
Function & Form Type 1 Coilover Kit for 2005-2013 Audi A3
The latest product from suspension company Function & Form (F2 Suspension) is a Type 1 coilover kit for the 2005-13 Audi A3. It joins a number of other high-performance suspension packages for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.
Following a recent change of ownership and new investment in the company, Function & Form is on a program to rapidly increase its high-performance application. This has included a growing number of suspension options for owners of European cars, including the F10 BMW 5 Series, which was recently added.
The Audi A3 represents the pinnacle of Audi’s hot hatch performance, boasting a 2.0L turbocharged engine, sophisticated suspension and optional quattro all-wheel drive. It combines the versatility of a five-door hatchback/wagon layout with the excitement of the 200hp 2.0T engine shared with the VW GTI.
Designed for the Audi A3, the new type 1 coilover kit will fit the 2.0T models built between 2005 and 2013. The included dampers are non-adjustable, offering uprated characteristics over the stock suspension in terms of compression and rebound.
The ride height is adjustable to allow the driver to select the desired stance for their needs. Height adjustment is achieved by an aluminum collar on the threaded damper body. This allows the Audi A3 owner to lower the car significantly.
Some owners may wish to lower the car conservatively by up to 1” to reduce body roll and improve cornering ability with a lower center of gravity. The type 1 coilover kit does also allow Audi A3 owners to lower their car up to 2.75” front and 2.35” rear. This is a considerable drop, designed to appeal to the stance crowd who appreciate the ability to get the car extremely low.
*The coilover kit allows the car to be lowered a considerable amount to give the car an aggressive stance but Function & Form cannot guarantee that even stock wheels will not rub with this amount of suspension lowering. Owners should check tire clearance before driving a lowered vehicle. Modifications may be necessary at certain lowered heights.
The Type 1 coilover is built with simplicity in mind. Function & Form sets the damping characteristics for the customer and chose less aggressive spring rates to match the fixed damping rate. In this case, the Audi A3 is matched to 448 lb/inch front and 336 lb./inch rear coil springs.
The reason the Type 1 coilover is so popular is its durability, quality, ride quality and suitability for lowering. It is recommended for anybody that wants to enjoy performance, quality and a lowered ride height without spending large sums of money. The affordable type 1 coilover kits are easy to install, and will be ready to roll once you set the height.
For this application, the type 1 coilover kit is supplied with top mounts to ensure easy of installation and reliable performance. But don’t let simplicity fool you. The type 1 suspension system is constructed with the same materials as the company’s more advance type 2 adjustable systems. Function & Form uses the same approach and philosophy for construction strength. The goal was to provide peace of mind whether commuting, cruising or carving canyons.
Customers can choose to upgrade the kit to the optional FPS coil springs. Manufactured in Germany by Eibach, the high-quality springs are designed to soak up the punishment of hard use and help to ensure the tires maintain contact with the pavement. While they do add to the overall cost of the suspension kit, the FPS springs add another level of comfort and control.