So here's the thing.....just got SWMBO a 7 seater MPV so we don't really have the need for 2 large cars.

My A6 is a lovely car....not as quick as I'd like but more than adequate..only 140 pd diesel. It's large and can be pain on the motorway when the lanes are reduced in width....also have a dendency to attract tailgating tw*ts.

So I've found an A3 Sportback...S-line Special Edition....quattro...red/black leather...colour sta nav...170 pd diesel...RS4 alloys...BOSE...so pretty much matches the spec of my A6.

It's Akoya Silver whereas the A6 is Atlas Grey.

Now I'm wondering whether I'll miss the "extra prestige" of the A6....yes...a bit snobby...I know.

I'm sure it'll be quicker than the A6 and space will be a little bit better than my old Octy....apart from the boot.

It'll be cheaper to insure and probably..if not less...running costs.

So what you reckon?

DON'T DO IT!!! I've seen the special edition in the blue, and yes it looks good... but its a step down in quality and prestige, and a compromise that I don't think is worth it.

Depends on cost to change Does it have to be an Audi? :P

Chris

I voted A6.

A3, don't really like them + the ability to cruise is good.

If you must go smaller, go for something like a 2 seater (for you and Christian) or a small hot hatch.

JM2PW

A6

A step down in prestige, take your heads out your @rses! You either like it or you dont, you shouldnt own something to impress others or pretend you are something your not, own it because you like it!

I'm not on about the toffee nosed part of it... but I know my Passat is a classier place to sit in terms of materials, comfort, feel etc than an Octavia/Superb... Going from A6 to A3 is a substantial drop down in quality.

Couldn't care less what "The Jones's" think

but I know my Passat is a classier place to sit in terms of materials, comfort, feel etc than an Octavia/Superb

Still leaks water inside like a Superb

So just quality then not prestige :confused:

& I mentioned nothing about "prestige" - I've driven both and the A6 is a nicer place to sit for 5-6 hours per day, which was the criteria I was using.

wasnt directed at you

So just quality then not prestige :confused:

Yes. Prestige isn't the right word really. Ho hum, human and all that.

Is it the new shape A6?

Is it the new shape A6?

Yep....should be some pics in the members cars section.

It's an S-Line.

Why not compromise. Get an Audi RS4. Power, presteige, definatley good looks and one of the best sounding V8's going..............starting to dribble!!!! :P

Thanks for the replies.

I did originally want an A3 Sportback but SWMBO said it was too small....hence A6. It is a lovely car....handles well for something so big and diesel punch is good. Excellent motorway cruiser. Interior is just sublime and it has real presense on the road.

Now we have the Verso we don't need another large car but it does need to be able to handle the 2 kiddies and the Wife.

Got a 24 hour test drive booked for the A3...so we'll see.

Keep the comments coming.

P.S: RS4 is nice...but too heavy on fuel and running costs. Oh...and well out of budget. Also the rear space is too tight....A3 Sportback has much better access and space.

Vote for the A3

The boss has an A6 and it is c**p always breaking down rattles and squeaks and is only 2 years old, and visits the dealer on a weekly bases.

Have you been in the A3 Adrian? Because I don't believe for one minute that you have if you think the interior is anywhere near the same standard as that in the A6...

Sorry, thats harsh - but I really HATED the interior of the A3. Loved the A6.

Have you been in the A3 Adrian? Because I don't believe for one minute that you have if you think the interior is anywhere near the same standard as that in the A6...

Sorry, thats harsh - but I really HATED the interior of the A3. Loved the A6.

Been in the A3 a fair few times.....it isn't in the same class as the A6....the colour sat nav is a must to spruce it up as well as the 2 tone leather.

That is one of my concerns...it is a bit snobby but...the interior is where you spend all of your time when driving and it has to have that "feel good" factor to it.

One of the reason I didn't consider a new Octy RS was the interior...Skoda just hadn't moved their game on IMHO.

Of course there's other factors likes performance, economy, running costs and space.

We'll see what the test drive brings up.

Had a test drive for a few hours on Saturday.

Avus silver exterior which is kind of a blue/gery silver, but this didn't seem to go with the black and red leather interior....so one demerit there.

Interior as expected wasn't upto the standard as my A6. I think I could have loived with that but there was no BT connection to the command/nav centre and no remote controls on the steering which was a major suprise. I also couldn't get 100% comfortable....there was no under thigh extension to the seats...they just didn't hold me as well as the A6 seats.

Space was fine though. Another demerit for the A3 though.

Performance from the 170 engine was good....initially sounds purposeful but ultimately gets too loud and rough. Handling was good enough but I didn't get to sample the "quattro". Ride was a bit active which probably contributed to my whiplash acting up later.

Although I enjoyed the drive in the end I'm sure this isn't the car I thought it'd be. Plus with the extrra out lay in cash it's not worth me to change to it.

I think I may turn my attention to an A4...quattro with either the 170 pd or the 3.0 PD. Although SWMBO did say I could look into 2 seaters.:eek:

Thanks for everyone's input.

I'm in no way suprised about any part of your review.

Why the change from the A6? Is it just the power thats disappointing you? (Not going to recommend a map, just curious!)

I'm in no way suprised about any part of your review.

Why the change from the A6? Is it just the power thats disappointing you? (Not going to recommend a map, just curious!)

More power would be nice but that's not the reason.....I just got Wifey a 7-seater MPV so we dont' really need 2 large cars now.

I'm a single lad - I don't NEED an estate, its just nice! You simply don't get the quality feel of the Passat in a Golf.

An A4 might be a good compromise, but if your spending

We used to have an A6, though it was the old shape. I loved it, and would have had another if we hadn't gone and got the truck for load lugging. The interior was beautiful, although not the most practicle colour (beige cloth). Although we spent far more than our fair share of time at the dealers (Leicester Audi....a good bunch really!) It never actually gave up on us, and was always a really comfortable car, and a pleasure to do long (5hr+) trips in. It only had a 110 tdi, but it coped, and could do around 45-50mpg.

A3 is nice, but not in the same league as the A6. My mum has an A3, and I prefer the interior of our L&K. Its little things, like the exposed ISO seat points in the A3 that let it down slightly. The Octy has neat little zip covers, and it looks/feels so much nicer.

Stick with the A6!

Phil

This is not difficult at all Adrian:)

We just invested in an X trail as the family truck (and it is just soooo brilliant:thumbup: ) which left the question of the 'spare' car i.e,mine

Had to be a two seater.

That S2000 could be sitting on your drive very soon(I couldn't afford one of those:( )

Will await the 'which proper sports two seater should I buy' thread:D