Right, it's about time I put some thoughts down on here!
Had the S3 for 4 weeks now, it's only done 550 miles but I've driven it 'properly' from day 1. I ordered it not long after the order books opened, so no one really had any experience or advice to give so I'm hoping this will help others now! I could only go off journo impressions, but they don't ever talk about what are good options so I had to make my own mind up!
From the first moment I saw it in the metal I knew I'd chosen the right colour for me, the lines and creases on the car really stand out in glacier white, it's a fantastic shape and looks very purposeful with the black styling pack. I'm still not mad keen on the 10 spoke titanium wheels, I think they look ok, but I definitely wish I'd stuck with the standard S3 wheels and saved myself £395. So the outside is really good, it get's serious looks when you're just driving about, a bit understated but when people see the 4 pipes hanging out the back they know it's something a bit serious (or hear the bangs, but I'll come to that later). I had a guy in a V10 R8 give me the nod about 4 days in to ownership, I don't think he could believe how hard he had to try to keep up off a set of lights!
The interior is top notch, we all know that already but I can't stress how much it is a nice place to be. The super sports seats are very comfortable, I had the recaro buckets in my last S3 and although they were great seats, they were a bit too hard for daily use I thought. The B&O upgrade is epic, I've been in some seriously expensive cars and this sound system is up there with the best of them. If you like music I would highly recommend this option. Talking of options I wish I'd gone for the advanced key, maybe because I'm lazy but I had it on a Megane a few years ago and it's so easy just to keep the key in your pocket and get in and go.
Right now onto performance. Many of you will know I had it on a dyno after 2 weeks. It only had 300ish miles on but that doesn't make much difference to dyno readings. I was quite surprised it only made 280bhp but 396Nm torque. So up on standard torque, but down on bhp. The car definitely felt as quick if not quicker than my stage 1 8P S3 (310bhp dyno certified). It doesn't pin you in your seat particularly but it is effortlessly quick. A quick look at the speedo off the mark and you won't believe the speed you're doing in no time whatsoever.
It's now running 325bhp and 460Nm torque but this is only a development at the mo. To say its rapid is an understatement. The S Tronic gearbox is very good, again I must be getting lazy in my old age! As an engineer I embrace technology, I know there's always going to be an argument between manual and auto but having had manuals for years I am happy with the 2 sided nature of the S Tronic. Cruising about in auto around town, but a press of a button and you've got full control. I cannot describe the bangs on upshifts. They actually make people jump if you're in an area where it echoes. That alone was worth the money!!
Of all the modes I mainly use efficiency for commuting then dynamic when I'm giving it the beans. Yes the steering feel could be better, but it doesn't detract from the driving experience. Around a back road I know locally, it is one of the best cars I have driven, it is effortlessly rapid and handles really well. I know people have been moaning about understeer, but I haven't found that so far. I've had plenty of 4 wheel drive cars so know how to drive them. I have been driving it pretty hard, I've had it 4 wheel drifting a couple of times around roundabouts. The only thing I would and probably will upgrade handling wise is tyres (never liked Conti's, Michelin Pilots are 10x better) and the brakes (I am part owner of a company that does brake upgrades).
So to summarise, it's a very quick, capable, stealthy hot hatch with premium build quality. For the price I can't think of a better all round car.
Hope I've not bored you all ð