I posted this in a different thread but it is relevant here I think.
I ran an A3 saloon 1.4 tfsi s-line for four years as a company car until early this year.
Never had any problems with the car over 132k miles over which (according to the DIS) achieved 45 mpg overall, which I take as real world driving as it included motorways and town driving in my job as a civil engineer visiting sites across the UK.
I then took possession of a Q3 35 (1.5 tfsi) as a replacement as I wanted something a big higher, (elderly legs getting stiff etc).
I only had this about seven weeks before changing jobs but found the Q3's engine nothing like as good as the A3's. First start of the the day found me kangerooing off the drive and up the road, more often than not stalling at the junction with the main road unless I revved it up a bit.
The stop/start caught me out so many times dying at junctions, just when you wanted a smart getaway. On motorways the engine didn't seem as perky or lively as the A3 had. Also over about the 7k miles I did, it only averaged 38mpg according to the DIS.
After changing jobs rather than take a car as I retire in a couple of years, I decided to buy one and after looking around bought an ex-demo Q2 1.4 tfsi S-Line from the local Audi dealer.
Well what a revelation, it is just like driving the A3 but sitting higher up. Perky responsive engine, comfortable, slightly elevated diving position, lots of space for the two of us.
We have just got back from a drive abroad, ferry to Spain then drive back through France to Zeebrugge. Mixture of rural roads and a few motorways (last day rush for ferry so 300 miles at Mway limit) keeping to speed limits and over a total of 1500 miles achieved 45mpg.
Oh and all three cars were/are manual by the way
I have to say that didn't think the new engine would be so different but I am so glad that I changed back, the 1.4 in my opinion, is a far better engine than the new 1.5. Smoother, perkier, no hesitation and more economical.