Hello - I'm supposed to pick up my 2012 A3 with the 18" sport suspension package tomorrow but now I'm having second thoughts, mostly about the potential for a too-rough ride over LA streets. I used to have an 2006 S4 with the sports suspension and I found it really uncomfortable, whereas my current 2009 A4 is a nice ride although of course more sluggish to drive (but still OK, in other words I could keep it for another year or two and not mind too much). I'd appreciate any thoughts, first hand experience or if anyone knows if it's possible to adjust an uncomfortable suspension. Thanks.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the sport suspension on the 2012 A3 is the same as the one on my wife's 2012 GTI. While I didn't find it "too-rough" per-se, I felt that the short sidewalls on the 225/40 R18 tires would lead to frequent tire and wheel damage here in southern New Hampshire (a suburban area north of Boston). The day we brought her car home I ordered a set if Enkei wheels wrapped with a set of 225/45 R17 tires; not only was the ride noticeably improved, but so too was the handling due to the far lower level of rotational energy (also known as angular kinetic energy) stored in the lighter and smaller diameter wheels).

 

I have a 2012 A3 with the Titanium Sport Package. It is not too rough IMO. I mostly drive it on suburban streets/roads and highways, but also have to run through the city streets in Washington, D.C. quite often. It maintains comfort on the city streets and is not too harsh. Like with all "sport suspensions" you should avoid hitting really large potholes at speed. You will regret it if you choose not to get the sport package (regardless if it is the Titanium or not).

 

Honestly, the only thing you can do is switch to 17" rims with 45's to give a little more cushion, then run lower PSI (38 front, 36 rear). I am in downtown SD and have the sport suspension with 18" 40's and I just slow down on the worst parts (all of downtown).

 

i lived in downtown LA for the first four years of owning my a3 with sports suspension -- there were definitely times when the sports suspension was rough (like koreatown!), even with the 17 in wheels. the 18's will be worse, but hey - they do look better!