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Fri 25 Jan 2008 13:34

roof rails and general space - Audinut

I'm looking to change my company car from an A3 3-door to a Sportback in the next few months.

I like the look of the streamlined aluminium roof rails that can be ordered as an option but wondered if anyone had any experience in using them as they may look good but as they fit flush with the roof are they much use and what roof boxes can be used with them etc.

Also wondered how practical it is in terms of boot space etc.

Not a very sexy question I know but have a young family now and really want to stay with Audi if I can as my current A3 is brilliant (can't afford an A4 Avant unfortunately).

Edited by Pugugly {P} on 25/01/2008 at 20:23

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Fri 25 Jan 2008 15:35

A3 sportback Roof Rails and General Space - daveyjp

Currently on my second Sportback - both 2.0TDi SE DSG, current one is 170PS, neither with roof rails!

We have a two year old and have never struggled for boot space. We do regular trips to family over 200 miles away and the boot easily takes everything we need. It will take two large holdalls and a Quinny Zapp pushchair without a problem.

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Fri 25 Jan 2008 18:22

A3 sportback Roof Rails and General Space - Avant

If they fit flush with the roof that's usually because they are designed to take fastenings for a roofbox - you'd need to check with a dealer.

Bear in mind that the Golf and Octavia estates have the same oily bits as the A3, but have much more room for a young family for a lot less money. I looked at an A3 and loved it, but the Golf estate made so much more sense and is just as good to drive - indeed I thought the handling of the A3, although perfectly OK, wasn't as sharp as the VW.

I'm not sure if the improvements that the Golf Mark V has over the Mark IV camew through to the A3. I think they did but it's worth checking.

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Fri 25 Jan 2008 20:14

A3 sportback Roof Rails and General Space - whoopwhoop

Currently have A3 Sportback WITH the roof rails and have Thule roof bars.

Very good option to spec - saves roof bars scratching the roof.

The base have a paid of mounting indentations on each side where the bars attach to very securely.

What else do you want to know?

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Tue 29 Jan 2008 15:18

A3 sportback Roof Rails and General Space - paul45

To answer a couple of questions - the current A3 was the first of the floorpans to be used for the golf V when it was introduced in 2003 (A3 that is).

Like WW I've got an A3 sportback with the aluminium roofrails fitted, asked the dealer for the price of the bars on friday cost was £220 inc. VAT. I had the rails fitted not for "lifestyle" reasons but because they broke up the totally black outline of the car.

I've never really struggled for space with this car but I recognise if you have a couple of kids and you're off on your hols you would probably need the extra storage.....

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