Next model A3

[wab172uk]

Sticking with the 2 litre for well over 400bhp... will be interesting to see what the A35 is like, I guess although 300bhp Merc will be looking to produce better performance figures than the existing S3.

All good competition for the next generation of the S3/RS3.

That is a shame they are sticking with a 2.0l engine. It'll be a screamer, and how many people want that?

As the RS3 has a 5-Pot, you'd have thought AMG would go for an engine unique to the A45. Say a Blown V6. Sticking with a 2.0 for the A35 makes sense, but 300BHP won't be enough, as given the current RS3 has 397bhp, the next S3 has enough room to get to 340-350bhp.

 

[h5djr]

Seeing the details of the new A1 in Auto Express and various items on YouTube I think we can safely assume the instrument and infotainment controls on the next A3 (due to be released later this year) will be very similar with digital instruments and a touch screen set-up.

 

[TYb]

Seeing the details of the new A1 in Auto Express and various items on YouTube I think we can safely assume the instrument and infotainment controls on the next A3 (due to be released later this year) will be very similar with digital instruments and a touch screen set-up.

Definitely, especially if the base of the range has some form of it at entry level just with less functionality.

I really don’t like the new A1 dash screen, the VC with joy dials is a good balance.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

If the next S3 has 340 to 350 bhp then that will be plenty fast enough imo.

It will certainly make my transition from an RS3 to S3 much easier as the performance will be very similar.

Agree on the Merc and well over 400bhp from a 2.0 litre really is pushing things.

As much as I love my RS3 I reckon the next gen one will be pushing £50k base and that is too much for me to justify.

No doubt the next gen S3 will be dearer than the current S3 so I can see me paying similar for a next gen S3 as I did for my pre-facelift RS3

 

[TYb]

If the next S3 has 340 to 350 bhp then that will be plenty fast enough imo.

It will certainly make my transition from an RS3 to S3 much easier as the performance will be very similar.

Agree on the Merc and well over 400bhp from a 2.0 litre really is pushing things.

As much as I love my RS3 I reckon the next gen one will be pushing £50k base and that is too much for me to justify.

No doubt the next gen S3 will be dearer than the current S3 so I can see me paying similar for a next gen S3 as I did for my pre-facelift RS3

Quite interested in what the A35 will be like, with all the screens I can’t see that the Merc interior will be any worse than an Audi. Good competition for Audi, it will certainly make them up the horses.

Keep looking at 2nd hand boxsters, A lot of car for the money for a circa 2009 model.

 

[Jassyo06]

Seeing the details of the new A1 in Auto Express and various items on YouTube I think we can safely assume the instrument and infotainment controls on the next A3 (due to be released later this year) will be very similar with digital instruments and a touch screen set-up.

"This Year" You been talking to Hans Christian Anderson......

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Quite interested in what the A35 will be like, with all the screens I can’t see that the Merc interior will be any worse than an Audi. Good competition for Audi, it will certainly make them up the horses.

Keep looking at 2nd hand boxsters, A lot of car for the money for a circa 2009 model.

Totally agree ... the Merc A35 will be an added ‘credible’ competitor to the S3, so you would hope this would push Audi on to make the next gen S3 a better / more desirable purchase than the Merc.

 

[Bells]

"This Year" You been talking to Hans Christian Anderson......

I’d agree, I don’t think there has even been any ‘spy’ shots of the new A3 yet and I know it’s not an exact science but there were pictures of the FL TT 9/12 months ago and that still hasn’t been released or even announced yet!

 

[TYb]

That is a shame they are sticking with a 2.0l engine. It'll be a screamer, and how many people want that?

As the RS3 has a 5-Pot, you'd have thought AMG would go for an engine unique to the A45. Say a Blown V6. Sticking with a 2.0 for the A35 makes sense, but 300BHP won't be enough, as given the current RS3 has 397bhp, the next S3 has enough room to get to 340-350bhp.

Yeh I know what you mean, I think the A35 may have a bit more than 300 and I’m not sure the S3 will get another 50bhp, quite a big jump.

I thought they may have used a tuned version of the C43 engine for the latest A45.

 

[Jassyo06]

Totally agree ... the Merc A35 will be an added ‘credible’ competitor to the S3, so you would hope this would push Audi on to make the next gen S3 a better / more desirable purchase than the Merc.

UNLIKE button clicked if there were such a button..........lol

Cant even begin to think....of anyone in there right mind who would ever consider going from a Audi A3/S3/RS3 to that all new Jelly mold A class.....Unless they have a Fetish for Licking Pc Tablets stuck to there car's dashboards......the Dullest looking new Merc.....l have laid eyes....upon well almost,even worse is the C class coupe....some Merchant Banker ....flew up past my mums house whilst l was sat out in the porch....havin a fag.......the other night...and seen my car and decided to give....it some belchers....in his dark blue....Merc...... a AMG C63....which to me reminds of a set Grandpa's old slippers..........they will age so ****** fast......

 

[TYb]

UNLIKE button clicked if there were such a button..........lol

Cant even begin to think....of anyone in there right mind who would ever consider going from a Audi A3/S3/RS3 to that all new Jelly mold A class.....Unless they have a Fetish for Licking Pc Tablets stuck to there car's dashboards......the Dullest looking new Merc.....l have laid eyes....upon well almost,even worse is the C class coupe....some Merchant Banker ....flew up past my mums house whilst l was sat out in the porch....havin a fag.......the other night...and seen my car and decided to give....it some belchers....in his dark blue....Merc...... a AMG C63....which to me reminds of a set Grandpa's old slippers..........they will age so ****** fast......

So are you saying you don’t like the new A Class Jassy?!

 

[Jassyo06]

So are you saying you don’t like the new A Class Jassy?!

Kinda....lol it's got no character.....there's no shoulder lines on...it, which in turn gives it no definition....devoid of light and shadow....no matter what colour its painted with.........that £2,400 optional tablet dashboard......................WTF...........yip no likey is a understatement......mate...........hopefully the all new 1 series will give the all new A3 a run for it's money

 

[TYb]

Kinda....lol it's got no character.....there's no shoulder lines on...it, which in turn gives it no definition....devoid of light and shadow....no matter what colour its painted with.........that £2,400 optional tablet dashboard......................WTF...........yip no likey is a understatement......mate...........hopefully the all new 1 series will give the all new A3 a run for it's money

Didn’t realise it was that expensive. Still interested in what the A35 will be like though. Seen quite a lot of 140i’s lately, they sound ****** lovely.

Sure I rhope was bmw we’re going to 4 pots for the next hot 1 series though.

 

[Jassyo06]

Didn’t realise it was that expensive. Still interested in what the A35 will be like though. Seen quite a lot of 140i’s lately, they sound ****** lovely.

Sure I rhope was bmw we’re going to 4 pots for the next hot 1 series though.

To be honest with you the sound of a car is lower on my list,looks is top of it as is the interior .............love the car l have.........right now..............all boxes ticked so....only a high spec RS3/Porsche Boxster would surpass this....l dont think above my pay grade....like yourself

 

[Ron240]

I think Mercs are great,,,, oh wait,, sorry the ones I like are the ones on my sons "Call Of Duty" game, mercenaries with loads of ammo lol

I think the "Merc with a Mouth" is brilliant.

 

[Jassyo06]

I think the "Merc with a Mouth" is brilliant.

Nah sorry l would rather a new CTR............FAR MORE CHARACTER

 

[TYb]

To be honest with you the sound of a car is lower on my list,looks is top of it as is the interior .............love the car l have.........right now..............all boxes ticked so....only a high spec RS3/Porsche Boxster would surpass this....l dont think above my pay grade....like yourself

I know what you mean, I over looked the 140 as a bit of rotter looks wise. Does make a nice burble though.

Yours is a peach and a keeper. I over stretched once on a car and would never do it again, rather have the spare cash to spend on the house and holidays.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

The next gen Audi should still be a much more desirable package than the Merc or BMW.

I’ve never been convinced previously by the Merc - cheap plastics, cramped interior, etc and the Bimmer is just bland & too ‘fleet market’ for me. The amount of people I know who have Bimmers as company cars is crazy lol.

I would still consider a next gen Golf R if I were to throw in a credible wild card.

 

[wab172uk]

UNLIKE button clicked if there were such a button..........lol

Cant even begin to think....of anyone in there right mind who would ever consider going from a Audi A3/S3/RS3 to that all new Jelly mold A class.....Unless they have a Fetish for Licking Pc Tablets stuck to there car's dashboards......the Dullest looking new Merc.....l have laid eyes....upon well almost,even worse is the C class coupe....some Merchant Banker ....flew up past my mums house whilst l was sat out in the porch....havin a fag.......the other night...and seen my car and decided to give....it some belchers....in his dark blue....Merc...... a AMG C63....which to me reminds of a set Grandpa's old slippers..........they will age so ****** fast......

Know what you mean. Mercs have never really done it for me either.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Some consider Audi’s too safe & conservative ... but that’s fine by me

It is a great brand & the styling is spot on the money for my personal taste.

On my 4th Audi in ten years & enjoyed every one of them

 

[Matty_]

UNLIKE button clicked if there were such a button..........lol

Cant even begin to think....of anyone in there right mind who would ever consider going from a Audi A3/S3/RS3 to that all new Jelly mold A class.....Unless they have a Fetish for Licking Pc Tablets stuck to there car's dashboards......the Dullest looking new Merc.....l have laid eyes....upon well almost,even worse is the C class coupe....some Merchant Banker ....flew up past my mums house whilst l was sat out in the porch....havin a fag.......the other night...and seen my car and decided to give....it some belchers....in his dark blue....Merc...... a AMG C63....which to me reminds of a set Grandpa's old slippers..........they will age so ****** fast......

Got to agree with you, for the price of Mercedes and the options, the A class I find they are very underwhelming. Exterior it’s a vast improvement on the outgoing but still not there for me. The interior whilst looking good on paper, actually seeing it in use is no near it should be for the money.

Before ordering my S3 I was waiting for the new A class to see what a potential A35 would be like and was instantly put off

 

[Jassyo06]

V

The next gen Audi should still be a much more desirable package than the Merc or BMW.

I’ve never been convinced previously by the Merc - cheap plastics, cramped interior, etc and the Bimmer is just bland & too ‘fleet market’ for me. The amount of people I know who have Bimmers as company cars is crazy lol.

I would still consider a next gen Golf R if I were to throw in a credible wild card.

whenever the new Golf R and new S3 come out....they'll be the same price mate but the S3 until discounts are given

 

[Ron240]

whenever the new Golf R and new S3 come out....they'll be the same price

The Golf R has traditionally been cheaper than the equivalent S3.
Current basic model pricing has the 5 door R with DSG on the road at £34805, while the S3 Sportback with S tronic is £35805.
I considered an R but went with the premium brand....plus I thought the saloon shape was more classy.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

V

whenever the new Golf R and new S3 come out....they'll be the same price mate but the S3 until discounts are given

I’m not sure what could sway me into a Golf R over an S3 ... other than a few £grand saving.

If the prices are the same or close, then gotta be an S3 surely yeah ? Plus as noted you can get a saloon S3.

I think Audi also have nicer colours & better options (B&O etc).

 

[Jassyo06]

I’m not sure what could sway me into a Golf R over an S3 ... other than a few £grand saving.

If the prices are the same or close, then gotta be an S3 surely yeah ? Plus as noted you can get a saloon S3.

I think Audi also have nicer colours & better options (B&O etc).

Me Crystal.....Ball....is at hand.....You Glen....your next car....well.....it's got 4 circles attached to the front of....it.......?? am l getting warmer.....its got 5 doors....warmer still.....its a fast.....car.....???.......well Glen....just be patient......your next car.....will be...........a Dacia.....Duster............lol

 

[Jassyo06]

The Golf R has traditionally been cheaper than the equivalent S3.
Current basic model pricing has the 5 door R with DSG on the road at £34805, while the S3 Sportback with S tronic is £35805.
I considered an R but went with the premium brand....plus I thought the saloon shape was more classy.

Ye think yuv caught me oot there do ya.....smarty pants....configure the VW....with leather seats...."£1700" and the Golf R is more expensive,l think l configured a Golf R last year....and it's list price was more than the Audi spec l was looking....at,l did consider the Golf R last year at this time

 

[Ron240]

Ye think yuv caught me oot there do ya.....smarty pants....configure the VW....with leather seats...."£1700" and the Golf R is more expensive

Not at all....I was simply quoting basic on the road prices
Now that you mention it I had a look and Vienna leather is as you say, but "Carbon/Nappa" leather which is exclusive to the R costs £2615.
Standard seat shape on the R is much better than the S3...which is lacking in side support.
Infotainment screen is larger on the R.
Its horses for courses, but Audi is definitely the more upmarket brand.

 

[Jassyo06]

Not at all....I was simply quoting basic on the road prices
Now that you mention leather I had a look and "Carbon/Nappa" leather on the R costs £2615.
Standard seat shape on the R is much better than the S3...which is lacking in side support.
Infotainment screen is larger on the R.
Its horses for courses, but Audi is definitely the more upmarket brand.

Perceived up market brand...........lol that Carbon leather is horrendous looking.....l had the standard seats before on my last S3......look great but no support at all, but the mag ride helps with the body roll that the standard suspension suffers from

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Me Crystal.....Ball....is at hand.....You Glen....your next car....well.....it's got 4 circles attached to the front of....it.......?? am l getting warmer.....its got 5 doors....warmer still.....its a fast.....car.....???.......well Glen....just be patient......your next car.....will be...........a Dacia.....Duster............lol

Ha ha Dacia .... maybe I should invest in a Stinger !!!! ... I’m sure that would hold it’s money well

I’m sure you are right about the 4 rings though lol

 

[Ron240]

Just concentrating on seats for a moment.....the standard shape of them is my biggest single disappointment with my car.
I have been spoiled with excellent standard seats in my 2 most recent cars - leather Recaros in Focus ST then the best most comfortable and supportive ever in my Civic FK8....albeit cloth covered. The S3 leather seats look nice enough, but my bum slides far too easily....and this is at relatively normal cornering speeds.
I would like to think Audi will improve the side support of the standard seats with the new model.

 

[TYb]

Just concentrating on seats for a moment.....the standard shape of them is my biggest single disappointment with my car.
I have been spoiled with excellent standard seats in my 2 most recent cars - leather Recaros in Focus ST then the best most comfortable and supportive ever in my Civic FK8....albeit cloth covered. The S3 leather seats look nice enough, but my bum slides far too easily....and this is at relatively normal cornering speeds.
I would like to think Audi will improve the side support of the standard seats with the new model.

Having the base of the seat angled up helps a bit but agree they are not very supportive.

 

[Jassyo06]

Just concentrating on seats for a moment.....the standard shape of them is my biggest single disappointment with my car.
I have been spoiled with excellent standard seats in my 2 most recent cars - leather Recaros in Focus ST then the best most comfortable and supportive ever in my Civic FK8....albeit cloth covered. The S3 leather seats look nice enough, but my bum slides far too easily....and this is at relatively normal cornering speeds.
I would like to think Audi will improve the side support of the standard seats with the new model.

We have similarities in cars we've had....l had a 2008 FN2 GT....and a 2013 ST3....both

with the best seats in the hot hatch market but l cant find any photos of CTR's seats....but l loved them

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Views differ immensely on the seats.

The super sport seats are the same as the ones I had in my last car an S5 ... which I found supremely comfortable & supportive - without being full on recaro-esque which do ‘clamp you in’ and I personally don’t like.

The standard seats in the S3 I found offered very little lateral support but were comfortable enough.

The super sports seats with the wider shoulder wings I find ‘just right’

So horses for courses and you can’t please everyone.

I think body shape is a big factor too.

 

[KenL]

Does anyone on here consider how good a car is to drive or is it just badge snobbery that matters.

Every review I have read has the R as a better car to drive than an S3???

 

[Ron240]

Does anyone on here consider how good a car is to drive or is it just badge snobbery that matters.
Every review I have read has the R as a better car to drive than an S3???

I have bought my last 5 cars without driving any of them first, although 3 of them were different/hotter versions of the same basic model.
For me its mainly about how the car looks and makes me feel while I'm in it....I don't push cars to anywhere near their limit so its highly unlikely I will not enjoy the individual driving experience that each has to offer.
It doesn't surprise me that the Golf R is rated above the S3 as a drivers car, because IMO the S3 is more of a comfortable tourer with a higher than normal turn of speed when required.
The RS3 is the serious drivers car in the A3 range.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Many factors ....

Brand
Looks - inside & out
Overall package & options
How it drives ... yes
Residuals
Saloon / hatch
Price
Base spec
Technology
Ride

The S3 ticks a lot of boxes as does the S3 ... how it drives is marginal between the two, with most admittedly saying the Golf is better ... but I think the S3 ticks enough other boxes to win overall.

 

[Ron240]

We have similarities in cars we've had.

Great minds think alike.
The seats in my FK8. The side bolsters were made of a soft material so it wasn't awkward to get in and out of.

 

[wab172uk]

The Golf R has traditionally been cheaper than the equivalent S3.
Current basic model pricing has the 5 door R with DSG on the road at £34805, while the S3 Sportback with S tronic is £35805.
I considered an R but went with the premium brand....plus I thought the saloon shape was more classy.

The Golf has always been cheaper than the equivalent A3. But I do feel VW are now as generous with the standard items. At least with the S3 you get leather as standard, and it was only £750 to upgrade to the Super Sport seats. Think VW, it was a couple grand to get leather.

The Golf always drives better than the A3. In terms of Golf R V S3, I think the S3 wins on both exterior and interior looks. And, with the S3 you get a choice of Saloon.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

You can still get a 3 door Golf ... and a mini van ... I mean estate version

 

[Chris43]

Does anyone on here consider how good a car is to drive or is it just badge snobbery that matters.
Every review I have read has the R as a better car to drive than an S3???

You can't argue with that !

The Golf always drives better than the A3. In terms of Golf R V S3, I think the S3 wins on both exterior and interior looks. And, with the S3 you get a choice of Saloon.

It may only just win on interior looks but the Golf is built just as well and way more practical. Although not my cup of tea I can see the appeal of a hot saloon