Audi A3 SE (2019): 1.5 Petrol v 1.6 Diesel

NFH

Any opinions would be great. I prefer driving the petrol but would go for best fuel economy.

Currently doing low-mileage, so thinking the petrol, but this may change so may go for diesel.

Would you notice the savings with the diesel if doing high-mileage?

Also, is it OK to have a diesel for low-mileage once you take it out for a long drives every few weeks?

Thanks

User1998

If your doing low mileage then you won’t see much difference in fuel economy. The diesel will be slightly better but your paying 10 cent more for diesel now and with low mileage there would be practically no cost savings.

Even at high mileage there wouldn’t be a huge difference between the two. And the petrol is much nicer to drive and will most likely depreciate less.

colm_mcm

The diesel will still be more economical, like 10c on €1.70 is 6% but the 1.6 diesel in real life will do +/- 24% better (10pmg) fuel economy vs the 1.5 petrol

That said if you’re doing low mileage, why would you get a diesel for fuel savings, the petrol will also be far nicer to drive.

NFH

Thanks! I would have a preference for the petrol, however, I'm worried that if I do end up having to do more mileage (1h back and forth to new job) that the 1.5 petrol will be much more expensive than the 1.6 diesel on fuel.

colm_mcm

There is also a 1.0 petrol option as well, which would be a bit more economical. The 1.5 wouldn’t be considered hard on fuel though.

Stallingrad

The 1.5 all day long. Much more refined yet still perky, and excellent economy to boot. It's an excellent engine.

Buddy Bubs

Is there an initial price difference between the cars? Don't forget to consider that too.

As for depreciation, nobody can say for sure which will depreciate less.

Same goes for reliability and servicing/repairs. We will all have ideas on these but nobody will know for certain.

NFH

Thanks for the feedback!

Any opinions on the S-line? I’ve been told not to bother as it’s just more expensive but a less comfortable drive due to sport setup. I’m not a fan of the S-line exterior pack, think the standard SE looks better.

Comhrá

I had a 141 A3 1.4 TFSI saloon in SE and it was certainly a good bit more comfortable than the S-Line. I had an S-Line on loan from a garage once and though I loved the exterior looks, it was a very firm ride which was ok on motorways and smooth road surfaces, but where I live, there are loads of speed bumps and it was tough going with the S-Line.

I think you'll be much happier with an SE. The S-Line is pretty much all about external looks, i.e. lower suspensions & bigger rims for those who are into such things.

User1998

The interior is quite a bit nicer too. Is there not a Sport option available anymore? It used to be SE, Sport, S-Line