Feedback from those with S3s now

Itguy

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Ok, so it's been a month or two since a load of people on here got their S3s (lucky bas***ds!).

How are you finding them? Performance, handling, economy, is steering as bad as some say?

any rattles yet? Best/worst features?

any positive or negative glances or gestures!?

help keep the rest of us on the waiting list going!
 
Good thread! Will help my 2 weeks pass faster! Hopefully!!
 
Unless all those who now have their S3s have left us and are off driving their new P&Js?. Have we been used and abused?!
 
I will be busy sh*****g a nice young lady tonight...

But i will assure you i will report back tomorrow with my feedback on the...



S3
 
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Had it for 2 days now, loving every minute of driving it.

- not a single cabin noise other than the v8ish yank muscle car sound as i accelerate
- bang and Olufsen is absolutely awesome, one of the most impressive stereos ive ever heard, and I've been in my fair share of supercars/super GTs.
- fuel consumption is not bad at all, quite impressed
- suspension is very impressive, its firm but still comfortable. It's astonishing how it manages to filter out road imperfections.
- attracts some attention but not too bad, i dont stick out too much as i used to in my 370z (attracted all the boy racers, It was a pain)


issues so far:

- start/stop doesn't stay off when i press the button, after some time it turns back on all by itself and the light on the button turns off... I'll need to tell my dealer. It probably needs a software update.

Fuel:

Says 95 octane min and otherwise it takes 98... I'm fairly sure my dealer stuck a full tank of 95 octane in my tank and it seems to drive fine so i think I'll also stick to 95 octane in the future. Any views on this?
 
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Great, thanks for the update, sounds like you've been having fun
 
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I already owned an 8P S3 and was looking for my next car.
I ordered the S3 back in early June, as soon as the dealer opened the order books. Obviously I hadn't driven one, sat it one or even seen one; but I ordered it on the strength of the reports of the press drives in April and inspecting the new A3s.

I believe that the extras are there to extract extra money even for some things that should be standard on a car like this (ie Comfort pack, tyre press. warning). I tend to only purchase those that I think I will use and also add to the resale value. I do think that the black pack @~£400 for items in black rather than chrome seems excessive as I don't suppose the cost of manufacture is very different for the 2 sets of items.

I am really pleased with the items I chose in my spec. and am now comfortable not having the mag. ride supplied even though it was ordered.

The colour and interior are all I hoped for. I really like the silver alcantara, it makes the car seem bigger and more airy inside; I find grey interiors too bland. I also don't slip in the seat as I do in full leathers and so feel more secure. There is no sign of wear yet; but have not got it dirty, I had it treated to resist dirt and stains so time will tell if that was worthwhile.

If I was going to order an S3 now, having lived with this one for 3 weeks, and driving the wife's jaaagg I would add: front parking sensors and probably add S-tronic and adaptive headlights, I would leave out mag. ride.

The car in comparison to my 8P feels quicker, but I haven't really tried hard enough yet; has more grip; handles better; is more comfortable and quieter; the steering is better but not to 135iM standards. I now have a practical, fast car that my wife likes and has the driving qualities that suit me. I also like it because it is subtle, more grown up and doesn't shout I'M A HOT HATCH with ott body kits and go faster embellishments.

So far I have not found anything wrong with it, I hope I don't. But there are a number of things about it that are niggles and annoying. First I didn't like the electro-mechanical handbrake, but now I am used to it I find it OK and I find it is easier to pull away on a slope than with a normal handbrake. I'm not sure that the hill assist option would be totally necessary. I really dislike the indicator repeater in the door mirrors I find them too distracting - two small squares of carpet tape on each has covered them a treat. The seatbelt buckle on the passenger side is low and annoyingly knocks on the door pillar. The clutch throw is just a bit too long, so I can't quite get the "perfect" driving position; maybe it's because I have short legs!!!

It has done 500 miles now so I am going to start "playing" with the gadgets and get the car set up for me. I have been using the voice control and it has worked remarkably well for me up to now.

More updates later.
 
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The seatbelt buckle on the passenger side is low and annoyingly knocks on the door pillar.

Adjust it then! There's a slider on the seatbelt that sets where the buckle sits
 
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Fantastic update, thanks. That bit about the seatbelt buckle knocking against the pillar sounds a bit bad - I presume there is no adjustable slider on the belt to put the buckle somewhere else?
 
issues so far:

- start/stop doesn't stay off when i press the button, after some time it turns back on all by itself and the light on the button turns off... I'll need to tell my dealer. It probably needs a software update.

It may be that you have cycled through the drive select options some time after pushing the start/stop button. This will reactivate it as soon as you pass through the efficiency/economy mode.
 
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Had it for 2 days now, loving every minute of driving it.

- not a single cabin noise other than the v8ish yank muscle car sound as i accelerate
- bang and Olufsen is absolutely awesome, one of the most impressive stereos ive ever heard, and I've been in my fair share of supercars/super GTs.
- fuel consumption is not bad at all, quite impressed
- suspension is very impressive, its firm but still comfortable. It's astonishing how it manages to filter out road imperfections.
- attracts some attention but not too bad, i dont stick out too much as i used to in my 370z (attracted all the boy racers, It was a pain)


issues so far:

- start/stop doesn't stay off when i press the button, after some time it turns back on all by itself and the light on the button turns off... I'll need to tell my dealer. It probably needs a software update.

Fuel:

Says 95 octane min and otherwise it takes 98... I'm fairly sure my dealer stuck a full tank of 95 octane in my tank and it seems to drive fine so i think I'll also stick to 95 octane in the future. Any views on this?

best check with the dealer re: fuel - but I think with 98 you are supposed to alternate 3 x95 then 1 x 98 - could be wrong though, so check
 
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I've had mine since August, up to around 3.5k.

My main worry before buying as no test drive was the steering but I'll be honest I'm very happy with it so no complaints.

I love the s-tronic combined with the exhaust not, the fart noise is great! Because of it I don't use the b&o enough :/

My biggest niggle has to be the lack of coin holders but not the end of the world.

In regards to fuel I've not used any 98, maybe I should who knows.

The only option I wish I had ordered was adaptive cruise control for the long drives.

I can safely say I love this car, it's awesome!
 
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Fantastic update, thanks. That bit about the seatbelt buckle knocking against the pillar sounds a bit bad - I presume there is no adjustable slider on the belt to put the buckle somewhere else?

Ah-ha, there was no adjuster on the belt, but as you say there should be; I checked in the car and found it open under the passengers seat - don't know how it got unattached or whether it was supplied like that; all I know is the wife has had trouble finding the buckle each time shes been in the car. I have now fitted it back on the belt and hopefully by putting it towards the top it should not knock !!

I use shell v-power so far (Waitrose 5p off per litre); the 8P S3 always had Momentum 99 and was fine on that.
 
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It may be that you have cycled through the drive select options some time after pushing the start/stop button. This will reactivate it as soon as you pass through the efficiency/economy mode.

Ah thanks mate, could well be, didn't think of that.
 
Ah-ha, there was no adjuster on the belt, but as you say there should be; I checked in the car and found it open under the passengers seat - don't know how it got unattached or whether it was supplied like that; all I know is the wife has had trouble finding the buckle each time shes been in the car. I have now fitted it back on the belt and hopefully by putting it towards the top it should not knock !!

I use shell v-power so far (Waitrose 5p off per litre); the 8P S3 always had Momentum 99 and was fine on that.

nice, easy fix then.
 
more pics please battle ?

Sorry mate I just have no time before it gets dark outside and then theres no point. I'll shoot it with a proper camera as soon as i get it washed, meaning probably this monday.

Three days after receiving the car and still have a huge grin on my face. You'll understand once you guys get yours! :), i just can't find anything to complain about.

Oh and jeff was in fact correct, the stop/start did deactivate because i cycled through the drive modes. Once i left it on dynamic it stayed off. Thanks jeff!
 
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I will post something more in depth when i get time, but the only niggles i have with the car are...

The super sport seats are creaky, not the leather but the cushioning inside creaks when you go around a corner, the dealer tells me this should bed in over time...

In low revs in every gear there is a very feint whistle sound, i wouldn't call this a niggle because it could be completely normal like the turbo spooling up or air intake, as it disappears as the revs increase...

All in all it is just an amazing car!
 
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The super sport seats are creaky, not the leather but the cushioning inside creaks when you go around a corner, the dealer tells me this should bed in over time...

That does not sound very good. I've ordered SS seats. Have you looked at fixing it?
 
That does not sound very good. I've ordered SS seats. Have you looked at fixing it?

There were like that from the start...

Called my dealer last week who spoke to one of the service guys who said that it's because they are new, and to give the inside cushioning some time to bed in...

Given that is not just one part of the seat - how would they go about fixing this? Order me a new seat?

They are ridiculously comfortable though!
 
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Anyone else picked their new S3 up over the last week or so want to comment? Or those long termers ?
 
What do you want to know?

One thing i have noticed now that i have started putting my foot down a bit more - the power delivery is very very smooth, coming from a remapped 8P S3 this new car feels less aggressive, but when you look at the speedometer you can't quite believe what speed you are going!

Also, in the S-Tronic, if you put the car in Dynamic mode and use the manual paddles....it turns into a monster, the exhaust blips are stupidly loud it almost sounds like someone trying to start up a chainsaw in the boot, and something else i have noticed - the car seems to go into another lease of life after 4K revs and pulls even harder rather than drop off...
 
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3 weeks in, 600 miles and 3 car washes (just finished it again).

Good things:
  • Interior is awesome - I do not have the creaking seat problems of Johnnyb.
  • Noise - I have my DriveSelect set to Individual with Exhaust and Engine set to Dynamic (steering set to Auto) - just love the V8 ish noise and the exhaust burps. It is also quite noticeable that the warmer the engine and gearbox get, the quicker the shifts are.
  • LED lights. Johnnyb has said much about these and I can only reiterate his sentiments - a must have.
  • Handling - I'm starting to throw it around a bit more now. The steering is quite numb and turn in is very quick meaning that I sometimes turn in a bit too much and have to back out of the steering a bit - but I'll get used to it.
  • The ride is very good over the questionable Suffolk back roads. Ridges, lumps and small compressions are dealt with, with very little shock felt in the cabin.

Bad things:


  • Both the driver's and passenger's door would win the Creaking World Championship.
  • The radio/mp3 sometimes doesn't work first thing in the morning. A quick flick from media to radio or vice-versa solves the problem.
  • I miss the door strap check position that my 8P had.
  • Keeping it clean
  • Finding enough time to take it for a proper run.

Undecided:


  • Performance - it is quick but it doesn't feel quite 300bhp.
    My Stage 1 8P S3 was dyno'd at 300bhp and 311lb/ft. I was hoping that the reduction in weight of the 8V would make up for the loss of torque. It is early days but I can feel a remap coming on.
  • B&O - Not quite as awesome as I had expected from the rave reviews here. Maybe I need to tweak the sound properties some more. Anyone got a setup that they are happy with and can share?
 
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Well said Splathead

Agree with everything, it doesn't feel like a 300BHP car and i think it is because it is so smooth, i put my foot down in 3rd and 4th last night on a quiet road, it doesn't fling you back in your seat but as i stated above - the speed you are doing doesn't seem to match up with the feeling of power...

A remap on this car is a must IMO, it will be very very handy at circa 370bhp..
 
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One thing i hadn't said regarding the LEDs, i was under the impression that the LEDs didn't have/need fog lights but i noticed a button to activate the fog lights. In fact it changes the lighting patern as there are no separate lights as such, quite cool.
 
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Well the spread is more than it was on my 8p xenon lights but i personally feel theyre equal in brightness in normal driving conditions at night. When its pitch black, well slight advantage to LEDs maybe? All in all im glad i chose them. One thing i did notice is that people tend to get out of my way quicker than they did with my xenons. (I dont stick to people's bumpers nor do i bully them, im just saying that they tend to notice me more and move to the slow lane).
 
had mine for a week now, these are my initial thoughts aside from the obvious like how good the interior is etc

I have a manual btw

1st gear is REALLY REALLY short

Gear changes are a little notchy but I'm hoping over a few more miles this will improve

Fuel consumption is nowhere near what Audi states

As mentioned above by someone else, B+O doesn't match up to the reviews on here, this is probably what I'm most disappointed with

Been impressed with how much better the ride is compared to my previous car

It is very easy to forget what speed your doing, suggest setting the speed to be in big numbers in the centre screen

I have no creaks or rattles so far and apart from the wait to get my chipped glass replaced I'm really happy I made the right choice of purchase
 
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Yeah i must say its less whitish/blue for sure, much more natural in colour, more relaxing on the eyes. It's true that the first time i drove at night i did notice as it was quite obvious.

Id say that if you can afford them you should go for the option as they are real classy but it's not worth making urself poor and eat pasta for a month. I'd go for B&O rather than LED if i had to choose between the two as B&O blows me away when i listen to it :eek:.
 
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had mine for a week now, these are my initial thoughts aside from the obvious like how good the interior is etc

I have a manual btw

1st gear is REALLY REALLY short

Gear changes are a little notchy but I'm hoping over a few more miles this will improve

Fuel consumption is nowhere near what Audi states

As mentioned above by someone else, B+O doesn't match up to the reviews on here, this is probably what I'm most disappointed with

Been impressed with how much better the ride is compared to my previous car

It is very easy to forget what speed your doing, suggest setting the speed to be in big numbers in the centre screen

I have no creaks or rattles so far and apart from the wait to get my chipped glass replaced I'm really happy I made the right choice of purchase

The gear box can feel notchy but you do get used to it and get to even like it that way, its more sporty that way. Also, i feel it gets less notchy as the car warms up, have u also noticed ?

I'm surprised you're disappointed by how the B&O sounds, maybe i dont have a musicians ear but i can tell a good sound system and this one is certainly one of the best i have ever heard. If you come from a custom sound system it's obvious it won't be as good but if you come from the previous Bose system on the 8p this one is miles ahead.

If your car is new its obvious your FC will be much higher than what audi states, give it some time and a few thousand kms.
 
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Go and get some pictures then lads, especially of the LEDs...

Mate you've driven a car with the LED's how are amateur photos going to compare with what you've witnessed in reality?! The cameras will change the temperature, brightness etc... of the lights + your monitor/screen will change the look yet again!

It's like listening to the b&o on YouTube through your laptop speakers!
 
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Mate you've driven a car with the LED's how are amateur photos going to compare with what you've witnessed in reality?! The cameras will change the temperature, brightness etc... of the lights + your monitor/screen will change the look yet again!

It's like listening to the b&o on YouTube through your laptop speakers!

I think he's just desperate for some car-porn. Just a quick flash - go on...
 
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I think he's just desperate for some car-porn. Just a quick flash - go on...

Good point actually, I've been asking for panther pics despite seeing it in real life! It's nice to be reminded roughly of what you're getting every now and again! Haha.
 
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I can't tell you how many times I've googled to see if there are any new reviews. I'm desperate for march to hurry up and arrive. Next week will be my first of 16ish in a 1.2 corsa and I can imagine it's going to be painful!!