice, economy would be i guess in real world around about 28 average if you drive it nice.

[DukeDesmo]

[ QUOTE ]

the 3.2 is nice, economy would be i guess in real world around about 28 average if you drive it nice.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know about the sportback (as it's slightly bigger/heavier does it use more petrol?) but I get around 23mpg from my (2 door) 3.2, it will give around 25 if I drive more steadily.

I think 28 may be acheivable on a long steady motorway run.

But it is a lovely smooth, powerful engine with a great sound.

[edo]

Yes - no problems, and very happy. His is a manual - but I think the DSG would be just as good.

[cdco2]

3.2 with DSG pretty much an ideal combintaion (if fuel economy isnt a worry) manage 24 to 25 a week A & B roads to work.... and on a cross country cruise coast to coast on the Mway 70 to 85 average speed seen 28 to 31 mpg push the speed up beyond that and it gets back to 20's or lower! although on a v late night run homewith the range left figure on 0 have managed to cruise at 60 with the mpg saying 38 but was trying vvvvv hard and the car did 15 miles to the petrol station after the zero mark ;-)

[freaknout]

It wouldn't be used much during the week really or around London - just to the tesco and home. We do a bit of travel around the country during weekends, very keen on seeing as much as we can. So the motorway mpg more than 30 would be a bonus! we have friends in wales too and that's always a very nice night drive

One question on the dsg, is there a trick to drive smoothly and I assume you can just chuck it in D for fully auto?

Thanks for all the advice!

Jay

[cdco2]

there is no trick to driving smoothly, its smoother than any manual or normal auto when in D the only trick is set off and reverse... just dont rush them....