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Audi A3 Test Drive - What Do You Think?

22 messages,  Last post on Oct 24, 2006 at 9:28 PM

You are in the Audi A3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Audi A3, Car Buying, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 3

#13 of 22 Re: Test Drives and Pricing [ccd1] by shipo

Feb 18, 2006 (10:45 pm)

Replying to: ccd1 (Feb 18, 2006 5:58 pm)
"The 2.0 has a high boost turbo and I wonder how long it will last. I tend to keep my cars a long time."
 
Ummm, no. The 2.0T is a high compression low boost turbo, not the other way around (i.e. mid 1980s vintage Chrysler turbos). As for longevity, just use good fully synthetic oil (Mobil-1 0W-40 or German Castrol Syntec), and longevity shouldn't ever be an issue.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#14 of 22 Re: Test Drives and Pricing [shipo] by ccd1

Feb 19, 2006 (5:09 am)

Replying to: shipo (Feb 18, 2006 10:45 pm)
Thanks for the info! You know more than the salesman did, which I guess shouldn't be surprising. Except he's the Sales Manager for the dealership!

#15 of 22 Re: Test Drives and Pricing [joemale] by ccd1

Feb 19, 2006 (5:22 am)

Replying to: joemale (Feb 18, 2006 6:38 pm)
I probably should have added that I was looking for AWD, which is not available in the 2.0. I'm looking for an all weather car, with decent cargo room which is also fun to drive. That is why my top 2 choices are the A3 3.2 and the V50T AWD.
 
We presently own a Toyota 4Runner and like most people, never take the truck off road. Basically, I'm looking for a car I can use like my 4Runner, but on a smaller scale AND which is more fun to drive. Some better gas mileage wouldn't hurt either.

#16 of 22 Test Drove A3 Sport Package DSG Today! by andres3

Mar 13, 2006 (12:13 am)

Wow, I have to admit, the Audi A3 was as fun and exciting as everyone's made it out to be with DSG transmission. It was crazy seeing the RPM's move around and the shift happening so fast an instantaneous that you don't even feel it.
My initial impression is that I love a sporty car, but if the Premium or base model's suspension is a bit more forgiving, but still firm, it might be the better option.
Also, I noticed highway speed road/wind noise as quite noticeable (performance tires maybe)?
 
I hate that they didn't include paddle shifters on the base cloth model DSG's!!! Damn Audi for that, and using an ugly steering wheel on base models too. The interior with premium or sport is impecccable, and downright perfection (almost).

#17 of 22 A3 Hesitation and Premium Pkg Feedback? by ajfinoak

May 30, 2006 (10:14 am)

I recently tested an A3 with DSG for possible purchase and noted some hesitation when first stepping on the gas from a stop-Is this comman?
Also, anybody have feedback on the handling of the Premium pkg model- especially on curves. Thanks much.

#18 of 22 Re: A3 Hesitation and Premium Pkg Feedback? [ajfinoak] by walkerhound1

Jun 04, 2006 (10:37 am)

Replying to: ajfinoak (May 30, 2006 10:14 am)
If you're considering a DSG/premium, you're considering a 2.0T, I guess. I've been in a car equipped this way for 11 months.
The throttle response is not as immediate in the 2.0T as in the 3.2 (drive one of those recently)-- it's partly the transmission, and there is a little turbo lag. If you launch harder, the lag is less noticable, and you can spin the tires through 2nd gear if you want. For a brisk launch, squeeeze the gas, and I think you'll get a smooth, virtually lag-free start. Handling: depends on what you're accustomed to. IMO, it's pretty good; I have the Pirelli P6 all-seasons (still), and while they have their virtues (wet stability being one), all-out grip is not one of them. Even though the tires complain a little, you can corner this setup pretty hard as long as your approach/braking/gear selection are right. There's a little more body roll than I'd like, too. The steering boost is higher on the premium package cars than on the sport packs, but it firms up at speed & is very accurate.
 
All said & done, I'm very happy with the car.

#19 of 22 DSG Notes by kurtamaxxxguy

Oct 23, 2006 (11:09 pm)

The A3 3.2 I drove didn't have any trouble shifting upwards, and there seemed to be no hesitation from launch. But slowing down, the DSG tended to grumble and hunt somewhat (it wasn't an '07 - perhaps Audi has improved this.).

#20 of 22 3.2 test drive by tncarbuff

Oct 24, 2006 (10:03 am)

Well, I drove a 2007 this weekend, and unfortunately, it did have noticeable hesitation from launch. I loved the DSG transmission once the car was moving, but from a standing position, was annoying even scary. Made me very uncomfortable to pull out in front of someone, and with a care of this power, I shouldn't have that problem.
  
The hesitation was there whether in totally AUTO mode, or when shifting via the paddle shifters or via the gear shift.
 
Lots to love, but... (The car was loaded - over $41,000! Yikes!)

#21 of 22 Re: 3.2 test drive [tncarbuff] by kurtamaxxxguy

Oct 24, 2006 (10:53 am)

Replying to: tncarbuff (Oct 24, 2006 10:03 am)
How does the '07 2.0T fare in this area (does it hesitate on launch?). Could it be a Haldex issue?

#22 of 22 2.0T Launch Hesitation by andres3

Oct 24, 2006 (9:28 pm)

Can't be Haldex cause my non-quattro has some hesitation when gunning it from 0 mph. And with some hesitation comes some benefits...... reduced wheel spin for smoother acceleration.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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