I've just bought an A3. It's a 2.0d (140) and gives pretty good mpg. Dealer was very good (the adjacent VW dealer was very arrogant and dismissive last time I was in there). It just lacks that touch of 'character'.
(I'm not missing my Pug coupe at all!!!!!)
|
|
|
Chris - that was my initial feeling. I'm 5'10" but well-built, so will I be OK in the A3?
Apparently, the chipping thing is to do with the modern water-based paints being softer, so I'd imagine it's the same on most if not all cars.
My wife seems quite happy with the idea of a Golf but I still think she's after an Audi for the badge (which in some ways surprises me as she's not into cars).
I'd rather run the A4 for another year or two but now might be a good time to change.
And if I do sell the A4 I'll put on the classifieds here first because I'd want it to go to a good home!
|
|
I'm 6' 2" and have no problem fitting in my A3.
|
|
I have to admit, from those three, I would take the Golf. The A3s I have driven feel like someone has either forgotten to fit springs or fitted square wheels. I also find them very cramped, which probably has more to do with the small window area than the amount of actual space. Whenever I drive a Golf, I always wonder why I need anything else. As well as an excellent ride/ handling compromise the Mark 6 even has the benefit of attractive styling.
|
I have to admit from those three I would take the Golf....... Mark 6 even has the benefit of attractive styling.
I agree with all this however VW has reliability considerations. If only they had the reliability of, say, a Toyota, as the latter keep on goinggggggggggggggggg on and on and never stop!!!!
|
I agree with all this however VW has reliability considerations. If only they had the reliability of say a Toyota
In the latest German ADAC reliability statistics, the Golf actually comes ahead of the Auris. Weirdly, the Golf Plus does better than the normal Golf. Don't have a link to the report I'm afraid, I bought it at a newsagent.
|
We have the Golf VI with the 122 TSi engine and we're very pleased with it, I've had 2 A4s (B5 and B7) but think that the current A3 looks dated and a bit 'unhappy' as a 5 door too.
The 122 TSi engine is currently on 5 months back order from VW so you might get a car quicker from Audi, also most dealers chuckled at the DtD price (although we did get some discount and a good trade-in) when we bought last Dec.
Can't comment on the Golf's quality yet, however so far the perceived quality (interior, paintwork, door 'thunk') is very good, on a par with their Audi brethren (judging from my previous A4 B7).
I've never been in a Leon so can't comment on that car.
|
Thanks, i_c, that's useful. I know the engine is in short supply but. I'd order well in advance anyway.
I'll try and drag my wife to the dealers this morning (after she's been to the dentist!)
|
Volvo V50?
I moved from an octavia to V50 last year. Still wanted an Octavia Scout. Local dealer was very good and on Saturday gave us the Scout for the morning. Great space wise but comfort and driving is not a patch on the Volvo. Also recently drove 2009 Outback (ok but dated and pricy for obsolete model) and diesel Forester(short seat base made it un comfy) so think will stick with the Volvo which is a comfy car, lovely to drive but tight on space in boot.
Also some good deals to be had at Volvo dealers.
Edited by loskie on 16/02/2010 at 10:00
|
Well Im 6"4 and fit into the A3 with no problems. to me there seems to be plenty of space so i think it should take a "well built" type of bloke.
Some of the comments people have posted are true though. The ride is firm (We have normal suspension and 16" wheels) and I also notice how firm our cars ride is when i derive another model.
The waiting lists are a consideration. I believe you are looking at 6 months for a 1.4TSI from audi unless you are prepared to take a stock car.
The Audi always feels that little bit more special when you get into it, although im clearly biased and haven't sat in a Mk6 Golf.
|
Well, we went to the local VW dealers today, had a test drive of the Golf 1.4TSi SE and my wife was very impressed. More so than me if truth be told - the car seemed good but nothing special, but maybe I'm expecting too much. Nice interior, quite spacious, good build quality, pretty quiet, pulled well. But .. the much-acclaimed engine was a bit of a disappointment, obviously better than an 'ordinary' 1.4 petrol, but lacked the low-down torque of the VAG diesels. But the engine was very smooth and quiet - once I turned the key I had to check the rev counter to make sure the engine was running!
Incidentally, the service from the VW dealer (Listers Evesham) was excellent - no hard sell but enthusiastic about the car.
SWMBO wants one (having turned up her nose beforehand), but we'll have a look at the A3 tomorrow just to be sure.
I'm still unsure about replacing our trusty A4!!!
Will post updates if anyon'e interested.
|
SWMBO wants one
That's precisely where our deliberations ended.... in the end my wife (who's car is is) likes Golfs - the brand image, relative classlessness etc and anything else is (in her mind) a compromise.
We were replacing her Civic 2.2 CTDi (much earlier than planned but that's a different thread) and so initially looked at the 2.0 CR TDi, it drives very well but this is our second car and does mostly short journeys and around 5K miles pa so we discounted diesel Golfs due to the obligatory fitment of DPFs.
Edited by idle_chatterer on 17/02/2010 at 21:39
|
|
Shame the Skoda isn't on the list - it's better value for money than anything else in the VAG stable.
|
Shame the Skoda isn't on the list - it's better value for money than anything else in the VAG stable.
Not a chance! My wife was reluctant to even look at the Golf (though she liked it when we did) and wouldn't contemplate the Leon.
We looked at, but didn't drive, an A3 Sportback the other day and it does seem to exude more class and quality than the Golf. The SE is specced differently but when comparing like with like on dtd the A3 is only about £200 more than the Golf.
But, to put the cat amongst the pigeons, I showed my wife some pics of the upcoming A1 and now she wants one of these!
Incidentally, if we do go down the Golf/A3 route we're looking at either the 1.4 122PS petrol or 1.6 TDi 105 PS diesel. Does anyone have any experience of this diesel engine? She does about 10,000 miles a year and we'd probably keep the car for 10 years.
Thanks
Pat
|
|
If you want a 1.4 122PS turbo engine then you may have a long wait. But at that mileage it does not justify a diesel engine IMO.
|
rtj - I'm aware of the wait for the 122PS engine but we'd want the car for September delivery so not a problem hopefully. And yes, re mileage that's my thinking also, but having two diesels now we've got used to the torque and like the diesel power delivery. But the 1.4 Golf was certainly no slouch and was relaxed at 70mph (approx 2,400rpm according to rev counter).
The 1.6 diesel would cost about £500 more (dtd prices) but would probably deliver at least 10mpg more, which over 10 years is considerable.
|
The A3 is leaps ahead of Golf in terms of quality and feel. (though I agree the current model is due for replacement)
It's a myth that just because Audis are based on the same basic platform as other VAG cars, that there is no difference. Whether the difference is worth the premium, is a different (& personal) matter.
As for Skoda and Seat..... they may be good cars, but they are simply not in the same league (and nor do they aim or pretend to be).
|
It's a myth that just because Audis are based on the same basic platform >> as other VAG cars, that there is no difference. Whether the difference is >> worth the premium, is a different (& personal) matter.
Out of interest, what are the differences?
|
Out of interest, what are the differences?
Depends. There is a lot of sharing under the covers including actual platforms, engines, tranmissions, etc.
The interior of an Audi is probably better designed ergonomically and may be better put together.
|
We are VAG independent specialists and I work on these cars day in and day out.
There is not really very much fundamental difference at all between the VAG PQ35 platform cars (A3, Octavia, Leon, Golf V and VI) etc.
Numerous parts are the same, includiuing most suspension, steering, powertrain and electronics and VAG concentrate on differentiation through styling and specification (options etc).
The Audis tend to have more soundproofing and a slightly smarter finish to the trim. I used to think the seats were different, but since we have had some seats out of cars I've discovered that (depending on trim level) the seat frames are actually the same and its the material finish that is different.
I dont think there is any difference in reliability (I've not noticed it). I would say bodyshell finish is slightly better on Audi and Skoda than VW and Seat, but theres not much in it really.
In terms of all this guff about 'quality' they are much of a muchness. The important parts are mostly identical and the cars may be built in different countries, but the production lines are the same and all run the same. An Audi is basically a badge engineerd Skoda (or vice versa) and on some models there is the irony that there is less German parts content in a TT (made in hungary) than an Octavia!
They are all decent cars though, you best look at them all and decide which shape and spec you like and how much you want to pay for it.
Incidentally, the Golf 6 is really something of a facelift of the 5. It uses the same platform, the side pressing and roof is the same, as is suspension, wheelbase etc etc.
2008-on A3 is a decent enough car. One of few things I dont like about it is the rear indicators are almost dangerously small in my opinion and not that easy to see in sunlight.
|
Incidentally, the Golf 6 is really something of a facelift of the 5. It uses the same platform, the side pressing and roof is the same, as is suspension, wheelbase etc etc.
The Golf VI will soon be replaced. Not that soon but it's a stop gap to cut costs due to the build time for the Golf V which meant the cars took to long to make.
But I wonder if the new Audi A3 will be based on a PQ35 platform or a new one. VAG tend to release new platforms on a lower volume platform than the Golf so is often say an Audi.
|
Thanks, WT, useful info.
As our A4 is due a cambelt/tensioner/waterpump change this summer we may delay the vehicle change until next year. It'll need doing whether or not we change the car. It also needs new front tyres.
|
|
According to press reports, the Golf 7 will be launched in September 2012. It, and the next A3 (due 2011), are to be based on VW Group's new MQB "component matrix" - first used on the new Sharan launched at the Geneva Motor Show this month.
|
|
The Golf VI is based on the Golf V platform (PQ35). They came out with a revised model to cut production costs. So it would always be short lived.
|
|
Going by looks, the Golf Mk6 is the prettiest of the trio.
|
The Golf VI is based on the Golf V platform (PQ35). They came out with a revised model to cut production costs. So it would always be short lived.
The Golf 6 was launched in October 2008. If the Golf 7 is launched in September 2012, that'll be a 4-year lifespan - only one year less than the Golf 5 (October 2003 to October 2008).
|
|
|
