Quick write up Cav for those of us still waiting?!
TX.
Certainly......here goes......
From the start up bark and crackle as it settled into idle I knew I'd made the right choice cancelling my A45 order and waiting a little longer for this.
For me the sound dominates proceedings all the time. I haven't taken the car out of dynamic mode as I'm in love with that 5 pot warble and bang, crackle on downshifts. A lot of people have mentioned that it isn't aggressive enough or 'RS' enough in the looks department. But I disagree. No it's never going to be an RS6 but in the correct colour and with the correct extras this little beast can look mega imposing.
It helps I have changed the wheels as I've got a lower offset helping the hunkered down look that RS models are renowned for.
The sound is incredible with the sports exhaust. The howl at just over 3k revs is astounding and really gives you goosebumps as it starts to hard charge towards the red line. But nothing prepares you for the violent machine gun crackles and pops as you downshift into a corner. Wow.....
I have to admit the car does have its flaws in the handling department. It is quite nose heavy. Nothing drastic but I wouldn't enjoy this thing on a track, although neither is it built for that purpose. As a road car this thing is formidable and not much would see which way it went down a country lane. The Quattro traction and mid corner grip is hugely satisfying once you've got that nose into the corner, it'll just hold on.
All in all I can't see many being disappointed with long term ownership of the car. 28-30 mpg is achievable but put your foot down and that sinks.....fast! Great build quality and some great reactions from fellow enthusiasts and drivers alike make this a really rewarding car to enjoy and own.
5 stars from me!