No Need for Drive Select - 2015 Audi A3 Long-Term Road Test

Comments

• locke42 Member Posts: 25

  June 2015

  Wait, so normal A3s without the Drive Select feature still have an option to put transmission into Sport mode? I didn't realize that.

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• juddholl10 Member Posts: 84

  June 2015 edited June 2015

  The A3 does not have an adjustable suspension no matter what you option on it, though the S3 is available with magnetorheological dampers.

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• farvy Member Posts: 34

  June 2015

  My 2015 (W205) Mercedes C300 has a similar switch that controls engine response, transmission, & steering. If equipped with the Airmatic suspension, it also controls that. There are four settings: Eco, Comfort, Sport, & Sport+. Haven't felt much with the steering, but there is a definite difference in the engine & transmission between the settings. I started out using the Comfort setting, but have been messing around with the Eco setting just to see what mileage I can get (currently averaging 30.0 mpg). Going to try the Sport & Sport+ more in the coming months.

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• snomonkey33 Member Posts: 1

  June 2017

  I have a 2009 a4 with drive select. there is a huge difference in shifting times, suspension stiffness (go from not feeling any potholes in comfort to every pebble in dynamic), lots of body roll vs very roll stiff, and for steering effort there is a huge difference which is most noticeable in a parking lot, but also if changing settings on an off-ramp during a curve. also if you turn at a stop sign, in dynamic steering mode the steer force reaction will straighten the wheels as you release the steering wheel whereas in comfort mode releasing the steering wheel while turning a corner from a stop sign will not push the steering force reaction back through the steering wheel, straightening out the car. Typically I prefer comfort mode for long trips or rough roads, but dynamic steering and suspension for quick turns (much less body roll), short trips and smooth roads. I typically prefer comfort settings for transmission & engine for fuel economy, smoother acceleration & shifting and also the adaptive cruise for smoother and earlier brake event lead-ins. The adaptive cruise setting can also be modified between auto, dynamic and comfort in a separate menu option (at least in my '09).

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