How to make the ride smoother on an Audi S3 Quattro?

[ljwagerfield]

I'd like to purchase an Audi S3 Sportback Quattro (2016).

However, I have concerns over the ride being too bumpy.

Is it possible, or even advisable, to alter the car in some way to give it a smoother ride without replacing the 18" alloys?

I would be happy to forgo some handling (providing the car is still safe to drive!) if it meant the car felt more like a luxury saloon than a horse and cart.

I'm not a mechanic myself, so would be taking this to the garage to do.

---

Of course, I may buy the car and feel it's fine as-is.

I'd just like to know what recourse I have besides selling it or fitting 16" wheels.

 

[Adam14]

I know some (not sure if relevant for a sportback) have the mag ride calibrated which helps minimise the bumpiness of the ride. @DJAlix on here does this (and could likely give more info than me) and he's phenomenal at what he does

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

 

[Mr Freeze]

What year S3 you looking at ?

 

[ljwagerfield]

What year S3 you looking at ?

2016

 

[Mr Freeze]

2016

I don't think you should have any worries with the ride quality on the S3 especially on 18s .
I have no issues with the ride on mine and i'am pretty fussy about ride quality .

 

[Damo S]

You'll have to try one out and see although its probably the wrong car for you. It is a firm ride, its bumpy, its not forgiving on rubbish or poorly maintained roads. That said, it's not as bad as some other cars I've owned. If you want a luxury feel then why are you looking at a hot hatch sports car?

 

[ljwagerfield]

"If you want a luxury feel then why are you looking at a hot hatch sports car?"​

I'd actually be open to alternatives

All I require is a small estate (for going to the dump) that looks sporty (i.e. something that comes with 18" wheels as standard, and is designed around that) and is a smooth ride.

I keep hitting the same conclusion that any hatchback / small estate with 18" wheels is going to be a bumpy ride... but maybe I'm wrong?

As an aside: I've been looking at the CLA Shooting Brake just now and it almost seems perfect, except the boot is so deeply recessed: the A3's is far more of a 'flat load' so it wins points there... but for a sporty looking A3, it's going to be a bumpy ride by the sounds of it.

I'm in full "spinning round in circles" mode!

 

[alpesh26]

> If you want a luxury feel then why are you looking at a hot hatch sports car?

I'd actually be open to alternatives

All I require is a small estate (for going to the dump) that looks sporty (i.e. something that comes with 18" wheels as standard, and is designed around that) and is a smooth ride.

I keep hitting the same conclusion that any hatchback / small estate with 18" wheels is going to be a bumpy ride... but maybe I'm wrong?

As an aside: I've been looking at the CLA Shooting Brake just now and it almost seems perfect, except the boot is so deeply recessed: the A3's is far more of a 'flat load' so it wins points there... but for a sporty looking A3, it's going to be a bumpy ride by the sounds of it.

I'm in full "spinning round in circles" mode!

I'd look at the A3 S-Line rather than the S3. It has the S bodykit. Try and find one with the standard suspension rather than the S-Line suspension

 

[ljwagerfield]

"Try and find one with the standard suspension rather than the S-Line suspension"​

Very interesting, thank you, I will do that!

 

[Peter Peter]

I'd like to purchase an Audi S3 Sportback Quattro (2016).

However, I have concerns over the ride being too bumpy.

Is it possible, or even advisable, to alter the car in some way to give it a smoother ride without replacing the 18" alloys?

I would be happy to forgo some handling (providing the car is still safe to drive!) if it meant the car felt more like a luxury saloon than a horse and cart.

I'm not a mechanic myself, so would be taking this to the garage to do.

---

Of course, I may buy the car and feel it's fine as-is.

I'd just like to know what recourse I have besides selling it or fitting 16" wheels.

Why u just don't go and book drive test??

 

[TYb]

I found my facelift 3 door suspension to be relatively compliant, that was a non mag ride, I don’t think you’d want it any softer, it’s wasn’t the sharpest at the best of times.

 

[rafletcher]

On my A4 I had 18” rims, 45 profile tyres, and the “Sport” (20mm drop) suspension and it was fine. S-Line was a further 10mm drop, and that was rock hard even on 18’s - a bit like my S3 on 19’s is!