2013 Audi S3

[hittchy]

I just hope Audi sort out the poor quality of the kit they fit to these cars namely steering racks, duff suspension components and electrics.

I wouldn't mind spending 40k on a well spec'd car if it was actually worth it and built to a standard befitting of the marque.

That kind of surprises me as my experiences are quite the opposite. My current 8V is the eighth Audi I've owned. In between, I've had VW and Toyota. In fact, I felt the quality of materials was poorer in the Toyota but reliability was second to none. Build quality was poorer in the VW even though components were largely the same. The very thing that put me off both BMW and Mercedes was that the quality wasn't as good as Audi.

Buying new, I quite like the fact they're over-engineered. I wouldn't have one outside of warranty any more solely because of the cost of repairing them but poor quality components is something I've never associated with the Audi brand.

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Dont want to be the bearer of bad news, but Audi UK rang me today to say orders for S3 has had to be pushed back from April until June. No reason given other than it comes from Audi Germany. I asked why are there S3s appearing in some showrooms then - but he didnt know this was the case! So it seems more patience is needed

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Dont want to be the bearer of bad news, but Audi UK rang me today to say orders for S3 has had to be pushed back from April until June. No reason given other than it comes from Audi Germany. I asked why are there S3s appearing in some showrooms then - but he didnt know this was the case! So it seems more patience is needed

YOU ARE JOKING !!!!!
(*%$$£*#@****%$£)

That is a real kick in the *** !

Not impressed at all.

Reading on here about all the A3 delivery dates going back I guess it comes as no major surprise, but does not look good for possible delivery dates - we could now be looking at the end of the year, or later as we can't even get in the queue until June.

In which case, I may re-open discussions with the Merc Dealer re the A45 AMG then ... I can only tolerate waiting so long.

Makes you wonder they are even circulating the S3's in some UK dealerships at the moment then doesn't it ... its like saying to us "look at what you could have" ... in 6 months / back of the year / possibly next year !

 

[ice_cube99]

Glad I didn't wait now..Rs3 arrives Friday.

 

[Dylock]

Hi all,

Long time lurker but this is my first post

I am also waiting for the s3 after deciding not to get the old one.

I have a friend within Audi who had told me that the reason for the delay on the s3 and delivery on other cars is because they have had a fire in one of their factory's. specifically the one which builds the s tronic boxes.

I have no reason to see why he would say that if it was not true.

Lets hope they get it sorted soon.

 

[Gazzz]

It looks like there are quite a few German articles popping up in the past few days where they've driven the S3. I'm guessing maybe there's a media event, which is where autoexpress are test driving it tomorrow. If that's the case, hopefully there will be a few other UK publications testing this week too - should be interesting to see what they have to say!

 

[mjcourtney]

Hi all,

Long time lurker but this is my first post

I am also waiting for the s3 after deciding not to get the old one.

I have a friend within Audi who had told me that the reason for the delay on the s3 and delivery on other cars is because they have had a fire in one of their factory's. specifically the one which builds the s tronic boxes.

I have no reason to see why he would say that if it was not true.

Lets hope they get it sorted soon.

There was a fire in the DSG factory.... in 2006. Can't be taking them that long to get back on their feet

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

I want a manual anyway so hopefully they can build one just for me

 

[Dylock]

I'm guessing another fire then. Who knows

Are they doing a manual? I thought it was s-tronic only. Could be wrong though.

 

[Jamiekip]

I was chatting to my dealer at the weekend about options for my wife and when i asked him about quattro sportbacks he advised Audi have just removed the availability of orders on A3 3door 1.8t Quattro which even he said was weird. I asked about deliveries on the S3 and he advised late September for the first cars (we were chatting SB so 3door maybe different).

So made me wonder if they had an issue with production of Quattro set up in this new chassis???
Very rare for something to be withdrawn from availability.

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Are they doing a manual? I thought it was s-tronic only. Could be wrong though.

The original Audi press release and the info on their news pages give details of s-tronic and manual versions with differing 0-62 times for each etc. But who really knows until the order books open !

and also interesting thoughts Jamiekip about Quattro possibly being a factor?

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I was chatting to my dealer at the weekend about options for my wife and when i asked him about quattro sportbacks he advised Audi have just removed the availability of orders on A3 3door 1.8t Quattro which even he said was weird. I asked about deliveries on the S3 and he advised late September for the first cars (we were chatting SB so 3door maybe different).

So made me wonder if they had an issue with production of Quattro set up in this new chassis???
Very rare for something to be withdrawn from availability.

hey up mate !

 

[Snake Pliskin]

One thing is for sure Guys ... We need some firm news. One way or the other so we at least know where we stand !

 

[lee_fr200]

I'm personally in no rush I'm ordering my car for march next year they might even do a good deal by then whereas at the mo they won't offer nothing!


snake have you driven the merc A class? I drove the A250 and was left unimpressed eapecially by the cheap looking dash and screen

 

[Jamiekip]

hey up mate !

Haha how ya doing buddy

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I'm personally in no rush I'm ordering my car for march next year they might even do a good deal by then whereas at the mo they won't offer nothing!


snake have you driven the merc A class? I drove the A250 and was left unimpressed eapecially by the cheap looking dash and screen

Have not driven an A Class but seen one up close and I did like it.
Heard the reviews on the cars have not been favorable but initial reports on the A45 AMG have been very promising.
I initially dismissed the Merc due to waiting for info / prices / order book to open etc.
But now it looks like the Merc may be available to order before the Audi at this rate.

Looks like I am just gonna have to play the waiting game for a bit longer.
If the Merc is available to order before the Audi I may now seriously consider it.
Time will tell.
I am not enthused with confidence in the Audi delivery dates at the moment though - even those with placed orders are seeing their delivery dates go back.

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

This is nothing new, but when you see one drive past, it just doesn't have the same effect as an 8P S3 does. Even to people who know what they are looking at, it could be mistaken for a standard A3

 

[Gazzz]

True to their word: New Audi S3 2013 review | Auto Express

 

[squiretolley]

Tempted by the S3 in a few years time!

 

[amazed]

Me too.

Actually interested in any way of calculating what a car's value would be in about three years time (from a current second hand price - or new price).

Anyone know best way to calculate this.

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Great to read a "driven" review of the S3. It's looking and sounding pretty good
Interestingly the article says its on sale from July !!

 

[Gazzz]

It also seems to have some prices - I wonder if these are guesswork, or supplied by Audi

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

It also seems to have some prices - I wonder if these are guesswork, or supplied by Audi

The news items previously released stated that the new S3 would not be anymore than the outgoing old S3 - but yes that does seem quite specific?

(Edit- I have just e-mailed the Autoexpress Road Test Editor who had told me about their test drive today to thank him for the article as promised and ask him where that price comes from)

 

[Splathead]

Hmmm, interesting. The penultimate paragraph mentions adjustable dampers.... Are these standard? I don't remember seeing them as an option in the German brochure (although my German language is a little weak).

 

[lee_fr200]

that article makes me want one even more

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Hmmm, interesting. The penultimate paragraph mentions adjustable dampers.... Are these standard? I don't remember seeing them as an option in the German brochure (although my German language is a little weak).

Not sure about the German brochure either but the "audi magnetic ride" option is detailed in the audi news items on the upcoming S3.

Here is a section:
As an option, handling characteristics can be brought into even sharper focus by Audi magnetic ride, an electromagnetic damper control system using pistons in which a synthetic hydrocarbon oil containing microscopically small magnetic particles circulates. When a coil applies a voltage, the particles align perpendicular to the direction of flow of the oil, impeding its flow through the channels in the pistons to tauten cornering attitude.

The control unit constantly analyzes the condition of the road and the driver’s style, repeatedly adapting the damper forces within milliseconds. The driver can choose between three modes. The new S3 is balanced in normal mode and tightly connected to the road in sport mode. Steering response becomes even quicker, and yaw movements are largely suppressed.

 

[Gazzz]

Hmmm, interesting. The penultimate paragraph mentions adjustable dampers.... Are these standard? I don't remember seeing them as an option in the German brochure (although my German language is a little weak).

Unfortunately it's a €980 option in Germany. Pricelist is here if anybody is interested: http://www.audi.de/content/dam/ngw/product/pdf/katalog/CW07_2013/130215_KW07_A3_S3_Preisliste.pdf

I will admit to having spent a lot of time using Google Translate over the weekend ;-)

 

[lee_fr200]

Just wonder when they will release the info on the English site

 

[Snake Pliskin]

That review paints the new S3 in a REALLY good light :icon_thumright:

 

[Gazzz]

And another one for you: 2013 Audi S3 review - What Car?

Interestingly, they say it's £30,500 for manual and the auto is a £1480 option... bringing us to the £31,980 that Auto Express quoted for their car. I suspect that means it is official pricing rather than guesswork.

It also mentions Audi Magnetic Ride as a £995 option

 

[Snake Pliskin]

That is a seriously good review and if the 3 door manual is £30,500 that is great news.
The article also makes reference to a lot of points why the S3 appeals to me namely:

crushingly rapid
confidence-inspiring
refined
comfortable
It sounds great
noise disappears almost entirely when you settle down to a steady cruise
formidable traction
If you want sports car pace and all-weather ability in a slick, desirable everyday car, the S3 delivers it all flawlessly

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Yes thats another very good review indeed. It certainly looks like the new S3 is going to live up to or even exceed my expectations.
Despite the frustrating delays with the order books opening I am more than happy to wait for this impressive machine

 

[wab172uk]

Somehow I feel Audi is dragging it's feet over the price as Mercedes have ruined their pricing structure.

300bhp AWD A3 - £30,500
350bhp AWD A45 AMG - £30,000.

Maybe UK cars may get added options as standard to make the price fit? Otherwise speccing an S3 could easily get to £35,000. Depending on the A45 AMG's standard kit, the S3 may well struggle to compete.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Somehow I feel Audi is dragging it's feet over the price as Mercedes have ruined their pricing structure.

300bhp AWD A3 - £30,500
350bhp AWD A45 AMG - £30,000.

Maybe UK cars may get added options as standard to make the price fit? Otherwise speccing an S3 could easily get to £35,000. Depending on the A45 AMG's standard kit, the S3 may well struggle to compete.

I think you will find the Merc A45 AMG will have a starting price of 'at least' £36k
It is the BMW 135iM which is £30k if that is why you have quoted that figure.

 

[Gazzz]

As I seem to have taken on the role of 'Head S3 Review Finder', here's another one for you: First drive: Audi S3 | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast

 

[Gazzz]

Audi S3 (2013) CAR review | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Cheers Gazzz, gosh reviews coming thick and fast now. I just heard back from autoexpress road test editor and their pricings were based on official Audi list prices given at the time of the "drive" so this bears out what Gazzz worked out above with the costings of the manual and the s tronic version.

 

[Gazzz]

Cheers Gazzz, gosh reviews coming thick and fast now. I just heard back from autoexpress road test editor and their pricings were based on official Audi list prices given at the time of the "drive" so this bears out what Gazzz worked out above with the costings of the manual and the s tronic version.

That's good to know. I assume they'll be MY14 prices too (i.e. inc DAB), as with the order books not even open yet, getting one built before the change seems highly unlikely

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Yes I dont think there is any danger of having a MY13 S3 !!
Interesting that the article on CAR website suggests a 19" Wheel option?? There was no such option in the German brochure.

 

[wab172uk]

I think you will find the Merc A45 AMG will have a starting price of 'at least' £36k
It is the BMW 135iM which is £30k if that is why you have quoted that figure.

I stand corrected. Must have been thinking BMW.