Here's a question to the lucky ones who already have their new S3.... What sort of mpg are you actually getting compared to a quoted combined of 41mpg??
2013 Audi S3
- Thread starter Snake Pliskin
- Start date
Itguy
Registered User
There's been discussions on this already and people are seeing anywhere from 30 (pure town), 37 (mixed) to 43+ (journey/run).
My personal experience on the extended test drives I've done have been c.25mpg on maximum attack as the uk roads allow and then I saw 41.5mpg on a normal 40 mile run through countryside and through the middle of a town at rush hour.
If you ask me it's very frugal considering.
My personal experience on the extended test drives I've done have been c.25mpg on maximum attack as the uk roads allow and then I saw 41.5mpg on a normal 40 mile run through countryside and through the middle of a town at rush hour.
If you ask me it's very frugal considering.
NotquiteWelsh
Registered User
My 8p S3 would do about 28 commuting, 32 on m'ways and 22 driving briskly.
I am not giving the new one tooo much atm; but commuting and brisk fun give 30.
very impressive from a car with that performance - my Peugeot 307xsi has done an average 31mpg over almost 11 years and 103K miles - at one stage the largy luke warm hatch was down to 27.9mpg and ive tried to improve the mpg over the last 3 years
Just a quick update on ESP/ESC -case... I got confirmation from audi that all stability control functions turns off by simply pressing the esp button for few seconds. This is also stated in german/swedish/finnish brochure...
I booked a S3 test drive to confirm that S3 is everything I want. I have (almost) decided all the specs and after the test drive I think I HAVE TO buy one!
I was the same when I test drove the s3 sportback - didn't like the colour of monsoon grey as I really didn't think it suited the car, way to understated, but after driving it I HAD to have one
exactly my thoughts re: the s3 and my criteria - it could have a tiny bit more space and when it came to paying/finance I just ......
no that's a criteria and I wasn't necessarily looking at 300bhp cars, the b class isn't but its still a great car imo with a lot of space and headroom like an mpv but doesn't look like it and is better than the equivalent ford like the overrated c max - in the end I didn't want to drive around every day in an mpv like car
I decided on the s3 with the intention of either keeping my 11 year old peugeot 307xsi 2003 or 15 year old ford fiesta 1998 till they fall apart or get rid of both and get a used 4x4/suv/mpv for <£15K
Pulled the trigger today.
Sportback
Esteril Blue
S-tronic
Roof Rails
Privacy Glass
Sunroof
Performance Package (Sports seats, Magnetic suspension, B&O, Red Calipers, LED headlights, Star design alloys)
The Aussie package version has most of the fruit in it all ready, Parking, MMI, bluetooth, internal lighting, heated seats (not that i need those in Sydney!) and more.
Now comes the tragic part - delivery in March. Lots of time to worry about whether the colour is right. I may have to go outside now and apologise to the R.
Sportback
Esteril Blue
S-tronic
Roof Rails
Privacy Glass
Sunroof
Performance Package (Sports seats, Magnetic suspension, B&O, Red Calipers, LED headlights, Star design alloys)
The Aussie package version has most of the fruit in it all ready, Parking, MMI, bluetooth, internal lighting, heated seats (not that i need those in Sydney!) and more.
Now comes the tragic part - delivery in March. Lots of time to worry about whether the colour is right. I may have to go outside now and apologise to the R.
Hi James (and any other Aussies out there!)
Firstly, congrats on the purchase - I am envious! Do you mind if I can ask what price you got (give or take)?
I have actually just come back from the dealer and was quoted:
- 70k drive away for stock
- 79k drive away for S Pack, Sunroof, Assistance Package
This was more than I thought it would be and pretty much puts it in line with A45 pricing
Firstly, congrats on the purchase - I am envious! Do you mind if I can ask what price you got (give or take)?
I have actually just come back from the dealer and was quoted:
- 70k drive away for stock
- 79k drive away for S Pack, Sunroof, Assistance Package
This was more than I thought it would be and pretty much puts it in line with A45 pricing
Talk to Jeff Harris @ Newcastle Audi. Top bloke and will definitely smash that crazy price your dealer has quoted you!
I'm also expecting my Amalfi white SB S3 in March. Also have traded in my R in advance since I have spare cars. It's going to be a long wait though...
I'm also expecting my Amalfi white SB S3 in March. Also have traded in my R in advance since I have spare cars. It's going to be a long wait though...
Well I am not a very good negotiator, but I paid $73k drive away. Also free service for 3 yrs. I was ok with that, but I am sure I could have saved some more with a bit more effort. Tossed up the idea of the Assistance Package, but couldn't convince myself of the value, and figured it was a lot of expensive electronic to go wrong.
waiting, waiting, waiting....
Well that's much better than what they quoted me... albeit I was more 'enquiring' rather than being prepared to buy there and then
They essentially told me 79 for more or less the same (substitute assistance package in my quote for the Roof Rails & Privacy Glass).
I agree though, the assistance package is the one I would contemplate dropping if need be.
Thanks for the insight. I'm looking to buy probably once they hit our shores which isn't far away now!
Enjoy the wait and the delivery of the new car!
They essentially told me 79 for more or less the same (substitute assistance package in my quote for the Roof Rails & Privacy Glass).
I agree though, the assistance package is the one I would contemplate dropping if need be.
Thanks for the insight. I'm looking to buy probably once they hit our shores which isn't far away now!
Enjoy the wait and the delivery of the new car!
Itguy
Registered User
Hi there dstama,
I'm from Melbourne and managed to get sports package, assistance package, privacy glass and estoril blue for $71k drive away by going through a car broker. I'm not a great negotiator so I really like their model - they do a reverse blind auction with each of the dealers in the region looking for the cheapest quote.
You definitely want to try and get the price below $75k to avoid the Luxury Car Tax.
Itguy
Registered User
Only as a bit of fun and so that people can see other peoples orders, spec choices and photos/delivery etc when they happen. I've found it useful to make sure I haven't missed anything silly of my order etc. It's also a useful way for people to see what build dates are being issued and how long it takes from order>build>shipping>delivery>dealer prep>collection
Also from Australia. Placed order for S3 sportback , only options being glacier white metalic and the optional performance pack wheels for $ 63 k drive away . Happy with that . Didn't want the magnetic ride as I have a mate who had it spec'd on his audi tts and had all sorts of ongoing problems with it .
Have specified to dealer that I it is to be a January 2014 build date.
Have specified to dealer that I it is to be a January 2014 build date.
I've also specified Jan 2014 build but now the wait is killing me!
My S3 is non metallic with performance package, assistance package (an absolute essential from my point of view) and folding exterior mirrors (assuming that it's possible to get). Was considering sunroof as I've never had one in any of my previous cars but disappointed at the size of it.... so couldn't justify the cost. But they would look good on white car.
It seems that audi connect is not going to be available to Oz spec cars which I was initially upset with.
Could one of the lucky S3 owners give more detailed review of their new beast/beauty? Always looking out for more reviews and there's never enough!
paullowther
Registered User
If I lived in Australia the very first option I'd tick would be the sunroof... No question about it!
I paid $68k for metallic paint and roof rails. Didn't care. I consider the price drop quite a discount anyway.
I'm 6'3" and in an A3 with sunroof my head touched the roof. Not pleasant.
Maybe I could've poked my head out the roof like a giraffe.
6' 8" here... I haven't ordered a sunroof for some reason....
I agree, as I looked into SB s3 a few years ago but ended up getting the golf R as it was so much cheaper. What a surprise when they announced the new price! Wasn't even considering s3 initially as I couldn't see much point if paying similar money to a45.
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
Hehe. Looks like the Aussies have taken over this thread for a while. Well we will go off to sleep and you Nth hemisphere types can take it back again. Give us reviews and thoughts about first drives please. There are no landed cars down here. We are all buying on trust and hope.
Yes I was pretty much the same. Old S3 just seemed like silly money and I loved the R, but luckily it is time to move on
paullowther
Registered User
Despite there being many cars to test drive around my area I too am buying on trust and hope! I haven't taken a test drive of an S3!
I did however drive a 1.8l Quattro and loved it. The way I see it an S3 can only be better!
This is exactly my reasoning. Seem to be getting a lot of smack talk over the past couple of weeks from guys baffled by how I could even consider spending so much on a car that I haven't even test driven.
Usually followed by, "Why did you buy a Golf in a prettier outfit?"
it'd be like driving a ****** greenhouse man !
They do have blinds + it relieves the occupants of the doom and gloom Black headlining!!
I too am 6'3'' and have no problems with headroom, seat lowered.
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
not it driven one ! . .?
im the fussiest man on earth regarding cars and bikes and I drove the golf r, gti and the new 8v s3 back to back.
the s3 is an exquisite car, in everything other than steering feel and tactility..... It does everything exceptionally well other than provide driver feedback. It is simply hopeless in giving feel and feedback.
it is however extremely accomplished in grip, power and ability, bit just lacks any real sparkling dynamics.
however, my missus thought it was wonderful and as it's basically hers anyway, why not.
indeed a stunning machine, just let down with a lack of tactility.
it didn't stop me buying one however.
we also need 4wd as we spend a lot of time in the mountains up here in north east Scotland, skiing throughout the winter. And it fits nicely in one side of our garage !
Itguy
Registered User
I couldn't have ordered one without a test drive either. We drove a manual s3, then a manual mk7 golf gti, then an s-tronic s3. We also drove a BMW m135i.
Ordered the s-tronic s3 and agree with rocks above, everything is fantastic apart from slightly lifeless steering but that really is common these days with electric power steering in general.
The s3 may share the same platform as the golf but it is worlds apart in terms of quality. I'm VERY picky about interiors of cars, always have been and the s3 is a thing of beauty in manufacturing and ascetics.
For the geeks out there, as an example, the door trim clips on VAG cars have little rubber anti-rattle shims and are a wonderful design. Compare to BMW and they are awful hopeless solid plastic things that snap and rattle.
The m135i demonstrator we drove had a rattling armrest at 2000 miles. Both s3s were silent.
we found the golf interior was just horrible. So much piano black / fake gloss carbon everywhere just ready to show finger marks. It really is nasty.
Ordered the s-tronic s3 and agree with rocks above, everything is fantastic apart from slightly lifeless steering but that really is common these days with electric power steering in general.
The s3 may share the same platform as the golf but it is worlds apart in terms of quality. I'm VERY picky about interiors of cars, always have been and the s3 is a thing of beauty in manufacturing and ascetics.
For the geeks out there, as an example, the door trim clips on VAG cars have little rubber anti-rattle shims and are a wonderful design. Compare to BMW and they are awful hopeless solid plastic things that snap and rattle.
The m135i demonstrator we drove had a rattling armrest at 2000 miles. Both s3s were silent.
we found the golf interior was just horrible. So much piano black / fake gloss carbon everywhere just ready to show finger marks. It really is nasty.
paullowther
Registered User
So I've read about the feedback and I kind of understood what people were talking about after driving the 1.8, I turned the steering wheel and the car went exactly where i wanted it to but I couldn't really 'feel' the road like I do in my current BMW.
However, the overall package of the Audi was outstanding and the lack of feel was a relatively small price to pay for such an otherwise polished product.
I'm sure that the power of the engine will make up for that lack of excitement around the corners too, especially coming from a 116i! This car is more than twice as fast!
However, the overall package of the Audi was outstanding and the lack of feel was a relatively small price to pay for such an otherwise polished product.
I'm sure that the power of the engine will make up for that lack of excitement around the corners too, especially coming from a 116i! This car is more than twice as fast!
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
paul, I'd recommend caution if your unused to performance motoring, the S3 really is a quick motor, and I'm used to track riding sports bikes, so I'm familiar with high speed !
id take my time getting to know the car, it's dynamics and the way it delivers it's power, as well as experimenting with hard braking where appropriate. It's a serious proposition compared to a 116i......
its not a super car, but it's fast enough for British B roads, that's for sure.....!
I need these freakin' wheels. Any help tracking them down? I think they're the 19" version of the standard 18" S-line A3 rims in black or anthracite.
Itguy
Registered User
I'd second that, for the uninitiated the way that it can gain speed may take you by surprise a little. I remember the first time I drove a very quick car I nearly ran into the back of a car when going to overtake it as I didn't realise how quickly it would shift from 40 to 60-70.
The 4wd also means it just digs and goes if you're viscous with the loud pedal whereas 2wd would have the traction light flashing and slower progress.
You will LOVE the feeling of effortless motoring though, it is so much more relaxing to drive a nice powerful motor than an underpowered weed (I'm not referring to your 116i btw, although it might be, not driven one).
The 4wd also means it just digs and goes if you're viscous with the loud pedal whereas 2wd would have the traction light flashing and slower progress.
You will LOVE the feeling of effortless motoring though, it is so much more relaxing to drive a nice powerful motor than an underpowered weed (I'm not referring to your 116i btw, although it might be, not driven one).
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
Yes, that's how I'd describe it, quick and an excellent overtaker...but it builds speed to 80/90 in a flash, especially 3rd gear in sport dynamic mode, very nice torque flat from 50 through 80. Like riding a wave of whoosh !
Itguy
Registered User
My old honda blackbird also made me respect acceleration in the same way too. Trying to counteract the gyroscope effect when overtaking on full throttle is hard physical work to pull it back in after!
