Next model A3

[NevMan]

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.
View attachment 158802

No offence intended, but......Jeez, I just think that interior looks awful. Have had a few Japanese cars in my time, and can't say they do interiors very well.
Reliability yes, and performance yes

 

[Jassyo06]

No offence intended, but......Jeez, I just think that interior looks awful. Have had a few Japanese cars in my time, and can't say they do interiors very well.
Reliability yes, and performance yes

I think it looks very nice Barr just one detail l don't like the red trim on the steering wheel maybe it's age @q5man as the type R is aimed at the younger driver lol

 

[Snake Pliskin]

@jassyo06

We had a 2007 Civic Type R - same as yours in red but with the standard alloys - & also paid extra for the decals and nose badge lol !
& I had a 2004 Bread Van Type R a few years prior - which I absolutely loved at the time, such a cracking car and engine !!!!!
However ..........

The current breed of Civic Type R I just find absolutely horrendous and vulgur - Honda have lost the plot and just gone insane on the styling
I'm sure it is still tremendous to drive, but I just could not get over those exterior looks - it is just hidious lol ....

 

[NevMan]

I think it looks very nice Barr just one detail l don't like the red trim on the steering wheel maybe it's age @q5man as the type R is aimed at the younger driver lol

fair shout, I am clearly an old man. I just think the dash looks cheap, and as for those bright red seats...oh my! I appreciate they are probably very comfortable, but need to be kinda nice to look at, like SS seats

 

[Jassyo06]

fair shout, I am clearly an old man. I just think the dash looks cheap, and as for those bright red seats...oh my! I appreciate they are probably very comfortable, but need to be kinda nice to look at, like SS seats

It's OTT that's for sure but they real road presence

 

[Ron240]

I've never known a car to divide opinion so much on its looks, people seemed to either love or hate it. The motoring press pretty much universally disliked its looks but loved the way it drives. When the FN2 was released a lot of EP3 owners disliked it and preferred the old model, then the same thing happened among FK2 owners when the FK8 was released.
I appreciate all these letters and numbers might seem like double dutch to most people here.
I was 50 when I bought my FK8(51 now) and was blown away by its looks.....maybe it was a mid life crisis. I said before I did not drive it to a fraction of its potential, but will always be proud to say I was one of the very first to own one.
There is no denying interior quality on my Audi is a step up, although down on standard equipment.
Comparing list prices the S3 is over 6 grand more expensive and aimed at a different target market....although I am in both camps because I love them both.
Being mindful of where I am, this thread is about the next model A3 after all so just one last clearer photo of the interior. The seats are without a doubt the most instantly comfortable and super supportive I have ever experienced. The steering wheel buttons were nasty though.

 

[NevMan]

Fair enough @Ron240, I have never owned one (Type-R), but do see from your latest pic there is quite a lot of Alcantara going on, which is not a bad thing. It is all so subjective and emotive, which is why there are so many manufactures, models etc. I remember (just about) in my young days wondering why anyone would buy a golf GL, when the GTi just looked so much better and faster.....naive . That said, I rarely buy an entry level model car...or when I have, regretted pretty much straight away.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

The steering wheel on the EP3 (bread van) Type R was a MOMO steering wheel and that was ace.
It really was a cracking car back in the day (2004 lol).
It was my first 'performance' car, first car with 6 speed (and what a gearbox) and that engine cam change was tremendous.
I do have really good memories of that car.
I also remember it only costing around £18,000
What would you get brand new for that nowadays ?
What is a new Civic now ... £30k or maybe a bit more

 

[NevMan]

Fiesta ST, Skoda Oktavia, Entry Golf, MX5 - Doesn't really set the pulses racing does it

 

[h5djr]

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

This year (2019) in Germany but probably not until 2020 in the UK.

 

[Jassyo06]

This year (2019) in Germany but probably not until 2020 in the UK.

So your saying the all new A3 will be launched in the next 3 /4 months in Germany and nowhere else in Europe ....

 

[wab172uk]

I've never known a car to divide opinion so much on its looks, people seemed to either love or hate it. The motoring press pretty much universally disliked its looks but loved the way it drives. When the FN2 was released a lot of EP3 owners disliked it and preferred the old model, then the same thing happened among FK2 owners when the FK8 was released.
I appreciate all these letters and numbers might seem like double dutch to most people here.
I was 50 when I bought my FK8(51 now) and was blown away by its looks.....maybe it was a mid life crisis. I said before I did not drive it to a fraction of its potential, but will always be proud to say I was one of the very first to own one.
There is no denying interior quality on my Audi is a step up, although down on standard equipment.
Comparing list prices the S3 is over 6 grand more expensive and aimed at a different target market....although I am in both camps because I love them both.
Being mindful of where I am, this thread is about the next model A3 after all so just one last clearer photo of the interior. The seats are without a doubt the most instantly comfortable and super supportive I have ever experienced. The steering wheel buttons were nasty though.
View attachment 158944

I actually really like the look of the new Type-R. It may be a bit too fussy at the rear with fake ducts, but the front end looks quite mean. Sadly, being mid 40's I just wouldn't be comfortable owning one. It would shout mid-life crisis. Now if I was in my late 20's or 30's, this car would be in my top 3 to buy.

As said above, Japan just can't do interiors. They work, yes, but are just too cheap and nasty in both design and materials. The stereo's (at least in a Subaru) are just ghastly.

The 2 things I'd worry about with the Type-R is wheel-spin in anything other than perfect dry roads, and hitting a pot hole with those very thinly tired alloys. Think the seats look absolutely brilliant, and would be very comfortable and supporting.

For my age now, I think the new Megane RS would be the better car, even if I did choose Mid-life crisis Orange paintwork

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Surely a Focus RS would be a better choice than a Civiv Type R or Renault Megane RS.

I would still struggle to go for a Focus RS, but that would appeal to me much more than the Honda or Renault ... whilst still ticking the same boxes, if you wanted a wild looking performance hatch with shouty looks.

I could not have one on my drive though and would always prefer the under stated looks, quality & ride comfort of a VW Golf R (even a GTi performance pack) or Audi S3 over those cars anyday.

I'm sorry @wab172uk but I can't stand the front of the Type R either

There is just way too much going on and it like the designers just did not know when to end lol ......

 

[NevMan]

jeez, think the front is almost worse than the back

 

[wab172uk]

Surely a Focus RS would be a better choice than a Civiv Type R or Renault Megane RS.

I would still struggle to go for a Focus RS, but that would appeal to me much more than the Honda or Renault ... whilst still ticking the same boxes, if you wanted a wild looking performance hatch with shouty looks.

I've never liked the looks of the current Focus RS. Just the general shape of the current Focus looks awful.

The only Focus RS of the current car I would consider is the Red Edition, which there are a few with delivery millage up for sale. The only reason being as I've watched Shmee150 and his Red Edition. I never like the MKII RS either. Too shouty and only FWD.

I think Ford hit the sweet spot with the MK1 Focus RS. So much in fact that I bought one from new. Great car let down by the Diff.

The new shape Focus coming out, I quite like (from the images I've seen) and may consider the next Focus RS should it be near 400bhp.

My current thinking of cars for next year is to sell the Twingo RS, and buy a new Fiesta ST2. Keep the S3 for another year (possibly) to Spring 2020, and either swap it for the next Focus RS, Golf-400R, or if business keeps doing well, a new (or nearly new) 911

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I've never liked the looks of the current Focus RS. Just the general shape of the current Focus looks awful.

The only Focus RS of the current car I would consider is the Red Edition, which there are a few with delivery millage up for sale. The only reason being as I've watched Shmee150 and his Red Edition. I never like the MKII RS either. Too shouty and only FWD.

I think Ford hit the sweet spot with the MK1 Focus RS. So much in fact that I bought one from new. Great car let down by the Diff.

The new shape Focus coming out, I quite like (from the images I've seen) and may consider the next Focus RS should it be near 400bhp.

My current thinking of cars for next year is to sell the Twingo RS, and buy a new Fiesta ST2. Keep the S3 for another year (possibly) to Spring 2020, and either swap it for the next Focus RS, Golf-400R, or if business keeps doing well, a new (or nearly new) 911

now they all sound great options

 

[Snake Pliskin]

jeez, think the front is almost worse than the back

They are an acquired taste shall we say lol

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Doesn’t look too shabby imo ..

 

[TYb]

Doesn’t look too shabby imo ..

I’m with you, that’s a good looking hatch. I’m not sure on the centre screen but other than that the interior is very nice.

I think I can hear Jassy beginning to boil...

 

[Jassyo06]

I’m with you, that’s a good looking hatch. I’m not sure on the centre screen but other than that the interior is very nice.

I think I can hear Jassy beginning to boil...

You two need yer heeds looked it lol
And any black car looks great in a showroom even a Dacia lol

 

[TYb]

You two need yer heeds looked it lol
And any black car looks great in a showroom even a Dacia lol

Haha surely you can appreciate the interior is nice despite the 65 inch Sony Bravia?!

 

[Jassyo06]

Haha surely you can appreciate the interior is nice despite the 65 inch Sony Bravia?!

No l can't mate it's not up to BMW's or Audi standards it's full of cheap plastics below the armrests and on the centre consul them 2 iphones will appeal to the ifud gen though, sorry it reminds me of a bloated pug 308

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Haha surely you can appreciate the interior is nice despite the 65 inch Sony Bravia?!

Totally

Come on @jassyo06 ... start appreciating this classy cutting edge Merc ... it’s a nice looking piece of kit

 

[Snake Pliskin]

No l can't mate it's not up to BMW's or Audi standards it's full of cheap plastics below the armrests and on the centre consul them 2 iphones will appeal to the ifud gen though, sorry it reminds me of a bloated pug 308

Stop championing those nasty Bimmers lol

 

[TYb]

No l can't mate it's not up to BMW's or Audi standards it's full of cheap plastics below the armrests and on the centre consul them 2 iphones will appeal to the ifud gen though, sorry it reminds me of a bloated pug 308

I must admit I haven’t studied it that much. I’ll be interested to see one in the flesh.

 

[Jassyo06]

I must admit I haven’t studied it that much. I’ll be interested to see one in the flesh.

Carwow review

 

[Jassyo06]

Stop championing those nasty Bimmers lol

To be honest l am mostly a passenger in all the new BMW's lately, they just seem to be improving constantly inside and out, was even in the i8 recently

 

[Snake Pliskin]

To be honest l am mostly a passenger in all the new BMW's lately, they just seem to be improving constantly inside and out, was even in the i8 recently View attachment 159129

Now yes the i8 does look good I must confess

Maybe I’m wrongly tainted on the Bimmers after getting bitten financially over a decade ago and having 4 Audi’s back to back since which I’ve been really happy with.

 

[Jcbmally]

Doesn’t look too shabby imo ..

Is it me or does the dash look like the old Rover V8 SDI !!

 

[TYb]

To be honest l am mostly a passenger in all the new BMW's lately, they just seem to be improving constantly inside and out, was even in the i8 recently View attachment 159129

I really like the facelift M2. Not a fan of the i8, it’s a bit marmite.

 

[TYb]

Carwow review

I’ll take a look

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Is it me or does the dash look like the old Rover V8 SDI !! View attachment 159133

Ha ha ... I can see some similarity lol

 

[Snake Pliskin]

a bit more news on the Merc A35.

Should launch at the October 2018 motor show ...

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/300bhp-mercedes-amg-a35-tests-hard-nurburgring-video

 

[msdmjb]

it will be interesting to see if the perceived premium manufacturers focus on bhp and straight line performance more then improving the dynamics, both Merc and Audi hot hatches aren't quite as 'fun' as the lesser brands albeit whilst being bombastically fast. Audi/Merc appear to want to stay to their stereotype whereas Honda/VW/Renault/Ford/Hyundai(never driven this one) seem to have the dynamics sorted but deliberately keep power limited.
I for one would want a 350+ bhp manual 3dr Golf or Megane please........or a 300bhp Fiesta RS!!

The manufacturers really know how to keep the money rolling in as an extra few horses are hardly noticeable once you get on and above 300! Never has being able to go very very quickly been so easy, the authorities must hate the latest and next generation of fast cars.

As for colours, never have i ever paid for anything but a standard flat colour so I'm probably not worthy of comment.

All subjective of course

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Surely there has got to come a point where these cars cannot keep going faster with each new model.

Take the S3 for example, now hitting 62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

My pre-facelift RS3's official figure is 4.3 seconds, so the face lift S3 is just 0.2 seconds behind the pre-facelift RS3

This kind of progression would suggest that the next gen S3 will crack 62mph in around 4.3 seconds (and the RS3 will be sub 4.0 seconds).

 

[msdmjb]

totally agree, i think that is why older cars (e.g 1990s hot hatches) are gaining in popularity and value as people like me are looking for the fun side of driving again. racing drivers arent racing drivers cause they can drive in a straight line
i am looking for a decent nick old 106rallye or similar just to get away from the ease of going so fast so quickly and actually enjoying myself at sensible speeds, when I started driving in the 80s anything around 7secs to 60 was deemed pretty darn rapid! self driving electric cars will be the next standing start heros.

despite car quality ever improving lots of people still change their cars so frequently despite the new one not really giving them anything materially different and manufacturers ain't daft. i could buy any RS I wanted yet still 'tootle' about in my 4yr old S3 simply as the S3 is already way fast enough for getting me to an airport and every RS is an auto nowt gone wrong with mine and plenty of life left in the old girl yet...........still has shiny non-pitted exhausts and non rusty hubs and regularly gives so called faster cars a good showing.

i'm out of here, enjoy your days people.

 

[wab172uk]

it will be interesting to see if the perceived premium manufacturers focus on bhp and straight line performance more then improving the dynamics, both Merc and Audi hot hatches aren't quite as 'fun' as the lesser brands albeit whilst being bombastically fast. Audi/Merc appear to want to stay to their stereotype whereas Honda/VW/Renault/Ford/Hyundai(never driven this one) seem to have the dynamics sorted but deliberately keep power limited.
I for one would want a 350+ bhp manual 3dr Golf or Megane please........or a 300bhp Fiesta RS!!

The manufacturers really know how to keep the money rolling in as an extra few horses are hardly noticeable once you get on and above 300! Never has being able to go very very quickly been so easy, the authorities must hate the latest and next generation of fast cars.

As for colours, never have i ever paid for anything but a standard flat colour so I'm probably not worthy of comment.

All subjective of course

If the `all new` A35 is to get 300bhp, it's joining the 300bhp party just as all the revellers are leaving. The next Golf-R will get around 400bhp (if rumours are correct). The next S3 would be of similar power, (as they are now). But I think that is false though. Can't see the next S3 with 400bhp. More likely the next S3/Golf R will get around 340bhp, and VW to create it's own RS3 Golf alternative with the rumoured 400bhp. Golf RS

So I'm not sure what this A35 is in competition with? Yes the S3 and Golf R until they end production, but then what? The Megane RS, Civic Type-R, Hyundai N. All of which dynamically, will leave the Merc trailing behind, as all 3 have manual gearboxes, and chassis set-up for fun. Fun is not a word to describe the A class. Probably bought by people who want something decently quick, but has the image of Mercedes.

I'm too hoping for a Fiesta RS, as there is a huge gap between the 200bhp Fiesta ST, and the 350 Focus RS. And with the next Focus RS likely to have 400bhp, there is even clearer room for a 300bhp Fiesta RS. Please Ford, please ......
But sadly, I don't think it's going to happen. The recent rumour mill around the Fiesta RS has compelled a man from Ford to denounce such a car will be produced, stating the ST is quick enough for that segment. I'm hoping it's just to dispel the rumours so they don't get constantly asked about it. Them BAM !!!! Fiesta RS announced.

I think over the next few years, there is going to be some great, and very very fast cars coming out. All of which sound like they'll be great to buy and own. Knowing which way to jump will be tough. The really fast stuff from VW/Audi will be stupid money though. But all very desirable to own, and to sell years later keeping prices up. Can't see the next S3 being a dynamic superstar, but hopefully they'll inject a little fun into it. The S3 is such a compelling everyday car, sadly let down by just being a bit dull to drive. Quick but dull.

Cars I can't wait to see.

Megane RS Trophy
Next Audi S1
Rumoured Audi RS1 (manual gearbox please Audi)
Next S3
Next RS3
Next Golf GTI
Next Golf R (with potential RS3 rival)
Next Focus RS
Rumoured Fiesta RS

Sadly though, I think all future fast VW/Audi cars will be DSG only. Even the S1.

 

[dadracer55]

I think the next S/RS and VW R cars will get slightly more power in their next versions but coming via 48V electric systems. They will probably be slightly bigger but lighter (although with all the electric stuff maybe about the same!).

My only wishes for the next S3 saloon would be a bigger boot by 10% and a heated windscreen for fast winter defrosting.

Otherwise I think the S3 saloon remains a compelling package with mid 4 seconds to 60 and 35 mpg (real driving) possible.

In general the S3 is not the mad fun you can have in some hot hatches but its a more complete package and can still thrill and delight when desired. The "fun" hot hatches can't do laid back sophistication even if desired.

 

[wab172uk]

totally agree, i think that is why older cars (e.g 1990s hot hatches) are gaining in popularity and value as people like me are looking for the fun side of driving again. racing drivers arent racing drivers cause they can drive in a straight line
i am looking for a decent nick old 106rallye or similar just to get away from the ease of going so fast so quickly and actually enjoying myself at sensible speeds, when I started driving in the 80s anything around 7secs to 60 was deemed pretty darn rapid! self driving electric cars will be the next standing start heros.

despite car quality ever improving lots of people still change their cars so frequently despite the new one not really giving them anything materially different and manufacturers ain't daft. i could buy any RS I wanted yet still 'tootle' about in my 4yr old S3 simply as the S3 is already way fast enough for getting me to an airport and every RS is an auto nowt gone wrong with mine and plenty of life left in the old girl yet...........still has shiny non-pitted exhausts and non rusty hubs and regularly gives so called faster cars a good showing.

i'm out of here, enjoy your days people.

It's also why my Twingo RS is such a fun car. Small, light, and a fantastic chassis. Could do with a touch more power (160bhp) to enable better overtaking. But getting it to **** a wheel in the air is always fun.

Best car I ever owned was a 106 GTI. But getting a mint one these days is virtually impossible. More so at sensible money. Been a Black one on Pistonheads for a couple years now. Almost £10k. Wonder why it's never sold ?????

This is why I'm almost certainly buying a Fiesta ST-2 next year. Can't exactly call it small, but small enough, yet enough space to make it useful. Great chassis (can **** a wheel in the air) and enough power to make really good progress, without all the wheel-spinning in 1st & 2nd gear.

Cars are too much about power and grip these days. Not enough fun.

 

[Jassyo06]

totally agree, i think that is why older cars (e.g 1990s hot hatches) are gaining in popularity and value as people like me are looking for the fun side of driving again. racing drivers arent racing drivers cause they can drive in a straight line
i am looking for a decent nick old 106rallye or similar just to get away from the ease of going so fast so quickly and actually enjoying myself at sensible speeds, when I started driving in the 80s anything around 7secs to 60 was deemed pretty darn rapid! self driving electric cars will be the next standing start heros.

despite car quality ever improving lots of people still change their cars so frequently despite the new one not really giving them anything materially different and manufacturers ain't daft. i could buy any RS I wanted yet still 'tootle' about in my 4yr old S3 simply as the S3 is already way fast enough for getting me to an airport and every RS is an auto nowt gone wrong with mine and plenty of life left in the old girl yet...........still has shiny non-pitted exhausts and non rusty hubs and regularly gives so called faster cars a good showing.

i'm out of here, enjoy your days people.

Do You just come here to..... Post down memory lane..... Nobody is asking you to change your 4 year car.. .mate but again why show interest on the all new A3....