Audi Q3 Query - Motability

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Having never owned an Audi before, I'm currently debating between two models of the Q3.

Audi Q3 2.0TDI quattro SE 5dr
or
Audi Q3 2.0TDI S Line 5dr

The difference obviously being, the lower spec one is Quattro, whereas the higher spec one isn't. A trade off between better spec but losing Quattro.

My question: is the higher spec worth sacrificing the Quattro for and vice-versa?

P.S These are the only options available on Motability (barring one other, but that is the lower spec without Quattro, so I'm discounting that).
 
That's what I don't know. For all intents and purposes, I would say no. I've only ever had FWD cars.

I just wondered if there were advantages to the Quattro system on Audis, in terms of how their engines/drivetrain works etc.

If not, then that makes my decision easy, I'll go for the better spec.
 
S Line doesn't necessarily mean better spec, on the contrary you typically get LESS base kit than the same SE, in sacrifice for bigger wheels and more blingy bumpers.

What are the ACTUAL specs of each car, rather than just the model designation?
 
On a daily basis you'll loose a chunk of fuel economy, but it'll be better if we have a cold winter.

The wife just bought a Q3 Quattro SE as she does a lot of house visits in rural areas. If it wasn't for this we'd have just got the S-line.
 
paradigm said:
S Line doesn't necessarily mean better spec, on the contrary you typically get LESS base kit than the same SE, in sacrifice for bigger wheels and more blingy bumpers.

What are the ACTUAL specs of each car, rather than just the model designation?
Click to expand...

That doesn't sound right. Without adding extra options the S-line has the body kit and alloys, plus Xenons, better seats and power tailgate I think that the SE lacks.
 
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But for example my car as standard came with HDD based nav, leather, front and rear parking sensors. The S Line doesn't, all optional.
 
But he's asking about the Q3, i don't think the SE has anything over the S line, unless you want a softer higher ride and smaller wheels, which you may well do, I'm really unimpressed with the rear comfort in ours.
 
My point is that specs differ between SE and S Line, so without knowing the full spec of both cars, the OP doesn't contain enough info to make a judgement call.
 
I'm not going to list the full spec of both the SE and S Line! :D There's so much on the list, here it is if you want a look: http://www.audi.co.uk/new-cars/q3/q3.html#/trim_all

For example, I'd prefer the folding side mirrors which you don't get with the SE.

All I really wanted to know about was the Quattro situation, but if that's not a deal breaker, then I'm going S Line based on what the website shows you get as standard with each. I currently have a Focus Zetec S, so the trim/styling/ride quality is more sporty than the standard Zetec.
 
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paradigm said:
S Line doesn't necessarily mean better spec, on the contrary you typically get LESS base kit than the same SE, in sacrifice for bigger wheels and more blingy bumpers.

What are the ACTUAL specs of each car, rather than just the model designation?
Click to expand...

That is wrong, the whole idea is you get a better base spec going up the range. I went with a 3 door Sport A3 instead of a 5 door SE due to the fact the Sport had better alloys, nicer seats, dual zone climate control, drive select, full colour DIS, aluminium interior highlights. The whole reason there is SE, SE Technik, Sport and S-Line is to improve on the base spec.

Remember, if you intend to keep the car for the full 3 years on Motability you can order the car with any extra kit you like, you just have to pay for it yourself.
 
I'm sorry, but it's not wrong. Go spec a standard A4 SE technik, and a standard S Line.

There's a reason I have the technik.
 
paradigm said:
I'm sorry, but it's not wrong. Go spec a standard A4 SE technik, and a standard S Line.

There's a reason I have the technik.
Click to expand...

The only benefit to getting the Technik is it comes with built in nav. The S-Line comes with better seats, better lights, better body kit, better steering wheel and gear knob, better interior stitching, it also includes paddle shifters if you spec an automatic.

SE Technik is just SE + Nav.
 
paradigm said:
I'm sorry, but it's not wrong. Go spec a standard A4 SE technik, and a standard S Line.

There's a reason I have the technik.
Click to expand...

SE technik is better than the standard SE, obviously as it has nav + parking sensors. The OP is not talking about the technik though.

If I was in the OPs position I'd probably go with S-line unless you particularly want the quattro. For the interior alone.
 
paradigm said:
I'm sorry, but it's not wrong. Go spec a standard A4 SE technik, and a standard S Line.

There's a reason I have the technik.
Click to expand...

As said, the op isn't asking about the an SE Tecknik. The SE is the base spec, everything else is better, be it Sport/Tecnik/S-line.

I don't think there even is a SE Tecnik spec for the Q3.
 
It's a bit catch 22.

Quattro will always give you a bit more traction. It can be a life-saver if you hit standing water on a corner, but most people focus on the quattro in wintry conditions.

If it's icy, a FWD on winter tyres will stop and steer better than a quattro on summer tyres. If you're not going to fit summer tyres then the Quattro will get you moving better than the FWD car but it won't stop or steer any better.

Quattro on winter or all-terrain tyres will go pretty much anywhere - ground clearance permitting. But if you're only driving on tarmac then FWD will do for most things.

S-line is the sporty model and as such it has rock-hard suspension, better headlamps and usually better seats. Definitely test drive the s-line suspension as it can be ludicrously hard, depending on the model.

Also make sure you test drive the SE seats as these generally lack lumbar support and, if you are driving long-distances, the SE seats can be a genuine pain in the back.

You don't say what angle you are approaching the Motability from, but the Q3 is a VERY small car. It's basically a jacked-up A1 so if you need to get less abled people in and out, or stow a wheelchair, it wouldn't be my first choice.
 
WJA96 said:
It's a bit catch 22.

Quattro will always give you a bit more traction. It can be a life-saver if you hit standing water on a corner, but most people focus on the quattro in wintry conditions.

If it's icy, a FWD on winter tyres will stop and steer better than a quattro on summer tyres. If you're not going to fit summer tyres then the Quattro will get you moving better than the FWD car but it won't stop or steer any better.

Quattro on winter or all-terrain tyres will go pretty much anywhere - ground clearance permitting. But if you're only driving on tarmac then FWD will do for most things.

S-line is the sporty model and as such it has rock-hard suspension, better headlamps and usually better seats. Definitely test drive the s-line suspension as it can be ludicrously hard, depending on the model.

Also make sure you test drive the SE seats as these generally lack lumbar support and, if you are driving long-distances, the SE seats can be a genuine pain in the back.

You don't say what angle you are approaching the Motability from, but the Q3 is a VERY small car. It's basically a jacked-up A1 so if you need to get less abled people in and out, or stow a wheelchair, it wouldn't be my first choice.
Click to expand...

Have you been in a Q3? I can't say it's a jacked up A1. It's about 30cm longer than the 5 door A1, its the same as the A3 sportback.
 
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