Choice between A3 1.9TDI and 1.6TDI - couple of quick questions

[aido]

After a bit of help please. I've just got the choice between two A3's on the company car list as follows: A3 1.9 SE TDIe A3 1.6 TDI They're supposed to be new orders so not sure how they are supposed to order the 1.9 as it's been discontinued - so guessing they've got old stock possibly? I just can't find anything saying what changed apart from the engine between the 09 and 10 models which I'm guessing the above are that is specific to the UK. Various US sites are saying that the 2010 models have some of the S-Line kit as standard now but I've found nothing mentioning that in the UK - is that the case or are we getting done over as usual? Economy wise the 1.6 seems the better option, but spec wise I can't find anything to say how they compare like for like - ie does the base 1.6 have some of the S-Line styling such as the bumpers etc? I've searched on various forums and all that seems to come up when searching for 2010 is stuff about the DRLs or the 1.6 engine. Have to admit I'd expected all of them to have the LED DRLs so just wondering whether it's worth forking out for them as an option seeing as the car will be handed back - probably not thinking about it that way (but then it does look much better I guess!) Thanks in advance

[aido]

Do any of you have any ideas please as I'll have to place the order in the next week or so?

[MFGF]

Hi,

The 1.6TDi comes with stop/start technology to reduce emissions, whereas the 1.9 did not. Otherwise, I haven't heard of any spec changes.

Given that you're getting this as a company car and your benefit-in-kind tax is calculated based on the CO2 emissions of the car, I'd say the 1.6 is the one to go for.

To be honest, if you want to spec the car in a particular colour with specific options, you may not be able to get a 1.9 anyway, as they are no longer being built.

Have fun ticking those option boxes!

MF.

[aido]

Hi mate, thanks for the reply

I spoke to the provider yesterday and they'd actually cocked the new list up so it's the 1.6 only, although they are looking to see if they can add the 5 door model as an option (currently it's just the 3 door).

I've got to admit I've been through that options list and so far I'll probably just go for the Xenons as I do like them a lot plus I get those nice LED DRLs as well then which I love on the Audi!

Other options are a BMW 116D and then the typical Golfs and Leons etc - I think I just need to head down to the garage and test drive them all to see what I think, I'm not fussed about performance in the company car as I've got the other car for the weekend

The only big negative I've got against the Audi is that the standard audio system doesn't seem to be MP3 compatible which is a shame, and probably another thing I'd look to get upgraded - is it worth paying out for the all singing, all dancing version?

[MFGF]

The only big negative I've got against the Audi is that the standard audio system doesn't seem to be MP3 compatible which is a shame, and probably another thing I'd look to get upgraded - is it worth paying out for the all singing, all dancing version?

The Chorus headunit doesn't play MP3 CDs, but the Concert unit does (£220) and the Symphony does too - all 6 disks (£485). Alternatively you could go for the iPod Connection or USB connection (£180). Neither of the latter two will display track titles/artists on the headunit, but are cheaper than having to get the Nav Plus and AMI to give full iPod/USB functionality.

MF.

[onemanparty]

I would ask if the 2.0tdi will be added to your company car list as it 115g/km now so RV will be stronger due to resale value 13% BIK and lower road fund license. If not I would recommend the 1.6tdi Common Rail over the old 1.9tdi PD - No Sline kit as standard in the UK. But there are upgrade offers only on 1.8tfsi and 2.0tdi

[onemanparty]

After a bit of help please. I've just got the choice between two A3's on the company car list as follows: A3 1.9 SE TDIe A3 1.6 TDI They're supposed to be new orders so not sure how they are supposed to order the 1.9 as it's been discontinued - so guessing they've got old stock possibly? I just can't find anything saying what changed apart from the engine between the 09 and 10 models which I'm guessing the above are that is specific to the UK. Various US sites are saying that the 2010 models have some of the S-Line kit as standard now but I've found nothing mentioning that in the UK - is that the case or are we getting done over as usual? Economy wise the 1.6 seems the better option, but spec wise I can't find anything to say how they compare like for like - ie does the base 1.6 have some of the S-Line styling such as the bumpers etc? I've searched on various forums and all that seems to come up when searching for 2010 is stuff about the DRLs or the 1.6 engine. Have to admit I'd expected all of them to have the LED DRLs so just wondering whether it's worth forking out for them as an option seeing as the car will be handed back - probably not thinking about it that way (but then it does look much better I guess!) Thanks in advance

Also I see Audi have released the 1.6TDI 99g/km - I think we will see alot of VW Golf Bluemotion owners swopping soon