A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI or MK6 SE 1.6 B/Motion

[Johelian]

Hiya all,
Im totally torn between these 2 cars. I have test-driven them both (Audi today, hoping to get another test drive in the Golf tomorrow as its been about 3 weeks since the last one), and from memory I felt that the drive in the Golf was smoother and less noisy. However I prefer the build, residual value and overall appearance of the A3 SE, plus the fact that it doesnt have the potential issue of DP filter blockage that the B/motion potentially does (I do primarily urban driving). Has anyone got experience of both? Would appreciate any opinions that may make me change my mind. Both work out to approximately the same with the spec that I want.

One thing I really liked in the Golf was the inclusion of adaptive chassis as an option on this model. There doesnt seem to be any equivalent for the A3 SE, and I personally felt it handled a bit poorly on corners. Does ACC make a lot of difference?

I apologise if this question has been asked before - if it has can anyone point me in the direction of an older thread? I also apologise if my terminology isnt quite right, Im not a car buff.

[psmith98752]

Seems an odd comparison? Sportback to Bluemotion?

Why not compare the GT to the Sportback?

[jjh]

If could consider spending alittle more and go for an A3 2.0 TDI 140, you can spec the Audi magnetic ride, at £880 it is very similar to ACC.
Personally I wouldnt go for a lesser engine...good luck choosing though..

[Johelian]

Seems an odd comparison? Sportback to Bluemotion?

Why not compare the GT to the Sportback?

According to the emission/fuel consumption comparisons I have read, the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI is very similar to the Golf 1.6 Bluemotion. I would prefer to stay in this range, as one of the primary issues I have wth my BMW is the fact that it drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow, and road tax is quite high.

JJH why wouldnt you go for a lesser engine? As above Im looking largely at fuel economy. Will I see a huge difference between the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI over, say 10,000? What are the advantages of going for the other engines? As mentioned car specs are very new to me, and I would appreciate any guidance as Im approaching this from a very "facts and figures" angle rather than via experience.

[percymon]

I have to admit I never considered the A3 when buying my golf TDI 105 SE. Always thought they would be more expensive, although whether I coudl get 10% off and £2k scrappage on the A3 is debatable. Whilst the A3 is considered quite old these days I still think it's a class act with excellent build quality. The mk6 isn't much mire than a well I dilated and facelifted mk5 and there are plenty of jiggles and complaints on the forums so dont believe all the hype!

I've just had a rented Golf Tdi 105 and achieved 55-63mpg in mixed driving. The A3 will be similar, although at 75mph the computer reckons more like 55mpg. The sportback is slightly bigger ang more spacious, equally well equipped, but some options are more expensive ( flat tyre £85 vs £35).

Moving to the 2.0 140bhp, you'll obviously gain power and an extra gear in the manual box, but it'll cost you 5-7mpg. You can chip the 105 to 130 for £500 too.

I know it's a golf forum but if I could strike the same price I'd go for the A3 for it's higher image and bigger size.

[jjh]

According to the emission/fuel consumption comparisons I have read, the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI is very similar to the Golf 1.6 Bluemotion. I would prefer to stay in this range, as one of the primary issues I have wth my BMW is the fact that it drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow, and road tax is quite high.

JJH why wouldnt you go for a lesser engine? As above Im looking largely at fuel economy. Will I see a huge difference between the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI over, say 10,000? What are the advantages of going for the other engines? As mentioned car specs are very new to me, and I would appreciate any guidance as Im approaching this from a very "facts and figures" angle rather than via experience.

combined economy differnece is 3.9mpg between the 1.6 and 2.0, a difference of 6.6% yet the difference in power is 35bhp an increase of over 33%. Once one experiences the extra power on a daily basis it would be painful to drop down just like others here have written. My advise would be to test drive both and decide if the extra mular is justified. I have a A3 170, wanted a Golf at the end of my contract hire so had no real choice but to go for the GTD...Whatever you choose be sure you test drive one to make sure you are happy. There can be few things worse when handing over all that money to be left with a underpowered car in the 'wrong' spec..

[onemanparty]

Seems an odd comparison? Sportback to Bluemotion?

Why not compare the GT to the Sportback?

1.6TDI and the Bluemotion have the same engine just different CO2. Sportback is just the name for the 5dr Why compare the GT with it? GT against 170PS Sline A3 maybe

New Golf is nice just not for me but then I drive an A3.

[tdavey]

I'm getting a S line 1.6tdi sportback delivered next week. I test drove a 1.6 in sport spec and was really impressed by the engine (currently got a 120d M sport). A3 beats the Golf in build quality/cabin, there is no comparrison to be honest!

[dmw76]

Theres no way the A3s cabin is better than the mk6 golf. I tested both before i bought the golf and the mk6 is the superior car both inside and from a driving point of view. No doubt audi will improve the A3 interior when the new one arrives but at the moment the golfs is much better.

[beegster]

Theres no way the A3s cabin is better than the mk6 golf. I tested both before i bought the golf and the mk6 is the superior car both inside and from a driving point of view. No doubt audi will improve the A3 interior when the new one arrives but at the moment the golfs is much better.

Yep, I agree, I have a Golf VI GT and the other half an A3 S Line Sportback. The Golf exterior and interior just feel a little bit more up-to-date. Although the A3 feels more exclusive it is in need of a facelift