S3 Test Drive

[Creepy Coupe]

I was over at my local Audi dealer on Saturday, got talking to a salesman who suggested I took the new S3 for a spin, so not wanting to be rude, I did 



All credit to the bloke, as he let me have a good long run in it, all Kentish A& B roads, but they gave me a fairly good idea of what the S3 all about

The first thing I thought, was how ordinary the car looked, not saying it looked bad, but at first glance it look pretty much like an A3 that was stood next to it.

The interior was very nicely put together, as with all previous Audi's I’ve owned a nice place to be, I did think this particular model was a bit garish with it alli and red details all over the clocks and the flat bottomed steering wheel, it seam Audi were making up for the plain exterior.




Anyway the drive...
Obviously when you fire up the engine three’s lots to remind you of the GTI, in both sound and throttle response, and nice light clutch pedal, and good gear selection, once again made me think GTi.

On the road the ride was a bit on the fidgety side, and reminded me of the new BMW 320d on run flat tyres, not harsh, just slightly unsettled, however it did handle the pot holes very well.
Road noise was more than I'd expected though.



Now the engine..
The power delivery was noticeably higher up the rev band, with turbo lag at anything under 2500 rpm, but when the power came in, it did with a huge rush, pushing you hard in the back of your seat. together with a very satisfying engine exhaust note, however the engine sounded a bit rough and strained at anything over 3500 rpm, this might be because I'm used to my R32 though. I couldn't help feeling it felt a bit ordinary when you were on steady throttle, no real sound to suggest your in a special car.
There is no doubt though, this is a quick car over 3000 rpm.

When I returned to the dealer, and got talking to the salesman, I had to go through the motions of price and spec blah blah blah, he said the car I'd just driven was specced to £33k 
Which IMO is a staggering amount of dosh in any language.

And although it had done 3k miles, they were still asking £33k  because of the 12 week waiting list, and Audi weren't offering any discounts, yeah right.

So in summery, did I like it, Yes, would I buy one, No way, for that money I'd have the new BMW 3235 Coupe, or a Z4 Coupe, for me there's no way it's worth more than £8k more than a similarly spec GTi, it's just not that much better, or offer that much more.

Thank you.

[Cass]

Hmmm, interesting write up CC.

I've had several Audi's and VW's over the years. I have to agree with you over the looks of the current range of Audi's - not very pleasing on the eye and that grille - it does remind me of a blow up doll

The A3 doesn't look pretty - it's far too heavy looking and tarty. Better to keep it plain and simple, but today everyone seems to be looking to change their corporate look for something different - look at the way BMW has gone for example

No doubt that the Audi build quality and materials are superior to VW but it does come at a very hefty premium. My old TT Coupe was superb but it did suffer from the dreaded dual mass flywheel problem which was the reason I sold it. Wouldn't have an S3 myself and I am more than happy with the GTI. Don't really fancy anything else on the road either, except maybe an old Porsche 993, but that is probably going backwards and I prefer a more modern driving experience.

Cass

[Creepy Coupe]

I know what you mean Cass, my TT had to have it's gearbox out twice, once for DMF and once for clutch slave cylinder, funny thing is it hasn't stopped me buying VAG cars.

[TeddyKGB]

Wow - I can't believe how FAT the A3's ass is in your pics.. Megane anyone?

[Creepy Coupe]

Wow - I can't believe how FAT the A3's ass is in your pics.. Megane anyone?

It might be my crappy camera phone Teddy, don't remember it being overly fat.

[Hurdy]

I've had a couple of A3's:-

MK1 1.9TDI sport quattro - remapped
MK2 2.0TDI Sport DSG - remapped

Both were very good on quality, but both cost an arm and a leg over an equivalent golf. Audi's also come with a poverty spec compared with the equivalent VW. The S3 may have 4 wheel drive, but this makes it a heavier car. You can only get it in 3 doors, so it is awkward for family use. It doesn't come with DSG (or whatever Audi are calling it these days ), and so is not as flexible.

I can live without 4 wheel drive as most cars nowardays have a plethora of driving aids to compensate and with a price tag which would approach £33k against my ED30 there is no competition. All I need is a remap and the S3 would be a short memry disappearing in my rear view mirror

Now if VW could make the ED30 with 4wd, DSG and 305bhp for, say £27k then I may be sorely tempted

[Creepy Coupe]

^^^^^ in the S3's defence, although it has 4wd, it also has an alloy engine block and the whole car weigh's in at 1400 kgs, with is very close to the GTi, it definitely didn't feel heavy, but agree you just can't get away from the price.

[derdle]

I'd wait until the launch of the rumoured RS3 myself.

[Creepy Coupe]

I'd wait until the launch of the rumoured RS3 myself.

I asked the Salesman about the RS3, and he said there is not confirmed date as yet.

[Rhyso]

has it got the correct wheels on it?? i thought they came with wheels similar to those on the RS4?? 

pretty rubbish if they don't!!