I thought I'd nearly made my choice
I appreciate the feedback though. It's a tough choice to make but a nice decision to have
Feedback from those with S3s now
- Thread starter Itguy
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I thought I'd nearly made my choice
I appreciate the feedback though. It's a tough choice to make but a nice decision to have
Hello everyone,
This is my first post, great forum, everything is here. So i live in Cyprus and i am planning to order my S3 with the following specs:
1. Glacier white
2. Bang & Olufsen and MMI
3. S-Tronic Sportback
4. bright roof rails
5. flat bottomed steering wheel
6. tyre pressure monitoring display
7. lighting package
8. rear parking aid
9. S sports seats
10. high gloss package
11. double-spoke alloy wheels
12. mono.pur
I would like some feedback on my choices, cause the moment i order it i cannot change my mind. Do some of you have those specs? Are they worth it? Are any other options worth buying?
Also i would like to know your opinion on fuel costs per month and generally anything else that would be really helpful to my final decision. It's a lot of money and i want to spend it in the right way.
Thank you
This is my first post, great forum, everything is here. So i live in Cyprus and i am planning to order my S3 with the following specs:
1. Glacier white
2. Bang & Olufsen and MMI
3. S-Tronic Sportback
4. bright roof rails
5. flat bottomed steering wheel
6. tyre pressure monitoring display
7. lighting package
8. rear parking aid
9. S sports seats
10. high gloss package
11. double-spoke alloy wheels
12. mono.pur
I would like some feedback on my choices, cause the moment i order it i cannot change my mind. Do some of you have those specs? Are they worth it? Are any other options worth buying?
Also i would like to know your opinion on fuel costs per month and generally anything else that would be really helpful to my final decision. It's a lot of money and i want to spend it in the right way.
Thank you
geefunk1978
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I must admit the best thing I'm finding about having the S-tronic is I'm left foot braking all the time now. It makes getting on and off the throttle loads quicker.
For me I think it is easily summed up, those of a certain age (driving in the early 90s ) should appreciate the S3 as an effortless way to get from A to B very quickly, efficiently and safely. It is not, like most modern cars, anywhere near the fun factor of the original hot hatches. Modern cars and modern motorbikes are way too efficient and easy to go very fast without ever feeling 'on the edge' or even pushing the vehicle, go back 20years and you could at least feel like you were pushing it by the way it reacted and could finish a drive/ride feeling you were in charge.
Anybody who thinks speed and fun are proportional are completely wrong, my best fun car was a 1990 Citroen AX GT (couldnt afford the 205GTi insurance) with 85bhp and taught me loads about lift off oversteer, chronic understeer in the wet and roundabout drifting which in those days for me was fun. Modern cars just don't do it like they used to but are they quicker and more efficient yes.
Now I am middle aged my need for fun has reduced (a little) and clincial ability to cover ground increased, based on that I am hoping the S3 will be ideal. For me the 135i etc isn't in the same ball park and for most people probably the wrong car as most people can't push a RWD as hard as it needs to be pushed to get the ultimate reward from a fast RWD. However I am on the prowl for one of the last Clio 200 hatches as I think that is a sure fire kind of classic for the future before excess weight and electronics demands more power without increasing performance. For me the manual was the way to go as I was trying to remove another efficiency step i.e. fun usually equates to involvement and where my S3 will live should mean the old days of whizzing about in traffic free country roads (albeit in a clinical way!) will hopefully introduce some fun if not the same level as the 'old days'.
I'll get off my box.
) should appreciate the S3 as an effortless way to get from A to B very quickly, efficiently and safely. It is not, like most modern cars, anywhere near the fun factor of the original hot hatches. Modern cars and modern motorbikes are way too efficient and easy to go very fast without ever feeling 'on the edge' or even pushing the vehicle, go back 20years and you could at least feel like you were pushing it by the way it reacted and could finish a drive/ride feeling you were in charge.Anybody who thinks speed and fun are proportional are completely wrong, my best fun car was a 1990 Citroen AX GT (couldnt afford the 205GTi insurance) with 85bhp and taught me loads about lift off oversteer, chronic understeer in the wet and roundabout drifting which in those days for me was fun. Modern cars just don't do it like they used to but are they quicker and more efficient yes.
Now I am middle aged my need for fun has reduced (a little) and clincial ability to cover ground increased, based on that I am hoping the S3 will be ideal. For me the 135i etc isn't in the same ball park and for most people probably the wrong car as most people can't push a RWD as hard as it needs to be pushed to get the ultimate reward from a fast RWD. However I am on the prowl for one of the last Clio 200 hatches as I think that is a sure fire kind of classic for the future before excess weight and electronics demands more power without increasing performance. For me the manual was the way to go as I was trying to remove another efficiency step i.e. fun usually equates to involvement and where my S3 will live should mean the old days of whizzing about in traffic free country roads (albeit in a clinical way!) will hopefully introduce some fun if not the same level as the 'old days'.
I'll get off my box.
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I think the 182 trophy (think they only came in red) will be a bit of a classic in a few years similar to the m3 csl, they certainly are holding their money anyway.
geefunk1978
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I'm definitely going to buy a Trophy within the next year or so and keep it. Definitely a good investment if you find a completely standard one and as much fun as you can possibly have in a car.
Yep extremely capable car and unreal with proper track tyres on like pilot sport cups. Id just wait for the right one to come up on the 182 trophy forum, was having a look earlier £5-7k.
Couldn't agree more - without desperately trying to sound like my Dad thirty years ago. Driving in the late 80s / early 90s I was lucky enough to have access to a couple of 205 GTIs , Mk2 Golf GTIs. In reality they had no more power/performance than the average family saloon today (mid 8 seconds to 60 etc). But at the time they were comparative flying machines with proper go kart handling. No power assisted steering (except for later models), no ABS etc etc. Take a corner too quick and they bit you on the backside. But in hindsight they were great learning tools.
They had a fun factor which you could get from a hot hatch. You didn't have to buy something 'hardcore' to get your kicks. Nowadays that's pretty much gone to an extent, regulations and electronic gizmos. And I can't argue that a lot of these lead to safer cars and less injuries. So that has to be good. But for some we will always still look and hanker for the hot hatch of a few years ago. That complete fun factor with practicality.
Hence why I feel that the S3 has that little bit of something missing. The problem is, looking at it objectively, they all do. You probably do have to go for something a little more extreme - and as mentioned earlier I think the S3 is, cost wise, starting to approach the bottom rung of these cars. Thus I have a little more expectation than maybe I should. You start to look at other more focused vehicles in a slightly higher price bracket. But then you realise they don't cover all the bases for the price you're prepared to pay.
I have no arguments that the S3 is quick, fabulously and effortlessly quick. It does everything I ask of it 90% of the time given my lifestyle, especially as my only car. I would love to be able to run another car, something more impractical with a dose more fun factor. But the S3 covers all the compromises right now - with a little bit extra.
Would I still want to be driving around in a 205 GTI as my daily runner? I have very rose tinted memories of it as a drivers car. I wouldn't want to ruin those with a reality check! The build quality of an eggbox, panels you could sneeze through and more rattles than a toddlers nursery. If I was twenty again maybe. Right now? Not a chance!
I'll get off my box too - if I can find my zimmer ......
Shall we call it a hybrid people carrier then ?
Its a hatch back with 300PS its a hot hatch.
At least it´s a fast saloon. It depends from what car you are coming. In my case first i have a GTI MK4 with near 330HP FWD, then i have a Tiguan Stage 1 4Motion 220HP (maybe), now this S3 with 300HP Quattro, the best of both so i´m very happy with my ride.
Trickydicky2
Registered User
The saloon has to be a Q car. Definitely a Q car. Dips nicely under the radar IMO.
kanecullen89
Registered User
I think the decision on whether a car is hot, warm, slow is relative to other similar cars.
I would consider the S3 hatchback as a hot hatch because 300bhp in a hatchback is a lot and it's a very fast car for a hatchback.
I would consider the S3 saloon as a warm saloon. It's got 300bhp and isn't slow but compare it with other saloons and it's not very quick. For instance RS4, M3, AMG etc.
I know they're in different leagues but same body shape, playing with the same big boys.
This is my opinion on it
I would consider the S3 hatchback as a hot hatch because 300bhp in a hatchback is a lot and it's a very fast car for a hatchback.
I would consider the S3 saloon as a warm saloon. It's got 300bhp and isn't slow but compare it with other saloons and it's not very quick. For instance RS4, M3, AMG etc.
I know they're in different leagues but same body shape, playing with the same big boys.
This is my opinion on it
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I sometimes wonder whether the S3 is a hot hatch or whether it's evolved to become something else. When I think hot hatch I think Megane RS, Focus RS, Astra VXR, Leon Cupra R. The S3 has become such a polished and refined product it's almost become 'too premium' to consider it in the same terms, but in the lack of another category it's the best pot to bundle it in.
To clarify what I meant⦠a hot hatch should give you thrills. This doesn't. It's an uber refined, very quick, stylish practical car. When I think hot hatch I think boy racer. When I think s3 I certainly don't think boy racer.
I'm lucky enough to have had many nice cars, and the odd hot hatch, and am equally as lucky to be expecting my new s3 to roll off the factory line any day now!
I'm lucky enough to have had many nice cars, and the odd hot hatch, and am equally as lucky to be expecting my new s3 to roll off the factory line any day now!
Trickydicky2
Registered User
Maybe those not getting enough thrills from their S3s are just driving on the wrong roads. These seniors seem to be having plenty of fun ambling down a country lane
Audi S3 2013 vs Audi Quattro Sport 1983 | AudiCafe - YouTube
It's been posted before, but worth another look
Audi S3 2013 vs Audi Quattro Sport 1983 | AudiCafe - YouTube
It's been posted before, but worth another look
Name the cars then
Well I had a fleeting thought about a S1, which I think has a very good sounding set up, but the wife said too girly.
Megane 275 is an alternative, but no Renault garage locally, so would have to deal remotely. UK spec announced a week on Monday.
Today though I've been discussing with my Audi dealer about using the S3 and the SLK towards a RS6. Deal on the table is acceptable.
Wife has as good as approved. Test driving this weekend.
That sounds like a car that Audi have engineered to drive well.
Need to work out (a) if I want to go from two cars to one and (b) if I want to spend that much......
Trickydicky2
Registered User
I really don't understand it as I read posts and articles about the S3 not being the hot handling, RS265/Cayman S, crazy hatch that people expect it to be. It's not! Far from it. If that's what you wanted, you bought the wrong car.
It was designed to sit in the warm/luxury segment. Don't expect it to handle like a Lotus. Don't expect it to pick up like a hypercar. And most of all, don't complain that you purchased a car that doesn't meet your needs without doing proper research and test drives. It's crazy to think someone would drop this amount of cash on a car and then complain it's not what they expected.
My two cents.
It was designed to sit in the warm/luxury segment. Don't expect it to handle like a Lotus. Don't expect it to pick up like a hypercar. And most of all, don't complain that you purchased a car that doesn't meet your needs without doing proper research and test drives. It's crazy to think someone would drop this amount of cash on a car and then complain it's not what they expected.
My two cents.
Some people, me being one, waste their disposable income on cars.
This was one where a bit of brand loyalty went wrong for me. It's not the first time and it won't be the last.
I'm comfortable with the lost cash (although haven't lost much at all on the S3 if I do the deal on the RS6).
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Totally agree with you ConS3, I think it's people who wants to re-live their boi racer years, but now they are grown up a bit, with more cash, they went down the S3 path.
Our reason behind an S3 purchase was for the complete package, looks (both internal and external), the inclusions, and a sedan body, quattro, the power was a bonus.
What's the likely percentage you will be using all that power on the road in your day to day drive? I doubt it will be more than 5% of the time, and if it's 100% of the time, you likely won't be driving your S3 for long, because sooner or later, the police will rip your license in half.
TheFiftheElement
Registered User
I 1/2 agree with the comments, the S3 is a bit of a jack of all trades, it has to be quick, luxurious, handle well on both country roads and motorway, be economical, not be a PITA around town and also be ballistic and entertaining when you feel like a hoon 
That's the problem though, it's nigh on impossible to acheive, so you either err on the side of luxury/sporting (S3) or raw/more engaging (various Renaults etc) .. dependant on your mood, and what sort of driving you are about to do, you're going to be happier with one or the other
The Golf R gets a better write up than the S3, so maybe whatever VW have done in terms of setup/spring rates etc could have been applied to the S3, and then some people would be a bit happier. I'm not sure the average driver (most of us) on a normal road at a sensible pace would be able to tell much of a difference between the 2 (IMHO).
I don't think there is a perfect car, so you either run 2 or 3, or accept some compromises.
That's the problem though, it's nigh on impossible to acheive, so you either err on the side of luxury/sporting (S3) or raw/more engaging (various Renaults etc) .. dependant on your mood, and what sort of driving you are about to do, you're going to be happier with one or the other
The Golf R gets a better write up than the S3, so maybe whatever VW have done in terms of setup/spring rates etc could have been applied to the S3, and then some people would be a bit happier. I'm not sure the average driver (most of us) on a normal road at a sensible pace would be able to tell much of a difference between the 2 (IMHO).
I don't think there is a perfect car, so you either run 2 or 3, or accept some compromises.
Apparently it's being built end of June for August 1st delivery! He said I could wait until 1st September to collect but I have a private reg so I'm not to fussed wether 14 or 64!
I personally find totally crazy that you are allowed to have such a dangerous fault without a warning RED light with chime from the car.
So true!
Or if you drive the car like a grandpa you'll never find out(ok anyone who buys an s3 will drive the car sometimes fast but you know what I mean)
I think having driven the RS6 that you will find that even less involving, it's so ****** quick but almost dangerously so on the road. Its very refined too, even more than the S3 or RS4.
The price means that the target market are not into 'boy racer' type stuff. Its quiet and uber smooth. But its big especially down country lanes where you really notice it's size (and finding a parking spot is a nightmare).
If you want seat of the pants motoring then look else where. M3 or M4 might be a more suitable, Ariel Atom any one?
The price means that the target market are not into 'boy racer' type stuff. Its quiet and uber smooth. But its big especially down country lanes where you really notice it's size (and finding a parking spot is a nightmare).
If you want seat of the pants motoring then look else where. M3 or M4 might be a more suitable, Ariel Atom any one?
Feels like I picked the car up from the showroom everytime I get in it. Look behind at it everytime I get out and gets looks from other road users. All I need. Comfortable cruiser most of the time and stiff competition some of the time. Sorry that's not a full write up but just my initial thoughts having covered 996 miles since 02 March.
Will let you know my thoughts after my test drive (having it for a day and a bit picking up Thursday lunchtime).
Reviews very well, wife has approved, spec is selected, so it's all down to how it drives.
Set up is better than the S3 (rear biased AWD with differential and adjustable air suspension), just need to see how the set up handles the power and weight. Will be interesting.
I have thought about M4 and F Type Coupe too, but not sure I want RWD all year round (despite it being the best set up (front engined) for driving).
geefunk1978
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To be honest if I could afford to buy and run an RS6 there would definitely be one on my drive.
Not sure which way round this was - I'm sure I read some reviews of the RS6 that said one type of the suspension was best to steer clear of. Im thinking it was the standard springs that rode best.
Fabulous car and just totally different league to an S3. Out of interest what's the wait period to get one built?
Sounds like most of the test cars had the optional shocks, which maybe says something about the way air suspension performs, but the one I'm testing has air suspension. I like the fact it is adaptable and adjustable to the specific driving you are doing.
Dealer says September delivery, but he's still in selling mode so telling me what I want to hear.
To be fair they are normally spot on with their delivery dates in Aberdeen.
