A quick straw poll, I have the opportunity to change from an Audi A3 2.0 Tdi SE Sportback (which I've had from new since March this year) to a new Ford Focus 2.0 Tdci Titanium Estate ..... very simple question, keep the Audi or swap for the Focus?

Audi Pros: build quality, strong engine, image

Audi Cons: small boot, poor spec, new model just released

Ford Pros: bigger interior and boot, lots of 'toys', newer, handling

Ford Cons: questionable quality, awkward looks

What's the verdict?

I'd stick with the Audi although I'm not sure I'd put the image as a pro

A3 everytime for me and get it re-mapped if it's not already!

oohhhhh you're in Hants, whereabouts?

Image is subjective I guess ...... but generally Audi has a better image than Ford imo.

Change to a ford??????? a ford???????? the tdci is now the citroen HDI lump you know!!!!! Known faults are as follows

1: Being Crap

2: Top pulley falls of

3: Turbos fail regularly and take engines with them

4: Soft heads

5: Being crap

has the engine in the Ford being crap been mentioned yet?!

I should add that this is a company funded vehicle so running costs etc is not a consideration.

.... the engine in the car I've test driven was pretty sweet tbh?

6: they're crap.

I should add that this is a company funded vehicle so running costs etc is not a consideration.

.... the engine in the car I've test driven was pretty sweet tbh?

oh yes while they are running they are quite nice to drive, but nice to drive and nice to live with are very different things. When its constantly at the dealers getting "that bloody light put out" or cos it wont start, or the doors have locked you out.

taxi drivers who livenear me had these engines and they seem refined economical and pokey......... briefly.

The audi has that ehr of professionalism the ford has one of im 60 and i had the extra £200 deposit to get the titanium on my DLA.

Audi!

Ford, had a few and no probs with reliabilty or build quality. The interior of the new focus is awesome.

Ive had Ford Diesels and the torque figures are impressive. They are quiet too. If its not your car and no payment is made, its always nice to have a change too!

Edited 23 June, 201213 yr by OCScene

Audi. No competition.

What don't you like about Audi that makes you even think about the change?

My mother in law has a focus 1.8 tdci and has done 70,000 (odd) miles in 2 years. Only fault it's had is split boost pipe which is a common fault where it splits.

Got to say I'm impressed with that car but it's still got to be the Audi any day.

Odd we've got two foci TDCI one a 1.8 and one a 1.6 and have access to a 2.0 (which is sweet) and they're a lot more reliable than the VAG cars.

Would I change, that's down to you Steve, but the focus is a good car these days.

Audi without a second thought for me.

What don't you like about Audi that makes you even think about the change?

It's too small as family car and there ain't much kit on it (hate being without cruise control) and its a bit long in the tooth now..... it is well screwed together though.

What's the verdict?

For my it would be the Focus without doubt, I can't live with Audi's understeer and lack of feel compared to the Ford, for me the seat is not quite right in the A3, I'd not be to keen on a VAG DPF either, but if it were between the Leon & the Focus, then I maybe tempted into the Leon. .

A3's look a bit boring and plain to me.

Though I wish I could go and get one with that V6 3.2 engine in it...........

Edited 4 July, 201213 yr by g_tee

A3's look a bit boring and plain to me.

Agreed, which is one of the reasons I decided to go for the Focus which I've now been driving for a couple of days and so far have been very impressed with ride and handling + loads of 'toys' to keep you amused.

Makes the Audi look very dated and poorly equipped IMO.

pop a few pic's up then.

Agreed, which is one of the reasons I decided to go for the Focus which I've now been driving for a couple of days and so far have been very impressed with ride and handling + loads of 'toys' to keep you amused.

Makes the Audi look very dated and poorly equipped IMO.

I want the Focus ST that's coming out later this year. A lot of the purists have slated it for missing a cylinder and only having 5 doors, but I think the package is hard to beat: -

2.0T 247hp 0-60 in 6.5s (various claims) and 39.2 combined, oh and it's a fair few grand cheaper than a GTI...

Edited 4 July, 201213 yr by g_tee

pop a few pic's up then.

Are you nuts Mike, I'd get slaughtered on here for doing that! :p

Son has a audi a3 2.0 tdi sportback se and full leather interior an amazing car sooo much better than a ford imo

Audi - purely for residual value, but since it's company funded that it doesn't matter

Edited 4 July, 201213 yr by My_Yeti