New S3, New Focus ST or M135i
- Thread starter Andy White
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Hey, Welcome to the site.
I can't offer much advice apart from S3 for interior luxury & straight line speed, Focus ST for driveability and hooning round corners etc and M135 for noise from the 6cyl and performance?
I believe there have been a few M135 owners move to S3 ownership, hopefully they will be along soon to offer some better advice!
Good luck with whatever you decide, 3 cracking cars in their own right to consider!
I can't offer much advice apart from S3 for interior luxury & straight line speed, Focus ST for driveability and hooning round corners etc and M135 for noise from the 6cyl and performance?
I believe there have been a few M135 owners move to S3 ownership, hopefully they will be along soon to offer some better advice!
Good luck with whatever you decide, 3 cracking cars in their own right to consider!
thebluefox
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Ohhh interesting.
Before I bought my S3 I test drove a Golf R (2 hours), S3 (an hour) and M135i (a whole day!). I also looked round the Focus ST3.
Golf R - as fast as the S3 with a marginally better chassis and steering. Everyone slates the S3 for handling and damping, and praises the Golf. Honestly I've not driven the S3 hard enough yet to notice its flaws and they both seem pretty similar at the minute. Decided against the Golf as I'm really not a fan of the interior.
S3 - Very fast, reportedly not the best handling machine ever, but the quality of the exterior and interior, and price compared to the M135i sold me.
M135i - Rapid, but noticeable different power delivery to the other 2. I'm not a massive fan of RWD so that put me off a little, the VAG's put the power down so much smoother. The straight six sounds beautiful though, so much better than the 4pots in the Golf and S3. It was a tight choice between this and the S3, but I decided against the BMW as it was more expensive, and despite how well spec'd they are I wasn't a fan at all of the interior, and not massively sold on the exterior either.
As for the Focus - well built I'm sure but the interior made me feel sad, and the fact its a Ford is also a major sticking point for me. Have you considered an RS though??
Before I bought my S3 I test drove a Golf R (2 hours), S3 (an hour) and M135i (a whole day!). I also looked round the Focus ST3.
Golf R - as fast as the S3 with a marginally better chassis and steering. Everyone slates the S3 for handling and damping, and praises the Golf. Honestly I've not driven the S3 hard enough yet to notice its flaws and they both seem pretty similar at the minute. Decided against the Golf as I'm really not a fan of the interior.
S3 - Very fast, reportedly not the best handling machine ever, but the quality of the exterior and interior, and price compared to the M135i sold me.
M135i - Rapid, but noticeable different power delivery to the other 2. I'm not a massive fan of RWD so that put me off a little, the VAG's put the power down so much smoother. The straight six sounds beautiful though, so much better than the 4pots in the Golf and S3. It was a tight choice between this and the S3, but I decided against the BMW as it was more expensive, and despite how well spec'd they are I wasn't a fan at all of the interior, and not massively sold on the exterior either.
As for the Focus - well built I'm sure but the interior made me feel sad, and the fact its a Ford is also a major sticking point for me. Have you considered an RS though??
Kugaman1
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As a former M135i owner I can say the following.....
1. If your interest is all about power....buy the m135i, its very, very rapid.
2. If you prefer handling above all else, buy the ST. Ford are without rivals in building superb handling hatchbacks.
3. If you drive your car in the real world and like power combined with safe, predictable 4wd handling, buy the S3.
I absolutely adored the engine and auto gearbox in my m135i. However I really disliked the way it put the power down. A very bouncy ride quality when pressing on and less than convincing handling on anything other than dry smooth roads. If they made the m135i in 4wd (in the uk), I would buy one again tomorrow - as long as it had adaptive suspension. I know all the "purists" say rwd is best but lets be honest, most of them dont have a clue how to drive properly....they screw it up over powering into a bend, the traction control kicks in and gathers it all up, then they think they are Colin Mcrae!
In comparison, the S3 is boring and predictable. Its quick and very well built. However, it just goes round corners without any drama at all. Lots of grip, no **** out action like the bmw. Call me old fashioned, but thats why I got rid of the bmw and bought the s3... I drive on uk roads at fairly legal speeds along with the other millions of unpredicatable drivers.....having a quick and predictable sure footed car is much more useful in the world I live in anyway!
1. If your interest is all about power....buy the m135i, its very, very rapid.
2. If you prefer handling above all else, buy the ST. Ford are without rivals in building superb handling hatchbacks.
3. If you drive your car in the real world and like power combined with safe, predictable 4wd handling, buy the S3.
I absolutely adored the engine and auto gearbox in my m135i. However I really disliked the way it put the power down. A very bouncy ride quality when pressing on and less than convincing handling on anything other than dry smooth roads. If they made the m135i in 4wd (in the uk), I would buy one again tomorrow - as long as it had adaptive suspension. I know all the "purists" say rwd is best but lets be honest, most of them dont have a clue how to drive properly....they screw it up over powering into a bend, the traction control kicks in and gathers it all up, then they think they are Colin Mcrae!
In comparison, the S3 is boring and predictable. Its quick and very well built. However, it just goes round corners without any drama at all. Lots of grip, no **** out action like the bmw. Call me old fashioned, but thats why I got rid of the bmw and bought the s3... I drive on uk roads at fairly legal speeds along with the other millions of unpredicatable drivers.....having a quick and predictable sure footed car is much more useful in the world I live in anyway!
Depends on your budget and timeline.
Have you considered a Renaultsport Megane 275?
If you like driving, it will trump all you have mentioned.
They've recently announced a Cup S which can be had for £25k I believe.
Could you wait for a Focus RS?
It will be the best of all worlds from the three options you have shortlisted.
Have you considered a Renaultsport Megane 275?
If you like driving, it will trump all you have mentioned.
They've recently announced a Cup S which can be had for £25k I believe.
Could you wait for a Focus RS?
It will be the best of all worlds from the three options you have shortlisted.
I'm going to watch this with interest, as just thinking very seriously about swapping my S3 for a new M135i (with Active Suspension - that seems to be a "must have") in the new year....Love my S3, but miss the fun and handling that I had from my previous Evo in all honesty having owned it now for some 18 months. Still got to drive one (drove a 235i last week which was one of the first 2016 builds and its a big improvement over the 2014 one I drove before, suspension and handling all improved!), X-Drive does well in place of Quattro, but must admit after the Evo and the S3, I do like the Quattro, that could be the deciding factor with the Beemer.
If its not an M135i then it will be an RS or another S3 (but spec'd differently). Have also looked at the the AMG A45, lovely but they really are silly money. Don't want the RS3, 10K premium for a bit of noise isn't worth it IMO, sooner have a well spec'd S3.
Just trying to get my mind around what I really want - a drivers car - AMG, M135i - or something with a bit of go in it, that tours better - in which case S3. Hmm. decisions decisions. Jury is out.
Will probably wait to see what the RS Focus is like. Now - if only Ford's did S-Tronic...................... LOL
If its not an M135i then it will be an RS or another S3 (but spec'd differently). Have also looked at the the AMG A45, lovely but they really are silly money. Don't want the RS3, 10K premium for a bit of noise isn't worth it IMO, sooner have a well spec'd S3.
Just trying to get my mind around what I really want - a drivers car - AMG, M135i - or something with a bit of go in it, that tours better - in which case S3. Hmm. decisions decisions. Jury is out.
Will probably wait to see what the RS Focus is like. Now - if only Ford's did S-Tronic...................... LOL
Sorry but the s3 wins hands down
Maybe the rs but the st is just a lack lustrer car ,i would sooner have the st diesel in all honesty
The bmw will always let you down in the wet or snow and I feel while great cars they really lack pizzaz
Maybe the rs but the st is just a lack lustrer car ,i would sooner have the st diesel in all honesty
The bmw will always let you down in the wet or snow and I feel while great cars they really lack pizzaz
My mate has an m135i and I really considered one. For the me the interior in the 1 series is really cramped and just not for me. It's is however an extremely fast car, especially with the auto box. I would say it's sounds a little better but I love the sound of my S3. My S3 with a DTUK box would give it a run for the money. However given the weather is wet is more often then not I reckon the S3 is a far better everyday car. The interior in my opinion is nicer than the BMW.
Sorry to sound harsh, the ST could be he best car in the world but the interior quality is dreadful, cheap plastics that looks and feels aweful. I wouldn't have one.
Sorry to sound harsh, the ST could be he best car in the world but the interior quality is dreadful, cheap plastics that looks and feels aweful. I wouldn't have one.
Indeed I would have agreed with you were my S3 more reliable, but having had to have a new turbo, high pressure fuel pump and 2 new injectors at 8.5k miles (when just out of service), and now about to join the water pump failure club at12.5k miles, for a 40K 18 month old motor car, I'm disappointed with the reliability in all honesty - hence why I'm looking to swap it out, but keeping an open mind as to what to change it to, as I do appreciate that its been made on a production line and not everything off a production line comes out 100% perfect. I maybe have a Friday special, who knows!
Had BMW's before and the grip in the wet IMO was not appreciably worse than the S3, and with the X-Drive now on the M135i, grip is not too bad at all for day to day driving, with the exception of grip when you pull away initially (there the Quattro has it), it's fine. I think it all depends on tyres, was none too impressed with the Conti's and the Quattro on the S3 until I fitted a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports and now grip is much better and a lot closer to what I had on my previous Evo X with the same tyres fitted. But you do have a point as they are not an option on the Beemer (I don't think anyway), as one has to have those hard run flat tyres that BMW run - like I said before the Quattro aspect could swing it for me, and I'll get a well spec'd S3 Saloon to replace my SB.
Interior though - agree with all comments, the S3 is far better than the BMW.
Thanks guys.
I'm pretty certain the focus is out of the question due to badge, build quality, image.
Had a Clio 182 in the past and was always breaking!
The standard tyres on the m135 are supposed to be extremely good in the wet or dry so not concerned about grip and I wouldn't drive fast in the wet.
From the images I've seen of the interiors I like them both. They look very classy!
Heard the seats in the audis aren't very supportive at the sides?
The engine/power and noise of the BM are supposed to be slightly better as Darlo says which may swing it as a bit of a boy racer!
Need to test drive them and make my mind up!
I'm pretty certain the focus is out of the question due to badge, build quality, image.
Had a Clio 182 in the past and was always breaking!
The standard tyres on the m135 are supposed to be extremely good in the wet or dry so not concerned about grip and I wouldn't drive fast in the wet.
From the images I've seen of the interiors I like them both. They look very classy!
Heard the seats in the audis aren't very supportive at the sides?
The engine/power and noise of the BM are supposed to be slightly better as Darlo says which may swing it as a bit of a boy racer!
Need to test drive them and make my mind up!
The problem is every one has a personal opinion
I also have a a3 8p never had a issue in two years
My bmw again was faultless but rubbish in the wet and snow , killed rear tyres and just felt soulless
I hope you find the right cat for you
I also have a a3 8p never had a issue in two years
My bmw again was faultless but rubbish in the wet and snow , killed rear tyres and just felt soulless
I hope you find the right cat for you
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.....wow, a car that's also an investment!
Now this I've gotta see.........................
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I would have the S3,shock yeah on all fairness,l dislike the 1/2 series car's with a passion they are not good looking cars at all the St...great car to drive great toys but suffers badly on residuals,as for the Focus RS megabucks on a pcp deal because of the depreciation,personally
I would wait for the wee changes that are going to be made to the S3 next year,should make a wee difference
Just thought l would add my opinion is. NOT biased but it is all down to personal opinion and age to a extent
I would wait for the wee changes that are going to be made to the S3 next year,should make a wee difference
Just thought l would add my opinion is. NOT biased but it is all down to personal opinion and age to a extent
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thebluefox
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It's all personal opinion at the end of the day.
You've come onto an Audi forum and no surprise we're all saying much the same. Head to a BMW forum and they'll all love the interior and buying new tyres every 3 weeks....
You've come onto an Audi forum and no surprise we're all saying much the same. Head to a BMW forum and they'll all love the interior and buying new tyres every 3 weeks....
Kugaman1
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Just to clarify..
The m135i comes with Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres as standard.
However, on ordering, you can have runflats as an option, although why the hell you would is anyones guess. Unfortunately, lots of dealers order them with runflats when ordering stock cars....means there are quite a few out there with runflats on them...
Interior wise, I would say the S3 has it for quality, but the BMW has it for comfort. The standard leather seats in the BMW are really comfortable and supportive. Id say theyre about the best all rounder seats of any car Ive owned.
As an alternative.....have you considered a new Mini JCW? (Maybe too small?)...
We just bought my wife a new 5 door Mini Cooper - have to say Im very impressed...the new model is a big step forward in quality.
Had a spin in a JCW before we agreed on the Cooper for er indoors....
JCW is an absolute hoot! Not quite as quick as the S3, but in the real world feels soo much faster. Maybe because its not so isolated like the S3 is. You sit very low and the steering feels excellent. Loads of popping and farting from the exhaust and a really driver focussed experience....Im seriously thinking about one as my next car......unless BMW see sense and bring the M135i XDrive to the UK!
The m135i comes with Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres as standard.
However, on ordering, you can have runflats as an option, although why the hell you would is anyones guess. Unfortunately, lots of dealers order them with runflats when ordering stock cars....means there are quite a few out there with runflats on them...
Interior wise, I would say the S3 has it for quality, but the BMW has it for comfort. The standard leather seats in the BMW are really comfortable and supportive. Id say theyre about the best all rounder seats of any car Ive owned.
As an alternative.....have you considered a new Mini JCW? (Maybe too small?)...
We just bought my wife a new 5 door Mini Cooper - have to say Im very impressed...the new model is a big step forward in quality.
Had a spin in a JCW before we agreed on the Cooper for er indoors....
JCW is an absolute hoot! Not quite as quick as the S3, but in the real world feels soo much faster. Maybe because its not so isolated like the S3 is. You sit very low and the steering feels excellent. Loads of popping and farting from the exhaust and a really driver focussed experience....Im seriously thinking about one as my next car......unless BMW see sense and bring the M135i XDrive to the UK!
Good point and it's as expected.
I have been on BMW forums and a lot are complimentary of the S3 except for the usual dull/boring comments and the engine not being as good as the 6 cylinder.
I have been on BMW forums and a lot are complimentary of the S3 except for the usual dull/boring comments and the engine not being as good as the 6 cylinder.
Not really a mini fan I'm afraid. Sure the mrs would approve though!
Kugaman1
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I know where your coming from mate...I most certainly was no Mini fan....the previous versions were rattly, harsh riding and just too small.
However, this new one is incredibly well built using good quality materials. Its a little bit bigger and has much more refined suspension.
My wifes Cooper is a 5 door with the 1.5 3 cylinder engine.....same engine as in the BMW i8 ........well its something to say in the pub!
Really have to say, its a great engine with lots of torque....really suits the car well. I keep finding myself looking for little excuses to pop out to the shops in it, its really a great fun little car!
Nobody has mentioned the looks of the m135.............
It loses hugely in that department in my opinion.
I'd never consider one regardless of how it drives because of that.
It loses hugely in that department in my opinion.
I'd never consider one regardless of how it drives because of that.
.....wow, a car that's also an investment!
Now this I've gotta see.........................
In the sense that with the last RS, you could buy a brand new car, and sell it 6 months on for more.
There aren't many cars you could do that with.
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I'll stick with the 8% I get on my money, at least I don't have to have an ugly a$$ Ford on my drive
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Where on earth are you getting 8%? Spill !
Forget I mentioned it, in hindsight a bit of a smug remark tbh!
Bainie
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What are they worth now though ! and there are lots of cars that you can do that with , pretty much any hyped up car with a long waiting list, or limited production, but it does just last a few months until the market catches up ...
I'll stick with the 8% I get on my money, at least I don't have to have an ugly a$$ Ford on my drive
Hi mate l think the Focus St is a great looking hatchback pretty sporty looking but not too in your face like the vxr gtc or the megane your a sedan man lol of which is a totally different looking type of car,the S3 hatchbacks aren't that great looking from a few angles and to be honest a bit tired looking in the design stakes compared to other Audi's now,but we all have different tastes,question what car did you have before mate
When comparing the BMW with the Audi it also depends what important to you. I was choosing between an M235i and S3 Sedan and something I couldn't overlook is the lights in the BMW. Even the face lifted 1 Series still uses incandescent bulbs for it's brake lights and rear indicator and the rear lights only light up when the front lights are on as opposed to the Audi which is pretty much always on.
Plenty of answers to consider but you need to nail what your really after. I've only really driven a few BMW's for short amounts of time but if you want a good all year round car with no track driving then can't really see the point of RWD.
If your all badge then go for the S3, if you want more of a drivers car the ST (Maybe the RS when it's around)
I have come to the S3 saloon from an ST estate (driven for 3 years) For me perceived interior quality points to the S3 but the interior has as many if not more squeaks and rattles than the ST has had and unless your on a straight road (Enjoying the extra oomph) is quite frankly dull and inspiring to drive.
I too will shortly be looking to change and taking a hit on the Px value (after 7 months)
I may even be on here asking a similar question. Next time it may be a Focus RS / A4 Avant 2 litre petrol / hell maybe even the new VXR Astra when it shows.
However most views on here, although not all, will be biased to some degree (Yes, even mine. The S3 saloon is an object of beauty for me personally, albeit one that doesn't live up to expectation. It suffers from the usual Audi defence of 'well its got a much better interior'
)
Test drive and test drive again. I have brought cars in the past with a quickish test drive and gone for them like a bull in a china shop only to be disappointed over a period of time.
If your all badge then go for the S3, if you want more of a drivers car the ST (Maybe the RS when it's around)
I have come to the S3 saloon from an ST estate (driven for 3 years) For me perceived interior quality points to the S3 but the interior has as many if not more squeaks and rattles than the ST has had and unless your on a straight road (Enjoying the extra oomph) is quite frankly dull and inspiring to drive.
I too will shortly be looking to change and taking a hit on the Px value (after 7 months)
I may even be on here asking a similar question. Next time it may be a Focus RS / A4 Avant 2 litre petrol / hell maybe even the new VXR Astra when it shows.
However most views on here, although not all, will be biased to some degree (Yes, even mine. The S3 saloon is an object of beauty for me personally, albeit one that doesn't live up to expectation. It suffers from the usual Audi defence of 'well its got a much better interior'
)Test drive and test drive again. I have brought cars in the past with a quickish test drive and gone for them like a bull in a china shop only to be disappointed over a period of time.
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You're absolutely bang on mate, I'm not a huge fan of hatchbacks at all but having said that I think Audi's are a heck of a lot more stylish than Fords......or any other brand for that matter!
Of course we all have different tastes, absolutely, and I highly doubt anyone here gives a toss what I think........we're all just jerking each other off most of the time! lol
As for my last car, well...........a Toyota Rav 4..................so lets face it pretty much anything was gonna feel like a Ferrari after that!!
Also depends on how you're financing the car. M135 is available for 359 deposit and 359per month. You'll never get into an S3 for that money.
Interesting thread subject this one
BUT please keep it clean people as 'sometimes' these type of threads have a habit of going a bit 'off topic'
& don't ask what that means because you all know! lol
BUT please keep it clean people as 'sometimes' these type of threads have a habit of going a bit 'off topic'
& don't ask what that means because you all know! lol
Not all that far off that value though if you can negotiate a good deal.
Just need to be happy with a basic car (although that m135 deal would be basic spec too).
I was (41p) under £400 a month with nil deposit on my saloon.
I have to disagree having had both ST3 S3
The perceived quality is nominal but l had not one rattle in the interior or crease on my recaro seats like l do with the S3
Had 2 fiat's in succession lol loved them good unpretentious car'sYou're absolutely bang on mate, I'm not a huge fan of hatchbacks at all but having said that I think Audi's are a heck of a lot more stylish than Fords......or any other brand for that matter!
Of course we all have different tastes, absolutely, and I highly doubt anyone here gives a toss what I think........we're all just jerking each other off most of the time! lol
As for my last car, well...........a Toyota Rav 4..................so lets face it pretty much anything was gonna feel like a Ferrari after that!!
xDrive M135i's are not available in the UK and they have no intention to bring them here FYI.
Are you talking about getting into an S3 with that kind of deposit or just that monthly payment?
