A few questions regarding A3 options

[mproudfoot]

Hi all, new to this forum and ahead of possibly getting a new A3 Sportback via my company car scheme, I had a few questions regarding options that I'm hoping some of you might be able to help with.

Essentially, there are 3 sources I am looking at to determine options I will be adding to the car but they are leaving me a little confused. The three sources are:

- Audi UK website/car configurator
- Audi UK A3 brochure (PDF)
- Company car configurator.

My queries are:

1. In both the A3 PDF brochure and the company car configurator, there are some packages lists (e.g. Technology pack, comfort pack etc). However, these are not listed on the A3 Sportback options list in the Audi.co.uk car configurator - any idea why this might be the case?

2. I am also looking at adding the Bose Sound System in addition to the Navigation Plus but again, the Audi UK car configurator doesn't list this as an option and secondly, the brocuhre states that it is only available with the Concert/Symphony stereos implying possibly that it's not compatible with the Navigation Plus unit. Can anyone confirm this either way? Also, is the Bose Sound System dramatically better than the standard speaker/amp comfiguration? I'm no audiophile but I do like distortion free music with clean bass (not too overpowering) and vocals.

3. I have read that the S-Line can be considered quite firm, described by some as uncomfortable. Does anyone have experience of the Audi Magnetic Ride on an A3 S-Line and if so, how much difference does it make to the ride?

4. I know this has been debated in the past (I've searched through this forum) but I am considering either the Quattro or the DSG (it will be a TDI 170) - leaning towards the DSG at the moment because I think it will be more useful through more of the year than the haldex system. Anyone had a DSG A3 and regretted not getting the quattro instead?

TIA

MP

[tlionhart]

Hi all, new to this forum and ahead of possibly getting a new A3 Sportback via my company car scheme, I had a few questions regarding options that I'm hoping some of you might be able to help with.

Essentially, there are 3 sources I am looking at to determine options I will be adding to the car but they are leaving me a little confused. The three sources are:

- Audi UK website/car configurator
- Audi UK A3 brochure (PDF)
- Company car configurator.

My queries are:

1. In both the A3 PDF brochure and the company car configurator, there are some packages lists (e.g. Technology pack, comfort pack etc). However, these are not listed on the A3 Sportback options list in the Audi.co.uk car configurator - any idea why this might be the case?

2. I am also looking at adding the Bose Sound System in addition to the Navigation Plus but again, the Audi UK car configurator doesn't list this as an option and secondly, the brocuhre states that it is only available with the Concert/Symphony stereos implying possibly that it's not compatible with the Navigation Plus unit. Can anyone confirm this either way? Also, is the Bose Sound System dramatically better than the standard speaker/amp comfiguration? I'm no audiophile but I do like distortion free music with clean bass (not too overpowering) and vocals.

3. I have read that the S-Line can be considered quite firm, described by some as uncomfortable. Does anyone have experience of the Audi Magnetic Ride on an A3 S-Line and if so, how much difference does it make to the ride?

4. I know this has been debated in the past (I've searched through this forum) but I am considering either the Quattro or the DSG (it will be a TDI 170) - leaning towards the DSG at the moment because I think it will be more useful through more of the year than the haldex system. Anyone had a DSG A3 and regretted not getting the quattro instead?

TIA

MP

Ill answer this to the best I can, however there are some I don't have an answer for.
ANSWERS

1. The car configuration is just weird, not all options appear in that. The best way to see offers, packages and further options is through the brochure. For example the A5 cabriolet has a neck heating system, this isn't displayed in the audi online configuration, just the brochure.

2. It is compatible. For instance check the USED car locator and tick the option for 'sat nav'. On the top spec S3 or S-line models they have sat nav with bose. I have also seen this for myself. There are possibly 2 reasons why they have printed it like this; A) You can buy bose on a 'standard' A3. The 'standard' player is chorus. B) They don't want to mis-guide people in thinking the sat nav is an 'entertainment package'. Because in addition to the sat nav+, AMI or a cd changer is required. Also the brochure isn't full-proof either. I brought 'hill hold assist' on it's own. This used to be displayed as an individual option for £45. However it is now included with the 'parallel assist' and not as in individual option.
In a nutshell answer to the additional question you had, yes Thats why i got it. I use a lot of bose products and this is what it gives back through sound. The bose in-ear headphones are EXTREMELY better than the standard ipod headphones. This would give you an idea of what the sound quality is like. However the quality of the sound is only good, depending on the bit-rate and quality of the track being played. Same as on a PC. A normal audio cd through the bose car stereo is excellent! Just ask an audi dealer for a demonstration. Take the music your likely to listen to with you.

3. It is firm, but bearable. Sadly i haven't been in a car with this option and it is something I would consider, but wasn't available on the 1.4. A demonstration through an audi dealer again would be your best option. Try it in the flesh rather then from opinions from the net, too many positive or negative may lead to an incorrect decision.

4. Sorry couldn't answer that one. If I was going for Quattro, I would consider going for the S3 sportback. In regards to the DSG I don't know.

Hope that helps!

[phil3103]

I must say I've got Quattro on mine and in the recent bad weather it's been absolutely superb. Total confidence in getting the power down. It's also excellent if you need a pull away quickly (getting out of a junction for example) when it's wet.

Never driven the DSG but not heard anyone say anything bad about it.

[onemanparty]

I have had an A3 2.0TDI DSG Sport - Would recommend if doing high mileage but I like Manual so for that reason I would also recommend quattro. The system (Haldex) has surprised me in the cold weather i.e. snow by being fantastic no problems at all.

You can have SAT NAV Plus with BOSE on THE 2.0tdi

Good luck in your quest

[mproudfoot]

Many thanks to all who have replied - it's certainly given me some thought, now leaning towards the Quattro rather than DSG (particular after yesterday where the weather was a bit foul and my X-Trail in FWD mode had issues with grip until i flicked it over to AWD). In fact I'm now aiming for:

A3 Sportback TDi170 S-Line Quattro
Leather/Alcantara
Technology Pack with AMI (Navigation Plus, Bluetooth and Music Interface)
Bose Sound System
Comfort pack (Cruise Control, light & rain sensor package)
Interior Light Package
Heated Front Seats
Privacy Glass

Not overly fussed with Xenons as I've had them on my last 3 cars as standard fit and i just find that they irritate other people and I'm fine with standard halogens.

cheers,

MP

[kodkod.84]

Do you not get Xenons/LED DRL as standard on the S-Line or is that only on the A4?

[mproudfoot]

It seems to be standard on the Black Edition (which is unavailable on the car scheme unfortunately) but not on the A3 S-Line. It's around £545 for the Xenon Plus or £1k for the adaptive version (according to the brochure).