[EdDuran]

I replaced my 1999 323i with a 2010 Audi A3 TDI, my primary hot-button the higher mileage from the diesel - the A3 is "Just Ok", does what the brochure says, but I don't love it as I loved my 323.

I'm patiently waiting for BMW to send the 120d to the US ('patiently' is perhaps an exaggeration) - the mileage is better, the performance is better, oh and duh its a BMW

I'd like to know if anyone has compared the 120d and A3 TDI - in particular, how the automatic transmission behaves. The A3 is not predictable like my 323 was. Accelerating from a stop, the A3 pauses for a few seconds then takes off in a less controllable fashion; the gas A3 does the same thing. The brakes are also less predictable, as when your slowing down they'll suddenly grab like you stomped on the peddle, but you didn't change a thing. The dealer just says "that's how it is"

I'm also curious about how the glow plugs work on the 120d - there is the start button, how do you activate the glow plugs? The A3 you leave the key at the "on" position until the glow plug light goes out, then turn to the "start" position. The A3 does start remarkably well in the winter - how is the 120d in the winter months?

Thanks! /ed

[ovekvam]

I don't know about the diesel or automatic transmission issues, but I can tell you that the F20 brakes are perfectly weighted. On VAG cars like the A3, the pedal is too sensitive on light loads.

[tawia]

If its cold enough, when you press the start button there will be a pause while the glow plugs heat, then the car will start itself. At least that's how it was on my E90 (before the control module failed )

[wolz]

I can't compare with the a3 as I have no expereince in that car but regarding winter climate starting it is like tawia says; just press the startbutton like a normal summerday, only difference is a slight delay of a few seconds before the engine start. There is a message displayed stating something like "preheating" but I barely see it because it's just a second or two then it start. Even at -20C

[BenN]

I dont have any experience with the A3 besides a test drive that i had whilst looking to order the F20, but here are my very un-technical thoughts

I have a Golf MK6 GT 2.0 TDI (140) and i drove the A3 S-Line 2.0 TDI QUATTRO (170) and if im perfectly honest, i got back into my golf after a hard test drive and it felt very very similar, the extra 30bhp was hardly noticed. The QUATTRO made the car feel more 'planted' through the corners, but nothing to warrant me changing my golf for especially as both cars are built on the same platform and essentially are the same vehicle. I then test drove the F20 120d; all i can say was WOW; Instantly fell in love with it, the 44bhp increase over the golf was far more noticeable, the car felt sprightly and the driving sensation was something id never experienced before (i put some of this down to RWD)

I now wait for my F20 120d M-Sport to arrive