TDi - opinions sought

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viffer

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Hello all,

As the happy owner of a TT (225 roadster) I'm considering an A2 TDi as a second car. Various of the car mags refer to the engine as loud / unrefined when you put your foot down: any thoughts? I'm happy that it wouldn't be tarmac-creasingly fast, but refinement and build quality are important to me.

Also handling matters to me a bit (not so much ultimate grip, more balance and steering feel), so any views on that would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,
viffer
 
How about the 1.6fsi sport! really refined handling, good looking with an economic fuel consuption. I must say thjat I would be very leolous of you having a tt and an A2 sport on your driveway especially in matching colours! Although my mind would change daily on wich one was the second car!!

Good Luck....

A2 1.6fsi sport climate cd amulet red
 
Welcome Viffer!
The only thing that might be considerable is trunk space. For me an A2 is just as good, drives as smooth as any other. Surplus the car is better looking than any other!
So if you pick a second car for transporting refrigerators an dishwashers, don't buy an A2. Elseway go for it!
But I'd go for the 1.4tdi. Very good performance and economic. FSI might be good also, but I've heard here and there that the engine is only economic if you have very soft fur underneath you feet.

Good luck!
Thierry
 
Hi viffer,

Welcome to the forum. Basically you are correct about the engine noise if you consider the Tdi. At idle upto approx 20mph, it is a little louder than the diesel average, however I actually dont mind. I haven't driven the new sport, however it seems most peoples opinions are favourable. From refinement and Quality point of view, the A2 has had some common problems in its early days, (2000, 2001), however most have been ironed out now. My simple proposal is to have a test drive, and let us know what you think.

Another thing - dont compare it to your TT. Think you may be dissappointed - :D

Kaine
 
Thanks for the comments. I agree that a (long) test drive is the way forward.

Re comparison with my TT. Yes, I might rather strongly prefer the TT on a nice road in the alps (which is where I'll be on Sunday: hurrah!)
But when the credit card comes out for fuel or the insurance renewal, I think I might warm to an A2 :D

Drive carefully,
viffer.
 
Hi Viffer,
I own the 1.4 TDi.
In terms of handling, yes the suspension is firm but it corners superbly and I enjoy flinging around the corners without any worries - the 16inch low profiles really come into their own here.

In terms of speed, over the last 10,000 miles, the engine has really loosened up and I find that 2nd and 3rd gears are superbly torquey. It is also a great motorway cruiser with very little noise. You are correct in thinking it is slightly unrefined, but I only have found this in 1st gear or when the engine is cold.

It's worth bearing in mind that virtually all small engined diesels sound the same but you do get used to it and it's a trade off between a cheap running costs, low tax and a little bit of rattle in low gears.

The build quality is superb - I have absolutely no complaints there having recently completed a 2,200 mile trip across Europe and into the Alps. I found the A2 to be a solid and secure car.

Hope that helps.

Stuart.


2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk
 
Viffer,

I moved from an S3 to the A2 1.4 petrol. The A2 is a lot quieter, particularly at 70 mph, but the S3 sounded better!

The handling is great, I reckon as good as you could expect from a small car. It's comfortable and the ride is much easier on the backside and teeth than the S3 was.

Don't get me wrong, it's not as much fun as the S3, but it's a great car. Hope you like it too!

MartinW - Dolphin Grey 1.4SE
 
Hi Viffer,

I have had my A2 for two weeks now. My previous car was a Saab 9 3 Aero (205bhp, 0-60 6.9 146mph), not the best handling car in the car but very swift and plush comfortable interior. A scare with the boys in blue at a licence losing speed and the running costs led me to the A2.

The A2 may be a little vocal at start up, but the power from the a 1400cc engine, go-cart like handling, good breaks and Audi quality interior, make up for this. Friends have even said the engine sounds sporty when driving, (I can't hear it over the Bose system).

I calculated that I will save just under £2000 a year in running costs and have a vehicle that will be worth something in the future.

Miss the Saab?

What Saab!!

HT.


TDI SE AMULET RED, OPEN SKY,1/2 LEATHER, BOSE
 
Thanks again all. Some very positive responses - definitely looks as if a TDi is worth investigating.

Particularly interesting to hear from those of you who had fast cars before (especially martinw - your S3 was just a lighter, better handling TT really ;)) and seemingly don't regret the change. I tend to agree that raw speed isn't everything in car. On the other hand I should probably disclose that my main speed fix isn't provided by the TT - my favourite vehicle has two wheels and does 0-60 in around 3 seconds...

viffer
 
1.4tdi A great engine, lots of power when you need it great fuel consumption 74mpg. I have am now coming up to 20k Miles after 14 months. The TDI is better on the motorway then it is around town.
 
quote: The A2 may be a little vocal at start up, but the power from the a 1400cc engine, go-cart like handling, good breaks and Audi quality interior, make up for this.

HT,

Not sure I'd agree with the 'go-cart like handling' comment. Do you have the 16" wheels or 17s? I think the A2 handles superbly for its height and weight, however I how found it can be unsettling sometimes.

Kaine
 
Viffer - I miss the S3, but funds didn't allow me to keep it. Hopefully I will be able to get one again next year, or maybe a TT, but I would keep the A2 for my wife.

Gokart-like handling comes with a TT or S3, not an A2, but the A2 is still a hoot to drive. Can't wait for the 1.9TDi 130BHP..............................:D

MartinW - Dolphin Grey 1.4SE
 
Hi Kaine

My A2 has the sports suspansion and had the 17" wheels. After the test drive and a check on the cost of 215/40/17 tyres, I had the dealer swop the 17" for a new set of 16".

The turn in and firm ride are what remind me of a go-cart, yet to experience the 'unsettling ' you mention, (to busy watching the mpg).

Does anyone know if the sports suspension lowers the car or just stiffens the ride?

HT

TDI SE AMULET RED, OPEN SKY,1/2 LEATHER, BOSE
 
Great performance (for the cc) cheap to run and acracking sound under acceleration, not unlike a scooby. Buy one

icon_smile_cool.gif
 
I have a 6 year old A4 Tdi110 SE Avant and my wife has an A2 Tdi SE Open Sky (we've done about 18000 miles in 17 months). The A2 has much quicker handling than my A4, can't compare with the new A4s but the A2 turns in very quickly, good roadholding and remarkably little body roll for a tallish vehicle.
The engine is definitely not as smooth as the A4 unit (although my A4 is 'nicely run in' at 130,000+ miles) - and not quite as quick, noticeable if you plant your foot on the motorway or planning overtaking manouvers... Having said that it sounds great when accelerating hard (half a V6 :) - but you run out of revs quickly (I know it's a diesel but it feels like it wants to rev more). I've driven the car to France on a 2 day business trip (700 miles) and sitting on the mway with cruise engaged was very relaxing. Biggest gripe is the hard ride over poor surfaces... low profile tires and a light body (sprung / unsprung weights) contribute to that I think.
We've had a few squeak and rattle problems but our local dealer (Listers in Stratford Upon Avon) have been great.
Fuel consumption is not quite what we would have hoped for... neither of us is lead footed but we only see ~58 MPG overall. Some of this is undoubtedly due to the extra weight of the Open Sky roof - and the fact that the aircon is always on.
 
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