A3 3.2 quattro
Discussion
I've been looking around for a new car for the spring and the A3 3.2 has just come on to my radar (got a budget of about £20k and have been looking at VW Golf GTi MK, Focus ST3, 2002 M3)
This is an example of the type of A3 I like, but I was wondering if anybody here had any thoughts about them
http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/carview.as
Are they a proper PH car, or just a hatchback with a big engine wedged in them? What does the S Line bit mean? Also is this the same engine as used in the Golf R32?
Any thoughts or comments would be great.
This is an example of the type of A3 I like, but I was wondering if anybody here had any thoughts about them
http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/carview.as
Are they a proper PH car, or just a hatchback with a big engine wedged in them? What does the S Line bit mean? Also is this the same engine as used in the Golf R32?
Any thoughts or comments would be great.
Edited by theboyfold on Tuesday 19th December 01:09
Yep its the R32 engine.
The S-Line is essentially a sports pack - half leather, 18" wheels, lowered suspension.
My wife has the 2.0T Quattro S-Line which is a cracking little car. Its is though a luxury hatch with a powerful engine (hers is the 200BHP one from the Golf Gti). This engine is also worth a look - not as powerful and only a 4-pot but far better economy and lower insurance as well as being less nose heavy.
The S-Line is essentially a sports pack - half leather, 18" wheels, lowered suspension.
My wife has the 2.0T Quattro S-Line which is a cracking little car. Its is though a luxury hatch with a powerful engine (hers is the 200BHP one from the Golf Gti). This engine is also worth a look - not as powerful and only a 4-pot but far better economy and lower insurance as well as being less nose heavy.
I've got a an A3 3.2, got it new in 2004 and I'm happy with it, it's very quick, especially at higher speeds, handles well and got great grip particularly on wet & greasy roads, only downside is that I get around 23mpg but I'm not a high mileage driver so not too worried, I 've had a few warranty issues - mainly electical 'gremlins' which were a bit worrying especially as I believe these are quite 'common' on VAG cars.
As said 'S-Line' is a trim level with different seats, wheels, spoilers etc and yes the engine/transmission is the same as the R32 but IMHO the A3 is nicer inside, looking and feeling more 'expensive' (which it is!) but also looks more discrete. People will never realise that it's got a V6 & 4WD as it looks just like the Diesel or 1.6 litre 'shopping' model.
Highly recommended.
As said 'S-Line' is a trim level with different seats, wheels, spoilers etc and yes the engine/transmission is the same as the R32 but IMHO the A3 is nicer inside, looking and feeling more 'expensive' (which it is!) but also looks more discrete. People will never realise that it's got a V6 & 4WD as it looks just like the Diesel or 1.6 litre 'shopping' model.
Highly recommended.
Edited by catso on Tuesday 19th December 11:39
I tried two S-line models (1 manual 1 DSG) before opting for a E46 330ci. They are fast and capable, but I found the drive to be uninvolving- the steering was a bit numb. I wouldn't go on a Sunday morning thrash just for the sake of it. DSG is absolutely fantastic, a real engineering feat, but it can't hide the dynamic issues. Top quality interior too. Just too bland in the driving stakes imo.
I have a Mk IV R32 & it goes like sh1t off a hot shovel!
The 3.2 V6 pulls like a train from low revs all the way up to the limiter. I would throughly recommend trying a R32 as well as an A3 3.2
My fuel economy is about the same as Catso's at 22 - 27 mpg. If you can get less than 20 mpg without traffic jams you have had a feckin good drive...
The Mk IV R32 has a pretty hard ride & is a bit more of a looker than the A3 so depends on what you are looking for.
Try the Golf GTI & A3 2.0 TFSI as well - the fuel economy is much better the lighter engine means less understeer too.
The 3.2 V6 pulls like a train from low revs all the way up to the limiter. I would throughly recommend trying a R32 as well as an A3 3.2
My fuel economy is about the same as Catso's at 22 - 27 mpg. If you can get less than 20 mpg without traffic jams you have had a feckin good drive...
The Mk IV R32 has a pretty hard ride & is a bit more of a looker than the A3 so depends on what you are looking for.
Try the Golf GTI & A3 2.0 TFSI as well - the fuel economy is much better the lighter engine means less understeer too.
Edited by brisel on Wednesday 20th December 10:02
theboyfold said:
Would you say that it's fun? The kind of Sunday morning hoon fun on your favorite road fun? That's the only thing I think it might be lacking. I've not driven one yet though...
Well I enjoy it, some people criticise the feel, the 4WD etc but it is capable and fast and with very powerful brakes, mine is a DSG which is thoroughly good fun, sure there's no RWD antics and the steering doesn't 'talk' like a racing car but lots of modern cars are like that. I bought the car for many purposes and it does well at them all but I didn't want a track car or anything too focused.
It may not be everyone's idea of a Sunday morning hoon car, probably because it doesn't really do 'drama' but rather gets on with the job capably and efficiently, as such it doesn't feel as fast as it is but it can certainly get a move on.
Take one for a drive, see what you think, try the DSG version if possible because it's brilliant - an auto when you want it and a sequential manual with the smoothest, quickest paddle-shift out there for when you want to 'play'.
However I generally use my 2-wheeled toy for 'Sunday morning hoons'.
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