Audi S3 Saloon !!! Not sure
- Thread starter ChriSTi
- Start date
Ooh... not sure about that in the UK. If you're right though, I'll eat my (Audi S-Line) hat!
As much as I love the look of the saloon, I can't thing of a B segment saloon that's ever succeeded here across the range. The 3 door S3 will cater for the younger (read no kids) buyer, but the small family buyer will still go for sportback I reckon.
It'll sell like donuts in the US though.
MiT
Work Hard, Play harder!!
The more I think about this, if I was leasing I'd probably buy the saloon. It does look good. My main concern would be unchartered territory in terms of residual values buying my own.
After owning an A4 for three years, there wouldn't be much competition there for me. The car is nearly half a metre longer, has an annoying offset pedal layout, higher waistline and doesn't feel anywhere near as sharp to drive as the A3. Factor on a 3.0V6 engine compared to a 2.0, where you'd be getting similar performance for less fuel and it's starting to look like a good buy.
After owning an A4 for three years, there wouldn't be much competition there for me. The car is nearly half a metre longer, has an annoying offset pedal layout, higher waistline and doesn't feel anywhere near as sharp to drive as the A3. Factor on a 3.0V6 engine compared to a 2.0, where you'd be getting similar performance for less fuel and it's starting to look like a good buy.
Yeah the S3 saloon has specifically been designed and released with the USA as the target buyers.
I also think the UK will stick with 3 door hatch and 5 door sport back as the preferred options.
UK residuals on the saloon may be damaged by a limited market whereas Dealers know the hatches will always sell.
Whilst I like the look of the saloon I would want to see one 1st hand, to see its 'proportions'.
This small / compact saloon reminds me of the Ford Orion Ghia days of the late 80's / early 90's and whilst it was fine then, I am not 100% convinced it will still work now - albeit there will of course be a market for this car in the UK, but how big that market is, is an unknown.
I also think the UK will stick with 3 door hatch and 5 door sport back as the preferred options.
UK residuals on the saloon may be damaged by a limited market whereas Dealers know the hatches will always sell.
Whilst I like the look of the saloon I would want to see one 1st hand, to see its 'proportions'.
This small / compact saloon reminds me of the Ford Orion Ghia days of the late 80's / early 90's and whilst it was fine then, I am not 100% convinced it will still work now - albeit there will of course be a market for this car in the UK, but how big that market is, is an unknown.
The new A3 saloon probably isn't far off the dimensions of the original B5 A4. I had a B5 2.8 Quattro... one of the nicest cars I've owned. Rear legroom was the only real gripe, but the A3 seems to fare a little better here.
The B8 A4 has let me down on so many counts. If I was in the market for a saloon and didn't need a cavernous boot, I'd be looking towards the 8V A3 saloon.
I would be interested to see the size of the boot in the new A3 Saloon. I called in to the dealers this afternoon and they had a new Sportback in the showroom, so I decided to measure the size of the luggage area to compare it to my existing Sportback. The important measurement to enable me to get my dismantled mobility scooter in is the front to back measurement at the loading cill and the new one was 720mm. That is 50mm LESS than my existing one which is 770mm. Perhaps the boot on the A3 Saloon will be bigger and then it will be a choice between an A3 Saloon or a Golf Estate.
Nathan_jones2002
Registered User
Graeme at GNJ sent me this yesterday... I'm still undecided... Love that interior though...
2014 Audi S3 Saloon (Sedan) - YouTube
2014 Audi S3 Saloon (Sedan) - YouTube
I can't see the merit in having that much of a price differential. I think it'll be broadly similar to the Sportback.
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paul8852
Registered User
Agreed GNJ, this is the one I will be ordering as soon as the official prices are released , we're a week away from knowing what those prices will be but most reviewers are suggesting it will be pretty much in line with the Sportback. It's a little longer and wider than the Sportback with a larger boot, apparently the rear legroom is very similar too, although the roofline is a little lower, the 1.4 TFSI COD is standard and the lead time will be on a par with the Sportback, all in all if your downsizing from a A4/A6 Saloon its seems like the perfect choice and have to admit...its a real looker!!
mikeyw
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AutoExpress are saying the S3 saloon will be with customers by Jan 2014.
New Audi A3 Saloon release date and price | Auto Express
New Audi A3 Saloon release date and price | Auto Express
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i like it, think it looks really smart. bit more sophisticated than a hatch. although slightly less practical...
