I bought a 3 month old A3 Saloon 2.0tdi S-line from a London dealer, replacing a 2005 A3 2.0tdi 3 door sport. They drove it up to Scotland and itâs in perfect condition.
I loved my old A3, never had any major issues, clogged up rear screen wiper every few years, thatâs about the height of it. There will be a need come summer for 4-5 doors as we have our first child.
Firstly, I loved the new A3 style, the interior is such a nice place to spend time (that sounds odd even admitting that, but its true). I had planned to move to the sportback, but decided to test a few cars taking on friends experience with kidsâ¦
So I tested the Volvo V60 est, Nissan Cashquai, VW Passat estate, Audi A4, Audi A4 avant, Audi A5 spotback, A3, sportback and the A3 saloon.
So why the Saloon, first up, itâs a stunner, I think itâs one of the best looking Audis available at the moment, no doubt the new A4/5/6/TT will all supersede this, but for now, I think it wins this prise.
The A5 was actually a 4 seater, the Volvoâ¦niceâ¦needed to buy 2014 model to match A3 gadgets, Nissan â what car of the year, I was disappointed, I know the interiors will never match Audi, but the brakes did not seem responsive at the least. So it looked like a faceoff between the A3 sportback and the A4 avant, until I opened the A3 saloons boot. Yes it is less practical from an access point of view, but itâs a deep boot, not far off the A4 sportback floor coverage which surprised me.
So it was between the A4 avant and the A3 saloon. Reading many owners reviews, many criticised the A4âs economy, offset pedalsâ¦driving I have to say was very comfortable, plenty of room, slightly aged dashboard, but then it is, plus when the new one comes out next year, I know it would torment me
A3 seems so much more responsive, brakes..superb and the minimalist dash, a beaut.
I may regret not going for the estate but the pram fits, and itâs plenty for 2 and a nipper.
So anyway, back to the original questionâ¦
Itâs a beautiful drive, very economical; I was averaging 55mpg travelling at 70mph (>).
In the morning when itâs slightly colder, I get up to 44mpg within 10 mins (journey to work is short).
Acceleration is nipy, especially 2nd gear, great for taking off, I wasnât bothered about the 185hp version, 150 is plenty for me and Quattroâ¦winter tyres will do for all the snow we ever see.
It will get itâs first 2 bucket handwash/wax this weekend!
It is slightly wider, already nicked the passenger alloy (£70 to fix thatâ¦.
) but after 2 weeks the width is feeling natural. The headlights are seriously bright, sport suspension feels great, I am used to it from old car, so donât know any different. I went for the Audi music system, decent compared to my old Bose, canât notice too much difference. I have the SD card navi and its great, love the direction panel between the speedo and rev counter. The only thing that took a wee bit of getting used to was the E brake, works a treat, just still donât know if I trust it ï The boot opens with the key fob..handy. Autodim rear view mirror is probably favourite current gadget. I am getting looks as well, not too many of these on the road yet, the angry looking led eyebrows do raise an eye. Any questions, fire ahead, Iâm one very happy customer.
