Love the nose to nose shot Paul70, you can really see the passed on design DNA.
How about a back to back mini review?
Took a while to post 😊
I’ve done just over 3500 miles in the R in 2 months and I really like it. It does everything very well. I love the way it looks. I wasn’t looking for an R, I had my eye on a new or nearly new RS3 but couldn’t quite stomach the Audi finance repayments - the total cost over 4 years was north of 70K. The R was then advertised by a local dealer, and the deal was done. The lower price allowed me to keep (for now) my ED40, which I picked up new in 2016.
So how do they compare? Well, even though they share the same DNA, they are very different. For a longer journey, I would choose the R hands down - it’s just far more relaxing and economical too, especially when in comfort mode. For urban driving, I would also choose the R. I am converted to DSG and don’t really miss driving a manual, it just feels natural and I like the full manual mode available in special mode so you can appreciate the engine torque.
For a spirited drive in the dry I would choose the ED40 - I’ve had the chassis geometry tweaked with some OEM mods to equal the Clubsport S without the DCC. It’s so eager to turn in and grips like a limpet. It feels so light footed and darty compared to the R and the diff does well too.
I am still surprised how much difference a single button makes to the way the R drives - the special mode is exactly what it says on the tin, the car is so much more responsive and eager. Cross country speed is epic, but it’s not as involving. It’s a bit like playing an arcade game and not as raw as the ED40, but still very enjoyable. The MK8 needs a more positive front end, it lacks the bite of the ED40 and the steering feel is simply not as good, which is a shame.
Really like the interior of both cars but the ED40 feels more special with the buckets and furry wheel. The material and finish is higher quality too. You can definitely see and feel the cost cutting on the interior of the MK8. That said, the MK8 still feels solid and is creak free at the moment. I really like the minimalist feel of the MK8 interior and this is where it makes the MK7 feel dated. I don’t even mind the haptics!
I love the IQ lights. They are so much better than the halogens on the MK7.
Plans. I will keep the R and treat it to a machine polish - one of the downsides of buying an ex-demo. I was a little concerned about oil consumption as I am sure the manufacturer running in guidelines were not followed but 3500 miles later, the oil level hasn’t changed, which I am happy about.
