I've been looking around at a replacement for my 2014 Yeti, that this time around will be a petrol. I had thought of a Karoq as I had seen one in the flesh a while ago and was initially impressed, so I have searched  the car broker websites and been into my local dealer. What a shock. The Yeti has character and as nice as the Karoq is it is lacking in this area so I looked further afield. I can go a little smaller so long as I can still tow my 1200kg caravan so looked at Golf and Audi A3. To get to the point, I can get a factory built A3 Sportback with a similar or higher spec with same engine than the Karoq for about £2K less and have it through 6/10 weeks sooner. The inside is smaller but the interior is a very nice place to sit in. This means a £4K discount if PCP deal is taken out. What am I missing?

 

Colin

The YETI !

Must admit, I have been looking at an A3  "sport back" as my next car. I recently had a Rapid 1.0ltr "on loan" when my Yeti was in for some warranty work and I was very impressed with the engine, but I was looking for something a little more "higher spec" as a car. Not sure when I will be changing as I have not had my Yeti for 12 months yet. (It was purchased with the main intention of towing a larger caravan, but have decided not to bother with another caravan at the mo, so the Yeti, while being a nice car is a bit "OTT" for our current usage).

I've had a few Audis (well still got one) and the A3 is a nice car and not too big.

 

Obviously you won't have the higher seating position and the ease that provides when getting in and out but if it's going to do what you want and you like it then go for it.

 

The lack of character of the Karoq and the problems they are having with the 1.5 TSI when pulling away means I'm not rushing into getting one. 

^^^?

Are there reports of any WLTP Approved with a GPF MY19 1.5 TSI Manuals or DSG's having 'pulling away' issues?

If it doesn’t come with a GPF yet, it might be worth grabbing?.

Ground clearance?.

Turning circle?.

Less weight and aero drag with better motorway economy.

There is a new smaller 2wd suv coming based on Polo. This will be petrol only in UK.

looks a bit more like the Yeti to get the space inside.

Skida no doubt will have a similar car soon

WLTP ??

GPF MY19 ????

 

WTF....sorry for being dull, what does this mean?

Stubod, I was just thinking the same thing!

 

New cars first registered from September require to be WLTP Approved unless built before June 2018,  so relevant if buying a new car.

That is the World Wide Harmonise Tests that the Whole World are not caring about but done in the EU now.

 

GPF's are Gasoline Particulate Filters that any VW Group petrol engine car will have if WLTP approved. Some other manufacturers petrols will have as well.

 

Not related to the YETI just new cars maybe replacing one.

Hi and many thanks for clarifying...I have been educated!!

18 hours ago, Offski said:

^^^?

Are there reports of any WLTP Approved with a GPF MY19 1.5 TSI Manuals or DSG's having 'pulling away' issues?

 

My train of thought is that as there isn't a fix yet (Karoq SE L first gear issues) for the pre WLTP cars then I'm assuming the worse case scenario that the WLTP/GPF cars could possibly have the same fault.

 

I shall wait well into next year to see whether that is the case or not and will certainly not commit to buying until I know that it is no longer an issue. Whilst not a big fan of the Karoq's looks there is nothing else that really appeals at the moment so it is still the No. 1 choice.

Edited 22 November, 20187 yr by VAGCF

If they are supplying with a known fault after having had to get new engine management to achieve the WLTP certification VW are not getting any brighter. 

Edited 22 November, 20187 yr by Offski

I think we can take that as a given!

Can I get chips and chilli sauce with that?

Just had an update from the dealer and it stands out a mile where VAG has Skoda in the pecking order for the supply of 1.5tsi engines. 

I placed order on 24th Nov for the Audi and have been given a confirmed build week 3, week commencing 14th Jan with delivery for new reg in March.  

When I approached my local Skoda dealer before placing the Audi order he shrugged his shoulders on when a built to order 1.5tsi Karoq would be available.

 

Colin

A higher spec Audi A3 for £4,000 less than a lower spec Skoda Karoq, really?

 

What trim levels were you comparing and what were the prices either side of the £4K?

'Dealers' might find orders for 1.5 TSI Manuals being cancelled unless 'VW, Skoda, Audi & SEAT address the Elephant in the room that they seem to want to ignore.

Kangarooing,  maybe just affecting a few, but then VW are not handling 'Expectations' well.

52 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

A higher spec Audi A3 for £4,000 less than a lower spec Skoda Karoq, really?

 

What trim levels were you comparing and what were the prices either side of the £4K?

I did say about £2K less as a result of £4K discount and pcp deal. The spec is as follows:-

A3 Sportback Sport - 35tsi 6 speed manual - 150bhp petrol

Monsoon Grey Metallic, Black twin leather, factory towbar, aluminium roof rails, heated front seats, parking system plus, front and rear flaps, boot liner.

List £27,600, actual price £23,100

 

Colin

 

As Offski alluded to above I'd want to be sure that when delivered it doesn't suffer with the kangarooing when pulling away and the mild lurching at higher speeds that some folks (and increasing) are reporting especially as you are going to be pulling a caravan! That could be a nightmare!

 

Other than that it looks like a really good deal.

Edited 6 December, 20187 yr by VAGCF

12 hours ago, eribaMotters said:

I did say about £2K less as a result of £4K discount and pcp deal. The spec is as follows:-

A3 Sportback Sport - 35tsi 6 speed manual - 150bhp petrol

Monsoon Grey Metallic, Black twin leather, factory towbar, aluminium roof rails, heated front seats, parking system plus, front and rear flaps, boot liner.

List £27,600, actual price £23,100

 

Colin

 

 

It is a good deal. I'd imagine an Audi A3 interior is a nicer place to be.

 

A Kodiaq SE L 1.5 TSI 150PS manual with metallic paint, tow bar, leather and park assist (to get the front sensors) added as options (heated front seats standard) comes in at £27,400, almost bang-on the same money as the Audi (list)...

 

 

Minus the £2,000 deposit contribution...

 

 

...takes it down to £25,400.

 

Question is would a Skoda dealer find a further £2K discount for you to match Audi. Should be doable, but then I think I'd prefer the Audi anyway. I'd be wanting to pay a good chunk less for an equivalent Skoda, and that's not factoring in the ludicrous Skoda lead-times.

 

Edited 7 December, 20187 yr by silver1011

Why would anybody RISK buying a vag 1.5 tsi when no solution to the problem of pulling away smoothly has been found?

Despite my moans in open forums and private conversations the VAG group to me offers the best choice of vehicles. As much as I like diesels I would kill the dpf around town and so have to go petrol. The 1.0 does not meet my needs and the 2.0 would be overkill. I'm not into speed or high insurance and running costs. Therefore it is the 1.5tsi and hopefully the correct software for it to pull away smoothly.

 

Colin