Opinions needed/wanted please

[Hoop71]

After four years I've finally paid off my student loans and I want to spoil/reward myself with a new car. Being on this forum you've probably guessed my interest in the A3.

My question is this:

For those who have always driven a standard car what do you think of the S-drive? I am torn because I've always been a manual tranny guy but with the 2009 model coming out and the 2.0T available with quattro (only with S-drive) I am in a dilemma.

Those who went with the S-drive...any regrets? Glowing reviews and recommendations?

I WILL drive both and I will ultimately have to decide but I am just curious about what you guys/gals think of the S-drive. Sporty? Fun to drive? Etc...

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

[20AE428]

I have owned both and enjoyed both the manual and the DSG. I do prefer the Manual but the Dsg is faster and more fun on twisty roads. In Victoria if you drive in a lot of rain and head up to Mt. Washington I would definately go with the Quattro in this car and if it is only DSG I would be plewnty happy with this set up over the manual FWD. A chipped 2.0T quattro A3 will be a fantastic car and I personally can't wait to trade up.

[SoCalRS4]

based on the fact the new dsg system in the new a3 will have 7 gears id definetly do it.

[drew138]

DSG is much better than "Automatic" and the paddles make driving the car more interactive, but obviously not as much as a manual. Test drive one in "S" mode and use the paddles exclusively. Although the car learns your style so you wont get the best feel for it.

[bbbobbb]

based on the fact the new dsg system in the new a3 will have 7 gears id definetly do it.

Not true, in the states all DSG A3's get the same DSG as it ever was, 6 speeds... That is the problem with press releases, we have to wait for the US version:

http://www.media.audiusa.com/article...ticle_id=10010

Even after reading the release I think there is a mistake claiming that the clutches are "dry" (meaning 7 speed?) as opposed to "wet" (current 6 speed DSG)

P.S. I love my 6spd DSG....