Anyone had a go in one of these? what do you think of it?

I really like the look of these cars, they look really nice and just do it for me:)

it would be the 170 diesel I would be looking for but as they only introduced this engine from 06 onwards I'm not sure if it will fall into my price range yet.

I wonder what they would be like in comparision with the Fab VRS. I know the quality of the ride will be improved and the interior improved also. How do they handle?

I would love to have a Qauttro, is it the proper quattro or is it the cheaper cousin of it....I know they throw the badge around a bit and there are 2 versions. any one know?

thanks in advance

I recently had a test drive of the Sportback 170 quattro.

Engine had a nice kick but was quite coarse in sound. Handling was pretty sure footed although the rde was a little too stiff for my liking.

I must admit to being diappointed in the interior..but coming from an A6 S-line that's understandable.

I'm sure though had I looked to change from my previous Octavia I wouldn't have been that bothered.

If it has the colour sat nav and mmi command then it looks better.

Standard of fit and finish where typically good.

quattro is the same as Octavia..Haldex...fwd most of the time only shifting to 4wd when required.

We've just swapped the Wife's Ibiza PD130 for a A3 2.0 TDI Sport (140 non-quattro). Handling is leagues ahead of the Ibiza and with much better ride. Interior is very very nice especially now I've added OEM sat nav which is brilliant to use and can play MP3's from SD cards.

The engine sounds better than the old PD130 in my opinion, can't really compare performance as the Ibiza was remapped and this is standard.

Colleague at work went for the 2.0TDi 140 SE Sportback. He tried the S line but found the ride very harsh so selected the SE and chose some options (leather sports seats being one).

The interior is lovely, it really is. The car rides very well but is not really much quieter than the VW Golfs we have with the same engine.

The problem with VAG though is because they share platforms and engines it draws away from the 'exclusivity' of the premium Audi brand, i.e. you can get that TDi140 in all the Octavias, let alone the Jettas and Golfs.

Brother-in-law has the non 4x4 A3 S-Line with the 170 diesel. Loves it to bits. My sis thinks it's too fast and a bit scary for her.