Audi S3 8V Saloon

[garreth64]

Picked this lightly used S3 Saloon up yesterday and must say I'm delighted so far.

Whilst the Golf R gets all the press, and seems to be the sharpest driving tool according to reviews, I wanted something with a little more luxury and refinement which I can enjoy 90% of the time whilst still giving the performance when required. I also like the fact they are a little 'under the radar', and look just like another Audi to most people, unless you look closely.

The interior is lovely, it has lots of tech and gadgets, and as a Saloon I think it looks pretty good too, and definitely different to the hatchback.

I had a 520D for tootling around up to now, which was a nice car for the motorway, but a bit slow and unrefined. I've always been a BMW man, and tried the M135i, and 330d / 335i before going across to the other side. I needed 4 doors so the M235i was out, and I have a bad back and found the M135i driving position caused problems. The 3 series, whilst a good car, just didn't do it for me.

IMG_20141229_105627 by garreth64, on Flickr

IMG_20150117_101643~2 by garreth64, on Flickr

IMG_20150117_101652~2 by garreth64, on Flickr

IMG_20150117_101738~2 by garreth64, on Flickr

DSC_0035 by garreth64, on Flickr

IMG_20141229_105656 by garreth64, on Flickr

The spec is as follows:

S-Tronic
Monsoon Grey Metallic
Lunar Silver Nappa Leather
19" Wheels
Audi Magnetic Ride
Progressive steering
Heated Front Seats
Xenon Plus Package
Storage and luggage compartment package
Technology Pack High
Auto dimming rear view mirror with Light and Rain Sensor Pack
Audi Parking system plus front/rear
Audi Sound System
Interior Light Pack
Extended mono.pur interior finish
Hold Assist
Cruise Control

Looking forward to getting to know it better over the coming months.

[hughcam]

Although I am not an Audi fan I really like the idea of the saloon S3. It reminds me of the first generation S4. Nice car.

[djdestiny]

I love the look of these, I've been a big Audi fan for years (had 5 in a row) and always said nothing newer that Audi have sold than my B5 RS4 has interested me in the slightest.
However, these do! To me they are like a modern version of the B5 S4 saloon, and thats no bad thing, I LOVED mine!
I wish they were closer to my price bracket, a few years will sort that

How do you like the dash? Personally I'm not over keen on the top half being just a big plain rounded area TBH

[rich83]

Good choice.... Everyone and their dog has got a Golf R. The S3 and especially the saloons are much more exclusive.

[TheAngryDog]

I like. Not a massive fan of recent Audi's, but I like this.

RS3 version?

[garreth64]

To be honest, I wasn't an Audi fan at all. The B6 2.5TDi Avant Quattro I had was one of my worst cars in memory, even remapped!

So far, the S3 is a different beast. I think it is a perfect size, like a S4 of years gone by.

I love the simplicity of the dash and interior, I think it is the best I have had, or at least as good as my F10 5 Series.

I'm still coming to terms with the MMI compared to the iDrive, but I think once I'm used to it it is at least as good if not better. 4G internet and Google maps Navigation is brilliant!

[Remagel2507]

Must admit I thought the idea of an A3 saloon was stupid when it first came out but once I saw an S3 version on the road I completely changed my mind - at the moment its now my 2nd favourite Audi after the RS6

[djdestiny]

When it first got announced my first thought was pleaseeeeeee make an RS3 saloon! Fingers crossed

[Andy665]

Lovely - the S3 saloon is one of a handful of current Audis I could see myself owning

[harry kular]

Andy665 said:

Lovely - the S3 saloon is one of a handful of current Audis I could see myself owning

+1

I was really surprised at how good they look in the flesh. Congratulations!

[mwstewart]

garreth64 said:

So far, the S3 is a different beast. I think it is a perfect size, like a S4 of years gone by.

Exactly my view. I think its a beautiful car.

[Faxo]

The S3 Sallon is very rare - we've had 2 go through work, the latest was a Sepang Blue one last week

Definately one of the best looking Audis

[Refined Detail]

Great looking car and nice spec!

The new S3 is a good looking car but the A3 & S3 in saloon form looks spot on!

[carreauchompeur]

It looks bloody huge for an A3. Might just be proportions though.

Seriously like the shape, very purposeful.

[Ferosferio]

Really like these. As others have said, these feel like the modern successor to the B5.

[Tonsko]

I read that as an S3 V8! Was intrigued to see how it was shoehorned in and how nose heavy it was. Presume 8V is the version number

It looks very nice indeed though.

Edit. What horrid typo.

Edited by Tonsko on Monday 19th January 06:37

[rich83]

Tonsko said:

I read that as an S3 V8! Was intruiged to see how it was shoehorned in and how nose heavy it was. Presume 8V is the version number

It looks very nice indeed though.

Correct. 8L... 8P... 8V

[MrBarry123]

Had an A3 saloon sat behind me the other day and, whilst I'm not sure why, they look far more purposeful than their hatchback brethren.

Good choice OP!

[Terminator X]

Looks great. Hoping to get a white one soonish.

TX.

[carinaman]

I didn't know that they were doing a saloon S3.

Edited by carinaman on Monday 19th January 18:48