If you are going to mod suspension go premium and have the comfort, if you are leaving it alone go S-Line and get better dirving.

As for DSG vs. 6-speed, I would tell you 6-speed.

 

I've driven the DSG twice and am not a fan. I automatic mode the transmission often shifts when I don't want it to or gets confused. Case in point, on each of my test drives, I needed to pull out into a flow of fast moving traffic, lift off the throttle a bit, change lanes and them mash the gas. Each time the transmission seemed to pausefor a beat or twoin between gears right when I wanted power the most following the lane change. Not impressive. I'm thinking that until an automatic transmission is neurally wired into my brain and can then understand what I'm thinking, there is no way it's going to select the proper gear and then engage it with the desired intensity the instant I want it, and until then, no automatic transmissions need apply for my cars.

That then leaves us with manual mode. There is no doubt that the DSG can shift faster than I can when I ask for the next gear it is expecting me to ask for. Here again, if I ask for an upshift when it was expecting a downshift (or vica-versa), the transmission seems to pause for a beat or two while it selects the requested cog. I'm thinking that until transmissions of this ilk go to a three clutch arrangement (where there is always the next gear up AND down already selected), these kinds of transmissions can be fooled. That said, if you're going to be selecting your own gears anyway, why not just do in properly with the genuine article, a true three-pedal manual transmission?

 

+1 I totally agreeif you are going todo any suspension modding go premiumif not then S-line is where it is at. Although on long 4hr+ drives my legs and back start getting a little uncomfortable. But usually for those drives at that point I am in the mountains of West Virginia and the excitement of driving along those sweeping curves takes my mind of the discomfort.

 

I ended up getting an 07 Premium instead of an 08 Sline. Because of price. The dealer had a "used" Audi A3 07 Premium with only 240miles- purchaser decided to go for a 'bigger' Audi when he picked it up.
Got it out for 28k. Ibis White/ Beige/ Premium package-Power/lumbar Leather, storage package, NO OPENSKY, DSG. The original buyer opted to get the "base" wheels which are the 17" 5 spokes- which in my opinion is less common (for the A3's ive seen on the road) and looks better on the A3 than the multi-spoke they normally equipped.
I have Sline suspensions sitting in the garage, but until I get KONI FSD(dampers to pair with the SLine sport springs), the "stock" Premium suspensions stays (although i'm really annoyed- just a bit- with the gap on the front wheelwell- i'll be happy with the .5" or 1" drop the Sline susp will provide).
I did test drove the Sline- which the added styling makes it looks nicer, but nevertheless, the A3 sportback- on any form- standard,premium or Sline, I think the A3 is the best looking premium hatchback out there in the market currently. The ride was firmer, that's why i'm hesitant to use the full Sline suspension. So I'll "enjoy" the comfort for now.

Goodluck on your purchase!!!

 

No offense, butI don't think anyone who is5'-11" and 265 lbs will be comfortable in a car as small as the A3, regardless of the equipped seat. I am 5'-11" and 180 lbs andmy A3 (Sport seat)barely fits me.

When I worked in Orange County I didn't think the Sport (S-Line) suspension was too firm because the roads are very smooth. But now that I am in Downtown L.A., I can see how the Sport/S-Line suspension can be too firm for many folks.

 

I tell you what: Get the S-Line package and I'll trade you my standard (non-power, non-lumbar) seats for your sport seats

 

Id get the s-line for sure. Gives the car a whole new look from the little outer acessories it gives and you get the power seats too

 

I have DSG and love it 99 percent of the time. When i feel the urge to drive stick i take my girlfiends mazda 3 out (never during rush hour though). My only complaint about DSG is that it downshifts if you floor the car which is annoying. It really is a fantastic transmission though.

Roads in boston suck as well and the sport was a little too harsh. Premiumwas just right for me as well.

No doubt the car looks betterlowered though.

 

I have s-line and live and work in seattle.

If I could do it over again I would *not* get the s-line suspension. On bad city roads such as we have in Seattle the suspension is way too firm to be comfortable and with only 6k miles I'm even getting some squeeks.

If anyone in Seattle has a standard suspension model and wants to swap for s-line let me know. I have no idea how difficult or expensive it would be but I am tired of being punished by the suspension. I don't have opportunity for "sporty" driving to actually enjoy it...

 

Those of you complaining about the S-Line suspension being too firm may want to consider installing Koni FSD shocks with the OEM S-Line (= Sport in 2006) springs.