Audi A3 to a Golf GTi/GTD

[mjh_056]

In last 5 years both my cars have been A3 S Line Manual 3 Door Hatchback 2.0TDi 170 BHP Quattro which have combined performance with economy so well and given I have been more than happy then my next choice would be very simple you would think, just spec up another A3 with a little adjustment to some future preferences.

Which is exxactly what did and was pretty much ready to order this

1.2.0 TDi 150 BHP Sportstronic S Line
2.Glacier White
3.SD Sat Nav
4.Interior Light Pack
5.Comfort Pack
6.Folding Wing Mirrors
7.Retain Sport Suspension

BUT! Along comes the MK7 GTi/GTD with all it's standard options and in my opinion improved styling over MK6 and it has stopped me in tracks and has me seriously considering changing over

The more likely order is the GTD as it is pretty close to the performance/economy balance already experiencing and allows me to option the DSG (The wife really wants this as an option) and Sat Nav where as the GTi would be the  manual out of the box of which I have not quite yet eliminated as the Red Stripe and Red Tartan seating no matter the denial does have that extra appeal and when add in the additional performance it is hard to let head rule heart!
 
Also going for the 5 door on Golf as think it does not detract from style at all and it has been more of a pain than imagine getting passengers in and out of 3 door no matter how love the lines on A3 Hatchback.

So my likely order is -

1.   Gti Manual/GTD DSG 5 Door
2.   Pure White
3.   Discover Navigation
4.   Winter Pack

Everything else is a standard option!

I am going to avoid the stereo upgrade as did that in my A3 with Bose and never feel I get full benefit over the standard in my previous A3 and was tempted by active suspension but from what read the standard ride is pretty good and coming from an 8P with S Line suspension pretty sure it is going to be better on them potted roads than experience now.

A small concern is the start/stop with DSG, it does not bother me with my manual at all, but seems you need to adapt style with a DSG so it does not kick in all the time - Seems many have overcome quite readily and it would be same with Audi and Stronic, so it is not a blocker, just a wonder to how I would personally adapt (Should be option to disable completely, it is not a safety feature, with economy is drivers choice)

Having read through this forum I think you have all with great insight have covered most questions I would have with the only one like to ask at moment is to all those who have moved from A3 to GTi/GTD in what you feel you have gained and also maybe lost/miss? 

This is so obviously the place to be to be enabled to make the most informed decision and look forward to reading the many posts to come as the MK7 GTi/GTD takes it's place in UK   

[Sootchucker]

Welcome bud.

I was in the same position as you, and had pretty much spec'd up my A3 Sportback 2.0TDI S-Line S-Tronic, but just couldn't get the deal I wanted from the Audi dealers, who for the most part (but not all), were total arrogant ba5sards !!

In dropped the GTD and to be honest even though I dont own the car yet, I already feel better about the deal, having negotiated a deal vastly superior to that from Audi. Couple with that as beautiful as the A3 is, I actually think the 5 door Golf is better looking than the Sportback (i.e. doesn't look like an estate).

Don't worry about the stop start system. I've had it for the last 2 1/2 years on my DSG Scirocco, and to be honest I hardly notice it any more - you do adapt very quickly to it with DSG.

[ROO1]

GTD is less per month on PCP than the GT..

[mjh_056]

Having done my final research and that includes of the soul to! and head won as too much saved against lost - So It is the GTD and I am actually ordering now and stuck on most ridiculous thing, 'Smokers Pack' ??! - No one I know smokes including me so not an option to choose except what does it leave in it's place if not choose? A large gap? Or is the ashtray useful for change etc and fills a gap? - What looks better?

Also it says the MFD screen in colour is an option? thought it was standard?

My order is

1. 5 door GTD DSG
2. Pure White
3. Discover navigation + European map data
4. Climate comfort windscreen (Even if just clears mist quickly, worth every penny as drives me nuts!)
5. Winter Pack
6. Smoker Pack???
7. Multi function display colour screen
8. Unlike Audi rest standard )

[matchboy]

MFD colour is standard 100% on GTI/GTD.

[mjh_056]

Just been on the VW site and Multifunction Colour Display is a £135 Option on both GTi and GTD - I too thought it was standard, convinced, but seems not as it's on my order system as an option and main site to.

Just smokers pack now, and tempted to just order it even if never used for that purpose.


 

[matchboy]

Just been on the VW site and Multifunction Colour Display is a £135 Option on both GTi and GTD - I too thought it was standard, convinced, but seems not as it's on my order system as an option and main site to.

Just smokers pack now, and tempted to just order it even if never used for that purpose.

Check the price list, you'll see it's standard. The Configurator is pants.

[mjh_056]

Yep! on the price list SE/GT Optional and GTi/GTD standard - To be honest it made no sense given all the loaded options to then leave off a colour MDF screen?! So that is sorted, thank you!

And now cup holder or ashtray? what looks best/most functional? Its my final decision which is crazy I am pondering over it given all other things there are  

[Bill_the_Bear]

And now cup holder or ashtray? what looks best/most functional? Its my final decision which is crazy I am pondering over it given all other things there are

Forgive my asking but, why the hell would you want an ash tray? 

[CraigW]

Yep! on the price list SE/GT Optional and GTi/GTD standard - To be honest it made no sense given all the loaded options to then leave off a colour MDF screen?! So that is sorted, thank you!

And now cup holder or ashtray? what looks best/most functional? Its my final decision which is crazy I am pondering over it given all other things there are

If you don't smoke I honestly wouldn't bother with it.