RE: Audi S3 saloon: Review

[Amanitin]

"grab it and drive it like, well, an Audi driver"

i see what you did there

[Bladedancer]

RSgeoff said:

"Could" many years ago when they were selling them. Those days are long gone.

I'm a long-standing previous Evo owner (1999-2011), but now the likes of the S3 saloon far more appeal to me.

Do you really think this is going to be so much different from an EVO in power delivery and even overall feel? This is still 2 litre petrol with mega turbo (and turbo lag) to give it the power figure.

And that 40 MPG figure... yeah, right, I can soooo see that happening.

[JB!]

Ali_T said:

JB! said:

I reckon a cheeky map on this S3 could see you knocking on FQ400 power with the nicer interior...

ABT have a replacement/piggy back ECU box that gives 370bhp. Downside? It's another 3000 Euro so you're knocking on A45 money without a warranty.

http://www.abt-sportsline.de/en/latest-news/news/d...

However, add that to a Golf R and you have a much more attractive proposition IMO.

The S3 looks nice in pics but I've saw an S Line version in the showroom today and it's rather dowdy in the flesh.

If its the same 2.0 TFSI unit used in the MK6 Chassis with a bigger turbo on, the tuning fraternity will see 40bhp quite easily.

http://www.goapr.co.uk/products/ecu_upgrade_20tfsi...

All depends on how much celing is left in the stock turbo, rods and fuelling, but i'd be expecting more than 20bhp gains within 6 months of launch.

[Kawasicki]

small saloon = China market special.

I like small saloons by the way...but not nearly as much as the Chinese seem to.

[Cotic]

Maldini35 said:

I don't rate the driving skills of most of my mates very much, let alone my wife's friends. Yet the blighters all insist on owning cars.

Ohhh, how true! Made me chuckle.

[anonymous-user]

Alucidnation said:

Which Audi did you own that you found dull?

Can I nominate the 3.0 V6 A4 (B6) quattro sport? Capable, practical, good looking and fast enough but not so much as a flicker of driving excitement to be found. Disproportionately thirsty too. I say all this as an owner.

Conversely, my wife's Jetta FSI Turbo DSG etc etc is a blast to drive but very, very dull in every other aspect.

I would be all over the S3 Saloon in a heartbeat if I had the funds. To me it's a nice balance of the two cars we currently own.

[Benjaminbopper]

This car will outrun 95% of other vehicles on the road, it's a quality product and has mass market appeal. Quite an achievement in my books.

For those looking for something as an enthusiast - buy an elise / mx5 etc. Don't try and compare them.

Mass market rules and this isn't a bad compromise.

[tridave]

cmbayes said:

Still not a proper enthusiasts car, in my opinion.

Quick, nice looking, well built, good badge etc etc But I cant imagine it top of the list for many "proper" petrol heads,
the sort who get up early on weekends just to go for a drive.

I don't quite understand why? I guess the slightly soulless 4 pot and safe dynamics might be come into this.

I guess its just Tthe brand values aren't quite as driver focused as some of its rivals, there are exceptions the wonderful 4.2v8 RS4 and R8 V10.

I don't know how Audi can combat this? they throw millions into racing, primarily endurance.

I know many others feel the same, wont stop them selling a few though.

But every one that finds its way into a routine under driven daily life just makes these less desirable to the enthusiast.

I will now retire to my nuclear bunker and await the backlash

Spot on

Audi is like having a model looking girlfriend whos has the morals of a Nunn, its a good idea at the time but soon turns out to be no fun at all.

[WokkaWokka]

MethylatedSpirit said:

Crikey, an An audi that I actually like!

Would I be shot for saying it's just a jetta/bora with a fancy badge and bodykit?

For the sake of around 3k more than the Golf R, You're getting a lot more badge, space and practicality. (not that that matters, they'll all be financed).

Bloody hell don't say badge on here!

God forbid someone buys into a brand because on some level the marketing/branding/look/feel/staff of that company create a desire for something to be owned!

[tridave]

WokkaWokka said:

MethylatedSpirit said:

Crikey, an An audi that I actually like!

Would I be shot for saying it's just a jetta/bora with a fancy badge and bodykit?

For the sake of around 3k more than the Golf R, You're getting a lot more badge, space and practicality. (not that that matters, they'll all be financed).

Bloody hell don't say badge on here!

God forbid someone buys into a brand because on some level the marketing/branding/look/feel/staff of that company create a desire for something to be owned!

Audi is badge / brand engineering at its best, form over function, they are good at it.

[ahenners]

tridave said:

Spot on

Audi is like having a model looking girlfriend whos has the morals of a Nunn, its a good idea at the time but soon turns out to be no fun at all.

Ha brilliant! It's a good looking car, like many recent Audis (a1 excluded), but you just know the driver feedback and fun isn't going to be there.

[Ali_T]

JB! said:

If its the same 2.0 TFSI unit used in the MK6 Chassis with a bigger turbo on, the tuning fraternity will see 40bhp quite easily.

http://www.goapr.co.uk/products/ecu_upgrade_20tfsi...

All depends on how much celing is left in the stock turbo, rods and fuelling, but i'd be expecting more than 20bhp gains within 6 months of launch.

There was something about the new ECU on the S3 and Golf R being harder to flash and needing a piggyback unit? Or ABT are just doing it that way for larger gains than normal. I'd still want a Golf R over the S3, purely because it's not an Audi. I know, irrational, but the VW is a little more neutral in image.

[anyideas]

Robertos88 said:

We were at the Audi garage this morning test driving the S3 Hatchback. Just happened to see the S-line A3 saloon in the showroom. I enquired about the S3 saloon, long story short I've just placed an order, apparently the specs won't be released to the dealers until December, with it being released sometime in February, this equates to a delivery time in May. I can't wait.

Which dealer did you visit if you don't mind me asking?

[aka_kerrly]

tridave said:

cmbayes said:

Still not a proper enthusiasts car, in my opinion.

Quick, nice looking, well built, good badge etc etc But I cant imagine it top of the list for many "proper" petrol heads,
the sort who get up early on weekends just to go for a drive.

I don't quite understand why? I guess the slightly soulless 4 pot and safe dynamics might be come into this.

I guess its just Tthe brand values aren't quite as driver focused as some of its rivals, there are exceptions the wonderful 4.2v8 RS4 and R8 V10.

I don't know how Audi can combat this? they throw millions into racing, primarily endurance.

I know many others feel the same, wont stop them selling a few though.

But every one that finds its way into a routine under driven daily life just makes these less desirable to the enthusiast.

I will now retire to my nuclear bunker and await the backlash

Spot on

Audi is like having a model looking girlfriend whos has the morals of a Nunn, its a good idea at the time but soon turns out to be no fun at all.

I don't see it like that at all yet I still consider myself an enthusiast.

I tend to look at Audi as suffering in the same way as Apple in that plenty of people don't like their products for no reason other than the popularity and don't even try one before making their conclusions.

[Lucas Ayde]

Axionknight said:

I have never been an Audi fan, but I quite like it - I'd still agonize over the AMG Merc which I love the idea of, but this looks better IMO, I just wonder how much extra the twin clutch box costs over the manual?

I'd have one in black, personally.

Edited by Axionknight on Monday 18th November 22:04

Typically the S-Tronic (aka DSG) box adds about £1600 to the new purchase cost. There's probably a configurator on the Audi website that would confirm it.

[Lucas Ayde]

Ali_T said:

There was something about the new ECU on the S3 and Golf R being harder to flash and needing a piggyback unit? Or ABT are just doing it that way for larger gains than normal. I'd still want a Golf R over the S3, purely because it's not an Audi. I know, irrational, but the VW is a little more neutral in image.

Definitely considering either an S3 or Golf R next year. I know what you mean about the image of the Golf being a bit more neutral, which is an advantage IMO. On the other hand I like a good interior and the S3 will surely have the advantage on that. It'll all come down to price (and of course you have the choice of Hatch/ Saloon/ Sportback on the S3 vs just Hatch on the Golf).

[tridave]

aka_kerrly said:

tridave said:

cmbayes said:

Still not a proper enthusiasts car, in my opinion.

Quick, nice looking, well built, good badge etc etc But I cant imagine it top of the list for many "proper" petrol heads,
the sort who get up early on weekends just to go for a drive.

I don't quite understand why? I guess the slightly soulless 4 pot and safe dynamics might be come into this.

I guess its just Tthe brand values aren't quite as driver focused as some of its rivals, there are exceptions the wonderful 4.2v8 RS4 and R8 V10.

I don't know how Audi can combat this? they throw millions into racing, primarily endurance.

I know many others feel the same, wont stop them selling a few though.

But every one that finds its way into a routine under driven daily life just makes these less desirable to the enthusiast.

I will now retire to my nuclear bunker and await the backlash

Spot on

Audi is like having a model looking girlfriend whos has the morals of a Nunn, its a good idea at the time but soon turns out to be no fun at all.

I don't see it like that at all yet I still consider myself an enthusiast.

I tend to look at Audi as suffering in the same way as Apple in that plenty of people don't like their products for no reason other than the popularity and don't even try one before making their conclusions.

Yes understand what you are saying about apple and Audi, yes they are popular but Audi cars are missing something, look past the badge and additional shiny bits they are a bit bland and generic looking + the dull as hell to drive.

[aka_kerrly]

tridave said:

Yes understand what you are saying about apple and Audi, yes they are popular but Audi cars are missing something, look past the badge and additional shiny bits they are a bit bland and generic looking + the dull as hell to drive.

I'l be honest I really struggle with the "dull to drive bit." It always strikes me as a total cop out and something which journos use when they can't find a significant fault with a car!

[okie592]

aka_kerrly said:

I'l be honest I really struggle with the "dull to drive bit." It always strikes me as a total cop out and something which journos use when they can't find a significant fault with a car!

Exactly, and when have Audi ever even said their cars are supposed to be fun to drive? Who decided cars should be fun to drive anyway? Why should a car be slagged off because it doesn't put you though a hedge. No ones ever arrived anywhere and said, golly that would of been more exililarating if I had died.

Their own motto means progress though technology, which they do push the boundaries with,

BMWs is the ultimate driving machine which would suggest you should feel fobbed off if it was boring to drive.

[Riyazc]

Have an audi a6 avant.... it works... but thats about it... its purely functional, doesnt engage on any levels.

But then as a workhorse - its brilliant and does whats needed.

Would still consider an S3 and judge the car on it own merits, rather that then tar a car with the faults of others.