Audi S3

[davo245]

Who has done the switch from mk8 to S3 then?

What are your opinions as a comparison worth the swop or any regrets? I have been tempted. Obviously quicker but noticeably other than launch? How do they compare software issue etc and what is difference in mpg urban and longer motorway b road commute.

Build quality seems better on first impressions?

Keep looking seems a lot of new and almost new stock cars available.

Is adaptive cruise std on the latest S3 and travel assist?

[SRGTD]

Like the Golf, I believe there’s a facelift of Audi’s current A3 / S3 due out next year, which probably explains why you’ve seen a fair few new stock cars.

I dare say the A3 / S3 has been affected by similar software gremlins to the Golf (seems to be suggested that may be the case from a quick internet search). I think that current generation VAG MQB-based vehicles across the various brands have the same - or similar software to the Golf, so common software issues across the brands shouldn’t really come as a big surprise (the current Seat and Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor certainly have many of the same software issues as the mk8 Golf).

Can’t comment on build quality. However, you’d expect Audi to be slightly better than VW, but I remember reading somewhere in the last few months that Audi interiors aren’t as ‘premium’ as they once were; less tactile materials and more hard plastic on display in car interiors, so it sounds as if the bean counters may have been influencing the cost and choice of materials used.

[ajmoir36]

Looking at the current configurator adaptive cruise is not standard, nor is high beam assist or matrix led headlight’s.

Black edition:

S3 Black Edition trim includes the following as standard: -

Wheels             
19" x 8.0J '5-Y-arm structure', matt grey, diamond-turned, 235/35 R19 tyres
Tyre repair kit
Tool kit             
               
Performance and suspension             
Automatic Start-Stop system with recuperation             
Electromechanical power steering - speed-sensitive steering assistance provides a precise steering feel at high speeds and excellent assistance when parking.             
S Sport suspension - Sports suspension with S-specific spring-damper adjustment and lowering by 15 mm, for increased driving dynamics with more direct contact with the road and sportier handling
Progressive steering – enhances driving dynamics and ride comfort by regulating the steering according to the driving situation. With this technology, driving is significantly more agile under everyday conditions, while directional stability and precision are increased at high speeds and in demanding driving situations             
quattro permanent all-wheel drive             
Audi Drive Select
               
Lighting             
LED headlights with LED rear lights and dynamic rear indicators.
Upgraded daytime running light. All-weather headlights with dynamic headlight adjustment and dipped beam, high beam, indicators and turning light with LED technology. Includes motorway light (extending light range at high speeds), static corning light (illumination on tight bends), manoeuvring light (illuminating the front side when reversing), and intersection light (supporting illumination at junctions using the MMI Navigation Plus). Enables a near daylight illumination of the road, minimum energy consumption and long service life. Includes dynamic rear indicators which sweep from inside to out.           
Headlight washers
               
Exterior equipment             
S3 design body styling:
S3 front bumper with 'S' specific air intake grilles
S grille
S3 roof spoiler
Black styling pack – includes:
Black Audi Rings (front and rear) - on the S model, the model name in the radiator grille is also black
Black accents in the area of the front grille and frame
Black accents in the area of the window trims
Black accents in the area of the front and rear bumpers including air inlets
Black door mirror housings
Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable, heated and folding, automatically dimming on both sides . Also includes integrated LED indicator and automatic kerb-side function for the exterior mirror on the passenger side             
Windscreen with acoustic glass
Privacy glass – dark-tinted rear window, rear door and side windows
Dual-branch oval twin tailpipes in chrome-plated finish
Brake calipers painted in glossy black
Audi Beam – uses LEDs to project the Audi logo onto the ground as you exit your S3
             
Seats             
Fine Nappa leather with S embossing for front Sport seats:
Centre seat section, seat side bolsters, head restraints and centre armrest in Fine Nappa leather, black with contrasting stitching in rock grey or steel grey with contrasting stitching in anthracite
S embossing on the front seat backrests             
Heated front seats             
4-way lumbar support for the front seats - electric with horizontal and vertical adjustment             
Split-folding rear seat bench – can be split 40:60 or fully collapsed             
               
Interior inlays             
Inlays in dark spectrum aluminium for inserts in the dashboard. Accent surfaces in the dashboard and centre console in platinum grey silk-effect paint finish.
         
Interior equipment             
Dual-zone electronic climate control             
Auto dimming and frameless rear view mirror             
Flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather multi-function Sport steering wheel with gear-shift-paddles
Front and rear centre armrest in leather             
12V socket and storage compartment in front centre console
Extended Ambient Lighting Pack - 5 predefined colour profiles; with additional interactive and individual colour profiles controlled by the Audi drive select modes. The individual colour profile offers 30 colours to choose from. Lighting includes:
Roof module front and rear, including reading lights
Glove compartment lighting
LED luggage compartment lighting
Vanity mirrors illuminated
Front footwell lighting
Entry lights on the underside of the front doors
Entry lights on the underside of the rear doors
Ambient door lighting front / rear (multi-coloured)
Centre console storage compartment illuminated (multi-coloured)
Contour lighting on instrument panel (multicoloured)
Contour lighting doors front and rear (multi-coloured)
Luggage compartment floor covering             
Floor mats in front and rear             
Headlining in black cloth           
Door sills with aluminium inserts at the front, illuminated, with 'S' logo           
Aluminium interior elements:
Frame of the control panel for the centre console
Door strips at the front and rear
Elements on the mirror adjustment buttons
Window lift buttons
Control buttons for the parking brake and hill hold assist 
Pedals in stainless steel and footrest in black
Storage Pack – includes the following items in the car:
Storage nets on the backs of the front seat backrests
12V socket in rear console
12V socket in luggage compartment
Storage compartment on the driver side
Glove compartment, lockable
deluxe cup holder
Luggage securing net         
               
Audio & Communication             
2 x USB-C connection, each with data and charging functions             
Audi Smartphone Interface - connects your smartphone to your Audi and brings your smartphone content seamlessly via USB directly to the MMI display. Navigation, telephony, music and selected third-party apps can be conveniently controlled via the MMI touch display and by voice control on your smartphone, with wireless Carplay             
MMI Navigation Plus with high-resolution 10.1" touch screen, colour display. Includes:
MMI touch for fast, intuitive operation - e.g. Entering destinations via handwriting recognition as well as free movement and zooming on the map
3D map display with display of many sights and city models
Detailed route information: map preview, choice of alternative routes, POIs, lane recommendations, motorway exits, detailed intersection maps and much more. Use of navigation data for predictive and efficient driving
Personal route assistance: when the function is activated, monitors the traffic situation on regularly travelled routes - e.g. between home and work - and offers a route calculation to avoid traffic jams after a delay of at least five minutes
Traffic information online
Country information: display of country-specific information
Map display and route guidance in the Audi virtual cockpit with 10.25" display
Efficiency assistant: supports the driver in predictive and therefore fuel-saving driving. In conjunction with the MMI navigation plus, the efficiency assistant provides information in the Audi virtual cockpit and the optional head-up display and, in conjunction with an automatic transmission, controls engine coasting and coasting phases (depending on region)"             
Audi Connect Navigation and Infotainment Services Plus (3 year subscription) - Audi Connect Infotainment Services is the link between your Audi and the internet, giving you access to entertainment, information and search functions operated via the MMI control panel, the multi-functional steering wheel or the voice control system. With high-speed internet access in your car via an embedded SIM within your vehicle, you can call up information such as flight times, fuel prices, weather and other online services provided by third parties, as well as Points of Interest and high-resolution aerial and satellite pictures from Google Earth.™ Features also include:-
Online search of navigation destinations
Lane specific navigation
Enhanced dictation of text messages and emails
Highly detailed 3D city display
Online and Hybrid radio
Online traffic information plus
Music track recognition
Audi Connect with Amazon Alexa Integration – allows Amazon Alexa to be used in the vehicle, with access to Alexa actions such as: managing shopping lists, smart home control, weather information, Amazon music and Audible. Requires an Amazon account and a myAudi user account             
Audi Virtual Cockpit - Fully digital and colour instrument cluster in 10.25" with diverse additional functions and content compared to the digital instrument cluster: -
Speed / engine speed, map display, Audi connect services, radio / media information, playing time of media title and display of the album cover
Additional display option "Sport" next to the "Classic" display
Integration of the MMI functionalities in the instrument cluster
The VIEW button in the multifunction steering wheel enables you to switch between two different sized displays of the circular instruments.
Configuration of on-board computer values ​​in the tachometer possible;
Permanent display of navigation information in the area of ​​the speedometer with active route guidance;
Including pause recommendation             
Emergency e-call – emergency call is triggered either manually, or automatically in the event of a serious accident, and establishes a voice call connection to local emergency services. In addition, vehicle related data is collated and sent to the local emergency services.               
Voice control system with natural language interaction               
DAB digital radio             
Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound.Surround sound playback via 15 high-performance speakers including subwoofer; 16-channel amplifier with a total output of 680 watts. The new, virtual 3D sound effect creates an intense sound experience. This is generated by four loudspeakers in the instrument panel, two loudspeakers in the C-pillar and by the Fraunhofer technology Symphoria. The 3D sound can be generated with a variety of sources. In comparison to conventional stereo playback, this new concept creates an all-round sound through reflections on the windshield, which conveys a stronger ""feeling in the middle"". Thanks to intelligent signal processing, all occupants enjoy a sound that is optimized for their seat. The exclusive loudspeaker covers with aluminium applications ensure a perfect design experience. The sound image is permanently adjusted in accordance with the driving and background noise determined by the microphone         
Phonebox Light with wireless charging. This enables you to make and receive calls conveniently while on the move and to charge compatible smartphones wirelessly in the vehicle             
               
Driver assistance             
Cruise control – The cruise control system keeps the individually set speed between 13 mph and 155 mph constant, provided the engine power permits.               
Rear parking sensors - The rear parking system aids reverse parking and manoeuvring within system limits, with acoustic indication of the distance to an object detected behind the vehicle. Measurement is via ultrasonic sensors discreetly integrated into the bumpers, which are activated by engaging the reverse gear.             
Hill-hold assist – holds the vehicle stationary for unlimited periods after stopping on typical uphill or downhill gradients.             
Audi pre sense front - Within system limits, Audi pre sense front scans the area in front of the vehicle using the front radar and provides the driver with visual and acoustic warnings of any potentially hazardous situation due to stationary vehicles or vehicles travelling ahead. If the driver does not react, the system gives a brief jolt of the brakes to regain the driver’s attention. If there is still no reaction, Audi pre sense front performs automatic full braking within system limits. This helps to reduce the severity of the collision or avoid it altogether.
Pedestrian and cyclist detection¹ registers, within system limits, if a pedestrian or cyclist is moving on the road or crossing it. The system then warns the driver with an acoustic and visual signal. At the same time, the system prepares for possible full braking and, if it should become necessary, initiates automated emergency braking to prevent a collision as far as possible or reduce its severity   
Collision avoidance assistant - In an evasive situation that is recognised as critical, the evasive assistant can help the driver to steer the vehicle around an obstacle. If the driver actively evades the obstacle after the acute warning, the assistant supports the driver by specifically braking the wheels and applying a low steering torque correction of the steering lock. When starting off or when driving slowly, the turning assistant can assist the driver by braking so that the vehicle does not collide with an oncoming vehicle when turning left. The function is only available when the turn signal is set within the system limits.             
Lane departure warning - The lane departure warning helps to avoid unintentionally leaving the lane within the system limits. If the system is activated and ready and the driver has not set a turn signal, the lane departure warning helps by corrective steering interventions to avoid crossing recognized lane boundary lines. Additional steering wheel vibration can be set at the driver's request. Functional range from approx. 37mph.             
Camera based traffic sign recognition - Detects speed limits, no overtaking and temporary speed displays within the system's field of vision. Within the system limits, the system recognises the beginning and end of highways, motorways, localities and Traffic-calmed areas. In addition, a situation-dependent assessment in wet, fog, time-of-day speed limits, construction sites and trailer operation can be carried out. In addition, speed limits are evaluated and provided with the help of navigation data. A personalisable speed warning can be activated, which gives a visual warning if the currently permitted speed is exceeded.             
Parking assist with parking system plus. In the area captured by the ultrasonic sensors, park assist helps find a suitable on-street parking space. The system calculates the best parking path for bay parking spaces (forwards and backwards), and the best parking and exiting paths for kerbside parking spaces. Through precise steering manoeuvres, the system supports you when entering or exiting parking spaces. The driver simply needs to follow the instructions on the display, change gear, accelerate, brake and monitor the entire parking process. The system even assists with parking in several moves. The visual display can, based on the steering angle, warn the driver of any obstacles at the side by showing the path. The function is activated via the park assist button on the centre console             
Reversing Camera - An image of the area behind the vehicle is shown on the MMI display with dynamic display modes highlighting the calculated path (steer-angle dependent). Reversing camera is concealed in the handle strip of the luggage compartment lid.             
               
Safety & Security             
Airbags for driver and front passenger with passenger airbag deactivation             
Front side airbags with head airbags and interaction airbag             
Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), including ABS,ASR and EDL             
Light and rain sensors             
Tyre-pressure loss indicator – visual and acoustic warning of pressure loss on one or more wheels, displayed in the driver information system             
First-aid kit, warning triangle and 2 safety vests             
Seat belt monitoring             
Remote central locking               
Child lock operated electronically             
I-Size and top tether child seat mounting for the outer rear seats - For practical attachment of up to two child seats, your Audi is equipped on the outer rear seats with standard mountings for i-Size child seats including top tether.             
Manual boot compartment lid             
Anti-theft alarm - The anti-theft alarm is used to monitor the door, front and boot lid. The safe lock coupled with the door locks prevents opening via the inside door handle as soon as the vehicle has been locked using the vehicle key. The anti-theft alarm system also offers:
Ultrasonic interior monitoring(can be deactivated),
Warning in case of theft by tilt angle sensor
Signal horn with battery back-up in case of tampering with wiring             
Anti-theft wheel bolts             
Audi Smartphone Interface uses Apple CarPlay, which is available with iPhone 6 and above, or Android Auto, which is available with phones using Android 5.0 Lollipop or above and requires the download of the Android Auto app. Availability of applications differs by operating system and is dependent on approval by Apple or Google. An up-to-date list of approved apps is available on the relevant systems’ websites. Permanent availability cannot be guaranteed as this is the responsibility of Apple and Google. Use of certain apps with Smartphone Interface will be subject to signal availability of the mobile network in your location and in-car usage may increase your mobile data usage. If using regularly, a mobile phone contract including an unlimited or high amount of data is recommended.

For mobile phone and software version compatibility, please visit your Audi Centre or https://microsites.audi.com/mobile-db/index.html?ds=json_en

Vehicle driver assistance and safety systems are not a substitute for attentive driving. Drivers retain full responsibility for providing the necessary inputs for safe control of the vehicle. System descriptions within configurator are provided for information purposes only. System limitations and operational requirements apply. See manual for details.

[ajmoir36]

The vorsprung version has a load of stuff:

In addition to Black Edition trim, Vorsprung trim includes the following as standard: -

Wheels             
19" x 8.0J Audi Sport "5-twinspoke-edge" design alloy wheels, gloss anthracite black, diamond cut, with 235/35 R19 tyres             
               
Performance and suspension             
S Suspension with damper control - S-specific sports suspension with adaptive shock absorbers and lowering by 15 mm, for increased driving dynamics with more direct contact with the road and sportier handling; electronically controlled adjustment of the dampers to different driving situations, dynamic or comfort-oriented configuration of the basic tuning adjustable via Audi drive select (auto / comfort / dynamic); Allows excellent driving dynamics with very good driving comfort at the same time             
               
Lighting             
Audi Matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights, dynamic front and rear indicators, and headlight cleaning system. Audi Matrix LED technology provides precise, high-resolution illumination of the road. Dazzling for oncoming vehicles or vehicles in front can be considerably reduced as a result. If vehicles are detected by the camera system, the system selectively masks just the area of the detected vehicle while all other segments of the high beam remain active. Switching between the respective light distributions and regulation while oncoming traffic is passing are visible in the headlights as dynamic operations. The illumination of the vehicle’s path is significantly better, thus improving safety and comfort when driving in the dark. Lighting includes a visually upgraded daytime running lights including digital, model-dependent daytime running light signature in an innovative pixel area under the headlight. All-weather headlights with dynamic headlight adjustment and dipped beam, high beam. Includes motorway light (extending light range at high speeds), dynamic corning light (illumination on tight bends), manoeuvring light (illuminating the front side when reversing), intersection light (supporting illumination at junctions using the MMI Navigation Plus) and dynamic light sequencing of the coming home/leaving home function."             
               
Exterior             
Panoramic sunroof. The glass sunroof has extra-large tinted glass surfaces.               
Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable, heated and folding, automatically dimming on both sides, and with memory function. Also includes integrated LED indicator and automatic kerb-side function for the exterior mirror on the passenger side.             
Carbon door mirror housings             
Power-operated tailgate. Luggage compartment lid opens and closes electrically - The boot lid can be opened electrically by pressing a button on the vehicle key, in the driver's door or on the soft-touch button on the boot lid handle. Closing the luggage compartment lid is just as easy and convenient as opening it: simply press the button on the inside of the luggage compartment lid, the button in the driver's door or the button on the vehicle key. A closing aid makes manual closing easier when it is necessary. The opening angle of the luggage compartment lid can be limited for low ceiling heights. A foot gesture (by kicking motion) at the rear is sufficient to unlock, open and close the luggage compartment lid.             
Audi Beam - uses LEDs to project 'Vorsprung' onto the ground as you exit your S3             
Windscreen with heat-insulating glass               
               
Seats             
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver's seat - with electrical adjustment of seat height, seat longitudinal position, seat and backrest inclination; with memory function for driver's side: 2 memory spaces for the electrically adjustable front seats and exterior mirrors, can be saved and called up using the memory buttons in the door trim             
               
Interior equipment             
3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with gear-shift paddles – The height and reach of the steering wheel can be adjusted manually. The steering wheel is equipped with 12 multifunction buttons for easy operation of the extensive standard and optional infotainment features. Hands on detection steering wheel to assist with the optional adaptive cruise control.             
               
Interior inlays             
Inlays in Carbon for inserts in the dashboard. Accent surfaces in the dashboard and centre console in platinum grey silk-effect paint finish.             
               
Driver assistance             
Advanced key – access and authorisation system that works through automatic data exchange between key and vehicle, allowing the driver to keep the car key in their pocket or bag at all times. To unlock and open, simply lift the exterior door handle. Pressing the start/stop button integrated in the centre console starts and stops the engine.               
Adaptive cruise control - Automatic distance regulation, using radar sensors to maintain the required distance between vehicles ahead by braking and accelerating.             
Heads-up display - projects the speed and other driver-relevant information as well as warnings into the driver's direct field of vision on request; adjustable in height; enables high-contrast, multi-coloured display with minimal distraction from the road             
Adaptive Cruise Assist – combines Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centre guidance to support the driver with accelerating, braking and maintaining distances, as well as helping them to stay in lane. Within system limits, Adaptive Cruise Assist uses the radar sensor built into the front of the vehicle, the front camera and the ultrasound sensor to continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. The system maintains the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and conveniently helps the driver to stay in lane by means of gentle corrective steering intervention in the speed range from 0–130mph. This can increase ride comfort, especially on long journeys and in congested traffic situations. Restart is triggered automatically or manually after having stopped briefly. The driver remains responsible for controlling the vehicle and can override Adaptive Cruise Assist at any time.             
Lane change assistant with exit warning system and rear cross traffic alert             
360 camera covers the entire area immediately around the vehicle, allowing a range of different views for even easier manoeuvring. The driver can choose from different displays in the MMI touch display so that it is easier to park the vehicle in a parking space.             
               
Audio & Communication             
Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus. In addition to Audi Virtual Cockpit, the digital display is upgraded to 12.3", full-HD resolution, and includes new "Dynamic" instrument display.             
Audi Smartphone Interface uses Apple CarPlay, which is available with iPhone 6 and above, or Android Auto, which is available with phones using Android 5.0 Lollipop or above and requires the download of the Android Auto app. Availability of applications differs by operating system and is dependent on approval by Apple or Google. An up-to-date list of approved apps is available on the relevant systems’ websites. Permanent availability cannot be guaranteed as this is the responsibility of Apple and Google. Use of certain apps with Smartphone Interface will be subject to signal availability of the mobile network in your location and in-car usage may increase your mobile data usage. If using regularly, a mobile phone contract including an unlimited or high amount of data is recommended.

For mobile phone and software version compatibility, please visit your Audi Centre or https://microsites.audi.com/mobile-db/index.html?ds=json_en

Vehicle driver assistance and safety systems are not a substitute for attentive driving. Drivers retain full responsibility for providing the necessary inputs for safe control of the vehicle. System descriptions within configurator are provided for information purposes only. System limitations and operational requirements apply. See manual for details.

[WelshGolf]

Having both at the moment i'd say the Audi Software / infortainment screen is junk compared to the Golf. I think it just looks like they threw some text and boxes at the screen, just very basic and messy. Mine has been plagued with software glitches, 2 years old and still not been fixed. Golf on the other hand is perfect. Obviously there are a few people on here that will say the opposite as they have been plagued with software issues in the Golf. My Gold is newer so software issues have been ironed out now, so might be the same for newer A3's

[davo245]

Having both at the moment i'd say the Audi Software / infortainment screen is junk compared to the Golf. I think it just looks like they threw some text and boxes at the screen, just very basic and messy. Mine has been plagued with software glitches, 2 years old and still not been fixed. Golf on the other hand is perfect. Obviously there are a few people on here that will say the opposite as they have been plagued with software issues in the Golf. My Gold is newer so software issues have been ironed out now, so might be the same for newer A3's

How do you find they compare on performance and mpg?

[WelshGolf]

Having both at the moment i'd say the Audi Software / infortainment screen is junk compared to the Golf. I think it just looks like they threw some text and boxes at the screen, just very basic and messy. Mine has been plagued with software glitches, 2 years old and still not been fixed. Golf on the other hand is perfect. Obviously there are a few people on here that will say the opposite as they have been plagued with software issues in the Golf. My Gold is newer so software issues have been ironed out now, so might be the same for newer A3's

How do you find they compare on performance and mpg?

Can compare as it's not an S3 just an A3... however I do find the MPG crap on the A3, it also can't work out how much petrol in left in the tank. If you start an motorway journey of 100 miles with 100 miles in the tank, you would expect by 50 miles to have 50 miles left, or more as you're sat on a motorway but no, it more like 20 miles left.

[Tractor Dave]

I've been lucky enough to have owned an S3, Rs3 and a Golf R in the last few years. The S3 was very nice and well built. Audi are stingy with kit mind and I had to pay extra to have lumbar support. The S3 did everything I wanted but had no character. The Rs3 was a beast. Fast a furious, difficult as a daily but awsome. The Golf R is a brilliant all rounder. It's quick when you want but refined and comfy when you feel just like poodling along. It's my favourite.
Everyone has different tastes. Go for a good long drive in one and make up your own mind.

[Ceefeesh]

In November 2018 I bought a 2018 Mk 7.5 pre OPF, 6 speed DSG. In 2022 I bought a 2021 Mk 8 GTI with 5k miles which I owned for just over a year. On day 2 of ownership I noticed the top mount for both front shocks were creaking and they had to be rebuilt, thankfully under warranty. There were also paint defects and door alignment problems that were also rectified. The software had a few glitches but compared to other posts, nothing significant. It returned on average 28mpg.  Maybe short journeys and my driving style were the cause! Considering it was to turn three years old in January 2024 and the end of the initial manufacturers warranty, I sold it in August this year with only 8200 miles. Due to the strange second hand market I lost just short of £2k which for 15 months I thought was ok.

I test drove a Clubsport in July this year. It was a couple of months old, had a few hundred miles with a couple of extras. In the peculiar market at that time it was about £4k more to buy than a S3. I preferred the feel of the S3 and in August I bought a new S3.

Overall I do not think the GTI was as well built as the S3 which I also think has a better spec. The software on my S3 has worked flawlessly. However, the GTI had some features which my S3 does not or I have had to pay to activate. The GTI had wireless phone charging, a storage net on the passenger side of the console and it had rear USBs and standard ambient lighting in the cabin. These are not standard on a S3, on which I had to pay for some functions of the Matrix lighting, traffic sign recognition software and if you want adaptive cruise control you pay for that too. For these functions I had to pay circa £500 for two years subscriptions.

The S3 has circa 70 BHP more and is four wheel drive. I think it is noticeably faster and handles better than a 245 GTI Mk 8, which I thought handled well. The engine and drive train are more akin to a Clubsport. It has some features familiar to 7.5 GTIs, heated seats, illuminated door sills, and a dashboard cubby under the light switch. Leather seats are standard too. It also came with an engine cover which I believe many GTIs still lack. Extras included on the S3 I bought were a reversing camera, parking sensors a B and O stereo, 19” wheels, red painted calipers and a space saver spare wheel and tool kit were also included.

With extras my S3 was nearly £45k list price although I believe I got a good deal and I paid much less but it was still liable to the additional higher tax rate. Over the couple of thousand miles I have covered the S3 is returning an average of 32mpg, 6 mpg more than my GTI.

There are many similarities between the S3 and the GTi given they are built on the same platform. I have transferred the good quality carpet mats across the so GTIs into the S3. Identical fit, one example demonstrating the common origin.

Overall I am glad I changed to the S3. I feel it is more grown up and (at my age) suits me better. I deliberately bought a Navarra blue S3 which has a chrome finish, not the black edition, to be different from my Mk 8 which was black trim. It is subtle which I wanted. For those considering changing to a new S3, use the Audi new car locator to establish what’s out there and ask many questions to confirm the exact spec of the individual car and what functions have to be paid for on the Audi Functions Store. To me it appears salesmen are ignorant or economical about the spec of cars or the cost to activate functions. These are a few early observations which I hope is informative.

[davo245]

In November 2018 I bought a 2018 Mk 7.5 pre OPF, 6 speed DSG. In 2022 I bought a 2021 Mk 8 GTI with 5k miles which I owned for just over a year. On day 2 of ownership I noticed the top mount for both front shocks were creaking and they had to be rebuilt, thankfully under warranty. There were also paint defects and door alignment problems that were also rectified. The software had a few glitches but compared to other posts, nothing significant. It returned on average 28mpg.  Maybe short journeys and my driving style were the cause! Considering it was to turn three years old in January 2024 and the end of the initial manufacturers warranty, I sold it in August this year with only 8200 miles. Due to the strange second hand market I lost just short of £2k which for 15 months I thought was ok.

I test drove a Clubsport in July this year. It was a couple of months old, had a few hundred miles with a couple of extras. In the peculiar market at that time it was about £4k more to buy than a S3. I preferred the feel of the S3 and in August I bought a new S3.

Overall I do not think the GTI was as well built as the S3 which I also think has a better spec. The software on my S3 has worked flawlessly. However, the GTI had some features which my S3 does not or I have had to pay to activate. The GTI had wireless phone charging, a storage net on the passenger side of the console and it had rear USBs and standard ambient lighting in the cabin. These are not standard on a S3, on which I had to pay for some functions of the Matrix lighting, traffic sign recognition software and if you want adaptive cruise control you pay for that too. For these functions I had to pay circa £500 for two years subscriptions.

The S3 has circa 70 BHP more and is four wheel drive. I think it is noticeably faster and handles better than a 245 GTI Mk 8, which I thought handled well. The engine and drive train are more akin to a Clubsport. It has some features familiar to 7.5 GTIs, heated seats, illuminated door sills, and a dashboard cubby under the light switch. Leather seats are standard too. It also came with an engine cover which I believe many GTIs still lack. Extras included on the S3 I bought were a reversing camera, parking sensors a B and O stereo, 19” wheels, red painted calipers and a space saver spare wheel and tool kit were also included.

With extras my S3 was nearly £45k list price although I believe I got a good deal and I paid much less but it was still liable to the additional higher tax rate. Over the couple of thousand miles I have covered the S3 is returning an average of 32mpg, 6 mpg more than my GTI.

There are many similarities between the S3 and the GTi given they are built on the same platform. I have transferred the good quality carpet mats across the so GTIs into the S3. Identical fit, one example demonstrating the common origin.

Overall I am glad I changed to the S3. I feel it is more grown up and (at my age) suits me better. I deliberately bought a Navarra blue S3 which has a chrome finish, not the black edition, to be different from my Mk 8 which was black trim. It is subtle which I wanted. For those considering changing to a new S3, use the Audi new car locator to establish what’s out there and ask many questions to confirm the exact spec of the individual car and what functions have to be paid for on the Audi Functions Store. To me it appears salesmen are ignorant or economical about the spec of cars or the cost to activate functions. These are a few early observations which I hope is informative.

Great review that thanks👍 intresting ref the adaptive cruise and other subscription options not great on  cara already costing so much.