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
and inherent in Audi's apparent desire to have a brisk but safe car for the majority of drivers.
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.
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
Fiesta ST and Golf R manage to do this to a large extent, yet still produce a rewarding car to drive
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..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
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
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.
Well said, very balanced and sensible and valued inputI 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.
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 othersRegretting 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.
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
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
Like for Like
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.
As for buying a car - just choose the car that best suits your needs
Everyone has different requirements/expectations from a car
Don't forget veeeight, next weekDon'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
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.
How much would the S3's handling benefit from an H&R rear sway bar?
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.