Feedback from those with S3s now

I'm all pic'd out with the LED's

After getting off my *** one sunday night then driving around some local country lanes in the dark stopping and taking pictures with my camera phone, then driving away and stopping again like a complete lunatic...

All in aid of this forum!

The things you do eh?
 
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I think you guys need to suffer a little bit more, it will make you want your car even more and will make it even way more awesome once you get it. It's ok no need to thank me, it's my pleasure :scared2:
 
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Went for a quick spin just to see what it could do... Holy Cr*p this thing pulls with screaming from the engine and whistling noises from the turbo!!! I used to have a 370z but this S3 is freaking godzilla on wheels! I loveeeeeeeee her with a passion ! Finally found sex on wheels :eek:.
 
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Went for a quick spin just to see what it could do... Holy Cr*p this thing pulls with screaming from the engine and whistling noises from the turbo!!! I used to have a 370z but this S3 is freaking godzilla on wheels! I loveeeeeeeee her with a passion ! Finally found sex on wheels :eek:.

that reminds me of the first test drive we had. Had the car loaned to us for the afternoon and pottered about quite sensibly to start with and my wife and I both thought "how pleasant". Really wasn't expecting the continuous shove to just keep going though the gears. It was a real surprise. Reminded me of my old 911 turbo in a slower, more refined way.
 
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But what about the steering, is it still as dull as dishwater or do you get used to it being so diluted ?

From what I remember test driving the 184 Quattro I think people are over exaggerating the steering issues. Granted it's not as engaging as a rwd bmw or what i'd imagine a 911 to feel like but I quite liked it. The best way to describe it is effortless and it's quite flattering to drive... Which is the ultimate compliment a car can receive. And because it goes exactly where you want it to so easily you feel like Sebastian Loeb driving it! I had a big old smile on my face that's for sure, and it wasn't even an S3!
 
From what I remember test driving the 184 Quattro I think people are over exaggerating the steering issues. Granted it's not as engaging as a rwd bmw or what i'd imagine a 911 to feel like but I quite liked it. The best way to describe it is effortless and it's quite flattering to drive... Which is the ultimate compliment a car can receive. And because it goes exactly where you want it to so easily you feel like Sebastian Loeb driving it! I had a big old smile on my face that's for sure, and it wasn't even an S3!

seriously paul, all, and I have bought one as a utilitarian vehicle, the steering is absolutely diabolical but I'm hoping you get used to its shocking ness. The rest if the car is great, but the steering is so bad.
 
Sorry Paul but i have to agree with the_lecht_rocks, I think you basicaly all understood i'm in love with my car but fact is the steering is shockingly bad, it's either quite hard or very soft with nothing in between.
 
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My wife thought it was lovely, I thought it was woeful but it's a common trait of audi to manufacture the steering column out of wood..

as a long term prospect though, the car is perfect for the two of us, quick, refined , comfortable and easy to live with !
 
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But isn't it just an electric power steering problem really?

Im interested in the progressive function of the steering - how does that work? I presume the rack gets quicker the further into the left or right movement you go? How many turns is it lock to lock?

Is it just that it's been tuned to have a sensible dead spot at straight ahead but when barrelling along country lanes it will be brilliant?
 
not quite, it's utterly lifeless and has no soul - the cars main weakness and in my opinion, quite flawed....... but the rest of the car makes up for it almost.

i'm interested in the quiafe diffferential upgrade - seems like a fix to a daft fit from Audi. i could take the naff steering if the diff acted as a mechanical locking assembly, allowing the car to "pull in" under powerr and in the wet / snow.....

thoughts from the collective ? who's fitted a quaife to their S3 ?

Quaife ATB differential launched for four-wheel drive VAG TFSI cars, including Audi TTS, S3 and VW Golf R - Quaife Engineering

why don't VAG fit a proper Diff *** ??????
 
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Well, if you're coming from an 8P S3 then the steering in the 8V is incredible!!

Stick it in Dynamic and it gets noticebly heavier..

Personally i'm happy with the steering in this car, but then again i'm not some super critical enthusiast!
 
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Must admit i never drove a 8p s3 so can't comment but my 8p 2.0 diesel's steering felt better than the new s3.
 
Strange...

You could practically turn the steering wheel halfway on the 8P and nothing would happen, whereas it is much more instant in the new one, so much so that it has taken me a while to adapt to it's sharpness...

Again, maybe it's because i haven't driven a brilliant steering car for a long time, my old E46 M3 was about the best!
 
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Test drove the 8p S3 coming from a Mk V GTI a couple of years back. The GTI was nimble and the steering was very direct, but the S3 felt so much more assured at speed. Ended up with an 8p A3 (head over heart) and although the steering was bad in comparison to a lot of other cars, it never bothered me too much in day to day driving (and the rest of the car more than made up for it).

Have the 8v S3 for a couple of weeks now and still getting used to it, but feel the steering is a definite improvement on the 8p. Not convinced by 'dynamic' mode as the steering does just seem to weigh up, without adding feel or directness. I usually leave it in comfort (including on some B-road runs - have 'individual' mode configured with throttle in 'dynamic' and steering in 'comfort') and this works better for me...
 
That does not sound very good. I've ordered SS seats. Have you looked at fixing it?

are the supersport seats the ones with the red inserts - if they have an s3 with these seats in Epsom, surrey - I hated them as they looked tacky and I think they mark easily too
 
are the supersport seats the ones with the red inserts - if they have an s3 with these seats in Epsom, surrey - I hated them as they looked tacky and I think they mark easily too

Nope

They are the quilted ones that look like a striking cobra, and only available in black...

It's had to stay awake sat in them cos they are so comfortable!
 
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..

does a remap affect the warranty or can it be taken off easily - problem is I guess audi would know when the do a diagnostic - I presume it affects mpg too
 
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

so do you prefer the manual to the stronic or was the stronic not an option - im in 2 minds as I ordered the manual but like the test drive of an stronic
 
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.


bose stuff in the home and in the car is massively overrated - B&O stuff isn't that great - their LCD TV's are really Samsung or LG TV's in a pretty both and about 10x cost
 
that reminds me of the first test drive we had. Had the car loaned to us for the afternoon and pottered about quite sensibly to start with and my wife and I both thought "how pleasant". Really wasn't expecting the continuous shove to just keep going though the gears. It was a real surprise. Reminded me of my old 911 turbo in a slower, more refined way.

for me that's what I liked about the s3, it can be as docile as a pussy cat but pressed throttle and it can be a monster - that's quite an achievement
 
Nope

They are the quilted ones that look like a striking cobra, and only available in black...

It's had to stay awake sat in them cos they are so comfortable!

ah yes I remember they looked smart but I was happy with the standard seats - well these seats with the red inserts looked hideous
 
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does a remap affect the warranty or can it be taken off easily - problem is I guess audi would know when the do a diagnostic - I presume it affects mpg too

Most maps these days come with a device that can put the car back into standard mode re: warranty...

I had maps on my previous 2 8P S3's, and NEVER had a problem with the dealer suspecting anything, even got lazy with the last one and left it on for 3 services without any comeback from the dealers..

The ECU on the 8V is diferent though, and i'm patiently waiting in the wings to see what the tuning companies come up with to tackle the way Audi have made it harder to tune..
 
rembering this thread is for feedback.......I've had my S3 SB manual for about 6 weeks now, and done about 1500 miles.

Positive Feedback
  • Its generally a brilliant car, something that you look forward to driving every time you pick up the keys
  • Easy to drive, it just pootles around at low throttle settings, nice gear change, progressive brakes & steering (steering is fine, no its not a BMW, but its no issue at all...but I am used to Audis)
  • Then you put your foot down and it really is lightening quick, 3rd gear acceleration for overtaking is absolutely unrelenting...if you can see a gap you will make it....great noise as well.
  • Rock solid on the road with 4 wheel drive, you will chicken out of corners before the car is even mildly approaching its limits.
  • MMI, Navigation system with Tech pack in general really good and easy to use
  • Audi sound system very good, with sub-woofer in boot...B&O system may be a cost too much?
  • Drive Select, I have now settled on personal set-up with exhust and throttle set on dynamic and steering on comfort....dynamic steering mode is a bit too stiff and is tiring after a short while.
  • Front and rear parking sensors and parking assist very useful
  • Adaptive headlights also great on country lanes.
Negative Feedback
  • This is just nit picking.....
  • Normal seats a bit slab like and not the most comfotable I've had, but generally Ok. Wish I had lumbar support fitted.
  • Keep having to re-adjust passenger side seatbelt to stop it rattling on the door frame....small niggle really
  • I think the gearing could be a little longer in some ratios, particularly first/second, but ok...third gear is great.
  • At low speeds it tends to crash over any samll bumps/potholes....but suspension good at normal road speeds.
Fuel consumption
  • Over 1500 miles I have averaged dead on 31mpg with a mix of typical driving. For long steady trip have see up to 37mpg, and easy commutes 34mpg......but I never budge from that long term 31mpg....you can't resist a few blasts here and there!
  • I have tested motorway 60mph in cruise control and you can get 40mpg....but thats not a realistic test. I think if you treat it with kitten gloves you could coax it up to 34/35 average.....but 31mpg average for a 300hp car is pretty good!
 
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Great report Graham.. how's it's thirst for oil.. I recall 2.0 petrol Audis used to use a lot in their early miles.
 
Any S3 owners out there with the S-Tronic!

Have you noticed the whistle sound in low revs in every gear? It disappears when the revs increase to be replaced by engine and exhaust note...it has been there since day 1...

Wondering what it is? I'm guessing turbo spool, intake or diverter valve?

Hoping it's meant to be there
 
This forum has proved very useful over the past few months so hopefully someone can offer some advice here

As I have mentioned previous, my S3 arrived last week and it wasn't until the day after that I noticed both passenger side window panels had chips in. No marks on paint or pillars, just multiple small chips in the glass.

Audi local dealer agreed that this was the case and both would be replaced. Both panels are now in stock but they are saying this will be done by a sub contractor and not by Audi themselves as its a specialist job. This is not something I'm comfortable with in the first place let alone being done by a sub contractor. Where do I stand on this? I paid for a brand new car that should of been perfect and it isn't!
 
rembering this thread is for feedback.......I've had my S3 SB manual for about 6 weeks now, and done about 1500 miles.

Positive Feedback
  • Its generally a brilliant car, something that you look forward to driving every time you pick up the keys
  • Easy to drive, it just pootles around at low throttle settings, nice gear change, progressive brakes & steering (steering is fine, no its not a BMW, but its no issue at all...but I am used to Audis)
  • Then you put your foot down and it really is lightening quick, 3rd gear acceleration for overtaking is absolutely unrelenting...if you can see a gap you will make it....great noise as well.
  • Rock solid on the road with 4 wheel drive, you will chicken out of corners before the car is even mildly approaching its limits.
  • MMI, Navigation system with Tech pack in general really good and easy to use
  • Audi sound system very good, with sub-woofer in boot...B&O system may be a cost too much?
  • Drive Select, I have now settled on personal set-up with exhust and throttle set on dynamic and steering on comfort....dynamic steering mode is a bit too stiff and is tiring after a short while.
  • Front and rear parking sensors and parking assist very useful
  • Adaptive headlights also great on country lanes.
Negative Feedback
  • This is just nit picking.....
  • Normal seats a bit slab like and not the most comfotable I've had, but generally Ok. Wish I had lumbar support fitted.
  • Keep having to re-adjust passenger side seatbelt to stop it rattling on the door frame....small niggle really
  • I think the gearing could be a little longer in some ratios, particularly first/second, but ok...third gear is great.
  • At low speeds it tends to crash over any samll bumps/potholes....but suspension good at normal road speeds.
Fuel consumption
  • Over 1500 miles I have averaged dead on 31mpg with a mix of typical driving. For long steady trip have see up to 37mpg, and easy commutes 34mpg......but I never budge from that long term 31mpg....you can't resist a few blasts here and there!
  • I have tested motorway 60mph in cruise control and you can get 40mpg....but thats not a realistic test. I think if you treat it with kitten gloves you could coax it up to 34/35 average.....but 31mpg average for a 300hp car is pretty good!

Fantastic review Graham. Does the S3 manual gear knob/stick feature any S3 logos like the s-tronic does on the gear knob? Could anyone else shed some light?

thanks
 
Any S3 owners out there with the S-Tronic!

Have you noticed the whistle sound in low revs in every gear? It disappears when the revs increase to be replaced by engine and exhaust note...it has been there since day 1...

Wondering what it is? I'm guessing turbo spool, intake or diverter valve?

Hoping it's meant to be there

Yep, I get that noise too.

It sounds like a slightly metallic whistle / rattle coming from the centre of the front bulkhead.

I noticed it when I was driving it home from the dealer.

Like you, I hope that it's meant to be there...
 
Yep, I get that noise too.

It sounds like a slightly metallic whistle / rattle coming from the centre of the front bulkhead.

I noticed it when I was driving it home from the dealer.

Like you, I hope that it's meant to be there...

Good to know!

And my guess is - 2 new S3's with the same noise noticed from day 1 = meant to be there

Coming from the 8P i keep having to remind myself that this is a completely new engine and turbo, and these noises are just part of it...

I'm pretty certain it's the sound of the turbo spooling up, your description if the metallic whistle is spot on, sounds like someone playing a pan pipe in the distance!
 
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting.

I do wonder if the MPG will improve with miles added - when we test drove the manual SB S3 in Cornwall we did about 50 miles pottering around including a run through Truro at rush hour and we managed 41.5mpg. That car had about 3000 miles on when we drove it, and we weren't in Eco mode either.



rembering this thread is for feedback.......I've had my S3 SB manual for about 6 weeks now, and done about 1500 miles.

Positive Feedback
  • Its generally a brilliant car, something that you look forward to driving every time you pick up the keys
  • Easy to drive, it just pootles around at low throttle settings, nice gear change, progressive brakes & steering (steering is fine, no its not a BMW, but its no issue at all...but I am used to Audis)
  • Then you put your foot down and it really is lightening quick, 3rd gear acceleration for overtaking is absolutely unrelenting...if you can see a gap you will make it....great noise as well.
  • Rock solid on the road with 4 wheel drive, you will chicken out of corners before the car is even mildly approaching its limits.
  • MMI, Navigation system with Tech pack in general really good and easy to use
  • Audi sound system very good, with sub-woofer in boot...B&O system may be a cost too much?
  • Drive Select, I have now settled on personal set-up with exhust and throttle set on dynamic and steering on comfort....dynamic steering mode is a bit too stiff and is tiring after a short while.
  • Front and rear parking sensors and parking assist very useful
  • Adaptive headlights also great on country lanes.
Negative Feedback
  • This is just nit picking.....
  • Normal seats a bit slab like and not the most comfotable I've had, but generally Ok. Wish I had lumbar support fitted.
  • Keep having to re-adjust passenger side seatbelt to stop it rattling on the door frame....small niggle really
  • I think the gearing could be a little longer in some ratios, particularly first/second, but ok...third gear is great.
  • At low speeds it tends to crash over any samll bumps/potholes....but suspension good at normal road speeds.
Fuel consumption
  • Over 1500 miles I have averaged dead on 31mpg with a mix of typical driving. For long steady trip have see up to 37mpg, and easy commutes 34mpg......but I never budge from that long term 31mpg....you can't resist a few blasts here and there!
  • I have tested motorway 60mph in cruise control and you can get 40mpg....but thats not a realistic test. I think if you treat it with kitten gloves you could coax it up to 34/35 average.....but 31mpg average for a 300hp car is pretty good!
 
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting.

I do wonder if the MPG will improve with miles added - when we test drove the manual SB S3 in Cornwall we did about 50 miles pottering around including a run through Truro at rush hour and we managed 41.5mpg. That car had about 3000 miles on when we drove it, and we weren't in Eco mode either.

It's the west country air ITguy.. far nicer.. helps you breath more easily.. just like Tunes for those who remember the 1970's!
 
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting.

I do wonder if the MPG will improve with miles added - when we test drove the manual SB S3 in Cornwall we did about 50 miles pottering around including a run through Truro at rush hour and we managed 41.5mpg. That car had about 3000 miles on when we drove it, and we weren't in Eco mode either.

Like any car cruising mpg is fine once its warmed up. Start/Stop traffic and/or cold engine and it gobbles up fuel. Would be interesting hear some other detailed feedback from others.....but if you were after an Eco car then it wouldn't be an S3.
 
Fantastic review Graham. Does the S3 manual gear knob/stick feature any S3 logos like the s-tronic does on the gear knob? Could anyone else shed some light?

thanks

Simple answer....Yes you get a very nice engraved S3 badge on the base of the gear lever.
 
Anyone got an s tronic S3?
Picked mine up today and noticed the stop/start didn't work once just kept coming up on the dash with an A with a line through it. Any ideas?
 
It just means that the car isn't ready to activate it. If you have the fan on high heat or you are generally using too much power to activate it. My Q3 does that all the time. Won't do it until the car is properly warmed up either.