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I believe visual inspection is the best test. While a completely broken wire can be found with a continuity test, the damage can be as slight as cracked insulation that only shorts out as the wire chafes against metal during door opening.

Martin. It's likely the fan control module has failed and needs to be replaced. It is sometimes mounted on or near the radiator.

Brakes on mine are fine, but different. Using driver assist, which I think is great (not everybody likes the "loss of control") I use the brakes less than I used to when in traffic or cruising. Approaching a junction or catching another vehicle, the energy recovery system operates first to slow the car before applying the brakes, a bit like the active cruise control works. There's a cockpit screen settng where you can see this happening. I usually only have to use the brakes to come to a stop. Its NOT like adaptive cruise control in that it won't stop you running into the back of another verhicle if you don't take over. The only downside - when coming to a stop I seem to have to press the pedal harder than previously, as if I'm fighting the electric drive right up to the point of stopping. OK when you get used to it, though. Overall, very pleasant, relaxing drive, with enough poke from the 1.5litre engine if required.

How do you find the brakes? Some have reported poor feel at times with a3 hybrids. Alex if it is hybrid the vehhicle specification will mention a kW figure.

I can't see them making more models than necessary, so expect the car to be like mine, mild hybrid. Still curious as to why they don't publicise it. It certainly improves fuel consumption (and maybe performance). This car's 200kg! heavier than my last one, an A1, has the 1.5 litre engine, not the 1.0, but is better on fuel economy. Don't expect brilliant low speed economy, though. On in-town trips, lucky to get 30mpg. On long, motoreway trips, close to 60mpg. Cumulative average (only 3350 miles on the clock) is around 38-40mpg. Thre's plenty of text on the topic in the online manual. The electric-only operation is seamless. Just ease off the throttle and engine speed drops to nothing and you continue on your way silently. It's not very sophisticated, though. If on a slight incline, the speed gradually drops. Going downhill, it'll gradually accelerates. It sometimes works when in cruise control, but not often. Driving aids - I use every facility.

If current gearbox is ZF Tiptronic 6-speed, then it should handle any increased power output. From stock the 3.0 TDI V6 was 240PS, although that's when it rolled off the production line. Just bear in mind, new injectors, turbo and intercooler won't be cheap, then you get into argument of investing into 18 year old car. At the end of the day - it's your money. Darkside Developments is a good call. Like all mapping, you want a rolling road to test before and after, otherwise it's hearsay on any extra torque. As far as I know S Tronic 7 speed boxes were 2010 onward. Tiptronic 8-speed was introduced 2011 on the A5.

Perhaps there is a free car attached.

I'm into year 2 with my hybrid diesel sq5 , it's been faultless so far . My trips to work are 6 miles, I do a few longer trips out 30 miles say , and the occasional 100 mile plus journey. Now the weather has warmed up a bit , the ' gliding ' from battery is becoming more and more . Can't fault it tbh.