Blog: RALPH MORTON

If you’ve ever fancied an Audi in S line trim – and let’s face it, they look pretty good in this top-spec format so I certainly have – but couldn’t face the teeth shattering ride that goes with S line specification, then Audi has the perfect solution for you.

On the new Audi A3 model you can choose from a menu of suspension settings. Though the default setting is Sport (lowered by 15mm from the standard SE spec), you can choose to go for full-on S line ride – that’s a 25mm lowering from standard spec – or opt for the softest of all, the standard spring setting you get on SE models.

Even on Sport models you can choose to have the SE standard spec non-lowered ride if you prefer.

• The icing on the cake is that the suspension menu comes as a no-cost option

“Our old A3 S line, or the S line based Black Edition, was hugely popular with customers. But there was no choice in terms of suspension – which was firm and lowered,” explains Rob Morris, Audi A3 product manager.

“What was clear from customer comments was a desire to have a choice, something softer – so that’s why we now have our ‘suspension menu’. Dealers have been trained to explain the choice – which is a no cost option – to customers. And there will be plenty of variants for them to try at an Audi Centre.”

Rob reckons that 10% of buyers will change the suspension setting: 5% opting to go for the softer standard setting; and 5% for the full 25mm lowering.

I’ve just driven an A3 Sport version and this feels a perfect compromise. It’s firm but compliant, so there’s no crashiness to the ride, while the car still has great poise through corners and feels brilliantly controlled over crests and dips.

I’ve always liked S line trim, but thought the over-firm suspension excessive. With the new suspension menu for the A3, Audi has just served up the ideal meal ticket! And saved the fillings in your teeth.

There’s another business car manager blog about the Audi A3 at  Audi’s slimline diet for the new A3.