I have a new 1.8T Avant and I really want to get a shock/spring setup (Bilstein/Koni or HR). However, I would like to ask those who have already done this change how comfortable their cars are as compared to the stock suspension?

I live in the midwest, and a newly paved road is a rarity. Please advise.

DH

I put Bilstein shocks (HD - non sport) and Eibach prokit springs (not as radical as sport springs)
on my GTI (my wifes GTI). It really makes the car handle a lot better, dropped the front about 1.25" and the rear about 1.0". However, there is a noticable difference in the ride, much stiffer feel, alot less body roll. I will offer this comparison to my A4 1.8turbo with factory sports suspension. Before the GTI upgrade (or downgrade, as my wife says), the A4 handled alot better than the GTI, GTI rolled around alot and had alot of front dive under heavy breaking. After
the shock and spring on the GTI, the GTI will easily out handle the A4 and is more stable, and
has less body roll. The ride of the GTI on smooth pavement is very stable. On rough roads, or potholes, however, the GTI is now much rougher, as you would expect. My recommendation would be, the farthest you would want to go (given rough road conditions) are the less radical shocks and springs. This car would be undriveable on northern california roads with even stiffer
shocks and lower springs.

Thanks for the reply Martin. I know about how the GTI VR6 rides because I traded mine in on the new A4. Perhaps it might be better to just get Neuspeed sofsport springs and forego the shock upgrade in favor of a better everyday ride.