I think for me Pulp's last line sums up my current feeling for my S3. I am slightly underwhelmed by it after the first month. That's not to say it's not a good car - far from it. However whilst I respect it, right now I just can't love it.
I've had a couple of 8P S3 Sportbacks and, if I'm honest, I actually found the 8P steering to be slightly better than the 8V. It just feels too disconnected (and in dynamic mode artificially heavy with no feel whatsoever). The suspension is a huge improvement, firm but not jolting over pot holes like the 8P. It does feel 'floaty' however I don't find this unnecessarily unnerving. To me it feels fairly planted but unfortunately the steering feel (or lack of) just makes the car feel disconnected.
Does it help that I've gone for S-tronic as opposed to manual - which my previous 8Ps were ? I think this removes a certain amount of enjoyment. However I was happy to sacrifice this for the convenience around town. However I have found the gearbox to be jerky when moving from standstill, almost if the handbrake doesn't want to release in hill hold mode. It is especially awful when engaging reverse. It has been in the garage to be recalibrated - unfortunately its not a great deal better and I have been told its within tolerance.
Once moving the S-tronic is as smooth as silk and I have no complaints with the power. Its a very quick and efficient motor. However right now it just doesn't have that last little bit of driver enjoyment - its almost too efficient, too effortless in what it does. Unless you're at licence losing speeds it just doesn't seem to connect.
So why buy one? For me it had to be a compromise car. Its my only car and its my daily runner. For absolute fun I could have gone with a Renault Megane RS or similar. But I couldn't live with the freefall depreciation or interior quality. I considered an M135i, similar power but perhaps more involvement? However I live in the sticks and RWD isn't an option. Nor could I live with the dumpy looks.
Inside the S3 is fantastic - a real step up from the 8P. Everything falls to hand perfectly and, for the money, it feels like a premium product. And you spend a lot of time sitting in your car. Yes, there is a lack of oddments space but the car has a boot and my missus has a lap! My only disappointment is the B&O stereo. Its good but £750 good? No. I had an A4 for short time and the B&O was superior in the A4. If I had to choose again I would probably just go for the ***. Even if it did mean losing the speaker lights which, with the interior light pack, make the S3 a pretty special place to sit at night.
I also love the upshift theatrics from the exhaust and the noise it makes on throttle - however synthesised. It sounds so much better than my previous S3s. And it is slightly more fuel efficient too when driven in the same manner. Maybe only 3-4 mpg but a bonus nonetheless.
However I find myself raving about the interior more than the dynamics. Which on reflection, one month in, isn't where I suspected to be. As I've mentioned it had to be a daily runner and family transport, as well as for my own pleasure. And in that respect I have to say it touches most bases 85% of the time. And that should be enough. It is a good car and the best compromise for where I'm at. But right now I just don't get that desire to jump in it and drive it hard solely for pleasure. I hope that 'pang' comes.