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

veeeight · May 4, 2015

^ I think you are doing the OP a slight dis-service in suggesting he can't drive

.
His direct A/B comparison:

"my journey to the site l am working on at the moment consists of 12 miles of motorway, 5 miles 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 ain't a boy racer...l am 52 and have the utmost respect or every car l own."

From post #43

mfl · May 4, 2015

terapati said:
@mfl

Great review, thanks mate. Couple of questions for you;

1) Do you have mag ride? If so, did you try the track performance between comfort and dynamic?
2) Did you try ESC on/off?
3) How was the wear of tyres at the end of the day?
4) How about the oil temp? Did you drive sameway for all 7 laps or did you ever drive for cooling the engine, brakes etc?

Thanks in advance.

1) No mag ride, but did set everything else to dynamic, on the circuit the steering wasn't too heavy.
2) ESC was completely off - apart from the crappy Contis, the car felt stable and well planted , except through turn 1.
3) Would have liked a bit more camber front & rear

, the car has done about 7,000kms, and the outside edge now has about 3 mm of tread left.
4) The engine temp hit 115 deg C and pretty much stayed there. Depending on where you saw the flags/lights you had about 1/2 to 3/4 lap to exit, I dropped the pace immediately to let the brakes cool and took the detour through the paddock before going to the pit garage. I let the engine idle for a few minutes before switching off, and never used the e-brake.

thought i would take the opportunity to show the circuit layout.

michael-s3 · May 6, 2015

Not an S3 vid, but check out this fwd hot hatch handles the track

lee_fr200 · May 6, 2015

Since I've only had a car on test for a day

Do mag ride owners still get the same issues as conventional suspension owners???

batch · Aug 14, 2015

RHODIE said:
not broken traction but feels kind of floaty. my 8p s3 felt more solid and loads more feedback. not a great fan of 8v suspension as I feel disconnected from the road. cracking car but I have yet to gain my confidence in the grip.

THIS! Totally. Car won't lose grip - it's stickier than a stick stuck to a stick with sticky stuff. But it feels unnerving.
I'm not much of an expert but the way it's been feeding back to me, it's the spring rate not the damping that holds the key (yes I know there are many other questionable facets but let's be basic and simple here!).
To this end I've ordered a set of Eibach Pro-Kit springs. A mild drop - not interested in "lows" anymore - and a stiffer spring rate. The pogoing is something I've only recently experienced as I'm only beginning to really settle in to the car and push it (a combination of lack of real drive time, respect for a new car and a sense of size - feels MASSIVE compared to the 8P!). I've now had it a couple of times and it really does take b0ll0cks of titanium to push through it and onwards! However I find the damping intuitive and excellent for UK roads. The pogoing will be caused by bouncy springs not coping with rapid undulations so I hope that these springs will address this. I'm wondering if Audi just miscalculated the spring rate with the 8V's lighter weight?
The 8P's inherent "quirk" of handling is to my mind and perception a totally different issue which, if my thoughts are of any use, I'll expand on next for comparison...

PanamaS3 · Aug 14, 2015

batch said:
THIS! Totally. Car won't lose grip - it's stickier than a stick stuck to a stick with sticky stuff. But it feels unnerving.
I'm not much of an expert but the way it's been feeding back to me, it's the spring rate not the damping that holds the key (yes I know there are many other questionable facets but let's be basic and simple here!).
To this end I've ordered a set of Eibach Pro-Kit springs. A mild drop - not interested in "lows" anymore - and a stiffer spring rate. The pogoing is something I've only recently experienced as I'm only beginning to really settle in to the car and push it (a combination of lack of real drive time, respect for a new car and a sense of size - feels MASSIVE compared to the 8P!). I've now had it a couple of times and it really does take b0ll0cks of titanium to push through it and onwards! However I find the damping intuitive and excellent for UK roads. The pogoing will be caused by bouncy springs not coping with rapid undulations so I hope that these springs will address this. I'm wondering if Audi just miscalculated the spring rate with the 8V's lighter weight?
The 8P's inherent "quirk" of handling is to my mind and perception a totally different issue which, if my thoughts are of any use, I'll expand on next for comparison...

thanks batch...and yes, very interested to hear your further thoughts...especially after aforementioned springs are installed and run in.
I don't want to go crazy on my suspension set up....even though I have been drooling over Bilstein stuff (and others)....so if some stiffer springs helps without lowering it too much I'm all in....however on reading others who've done that first I'm not sure it does fix "it"....my only (laymans) question is, won't the stiffer springs cause the car to be too 'hard' over the uneven surfaces/undulations and make it harder to live with...especially on a longer drive?

batch · Aug 14, 2015

PanamaS3 said:
thanks batch...and yes, very interested to hear your further thoughts...especially after aforementioned springs are installed and run in.
I don't want to go crazy on my suspension set up....even though I have been drooling over Bilstein stuff (and others)....so if some stiffer springs helps without lowering it too much I'm all in....however on reading others who've done that first I'm not sure it does fix "it"....my only (laymans) question is, won't the stiffer springs cause the car to be too 'hard' over the uneven surfaces/undulations and make it harder to live with...especially on a longer drive?

Thanks Panama, me neither - this is not by any means a solution, to suddenly make this car a demon! I for one won't be forking out for dampers/coilovers, ARBs, bush kits, ALK - it's a car that I love but will be trading in when necessary! This is my suggestion for an improvement based on the simple Physics of the issue. I'll keep you posted on the results... No one seems to have given much feedback so far on spring kits for the new S3!

PanamaS3 · Aug 14, 2015

batch said:
Thanks Panama, me neither - this is not by any means a solution, to suddenly make this car a demon! I for one won't be forking out for dampers/coilovers, ARBs, bush kits, ALK - it's a car that I love but will be trading in when necessary! This is my suggestion for an improvement based on the simple Physics of the issue. I'll keep you posted on the results... No one seems to have given much feedback so far on spring kits for the new S3!

good stuff...am all ears! revised springs are a fairly cheap mod so can't wait to hear what you think

sorry for the off topic question but how much better do you find the super sports seats (as I see you have them) over the electric standard ones? I only ask because I never got the chance to try the SSS, but when I trade up next (hopefully RS3) I would get them as I don't find the standard ones that good....again, off topic I know and just looking for your valued opinion.....thanks

steeve · Aug 14, 2015

I'm not convinced its springs, a spring has natural harmonics and need damping to prevent this, for me I'd say its the dampers are not controlling the natural harmonics of the springs, however the spring rate will be an influence.
How come VW can get it right?
My car has been close to heading for the nearest field via the hedge on several occasions, the upward momentum reduces the grip on the road, it goes really light. In fact so light its off the road surface at which time it was less stickier than a stick.
However I will stress it was at one hell of a speed. But so unsettling and reduces ones confidence in the car.

Steph67 · Aug 14, 2015

Hi Batch, tried the spring route, did like them, but need to stress they did absolutely nothing to cure the bounce. If that's the sole motivation for fitting them, then I fear you'll be disappointed.

The bounce is damping related, I know that coilovers are an expensive step, but they do completely solve the problem, and the handling is sooooo much better now.

Not trying to p*ss on your chips, but having gone through the same logic process and got it wrong, I just wanted to give some honest feedback.

batch · Aug 14, 2015

PanamaS3 said:
good stuff...am all ears! revised springs are a fairly cheap mod so can't wait to hear what you think
sorry for the off topic question but how much better do you find the super sports seats (as I see you have them) over the electric standard ones? I only ask because I never got the chance to try the SSS, but when I trade up next (hopefully RS3) I would get them as I don't find the standard ones that good....again, off topic I know and just looking for your valued opinion.....thanks

Honestly? I had a 3-day test drive in an S3 S-Tronic with STANDARD seats, if I remember correctly they were alcantara. Really impressive. I hadn't tried SSS before I bought our car except for a couple of quick "static" sits, so was done purely on aesthetics and was glad the car I chose from stock had them in.
Short answer? They are really comfortable, look amazing and are supportive but no more so than the standard seats, however the other two aspects win them for me!
Hope that helps.

batch · Aug 14, 2015

steeve said:
I'm not convinced its springs, a spring has natural harmonics and need damping to prevent this, for me I'd say its the dampers are not controlling the natural harmonics of the springs, however the spring rate will be an influence.
How come VW can get it right?
My car has been close to heading for the nearest field via the hedge on several occasions, the upward momentum reduces the grip on the road, it goes really light. In fact so light its off the road surface at which time it was less stickier than a stick.
However I will stress it was at one hell of a speed. But so unsettling and reduces ones confidence in the car.

Cheers for the input Steeve, I do see where you're coming from! I'm being as basic as I can here - I'm no race engineer but have studied and experienced a lot of suspension design over the years (my Mk1 Fiesta was a personal favourite - could get airborne over painted roundabouts and **** an inside wheel on a hard corner!) and this is part of a solution. I hope!

batch · Aug 14, 2015

Steph67 said:
Hi Batch, tried the spring route, did like them, but need to stress they did absolutely nothing to cure the bounce. If that's the sole motivation for fitting them, then I fear you'll be disappointed.

The bounce is damping related, I know that coilovers are an expensive step, but they do completely solve the problem, and the handling is sooooo much better now.

Not trying to p*ss on your chips, but having gone through the same logic process and got it wrong, I just wanted to give some honest feedback.

Cheers Steph, I can't go that far so fingers crossed I get more acceptable results! Wish I could!

MA3RC · Aug 14, 2015

batch said:
Honestly? I had a 3-day test drive in an S3 S-Tronic with STANDARD seats, if I remember correctly they were alcantara. Really impressive. I hadn't tried SSS before I bought our car except for a couple of quick "static" sits, so was done purely on aesthetics and was glad the car I chose from stock had them in.
Short answer? They are really comfortable, look amazing and are supportive but no more so than the standard seats, however the other two aspects win them for me!
Hope that helps.

I have the eibach pro kit and it massively improves the handling, corners almost like it's on rails! I absolutely love them!

There is no more bouncy castle like movements when you hit bumps, the car is planted and composed.

Speed bumps are firm now though.

I do like the 'slightly' lowered look, like yourself I didn't want low lows, it's more than enough for me

naughts4187 · Aug 14, 2015

Steph67 said:
Hi Batch, tried the spring route, did like them, but need to stress they did absolutely nothing to cure the bounce. If that's the sole motivation for fitting them, then I fear you'll be disappointed.

The bounce is damping related, I know that coilovers are an expensive step, but they do completely solve the problem, and the handling is sooooo much better now.

Not trying to p*ss on your chips, but having gone through the same logic process and got it wrong, I just wanted to give some honest feedback.

Completely agree with you @Steph67, Batch sounds like I did with my previous TT. I did a spring drop to try and cure bounce and give a more planted feeling, this through recommendation of other TT forum members. Springs were £200 ish. Plus fitting and laser alignment. It simply makes the car worse. The springs will simply cause the shocks to work harder and you'll end up with an almighty pogo stick. Yes it handles round corners better, but it won't cure the problem and you'll end up bottoming out the shocks...regularly. I'm debating how long I keep my car for so I'm either going to go for a B8 kit (£700) or nothing to it. For the extra £500 it's worth doing it properly. Plus I know a used set of Billies with less than 5k are going to be desirable to folk on here in 12 months time. Like above I'm trying to give honest feedback.

steeve · Aug 15, 2015

batch said:
Cheers for the input Steeve, I do see where you're coming from! I'm being as basic as I can here - I'm no race engineer but have studied and experienced a lot of suspension design over the years (my Mk1 Fiesta was a personal favourite - could get airborne over painted roundabouts and **** an inside wheel on a hard corner!) and this is part of a solution. I hope!

Its basic physics, springs have SHM, and need dampers to control this. Whether hard or soft springs without dampers will bounce. If you buy new springs then I'm afraid you may have wasted your money. But hey, it's your choice but I'd consider others experiences.

I think the problem with Audi is they perhaps set their cars up on smooth roads and spend too much time on the Nurburgring and their ice test track. Perhaps the roads around Wolfsburg are not so smooth?

I find my S3 handles extremely well on smooth roads.

RobIW · Aug 15, 2015

I don't have an S3 but an A3 sline Tdi with SE suspension. Lost count of the amount of times I've almost crapped myself going round a corner thinking will I make it or bouncing all over the place. Not sure what to go for next as its put me off a bit.

SmileyS3 · Aug 15, 2015

My S3 feels stiffer than my Subaru WRX! I get way less roll and it just feels planted...and that's at smiling speeds.
I have noticed that driving in S automatic mode, it does weird things when you don't want it to. Driving down my local twisties(where I've had 8 years driving my Scoobs), the difference when in 'manual' compared to 'auto' was massive.
I feel like it loves to power out of the corners and I haven't noticed any understeer yet.
But it's only been about 3.5weeks..1300miles so far. No commuting yet as I'm off

Pulp84 · Aug 15, 2015

steeve said:
I'm not convinced its springs, a spring has natural harmonics and need damping to prevent this, for me I'd say its the dampers are not controlling the natural harmonics of the springs, however the spring rate will be an influence.
How come VW can get it right?
My car has been close to heading for the nearest field via the hedge on several occasions, the upward momentum reduces the grip on the road, it goes really light. In fact so light its off the road surface at which time it was less stickier than a stick.
However I will stress it was at one hell of a speed. But so unsettling and reduces ones confidence in the car.

That is a very accurate description of the issue steeve

Wanty · Aug 15, 2015

It's ok to be fair. Much better than most stock cars with these performance figures, driven ST, RS Focus' etc.

Previous cars I can compare to that I've owned, four imprezas one of which was a type r, rx8, evo viii mr fq360. Not much in it for me apart from the type r Impreza, in my opinion. All driven hard on the same roads where I've lived for years. If anything very similar in handling to the evo, in terms of grip, grip, grip, grip then **** no grip! But thats what I like, mad you see! But you would with the roads by me! The s3 is my favourite to look back at afterwards when I get home after a drive, but I am knocking on the door of 40! If o was still in my late twenties then I'd be all over the evil looking evo!

veeeight · Aug 16, 2015

I agree with @steeve on this. The specific issue on the S3 is most likely to be with the standard dampers, rather than the standard springs.

Of course, there is an inter-relationship between all the factors, springs, dampers, ARBs, geometry, etc. so for example, if you coupled a very soft spring with a very stiff damper (in compression), you would end up with a mismatch that would manifest itself very quickly on the road.

The S3 is comparatively softly sprung, say, compared to a Type-R (which in itself isn't a bad thing per se) - so I would expect a little more body roll (again, for a car that is more marketed to a family hatch, that's fine, ARB considerations) - but where the real problem lies, is the mis-match of the damper characteristics for a ride that is on anything other than a smooth road.

Drive quick on a hustling, windy, undulating A or B road, with dips and crests - and the apparent mismatch in compression and rebound settings to the standard springs, will see you either hit your head on the headlining, or jump the car off the road into the ditch. Or both.

You don't actually need speed to see the effects this has on grip and traction. Exit a roundabout on a dual carriageway, and if there's a slight undulation on the exit, the standard suspension will let the car and wheels rise (dampers compression/rebound rate wrong) so much so, that you lose the traction, and instead of accelerating away, you end up wheels spinning. Even with Haldex fully working.

So - advice to @batch - It's notable that the suspension improvements and success stories in this thread:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/coilovers-for-the-8v.241997/

Are down to purchasing something that has been designed to work together and match well.

The revised suspension can at last do its job properly, and keep the wheels/tyres in contact with the tarmac for more of the time.

Caveat: As a cheaper option, Bilstein also offer the B8 Sprint Dampers on their own, for the 8V, at around €690. This *might* go some way towards solving the bounce, but as yet, no one on this forum has tested this route.

batch · Aug 16, 2015

veeeight said:
I agree with @steeve on this. The specific issue on the S3 is most likely to be with the standard dampers, rather than the standard springs.

Of course, there is an inter-relationship between all the factors, springs, dampers, ARBs, geometry, etc. so for example, if you coupled a very soft spring with a very stiff damper (in compression), you would end up with a mismatch that would manifest itself very quickly on the road.

The S3 is comparatively softly sprung, say, compared to a Type-R (which in itself isn't a bad thing per se) - so I would expect a little more body roll (again, for a car that is more marketed to a family hatch, that's fine, ARB considerations) - but where the real problem lies, is the mis-match of the damper characteristics for a ride that is on anything other than a smooth road.

Drive quick on a hustling, windy, undulating A or B road, with dips and crests - and the apparent mismatch in compression and rebound settings to the standard springs, will see you either hit your head on the headlining, or jump the car off the road into the ditch. Or both.

You don't actually need speed to see the effects this has on grip and traction. Exit a roundabout on a dual carriageway, and if there's a slight undulation on the exit, the standard suspension will let the car and wheels rise (dampers compression/rebound rate wrong) so much so, that you lose the traction, and instead of accelerating away, you end up wheels spinning. Even with Haldex fully working.

So - advice to @batch - It's notable that the suspension improvements and success stories in this thread:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/coilovers-for-the-8v.241997/

Are down to purchasing something that has been designed to work together and match well. The revised suspension can at last do its job properly, and keep the wheels/tyres in contact with the tarmac for more of the time.

Caveat: As a cheaper option, Bilstein also offer the B8 Sprint Dampers on their own, for the 8V, at around €690. This *might* go some way towards solving the bounce, but as yet, no one on this forum has tested this route.

Thanks @veeeight - I'd love to change the whole setup but cost and ownership factors dictate that unfortunately. I've also had the hitting head incident - I then realised that in spite of me trying, the seat height handle had stuck open! A hefty thump and I was able to head back towards the ground!
The sprint dampers may be a consideration at some point - that works out to only about £545 but as the car is no longer my main expenditure, I guess priorities have had to change...

leosayer1 · Aug 16, 2015

Maybe the situation is that Audi simply didn't invest as much in the A3/S3 suspension as they did on the rest of the car.

The investment in the MQB platform cost VAG something like £50bn and on top of that, for the A3, there were new engines and a new interior.

Audi was probably stung by criticism of the harsh ride in previous A3 so it seems to have countered that by softening everything up, but perhaps it didn't get it right.

Audi hired a new suspension guru for the A4...the guy whose previous work is on the Golf R. Maybe he will wave his magic wand on the the A3/S3 next.

veeeight · Aug 16, 2015

^ The good news re the new A4

It's has more direct steering, with more feedback
And
They have done testing on UK roads specifically for the suspension issues!

naughts4187 · Aug 16, 2015

veeeight said:
I agree with @steeve on this. The specific issue on the S3 is most likely to be with the standard dampers, rather than the standard springs.

Of course, there is an inter-relationship between all the factors, springs, dampers, ARBs, geometry, etc. so for example, if you coupled a very soft spring with a very stiff damper (in compression), you would end up with a mismatch that would manifest itself very quickly on the road.

The S3 is comparatively softly sprung, say, compared to a Type-R (which in itself isn't a bad thing per se) - so I would expect a little more body roll (again, for a car that is more marketed to a family hatch, that's fine, ARB considerations) - but where the real problem lies, is the mis-match of the damper characteristics for a ride that is on anything other than a smooth road.

Drive quick on a hustling, windy, undulating A or B road, with dips and crests - and the apparent mismatch in compression and rebound settings to the standard springs, will see you either hit your head on the headlining, or jump the car off the road into the ditch. Or both.

You don't actually need speed to see the effects this has on grip and traction. Exit a roundabout on a dual carriageway, and if there's a slight undulation on the exit, the standard suspension will let the car and wheels rise (dampers compression/rebound rate wrong) so much so, that you lose the traction, and instead of accelerating away, you end up wheels spinning. Even with Haldex fully working.

So - advice to @batch - It's notable that the suspension improvements and success stories in this thread:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/coilovers-for-the-8v.241997/

Are down to purchasing something that has been designed to work together and match well. The revised suspension can at last do its job properly, and keep the wheels/tyres in contact with the tarmac for more of the time.

Caveat: As a cheaper option, Bilstein also offer the B8 Sprint Dampers on their own, for the 8V, at around €690. This *might* go some way towards solving the bounce, but as yet, no one on this forum has tested this route.

I'm going to be having these in September so will report on them then. I'm sure they will be better than stock, if not perfect.

CybrHwk · Aug 16, 2015

Coming from an Mazda 3 MPS to an S3, which had 4 concrete blocks at each corner instead of suspension, I feel the S3 is a little more forgiving on potholed roads, not much, but a noticeable difference for me, less harsh that is for sure.

steeve · Aug 17, 2015

But the S3 is still a very quick A to B car (where are these places?) and although it has its limitations I find mine great fun to drive.
But it could be better.

Martinbanshee · Aug 17, 2015

steeve said:
But the S3 is still a very quick A to B car (where are these places?)

Aberdeen to Ballater. Some great roads between A & B

batch · Aug 17, 2015

So, my springs arrived this morning from Eibach. However they've sent Sportline instead of Pro-Kit. Do I bite the bullet and just fit them, or return them for a Pro-Kit? I didn't want to go "dickhead low" with this so am not sure they're for me??

Forbzeeee · Aug 17, 2015

@batch Send them back and get the ones you want

DickiePhitt · Aug 22, 2015

I find the bouncy castle effect on the S3 makes me nervous on winding,undulating roads. I'd like to do something about it but absolutely don't want to lower the car any further. In any case I'm far from convinced the springing is the main culprit, I believe the damping is at fault.
I was just wondering whether Golf R dampers could be fitted to the S3. I know there are differences between the two cars but do they go so far that the corners of the two 'sister' cars are totally dissimilar?

veeeight · Aug 23, 2015

Differences between the Golf R and S3 are here:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-vs-golf-r-wheel-alignment-handling.238462/

The other thing to note is that the superior ride and handling in the Golf R is mostly down to the active electromechanical dampers on the R.

But note - the active dampers on the Golf R aren't the same (not mag ride) as the active dampers on the S3, they are a hydraulic electromechanical control system (VW), as opposed to magnetic control (Audi).

VW's version isn't as costly as Audi's mag ride, which makes it a more attractive option.

Bilstein also offer the B8 Sprint Dampers on their own, for the 8V, at around €690. This *might* go some way towards solving the bounce, but as yet, no one on this forum has tested this route - but @naughts4187 is planning to fit some next month (see post #145).

So as yet, no one has tried fitting the passive Golf R dampers (on this forum) to a S3 - but as I said in my post #141 - it's all about getting a matched system, springs and dampers, to get the best results - plus the Golf is running different geometry.

DickiePhitt · Aug 25, 2015

To be honest this raft of detail differences between the Golf R & Audi S3 is a bit irritating to me. When I was looking to purchase I did a fair bit of research (hadn't discovered this forum, regrettably) and it seemed to be pointing to the 2 cars being essentially the same mechanically. After compiling a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing all the standard kit / options, etc on each I opted for the less 'chavvy' IMHO S3.
Now its clear there are significant suspension differences, and not for the better on the S3.

Martinbanshee · Aug 25, 2015

I test drove a MK7 Golf R and bought an S3 Saloon, never regretted it, not a bit.
I'm sure some people on this forum are doubting their purchases purely because of some naysayers here.
The Golf has its flaws like any other car and the 'experts' here bought an S3 with all their 'knowledge' and some even came back to the S3 after slating it and buying something else.

As some rapper said 'Don't believe the hype'

PanamaS3 · Aug 25, 2015

DickiePhitt said:
To be honest this raft of detail differences between the Golf R & Audi S3 is a bit irritating to me. When I was looking to purchase I did a fair bit of research (hadn't discovered this forum, regrettably) and it seemed to be pointing to the 2 cars being essentially the same mechanically. After compiling a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing all the standard kit / options, etc on each I opted for the less 'chavvy' IMHO S3.
Now its clear there are significant suspension differences, and not for the better on the S3.

Dickie....there's obviously lots of pluses and minuses for both cars....and everything else available. I suspect, despite all the knowledge available to people, that the S3 was chosen for its more grown up wolf in sheeps clothing guise....after all a Golfs a Golf, even if it may be a bit more 'sorted' on the drivers front according to all the "internet experts" out there. But you have to live with it day to day, and I for one don't regret my purchase for a second....and if you want to correct some of those "mechanical differences" to make it the drivers car you want then go for it (like I am) as its fun and to be honest not that expensive to make the S3 an absolute screamer....and a far less chavvy motor

Spin140 · Aug 25, 2015

I'm more than happy with my mag ride equipped S3 Cab and haven't experienced any of the issues you guys are talking about, perhaps \I'm not trying hard enough !?!

I have to say that my car with its 19" wheels and Pirelli provides me with the right mix for comfort and handling, far less harsh than the previous 8P and comparable to my recently PX'd M135i.

Not all bad news for prospective owners out there

Jassyo06 · Aug 26, 2015

DickiePhitt said:
To be honest this raft of detail differences between the Golf R & Audi S3 is a bit irritating to me. When I was looking to purchase I did a fair bit of research (hadn't discovered this forum, regrettably) and it seemed to be pointing to the 2 cars being essentially the same mechanically. After compiling a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing all the standard kit / options, etc on each I opted for the less 'chavvy' IMHO S3.
Now its clear there are significant suspension differences, and not for the better on the S3.

It depends on what you have owned previously and also what you want from a car,the body roll on The S3 is poor it had me clinging on to the steering wheel as l slide out of the seat, when l used to try to drive enthusiastically,given up trying now.
There's no point in me bashing my head against a wall it won't change the way the car handles, and l am not going to pay out anymore more for to improve this, in the past l would have not now, l like too many other things in life now

Apart from that l really like my S3 it's great sounding car,great looker and if you spec it well there's not a lot to dislike

Pulp84 · Aug 26, 2015

So.....I have a Golf GTE on the drive for 5 days to see if a hybrid can be used as a cheaper alternative to the usual diesels to replace my company car.

Its difficult to compare the GTE and the S3 for obvious reasons but there is one striking difference - the steering.

I am sorry to report that the GTE steering calibration is just on another level. Perfectly weighted, no sudden changes to resistance and no dead spot. The spec sheet says the GTE has progressive steering like the S3.

Jumping in to my S3 after driving the GTE is striking. I'm bemused by how bad the calibration is on the S3.

Daveotto · Aug 26, 2015

After 5 weeks of S3 ownership and 3000 miles (2500 being motorway miles) I though I would add my view.

First lets put this into context.

I have never owned a high performance car before but have driven a few on test drives or on track days (e.g R8 in my profile pic)
Have come form an 8V A3 2.0TDI and prior to that an 8P A3 1.4TFSI
Other Audis driven include an A4 2.0 TDI (170 or 180 BHP) and A5 (200 BHP I think)
Have driven a wide range of hire cars here and in Europe

I have not really pushed the S3 except in a straight line as I don't have access to private roads and still getting a feel for the car as majority of miles so far have been motorway and commuting.

That said...........

The car with the exception of the R8 it is the most planted car I have driven and compared to the Merc GLA 4matic I test drove it feels immovable as the GLA almost threw me out of my seat at well under 50 mph on a double bend as it had so much roll.

Back feels a little floaty at very high straight line speeds but not as bad as the A5 I had did at just over 80mph (on a french motorway)

Straight line road noise and ride actually appear better than the A3 2.0TDi s-line (sport suspension) despite the stiffer suspension.

Handling is great for every day, easily taking bends and corners around 10- 15 mph quicker than the 2.0 TDI without even pushing the limit (not noticed traction control kick in once yet) with no body roll and as well documented acceleration out of corners and bends is awesome.

Bounce is worse than previous A3's and is noticeable even at low speeds over speed bumps, but you should not be taking them at over 20mph, in the first place as they are there for a reason after all!!!!!

Steering feedback is not as good as my 8V A3, which I thought was pretty good and is on a par with my 8P A3 so not great but not bad either.

I know there is some criticism of progressive steering and does take a little bit of getting used to. Would I add it as an option.... NO but is it a deal breaker...well that's a NO again.

One thing I have noticed with progressive steering that I have not seen any other comment on here is the amount of steering wheel turn to get to full lock. Compared to my last A3 it seems to get to full lock with much less steering wheel turn particularly in the last few degress of turn when until I got used to it almost leads to oversteer on tight corners....anyone else notice this or is it me?

Overall its a great car, and all I expected, and more (straight line speed) and a great place to sit and cruise or have some fun if you want. From my limited experience I can see some traits emerging which could turn to criticism if you are really pushing the car and comparing to other makes in the same category.

Am I happy, yes...the car does exactly as it says on its unassuming tin!!!!!

0B1001001 · Aug 26, 2015

Martinbanshee said:
I test drove a MK7 Golf R and bought an S3 Saloon, never regretted it, not a bit.
I'm sure some people on this forum are doubting their purchases purely because of some naysayers here.
The Golf has its flaws like any other car and the 'experts' here bought an S3 with all their 'knowledge' and some even came back to the S3 after slating it and buying something else.

As some rapper said 'Don't believe the hype'

Don't forget you've got the mag ride on the saloon, Martin.

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

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