2013 Audi S3

bleedsoff said:
Thanks for the reply guys. I actually was in the Tonbridge Audi today. Was walking round the showroom and saw a Red Sportback S3 that had just been delivered. Think its there demonstrator. Had a quick look round it was really nice. Then asked to enquire about placing an order and the reply was we are giving no discounts and looking for March delivery atm. I decided I wouldn't waste there time then. They also said I couldn't have a test drive as I was not going to place an order with them.
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i didn't have a great experience at Tonbridge Audi, ordered somewhere else at better price and better service. And a colleague of my mrs is have issues with them at the moment, so don't have the best opinion of them, but may be other have had better experience with them? 3x Caffyns dealers around Sussex are much better.
 
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It's amazing how some dealers are still in business with the stories you hear
 
bleedsoff said:
Thanks for the reply guys. I actually was in the Tonbridge Audi today. Was walking round the showroom and saw a Red Sportback S3 that had just been delivered. Think its there demonstrator. Had a quick look round it was really nice. Then asked to enquire about placing an order and the reply was we are giving no discounts and looking for March delivery atm. I decided I wouldn't waste there time then. They also said I couldn't have a test drive as I was not going to place an order with them.
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Hi again Bleedsoff, they did not offer discount!!!!! I found the same at my dealer, I asked for them to throw in the B&O sounds for free based on the car spec being £37k and they said no. I then got a quote from a broker with a three grand reduction which I used when negotiating with the dealer. Reluctantly and after telling me all the bad points of using a broker (none really) they proposed a £2600 discount. All I will say is try some other Kent dealers.
Refusing you a test drive is was a bit stupid, by one elsewhere, maybe try Maidstone, I've always had good service there.
 
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It's very apparent to me that you can get a very different customer experience depending on the Audi dealer you go to. My advise is got to at least two, ideally three. Then play them off against each other. That's what I do and get what I want! Not offering a test drive - I'd f'ing have the sales manager in front of me double quick if someone said that to me! Stand up for yourselves! You're the customer - ****** well make them realise it! There's an S3 demonstrator in glacier with all the right options coming into my nearest dealer in two weeks - I've got a test drive and a £2.5k discount (if I want it come December) lined up already :yes: it'll probably only need a set of 19" sportec alloys in gloss black adding and it'll be bang on for me...
 
SilureMark said:
It's very apparent to me that you can get a very different customer experience depending on the Audi dealer you go to. My advise is got to at least two, ideally three. Then play them off against each other. That's what I do and get what I want! Not offering a test drive - I'd f'ing have the sales manager in front of me double quick if someone said that to me! Stand up for yourselves! You're the customer - ****** well make them realise it! There's an S3 demonstrator in glacier with all the right options coming into my nearest dealer in two weeks - I've got a test drive and a £2.5k discount (if I want it come December) lined up already :yes: it'll probably only need a set of 19" sportec alloys in gloss black adding and it'll be bang on for me...
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See you have changed your sig from the TT-RS+ to the Cayman ... that was delivered quick !
How are you finding the Cayman vs the TT-RS+ then ?
Would be great to see some pictures of the beast in addition to your experience of the car against the 4 wheel drive TT :thumbsup:
 
Talking of test drives, last time I test drove a car (A4) I was offered the keys and he told me to be back for lunch (its was 9.30)

Have the test drive you guys been having been a quick blast with the sales guy or a hour or 2 on your own?
 
I have 2 test drives of S3 SB booked within next 2 weeks - with 2 different dealers, but both drives for a whole day :)
which I specifically requested.

One is the manual version and the other is s-tronic. Having always thought i'd have a manual, having some time in a Polo GTI DSG lately has been good and its made me think about s-tronic.:think:
 
Toadoftoadhall said:
I have 2 test drives of S3 SB booked within next 2 weeks - with 2 different dealers, but both drives for a whole day :)
which I specifically requested.

One is the manual version and the other is s-tronic. Having always thought i'd have a manual, having some time in a Polo GTI DSG lately has been good and its made me think about s-tronic.:think:
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good to here. I too would be looking at a s-tronic, and have never had one before. but friends have recommenced it and reviews always seem positive.
 
c.grex said:
good to here. I too would be looking at a s-tronic, and have never had one before. but friends have recommenced it and reviews always seem positive.
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I've got s tronic in my S5 and for a daily car it's prefect.
The stats on the S3 manual v s tronic make it a no brainer to get the auto for me. Under 5 seconds to 60 in a Sportback is impressive stuff. Just keep it in Dynamic!
Got my weekend toy when I want a more challenging manual effort.
 
Yes under 5 s - amazing - apart from the faster acceleration other plus points for s tronic I reckon could be:
  • On the various official videos available of the S3 the sound of the exhaust on the gear changes sounds wonderful.
  • It must work so much better with adaptive cruise control than the manual.
  • Those paddle shifters look superb.
 
Toadoftoadhall said:
I have 2 test drives of S3 SB booked within next 2 weeks - with 2 different dealers, but both drives for a whole day :)
which I specifically requested.

One is the manual version and the other is s-tronic. Having always thought i'd have a manual, having some time in a Polo GTI DSG lately has been good and its made me think about s-tronic.:think:
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Hi mate,

I was dead against autos and manual all the way .......

until I test drive the S5 with s-tronic !

Absolutely fantastic and suited the car so much - and there is NO WAY I could ever match the gear change times of the auto in a manual .... I was amazed but it converted me.

Be very interested to hear your comments following test drive/s.
 
CraigI said:
I've got s tronic in my S5 and for a daily car it's prefect.
The stats on the S3 manual v s tronic make it a no brainer to get the auto for me. Under 5 seconds to 60 in a Sportback is impressive stuff. Just keep it in Dynamic!
Got my weekend toy when I want a more challenging manual effort.
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I'm not sure that 0-60 difference really tells much of a real-world story. As far as I know, the improved 0-60 quoted for the s-tronic is mostly down to the launch control which realistically, unless you want to look like a bit of an idiot, you're not going to be using at every set of lights :)

I'm sure the s-tronic can change a little quicker than a manual, but I'd be surprised if it makes a lot of difference. I'd be interested to see some 30-70 etc performance figures for them both.
 
audi upgrades
Hi All,

Guess there will be a few reports of S3 SB's at dealers today. Anyone interested there is a Estoril Blue manual on the front at Warrington Audi this morning. :yes:
 
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davejinx said:
I'm not sure that 0-60 difference really tells much of a real-world story. As far as I know, the improved 0-60 quoted for the s-tronic is mostly down to the launch control which realistically, unless you want to look like a bit of an idiot, you're not going to be using at every set of lights :)

I'm sure the s-tronic can change a little quicker than a manual, but I'd be surprised if it makes a lot of difference. I'd be interested to see some 30-70 etc performance figures for them both.
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Very true. 0-60 times are for bragging rights but the important figures are the overtaking ones.

That said, I believe this engine is quite impressive in both respects. Peak power is delivered between 5,500 and 6,200rpm but the full 280lb ft of torque is available between 1,800 and 5,500rpm which means that the engine just keeps on pulling pretty much throughout the entire rev range.
 
Stronic or Manual? Have to agree with Snake. Not quite the s5 but had a A5 3.0 Black edition stronic on loan for a week from Audi Uk last year (neither they or audi Germany had part for A4!). Always had manuals but I was converted.
Would certainly suggest anyone considering tries a stronic. Might not be for everyone but it worked for me.
 
Is the s tronic in the S5 and new S3 one and the same?
Changing using the paddles in the S3 felt quicker than the S5.

That said the whole S3 package felt more focused and direct than the S5, so that feeling of excitement (which I don't get with the S5) may have led me to think it was quicker.

The sound the s tronic box makes in the S5 is really good especially when you keep the foot down on change up, the S3 sounds even better - makes a brilliant sound for a 4 pot.
 
davejinx said:
I'm not sure that 0-60 difference really tells much of a real-world story. As far as I know, the improved 0-60 quoted for the s-tronic is mostly down to the launch control which realistically, unless you want to look like a bit of an idiot, you're not going to be using at every set of lights :)

I'm sure the s-tronic can change a little quicker than a manual, but I'd be surprised if it makes a lot of difference. I'd be interested to see some 30-70 etc performance figures for them both.
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paullowther said:
Very true. 0-60 times are for bragging rights but the important figures are the overtaking ones.

That said, I believe this engine is quite impressive in both respects. Peak power is delivered between 5,500 and 6,200rpm but the full 280lb ft of torque is available between 1,800 and 5,500rpm which means that the engine just keeps on pulling pretty much throughout the entire rev range.
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I'm going to hazard a guess that you have both ordered the slower to 60 manual versions???

:blush::whistle2:
 
paullowther said:
Nope, 3 door S Tronic for me!
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Oh well, one out of two is a good ratio. I can live with that.

If I'm honest the s tronic in the S5 is pretty dull unless you keep it in Dynamic, but I'd always rather the chance to have that improved sprint than not, it's a ****** good improvement in the S3 over the manual too.
The S3 felt keener on the up and down change, but as mentioned that might have been through excitement more than anything else.
I also want my daily driver to be auto.
 
I went to Mancheter Audi all excited today only to be told they can't open the car doors until tomorrow!!!!! Still... At least I got to have a good look around. I really like the wheels on this one but I've gone for the standard S3 wheels.
 

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Danners78 said:
I went to Mancheter Audi all excited today only to be told they can't open the car doors until tomorrow!!!!! Still... At least I got to have a good look around. I really like the wheels on this one but I've gone for the standard S3 wheels.
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Sounds like they are taking the P there!
 
CraigI said:
Is the s tronic in the S5 and new S3 one and the same?
Changing using the paddles in the S3 felt quicker than the S5.

That said the whole S3 package felt more focused and direct than the S5, so that feeling of excitement (which I don't get with the S5) may have led me to think it was quicker.

The sound the s tronic box makes in the S5 is really good especially when you keep the foot down on change up, the S3 sounds even better - makes a brilliant sound for a 4 pot.
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Doesnt the S3 have an artificially enhanced sound pumped into the cabin ?
 
Snake Pliskin said:
Doesnt the S3 have an artificially enhanced sound pumped into the cabin ?
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Yep, I took a SB out today, for 10 mins only as the demo had only been bought out today and wasn't yet registered. But I noticed when we set off, the sales guy wanted to put the sat nav map on, I presume so we would here the sound?
 
Harris27 said:
Very nice thread to read, not many forums on the new S3!
I'm in major confusion between this beaut S3 and a M135i! so when people take delivery i am keen to here your reviews :D
What do you guys think between the two. in a honest opinion! :)
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Having driven a M135i today and sat in the S3 (couldn't drive it today) this clearly isn't as comprehensive as Paul's comparison but nonetheless I did form an opinion (and not the one I expected)

Surprisingly I warmed more to the M135i interior than the S3 in the flesh than I had comparing pictures. The Audi is a little austere in comparison and I wasn't so keen on the S3 dials as I though I would be - then again I am possibly the wrong side of the target age group :)

Practicality wise the two seem on a par.

Once I got over putting my foot down to hear the engine sound in the BMW I tried it at a sedate pace and the brilliant auto box made it easy plus the ride was compliant. This is a very capable car at driving around in congested traffic and ferrying the family around wihilst providing sports car type performance when needed. Something I thought might be an issue.

In the south west UK we get little snow and certainly had more in my youth in spite of what we hear about climate change. In 33 years of driving I have got stuck in snow in 2WD cars twice - ironically an Audi and a BMW! So 4WD doesn't feel a significant factor but other regions will vary and the Audi has a clear advantage in such a case.

Without driving the S3 I was able to compare the bits I expcted the S3 to win me over - how it made me feel sat in it and looking at it. The fact it didn't win me over is simply down to a preference thing. I would be extremely happy sat in and owning either car, I think they are both fantastic cars.

If 4WD is important the Audi is a clear winner. If the chance to own a new small high quality hatchback with a 6 cylinder engine and RWD before the next generation BMW 1 becomes 4 cylinder and FWD matters then it has to be the BMW. I probably fall into the latter. I owned one of the last of the V6 Alfas before they were replaced by the GM variant and as much as I admire the engine implanted into the S3 the opportunity to enjoy that BMW 6 cylinder engine while it is an option may be too much to resist.

The counter of course is that small BMWs of the future will be to a format that Audi are building now, so the Audi is the more modern technology package whereas the BMW appeals possibly more to those looking for more old school driving thrills.

I would be very surprised if buyers would regret owning either car but that doesn't make the choice easy :)
 
Hello - First post for me. Have ordered an S3 SB, but came to the party late so now the long wait until March!. They have Misano Red SB at Maidstone Audi. I almost went for a BMW M135i instead, mainly because it was dealer stock, nicely discounted and I am impatient!
 
baldrick said:
Having driven a M135i today and sat in the S3 (couldn't drive it today) this clearly isn't as comprehensive as Paul's comparison but nonetheless I did form an opinion (and not the one I expected)

Surprisingly I warmed more to the M135i interior than the S3 in the flesh than I had comparing pictures. The Audi is a little austere in comparison and I wasn't so keen on the S3 dials as I though I would be - then again I am possibly the wrong side of the target age group :)

Practicality wise the two seem on a par.

Once I got over putting my foot down to hear the engine sound in the BMW I tried it at a sedate pace and the brilliant auto box made it easy plus the ride was compliant. This is a very capable car at driving around in congested traffic and ferrying the family around wihilst providing sports car type performance when needed. Something I thought might be an issue.

In the south west UK we get little snow and certainly had more in my youth in spite of what we hear about climate change. In 33 years of driving I have got stuck in snow in 2WD cars twice - ironically an Audi and a BMW! So 4WD doesn't feel a significant factor but other regions will vary and the Audi has a clear advantage in such a case.

Without driving the S3 I was able to compare the bits I expcted the S3 to win me over - how it made me feel sat in it and looking at it. The fact it didn't win me over is simply down to a preference thing. I would be extremely happy sat in and owning either car, I think they are both fantastic cars.

If 4WD is important the Audi is a clear winner. If the chance to own a new small high quality hatchback with a 6 cylinder engine and RWD before the next generation BMW 1 becomes 4 cylinder and FWD matters then it has to be the BMW. I probably fall into the latter. I owned one of the last of the V6 Alfas before they were replaced by the GM variant and as much as I admire the engine implanted into the S3 the opportunity to enjoy that BMW 6 cylinder engine while it is an option may be too much to resist.

The counter of course is that small BMWs of the future will be to a format that Audi are building now, so the Audi is the more modern technology package whereas the BMW appeals possibly more to those looking for more old school driving thrills.

I would be very surprised if buyers would regret owning either car but that doesn't make the choice easy :)
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The major element against the 135 is the way it looks.
I wouldn't ever own one because I like to enjoy the way my car looks, plus how it drives and I could never get over the looks of the 135.
I see two most days at work (one 5 door and one 3) and the more I see them the more I dislike them.
It's a shame as the 1M Coupe looks brilliant.

The S3 isn't exactly stunning to look at, but is still absolutely head and shoulders over the 135.
 
I took an M135i and the S3 out within an hour of each other.

the BMW was a really nice car but the first thing you notice behind the wheel is the stupid driving position which they still haven't fixed. Why would i want the steering wheel in front of me and the pedals to the left? On the manual car i drove i found it irritating when using the clutch. The dash was not a bad place to be but looked not too different to the dash in my dad's 5 year old 3 series, plus the screen looked like a bit of an afterthought. To drive it was very quick and the steering had a good amount of feel. It turned in very quickly and with a little bit of play the back end would come out (it was a damp, greasy day). Unfortunately it lost traction yoo easily for my liking, having had a Cayman S I know how well a RWD car can hold the road and I just felt it was too nervous in the wet :( The looks of the car are a big problem for me too. The front end is just not nice and I just know that I would end up disliking the car for it. Overall it is a great car though, yes more fun than the S3 but on a wet day I just wouldn't be very relaxed in it. Oh and the dealer's attitude was shocking. They actually used the line "So when can we expect your business?" - I only asked for a price you arrogant git!!

an hour later and I am sat in an S3 SB with tronic (an option I am not going for). Immediately I started to feel more comfortable. The driving position is very good and the cabin seems less cluttered an slightly more modern. The steering feel even in dynamic mode isn't brilliant but no worse than the electric steering in my mk3.focus st. Turning into the first corner immediately gave me confidence, just turn in and it does what you ask with tons of grip. Even when pushing it never once broke traction. The S3 just feels like the car I can use for EVERY drive and not just the ones for a bit of fun. After all it is my main mode of transport. Oh and it will look good on my driveway. As for the dealer. Well the salesman I have is great. He knew I hadn't made my mind up 100% and so let me have the car TWICE. He has not been pushy and kept me informed on anything I needed to know. So far so good. Glad I went Audi :)

overall the BMW may be a bit better to drive on a track or a dry day but in the real world with crap roads and pouring rain the S3 will run rings round it. I'd love a BMW to borrow but buying.....S3 every day.
 
That's actually a good point about wet roads. My current BMW 116i, even though it isn't at all powerful, slips on even the slightest of wet roads and is quite unnerving, I'd dread to think what it would be like with an extra 200 horses!

Everytime I try compare the 2 I always come round to thinking I made the right choice in opting for the S3.
 
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Lol - great vid and well presented! Imagine that through the B & O system :D

Regarding the S3 sound I think I recall reading about sound flaps within the exhaust system and also some other sort of device to let more engine noise into the cabin - it must be more technical than a hole in the bulkhead I guess.

Edit: Just found the original press release info from Audi on the S3 SB.

"Two balancer shafts rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft take care of refinement, but thanks to an electromechanical actuator in the bulkhead the cabin is filled with just the right amount of sound, with just the right sporting tone. The exhaust system also includes a sound flap that opens at certain engine speed ranges to give this even greater depth."

Electro-mechanical actuator? so it must be a hole in the bulkhead with an elctrically operated flap/valve.
 
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paullowther said:
That's actually a good point about wet roads. My current BMW 116i, even though it isn't at all powerful, slips on even the slightest of wet roads and is quite unnerving, I'd dread to think what it would be like with an extra 200 horses!

Everytime I try compare the 2 I always come round to thinking I made the right choice in opting for the S3.
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Haha same with my 320d (which is the new F30) - its all over the shop in the wet. cant wait for the snow to come lol. You do think twice while pushing on down any road that isn't straight when in the wet.

Having driven the 135i - I'm sure there was an option in the stereo to adjust the engine sound?

Just to comment in comparison to S3, has anyone actually lived for 12 months with a current BMW product? For starters the paint quality is awful, easy scratched, scuffed and chipped. The interior plastics although nice to touch are very brittle and easy to scuff. I really look after my cars, but its shocking how "tired" my 320d looks after 12 months / 13000 miles. All of this is not apparent on a 30 minute test drive. Full stop Audi paint and interior quality is far superior and for me this is a huge part of the whole ownership decision.

The 135i has two party tricks as far as I'm concerned, nice engine sound (that's partially fake) and rear wheel drive which, yes, on a sunny day was quite fun.

Oh and one final thing - the 1 Series is being face lifted Q1 2014 and nothing depreciates more than a face lifted BMW!
 
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My 320d could hardly ever be called a handful in the wet but then again my recollection of the RWD cars I owned a couple of decades ago is without traction control and skinny budget tyres which needed some throttle control. I can pretty much floor the 320d and let the traction control give me a bit of a wiggle so I feel like I am in charge before keeping things in check. After so many years of FWDs and front wheel scrabble it is a bit of a new experience again but hardly an issue.

An inexperienced driver could get in trouble pushing an M135i hard out of a corner in the wet but equally the same driver could get in a lot of trouble pushing an S3 too hard into a corner. These are genuinely quick cars and need to be handled accordingly.

What then makes which more fun come down to how we enjoy driving. Both cars flatter to deceive and that in my view is a good thing - we shouldn’t be driving at full commitment on public roads. I don’t subscribe to the lary **** out driving as being more fun, it isn’t really appropriate, nor is the stopwatch from A to B. It is about how it makes you feel.
 
I
baldrick said:
My 320d could hardly ever be called a handful in the wet but then again my recollection of the RWD cars I owned a couple of decades ago is without traction control and skinny budget tyres which needed some throttle control. I can pretty much floor the 320d and let the traction control give me a bit of a wiggle so I feel like I am in charge before keeping things in check. After so many years of FWDs and front wheel scrabble it is a bit of a new experience again but hardly an issue.

An inexperienced driver could get in trouble pushing an M135i hard out of a corner in the wet but equally the same driver could get in a lot of trouble pushing an S3 too hard into a corner. These are genuinely quick cars and need to be handled accordingly.

What then makes which more fun come down to how we enjoy driving. Both cars flatter to deceive and that in my view is a good thing - we shouldn’t be driving at full commitment on public roads. I don’t subscribe to the lary **** out driving as being more fun, it isn’t really appropriate, nor is the stopwatch from A to B. It is about how it makes you feel.
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Think I need new tyres already after 16000 miles in my 320d - that's why it's all over the shop lol.

Totally agree about 135i - in right hands in whatever the conditions it's an awesome thing! Just not my cup of tea......
 
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