So... more problems for my S3 it seems. For background, I have had the stuttering gear changes (gearbox full reset), coolant leaks (new pump I think), engine management light problems (multiple sensor replacements), massive wheel spin (resulting in a new differentia)l so far...
And now I have intermittent power loss between 2,800 RPM and 3,400 RPM. It's happened in a variety of gears in both manual and automatic. It occurs when in-gear, but doesn't happen all the time. Apparently the camshaft sensors are reporting a fault (fourth time). Also the passenger side headlight won't auto level correctly and is steaming up (despite having been checked for a known warranty based issue that causes the steaming up).
So back into the garage it goes. It pretty much has spent the last 6 months either being in the garage, or with some defect waiting to go back into the garage. I've decided I don't want the S3 any more. Just too many damned problems. I don't want to be spending the next 3 years in and out of the garage. I'm 18 months into a 4 year PCP, so will have to see what the dealer suggests once I get the car back again... fingers crossed.
However... the courtesy car I have is an Audi TT-S, new shape, and OMG...
It is FANTASTIC. Like a million miles from the S3. The gearbox is smooth as butter, and in S mode it is both sporty but doesn't just sit in gear to the red-line like my S3 did when cruising along at 40. This one comes with magnetic dampers (not sure if standard) and is feels noticeably more supple than the S3. And the engine note. Wow! The note is much deeper, and the farts on upshifts are magnificent. It properly bellows. The dash is also very clever, although I'm not sure they've got it completely right yet - some of it seems quite unintuitive and can't seem to get a display that just has the two dials etc. I even managed to get the kids in the back without as much drama as I was worried about.
All in all, I would love one if I could afford the incremental cost above the S3. If there is anyone reading this in two minds about the two - for me, there is simply no comparison. TT-S wins easily.