S3/A3 ride/handling...? Honest opinions

and inherent in Audi's apparent desire to have a brisk but safe car for the majority of drivers.


Fiesta ST and Golf R manage to do this to a large extent, yet still produce a rewarding car to drive ;)

:undwech:
 
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P.S. Forbzeeee.....I'm probably closer to 70 than you are,but I'm absolutely sure I wouldn't be pleased with "
the light, lacklustre feeling of the steering and the soft/bounciness of the suspension"......but I know I'm in a minority anyway.

I should've added 'typical 70 year old' :)

@S3Alex it would take a lot to please you. I'm not even sure the supercar makers would be able to satisfy you and your desire to go faster and go harder.
 
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And that's fine.

Just don't give it an "S" badge if it's going to be a compromised car.

The "S" and "RS" range should be biased towards being a "drivers" car.

It's a hard pill to swallow when a "mere" Fiesta ST (****** good car) has more front end grip, better suspension, better handling and sharper turn in than a £30k S3 :(

This is exactly my point,my journey to the site l am working on at the moment consists of 12 miles of motorway,5miles B road,5 miles of a twisty country road,the rebound of the suspension on the B road and the country road is rather unsettling,on the Motorway there is a long Hair pin like bend, which leads on to the M9 motorway,the S3 struggles to drive this bend at 60 mph,my Mrs Feista 70mph,Mk 3 ST......way more easily,l aint a boy racer...l am 52 and have the utmost respect or every car l own.

Understeer,what's the Quattro system for?l thought when the front wheels begin to lose control in a bend,the rear wheel drive is there to push it through.

Suspension upgrade is due after l return from holiday
 
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Fiesta ST and Golf R manage to do this to a large extent, yet still produce a rewarding car to drive ;)

:undwech:

I think that's true,but Audi seem fixated with lifeless steering,and a heavy dose of understeer.


Every now and then they turn out a cracker like the R8 or the previous RS4,but then it's business as usual again.
 
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Electric steering really has a lot to answer for ! Every new car I drive nowadays has close to zero feedback.
Dear car makers was it really worth ditching hydraulic steering for a minuscule gain in mpg ? Especially in the so called performance versions of cars :banghead:

I test drove the m235i before ordering my s3 and it had no more feel than the Audi. My current car is an old e46 330 and the suspension is virtually non existent (crashes over the tiniest of bumps) with very light steering, but it is predictable and you can drive it on the limit. I just hope I won't be too disappointed when my s3 arrives :meeting:
 
Well on 19"s with Mag ride, I find the ride pretty comfortable even in Dynamic. In comfort it is much more relaxed and good for motorway distance driving. I do notice the bouncy thing when going over speed humps though. I have a bad back and struggle with really hard rides. I used to have a Z4M Coupe which I sold as the ride was unbearably hard and even my wife's current Z4 MSport has a more crashy ride than the S3.

Performance wise it is a fast point to point car and I enjoy driving it, I have noticed a little bit of understeer when pushing it around roundabouts but it seems you can get power on quite early coming out of a corner and I think it would keep up with most current performance cars. It is a completely different driving experience to my TVR with no driver aids and you can get the back end out easily, but for a daily driver I wouldn't want that and the S3 ticks the boxes for me. I had a 520D before which really was an understeery boat so I notice the difference dramatically driving the same roads every day.
 
I have the A3 without sport suspension. When I initially bought the car, it felt great, not too floaty, but expected - soft/comfortable with some stiffness when needed.

However when I drove my normal commute one morning, there is a section of road that is "bad" which my older car wouldn't flinch at. I was going about 80MPH and hit the "bump" on the freeway and the car scared the **** out of me for shuttering and floating like crazy! Felt like it literally jumped off the road, landed and caught itself. I didn't expect this 35K+ car to have the suspension of a 20K budget car. Disappointed, yes very much.

I've gotten use to it thus far, but still deciding on which coilovers (most likely HR) to replace the stock setup with so I can feel more confident at higher freeway speeds.
 
Electric steering really has a lot to answer for ! Every new car I drive nowadays has close to zero feedback.
Dear car makers was it really worth ditching hydraulic steering for a minuscule gain in mpg ? Especially in the so called performance versions of cars :banghead:

I test drove the m235i before ordering my s3 and it had no more feel than the Audi. My current car is an old e46 330 and the suspension is virtually non existent (crashes over the tiniest of bumps) with very light steering, but it is predictable and you can drive it on the limit. I just hope I won't be too disappointed when my s3 arrives :meeting:
Actually the Fiesta has had EPAS for years now and doesn't have the same deadness in the straight ahead position that seems to inflict other manufacturers cars. So that goes for the ST as well..
 
I don't quite understand whats wrong with people on this forum. It seems as though nearly every thread ends up saying that A3/S3 is cr@p, should've bought a Fiesta ST or Golf R. If these are ongoing traits of Audis then why the hell do you buy them? Don't people research these things, take test drives etc or are you too caught up in the 4 shiney rings on the front you just want to throw money at dealers.

Rant over.

This is my opinion so be gentle :)

Si.
 
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I liked the A3 I had, found the ride great very compliant and comfortable and I honestly found less understeer on just the front wheel drive set up. The car is considerably lighter than a Quattro. The high speed handling wasn't so frightening as the stiffer suspension on the S3 (the A3 was a sportsline). More body roll though but still for the class of car it was great.

But with the S3 the performance is so much more than any A model. Seems to me that the S3 is probably tuned for smooth German roads, perhaps they rely too much on laps round the Ring? Slow in power out reduces the S3's propensity to understeer some what. You get the feeling that the car is now pulling itself out of corners and grip is mighty. However when really going for it on an undulating B road the dampers are unable to give you any real confidence that the car is all that safe, it floats and feels light as if it might bounce itself off the road at any time. But perhaps we shouldn't be driving in that manner on public roads. I do find that under power the car feels so much better. But at some point you have to back off, the lack of engine braking doesn't help either.

I still thoroughly enjoy driving it and it's one of the few cars I've owned where I'll just go for a drive purely because of the level of enjoyment, something those of us with motorcycles often do.

I did try the Golf R, would I go for the S3 again, you bet I would, as an overall package (for my likes and needs) I can't think of a better package.
 
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I have the A3 Saloon 2.0 quattro. I have no complaints at all.
There are no rattles, no odd noises from engine. It is a great ride. Fast if wanted. I have
been through many sports cars. This is definitely the
car I enjoy, and I am so glad that I ordeted it.
 
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Forgot to add, it is great in the snow! Went out like nothing, where other people couldn't do it. Believe me, we had a ton of snow over here this
winter.
 
I don't quite understand whats wrong with people on this forum. It seems as though nearly every thread ends up saying that A3/S3 is cr@p, should've bought a Fiesta ST or Golf R. If these are ongoing traits of Audis then why the hell do you buy them? Don't people research these things, take test drives etc or are you too caught up in the 4 shiney rings on the front you just want to throw money at dealers.

Rant over.

This is my opinion so be gentle :)

Si.


Is the S3 perfect? No. Is it the best car out there, that ticks the boxes I want ticking? Yes. I think this is a thread that, as far as I'm reading it, is about honest criticism, not bashing the S3 because I hate it!
 
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Si, I criticised the handling/steering but I really still love my car and every time I see it puts a smile on my face. :kissmyrings:

Nothing is ever perfect is it, will always find something wrong with any car out there. Even Ferrari's and the likes will have problems/issues that people are not happy with. Heck even those R & ST lovers would find something wrong if they swapped from the S3.. :p:D
 
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I wasn't really having a go at anyone in particular, apologies if anyone took it as a personal attack as it was never meant that way, having a bad week at work (blinking IT people). And my comments weren't aimed at this thread alone. I realise the whole point of forums is for owners and potential owners to share thoughts and opinions but lately it just seems as though no-one is very happy.

I absolutely love my car and am more than delighted with my purchase. As you say, no its not perfect, but what is these days?

I think perhaps there are too many repeat threads at the moment and the same things are being commented on each day, leading to a heavy negative balance.

Apologies once more, perhaps a few more smilies next time i have a rant :) :)

Si.
 
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When it finally gets here, I hope I have as much fun driving the S3 as I've had driving the Saab 900. On my brief test rides, the car was fast, fun, and confidence inspiring, but that's little more than a ride around the block. I hope the lack of feel thru the wheel doesn't bother me too much and that the paddles and quick DSG shifts make up for not having a stick to throw around.
 
The pogo stick comment made me chuckle, for effortless point to point at say 7-8/10ths road driving it does very well.

For pushing on yes the car's capabilities aren't a match for a decent driver however for road speeds it suffices. I use mainly lovely smooth European roads and it can be hustled, including a little drifting if provoked, but the pogo thing at slower speeds is not impressive. Bear in mind though most cars will understeer if you just boot the throttle in 2nd around a roundabout.............can try changing (perhaps compromising is a better word) your style first if you find excessive understeer etc as for example as the Stig has shown many times driving style can resolve most cars' foibles. Could it be better oh yes but i don't think it is marketed as a sports car more gentlemans express ish, for my non-daily use it is ideal (goes to an airport and back) but have a few other vehicles for when I am really in the mood.
 
I wasn't really having a go at anyone in particular, apologies if anyone took it as a personal attack as it was never meant that way, having a bad week at work (blinking IT people). And my comments weren't aimed at this thread alone. I realise the whole point of forums is for owners and potential owners to share thoughts and opinions but lately it just seems as though no-one is very happy.

I absolutely love my car and am more than delighted with my purchase. As you say, no its not perfect, but what is these days?

I think perhaps there are too many repeat threads at the moment and the same things are being commented on each day, leading to a heavy negative balance.

Apologies once more, perhaps a few more smilies next time i have a rant :) :)

Si.
Well said, very balanced and sensible and valued input
 
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Getting back on topic though, mag ride makes a heck of a difference. I drive the same section of coast road home most days but its usually busy so can't really put the foot down. Yesterday and today however it's been quite. So yesterdays drive had everything in comfort except gearbox in S and it was a little bouncy. Put everything in dynamic today, same road, same speeds. and if felt considerably more tight and sporty. Audi give non S3 saloon buyers the option to have mag ride and it seems to me that not many people tick the box. Surely this would help with the issues people have :)
 
Why pay another £1000 for different suspension,when it should have a good set up to match the engine's power in the first instance,
I never started this thread to Audi bash,and yeah l test drove the car but only on a motorway no B roads for miles,yeah l had Mk3 ST of which was a very fine handing car,but l chose a S3 instead of a New ST because it was a better car
 
I've just recently switched to an S3, and im actually really impressed, it isn't the absolute last word on handling by any means, but does almost everything really well.
Among my recently owned cars are both a BMW M135i and a Focus ST.
The BMW steering is just as vague(though a little heavier) , the body roll is a little more pronounced than an S3 too. It does ride the bumps better, and rear wheel drive will feel more rewarding in some corners, but hammer an M135i out of a slow corner and the lack of an LSD can mean you end up tying the car in knots. Plus, depending on where you live you have to tiptoe around when thr weather turns naughty.
The ST has sharper, heavier steering and better damping control, and without doubt is more fun on a track (because it has more adjustablity and can br made to misbehave more) , but in bad conditions, or unfamiliar roads you'll be getting it torque steering fairly often.

I think the S3 is a really good alternative to the other hot hatches, with similar pace, capable and safe handling (with miles less understeer, and much lighter and sharper feeling than old Audi's) and a fair bit more class.
 
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MQB vs MQB

Both Haldex Cars

The Golf R has better steering feel, turn in, suspension and damping.

If Audi is supposed to be the "sportier" marque - something doesn't add up.


I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to drive a "S" car from Audi at a reasonable pace, without the fear of being pitched unpredictably towards the hedge or Armco.
 
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I had a nice long test drive of the MK7 Golf R and good as it was I'd never swap my S3 Saloon for one. The S3 & Magride works very well and I do like to push on a bit sometimes.
If it feels wrong , try a different approach.
Honda MotoGP bikes handle differently to Yamaha MotoGP bikes but they're both quick in their own way and the Ducati was a dog for everyone apart from Stoner. Learn the car and exploit it.
Ultimately, the S3 is a very fast, safe car, but if you want 'seat of your pants' trade it in for something else.
 
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You can learn the car all you want, and exploit its limits, but ultimately you cannot overcome poorly specified suspension and geometry.

In whose book would it be correct, that a £30k Audi S car, will have worse front end grip than a £20k front wheel drive car?

An Audi S car that can't cope with quick changes in direction? Shameful.


But it's fine, it has a lovely interior ;)
 
Regretting ordering the S3 now..

I couldn't personally feel any difference between the Golf R and the S3 during my test drives, but then I guess test drives don't give you long enough in the car to notice.

Maybe I will run back to BMW with my tail in between my legs, after all, I can have my beloved go faster stripe on a 3 series.
 
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Regretting ordering the S3 now..

I couldn't personally feel any difference between the Golf R and the S3 during my test drives, but then I guess test drives don't give you long enough in the car to notice.

Maybe I will run back to BMW with my tail in between my legs, after all, I can have my beloved go faster stripe on a 3 series.
all depends which BMW you run back to :) - but it also depends on your driving style and on the roads you drive on..... and what you want the S3 for - it may just turn out to be a good all rounder for you, even if it doesn't suit others
 
I just see it that most people on here are quite knowledgeable when it comes to cars (i'm not including myself in that as i bought my car because its pretty and goes zoom) so why spend money on what you know is not really what you want. Yes, i agree, its not right that you have to spend extra to get a better setup but Audi aren't the only ones that sell an imperfect car.
 
Electric steering really has a lot to answer for ! Every new car I drive nowadays has close to zero feedback.
Dear car makers was it really worth ditching hydraulic steering for a minuscule gain in mpg ? Especially in the so called performance versions of cars :banghead:

I test drove the m235i before ordering my s3 and it had no more feel than the Audi. My current car is an old e46 330 and the suspension is virtually non existent (crashes over the tiniest of bumps) with very light steering, but it is predictable and you can drive it on the limit. I just hope I won't be too disappointed when my s3 arrives :meeting:

This has nothing to do with the so called electric steering.
Its the way the cars are set up these days.
The only difference between them, is one pump is driven directly off the engine, & the other is driven by an electric motor.
The feedback through the steering wheel would be exactly the same regardless.

The journo's said the same about the 991 when it was released & yet you cant tell the difference when driving in any way. I think the problem is all in the mind, when people are ill informed & have no mechanical knowledge.
 
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Just done a 30 mins journey back from Leeds main roads, easy driving with a full car for the first time and it's very clear to feel how soft and generally unbalanced the S3 is. What it does do however is cope with uneven surfaces and rubbish pot holes with ease. Did the last 3 miles on my own and whilst it is nimble, it's definitely lacking that precision that I'm wanting. I toyed with the idea of mag ride and I'm seriously considering it for my re-order, but then I may just spend £1200 on a KW2 kit and recoup some money when I come to sell ultimately for the money it's a stonking car, I couldn't stretch to a £46k 4 series so the s3 ticked all the boxes as an all rounder. Time to get my 19's on and see how different tyres perform too.
 
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MQB vs MQB
Both Haldex Cars
The Golf R has better steering feel, turn in, suspension and damping.
If Audi is supposed to be the "sportier" marque - something doesn't add up.

I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to drive a "S" car from Audi at a reasonable pace, without the fear of being pitched unpredictably towards the hedge or Armco.

Is the Golf R really a better driving car?

I've been assuming they have very similar, nearly identical, driving characteristics given the how much they have in common. I think DCC vs Magride is the most significant difference as far as driving is concerned. And there is a small difference in weight and weight distribution with the S3 being 100 lbs heavier.

I think the reviews I saw/read found them to be much more alike than different, so I'm surprised by some of the comments in this thread?

I thought the 2015 Golf R is the best Golf R ever and the S3 is damn near the same thing driving-wise with a healthy dose of posh'ness thrown in.

 
Is the Golf R really a better driving car?
I've been assuming they have very similar, nearly identical, driving characteristics given the how much they have in common.


Don't want to drag this thread into yet another Golf R/S3 thread so this post/thread covers all the differences between Golf R and S3:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-vs-golf-r-wheel-alignment-handling.238462/#post-2386704
Different weight, track, wheelbase, steering rack, springs, dampers, wishbones, geometry etc. etc.


And this thread is a long thread about Golf R and S3:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-or-golf-r-or-even-an-s1.219948/page-13#post-2340123



As for buying a car - just choose the car that best suits your needs :)
Everyone has different requirements/expectations from a car :)


The OP wanted honesty in this thread, that's important, and will help future buyers read some diverse real world honest views, so that their expectations are met :)
 
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As for buying a car - just choose the car that best suits your needs :)
Everyone has different requirements/expectations from a car :)

I was very close to getting the Golf. If I could've gotten one with a sunroof I would have, but for whatever reason that isn't an option here. I went with the Audi for the larger dose of luxury (the sunroof was a dealbreaker for me). I think I made the right decision for me. The Golf has an edge in handling but the S3 has a bigger lead when it comes to distinguished creature comforts.
 
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Don't want to drag this thread into yet another Golf R/S3 thread so this post/thread covers all the differences between Golf R and S3:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-vs-golf-r-wheel-alignment-handling.238462/#post-2386704
Different weight, track, wheelbase, steering rack, springs, dampers, wishbones, geometry etc. etc.


And this thread is a long thread about Golf R and S3:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-or-golf-r-or-even-an-s1.219948/page-13#post-2340123



As for buying a car - just choose the car that best suits your needs :)
Everyone has different requirements/expectations from a car :)


The OP wanted honesty in this thread, that's important, and will help future buyers read some diverse real world honest views, so that their expectations are met :)
Don't forget veeeight, next week
the Easter Bunny will be here.
Maybe you will wake up to a Golf R
Sunday morning! ( In a nice blue
color that you like. )
 
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On a side note, watching Polish TG & other countries motoring shows, it reminds me how much I'm going to miss Topgear UK!

As much as I've tired of Clarkson over the years, I defo think its still the best motoring show out!
 
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I went for the S-Line suspension on my A3 SB. Was that a bad idea? I don't mind a firm ride but there is a line...18" wheels + S-Line seems to be borderline uncomfortable?

Haven't got the car yet so looking for opinions on this. I went for that suspension as it will lower the car a bit, and I'm a sucker for looks.

I've got the S line with 18" and it's absolutely fine. It is more comfortable and seems to handle bumps and bad roads better than a 2012 Civic that had 18" alloys on it (but normal suspension). I'd also say the seats are a strong plus for the A3 S Line too, everyone that has been in it says the seats are lovely. Don't worry too much, I was exactly the same. Don't read so much in to the S Line setup being too hard.
 
How much would the S3's handling benefit from an H&R rear sway bar?
 
Did 615 miles yesterday Manchester to Kaiserläutern in Germany (via Dover Dunkirk). Lots of rain and strong winds and high speed. Car was a joy to be in control of.
 
How much would the S3's handling benefit from an H&R rear sway bar?


Don't think ARB's are the issue, they got that bit right, you can get lift off oversteer very easily in the S3, so the rear/front ARB ratios are in the right ball park.
 
I've got the S line with 18" and it's absolutely fine. It is more comfortable and seems to handle bumps and bad roads better than a 2012 Civic that had 18" alloys on it (but normal suspension). I'd also say the seats are a strong plus for the A3 S Line too, everyone that has been in it says the seats are lovely. Don't worry too much, I was exactly the same. Don't read so much in to the S Line setup being too hard.

Cheers - good to know.