We are all different though, and seek different things from our cars.
For me, one of the joys of driving is balancing the car on its limit say, on a wet roundabout, and just being able to pivot the attitude of the car around a moment, feel it respond to throttle and steering inputs, and slide and drift it in and out and correct it.
Or to be able to drive a car at night just as fast as you would in the daytime and not have to rely on visual senses, instead, being able to feel all sorts of feedback through the seat, pedals, floor, steering wheel etc.- which the S3 lacks.
(I am well aware that this will probably attract criticism of public road behaviour - however safety is foremost, and there is an appropriate time and place for everything).
Or even, just to have fun - this is what a hot hatch should be all about. For me, the S3 is a one-dimensional car. You end up having a drag race in between bends, and then you just end up managing understeer. And coping with the weird damping.
It's a fast point to point car, not a car to go fast around corners in.
As someone else has summed - A good drive is something with adjustability and finesse. A car that feels connected to the road. That responds to subtle inputs. Where the throttle response is instant and can thus be used to alter the attitude of the car on the limit. Where you can feel the road surface through you hands and bottom. Where you are driving the car and the car is not driving you with all its driver aids and electronics.
And no, I don't need an Elise or Caterham. I just want a good, engaging, hot-hatch
But - I'm sure that the S3 is well suited to plenty of other people out there. I just wouldn't call it a drivers car.
