Went for a quick spin just to see what it could do... Holy Cr*p this thing pulls with screaming from the engine and whistling noises from the turbo!!! I used to have a 370z but this S3 is freaking godzilla on wheels! I loveeeeeeeee her with a passion ! Finally found sex on wheels.
But what about the steering, is it still as dull as dishwater or do you get used to it being so diluted ?
From what I remember test driving the 184 Quattro I think people are over exaggerating the steering issues. Granted it's not as engaging as a rwd bmw or what i'd imagine a 911 to feel like but I quite liked it. The best way to describe it is effortless and it's quite flattering to drive... Which is the ultimate compliment a car can receive. And because it goes exactly where you want it to so easily you feel like Sebastian Loeb driving it! I had a big old smile on my face that's for sure, and it wasn't even an S3!
That does not sound very good. I've ordered SS seats. Have you looked at fixing it?
are the supersport seats the ones with the red inserts - if they have an s3 with these seats in Epsom, surrey - I hated them as they looked tacky and I think they mark easily too
Well said Splathead
Agree with everything, it doesn't feel like a 300BHP car and i think it is because it is so smooth, i put my foot down in 3rd and 4th last night on a quiet road, it doesn't fling you back in your seat but as i stated above - the speed you are doing doesn't seem to match up with the feeling of power...
A remap on this car is a must IMO, it will be very very handy at circa 370bhp..
had mine for a week now, these are my initial thoughts aside from the obvious like how good the interior is etc
I have a manual btw
1st gear is REALLY REALLY short
Gear changes are a little notchy but I'm hoping over a few more miles this will improve
Fuel consumption is nowhere near what Audi states
As mentioned above by someone else, B+O doesn't match up to the reviews on here, this is probably what I'm most disappointed with
Been impressed with how much better the ride is compared to my previous car
It is very easy to forget what speed your doing, suggest setting the speed to be in big numbers in the centre screen
I have no creaks or rattles so far and apart from the wait to get my chipped glass replaced I'm really happy I made the right choice of purchase
The gear box can feel notchy but you do get used to it and get to even like it that way, its more sporty that way. Also, i feel it gets less notchy as the car warms up, have u also noticed ?
I'm surprised you're disappointed by how the B&O sounds, maybe i dont have a musicians ear but i can tell a good sound system and this one is certainly one of the best i have ever heard. If you come from a custom sound system it's obvious it won't be as good but if you come from the previous Bose system on the 8p this one is miles ahead.
If your car is new its obvious your FC will be much higher than what audi states, give it some time and a few thousand kms.
that reminds me of the first test drive we had. Had the car loaned to us for the afternoon and pottered about quite sensibly to start with and my wife and I both thought "how pleasant". Really wasn't expecting the continuous shove to just keep going though the gears. It was a real surprise. Reminded me of my old 911 turbo in a slower, more refined way.
Nope
They are the quilted ones that look like a striking cobra, and only available in black...
It's had to stay awake sat in them cos they are so comfortable!
does a remap affect the warranty or can it be taken off easily - problem is I guess audi would know when the do a diagnostic - I presume it affects mpg too
rembering this thread is for feedback.......I've had my S3 SB manual for about 6 weeks now, and done about 1500 miles.
Positive Feedback
Negative Feedback
- Its generally a brilliant car, something that you look forward to driving every time you pick up the keys
- Easy to drive, it just pootles around at low throttle settings, nice gear change, progressive brakes & steering (steering is fine, no its not a BMW, but its no issue at all...but I am used to Audis)
- Then you put your foot down and it really is lightening quick, 3rd gear acceleration for overtaking is absolutely unrelenting...if you can see a gap you will make it....great noise as well.
- Rock solid on the road with 4 wheel drive, you will chicken out of corners before the car is even mildly approaching its limits.
- MMI, Navigation system with Tech pack in general really good and easy to use
- Audi sound system very good, with sub-woofer in boot...B&O system may be a cost too much?
- Drive Select, I have now settled on personal set-up with exhust and throttle set on dynamic and steering on comfort....dynamic steering mode is a bit too stiff and is tiring after a short while.
- Front and rear parking sensors and parking assist very useful
- Adaptive headlights also great on country lanes.
Fuel consumption
- This is just nit picking.....
- Normal seats a bit slab like and not the most comfotable I've had, but generally Ok. Wish I had lumbar support fitted.
- Keep having to re-adjust passenger side seatbelt to stop it rattling on the door frame....small niggle really
- I think the gearing could be a little longer in some ratios, particularly first/second, but ok...third gear is great.
- At low speeds it tends to crash over any samll bumps/potholes....but suspension good at normal road speeds.
- Over 1500 miles I have averaged dead on 31mpg with a mix of typical driving. For long steady trip have see up to 37mpg, and easy commutes 34mpg......but I never budge from that long term 31mpg....you can't resist a few blasts here and there!
- I have tested motorway 60mph in cruise control and you can get 40mpg....but thats not a realistic test. I think if you treat it with kitten gloves you could coax it up to 34/35 average.....but 31mpg average for a 300hp car is pretty good!
Any S3 owners out there with the S-Tronic!
Have you noticed the whistle sound in low revs in every gear? It disappears when the revs increase to be replaced by engine and exhaust note...it has been there since day 1...
Wondering what it is? I'm guessing turbo spool, intake or diverter valve?
Hoping it's meant to be there
Yep, I get that noise too.
It sounds like a slightly metallic whistle / rattle coming from the centre of the front bulkhead.
I noticed it when I was driving it home from the dealer.
Like you, I hope that it's meant to be there...
rembering this thread is for feedback.......I've had my S3 SB manual for about 6 weeks now, and done about 1500 miles.
Positive Feedback
Negative Feedback
- Its generally a brilliant car, something that you look forward to driving every time you pick up the keys
- Easy to drive, it just pootles around at low throttle settings, nice gear change, progressive brakes & steering (steering is fine, no its not a BMW, but its no issue at all...but I am used to Audis)
- Then you put your foot down and it really is lightening quick, 3rd gear acceleration for overtaking is absolutely unrelenting...if you can see a gap you will make it....great noise as well.
- Rock solid on the road with 4 wheel drive, you will chicken out of corners before the car is even mildly approaching its limits.
- MMI, Navigation system with Tech pack in general really good and easy to use
- Audi sound system very good, with sub-woofer in boot...B&O system may be a cost too much?
- Drive Select, I have now settled on personal set-up with exhust and throttle set on dynamic and steering on comfort....dynamic steering mode is a bit too stiff and is tiring after a short while.
- Front and rear parking sensors and parking assist very useful
- Adaptive headlights also great on country lanes.
Fuel consumption
- This is just nit picking.....
- Normal seats a bit slab like and not the most comfotable I've had, but generally Ok. Wish I had lumbar support fitted.
- Keep having to re-adjust passenger side seatbelt to stop it rattling on the door frame....small niggle really
- I think the gearing could be a little longer in some ratios, particularly first/second, but ok...third gear is great.
- At low speeds it tends to crash over any samll bumps/potholes....but suspension good at normal road speeds.
- Over 1500 miles I have averaged dead on 31mpg with a mix of typical driving. For long steady trip have see up to 37mpg, and easy commutes 34mpg......but I never budge from that long term 31mpg....you can't resist a few blasts here and there!
- I have tested motorway 60mph in cruise control and you can get 40mpg....but thats not a realistic test. I think if you treat it with kitten gloves you could coax it up to 34/35 average.....but 31mpg average for a 300hp car is pretty good!
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting.
I do wonder if the MPG will improve with miles added - when we test drove the manual SB S3 in Cornwall we did about 50 miles pottering around including a run through Truro at rush hour and we managed 41.5mpg. That car had about 3000 miles on when we drove it, and we weren't in Eco mode either.
Great report Graham.. how's it's thirst for oil.. I recall 2.0 petrol Audis used to use a lot in their early miles.
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting.
I do wonder if the MPG will improve with miles added - when we test drove the manual SB S3 in Cornwall we did about 50 miles pottering around including a run through Truro at rush hour and we managed 41.5mpg. That car had about 3000 miles on when we drove it, and we weren't in Eco mode either.
Fantastic review Graham. Does the S3 manual gear knob/stick feature any S3 logos like the s-tronic does on the gear knob? Could anyone else shed some light?
thanks