Hi Hertsman
In relation to your comments. I changed from a Mk 8 GTI to a S3 in August. I previously had Mark 6 and 7, 2.0 diesel Golfs and a Mk 7.5 GTI. I don’t regret it, overall I prefer it. I did consider a Mk 8 Golf R and a Clubsport but was more drawn to the S3, to scratch an itch.
However, on the minus side, the Mk8 had features I miss. Blind spot monitoring, rear USBs and an air vent in the rear console. No wireless phone charging. No net map pocket on the centre console on the passenger side. Matrix headlights I didn’t have to pay a subscription for, nor a subscription for the software to read traffic signs. No colour changing ambient lighting. Most of these things for me aren’t important and could be specified on ordering. I bought a stock car with some extras. I have 19s, painted calipers, comfort and sound pack, which as well as an updated radio, gives me a reversing camera too. I also got a spare wheel and toolki.
As standard I have aluminium illuminated sill covers, the storage cubby on the dash under the light switch, a bonnet strut and an engine cover (that has some fancy red bits). It has leather upholstery with heated seats too. It is noticeably quicker than the standard GTI, which feels similar in performance to a clubsport, which I drove and considered buying before the S3. It has the advantage of 4 wheel drive which gives it a very planted feel on the road. It has a soundaktor which pipes the sound like the 5 pot RS into the cabin. I very much like it although I know there’s an EA888 under the bonnet. Oh, another benefit is software that works, although in fairness I didn’t have many problems with software on my GTi.
I think most people who have owned a Mk 7, 7.5 or Mk 8 could take to a S3. I can’t comment on the 135i, I’ve never driven one nor have I ever felt the urge to buy a BMW. Just not for me. It’s whatever floats your boat.
The 128Ti was my first ever go at a BMW due to mainly being the best and affordable option on my company lease system, the BMW/Mini were still offering good prices, cars like the R, S3 had completely disappeared from the system, despite being super affordable on last cycle.
So was sort of forced into the 128Ti, but glad was, its proven to be a really good car, great interior and connectivity, O/S is superb and its super lively, my only real down on it, is that it does not feel super assured at speed on tighter roads, and random torque steer is an issue. It's biggest plus was, that all you would really want is standard and it cost £35150 with the £1000 of options put on it, bit of a bargain when think most of the VAG alternatives will go in excess of £40k with same specs.
Despite it doing its family workhorse duties impeccably, averaging a 1000 miles a month at the moment, I have already decided keeping the 128Ti at three years is not an option,
Having had 3 Audis, the problem with them used is finding the car with options you want, and you really have to check as the generic spec lists cannot be trusted.
So, next car is for myself, and could easily just get a well specced 2nd R, know what getting, but for difference sake, will take a hard look at S3, an R and S3 would hardly be worst stable mates.
there sort of might, might not be bit more money in 2 years, to look at a 20/21 RS3 which would be scratching an itch never thought would be able to, my price point has always been in the echelon below, just too many other commitments to indulge though that's not quite what it used to be as that next echelon down is not really that anymore, as just received a flyer from VW for the R20 with finance and that is £59000!)
