Possible design fault.

[Smartpainter]

While driving through heavy rain recently I've noticed that the rain from the front screen is cleared by the wipers but directed to the right side of the screen where I'm finding it's blowing round the A pillar to the drivers door window. The problem is that it obscures the rear view through the door mirror and makes changing lane on the motorway very difficult. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm wondering if using rain-x is making it worse.

[Boro Boy]

This used to occur with my Mini, but with the A3 there is a groove along the A pillar to direct the water up and over the roof, when travelling at speed above about 30 mph. Check that this is not blocked.

[simonc6875]

I've just ordered a new S3 sportback, and i was just wondering if the handbrake design is a design fault. I thought that on the s3 i test drove the handbrake was impaired by the arm rest, i know that the arm rest moves up but when its down found it difficult to pull the handbrake right up without knocking in to the armrest.

Are all A3's the same, I changing from a new style a4 which has an automatic handbrake will take bit of time too get use to.

[Goatbasket]

Agreed, I think the ergonomics department weren't paying attention when they okayed the design of the whole area between the front seats. The armrest gets in the way of the handbrake - I can raise the armrest a little, but the ratchet mechanism on my A3 sportback is a bit hit and miss. Also I find I have to reach round rather awkwardly to the left of the armrest to operate the gear lever. Furthermore when the passenger seat is right forward (I often carry long loads) the passenger seat belt stalk gets in the way too. Fortunately the rest of the car is great, so I can put up with the odd quirk or two.

[pon]

The handbrake was probably designed for left hand drive and not redesigned or changed for right hand drive

[onemanparty]

I've just ordered a new S3 sportback, and i was just wondering if the handbrake design is a design fault. I thought that on the s3 i test drove the handbrake was impaired by the arm rest, i know that the arm rest moves up but when its down found it difficult to pull the handbrake right up without knocking in to the armrest.

Are all A3's the same, I changing from a new style a4 which has an automatic handbrake will take bit of time too get use to.

Yes all A3's are the same. There will be no plans to update to the A4 Style Handbrake until the New A3 in 2011 me thinks!!!

I also have an S3 Sportback on order and that is the only fault with the car

[Smartpainter]

This used to occur with my Mini, but with the A3 there is a groove along the A pillar to direct the water up and over the roof, when travelling at speed above about 30 mph. Check that this is not blocked.

Thanks. I'll check the groove. Some trees nearby have been shedding seed pods so it is quite possible they clogged up the groove. They managed to completely block the gutters on the house next door.

As for the arm rest and handbrake lever, definate design fault. The ratchet system will not engage until the arm rest is at the lowest position and that's not possible if the handbrake is on. But having the hill hold assist option does mean the handbrake is used less. Or would be if hill hold assist worked everytime. Instead, it has a mind of it's own and only occasionally works when you need it.