S3 Saloon - seats?
Discussion
Shortly to purchase the current S3 and have specced up the super sports seats over the standard jobbies but everyone seems to be trying to talk me out of it including the salesman! Are they really "just the same but with some quilted leather" or are they really a lot better than standard which I'm hoping they must be as an £800 extra 
TX.
TX.
It was one of the few options I didn't spec on my S3, wish I had (had to draw line somewhere!) the test car I used had them and if thought they were ace. Not just standard seats with quilting at all, they looked great and made you feel more 'strapped in' . If I picked again I'd spec them.
On separate note if you like music the B&O stereo is superb, definitely my favourite option.
On separate note if you like music the B&O stereo is superb, definitely my favourite option.
Not worth it.
Had them in my old S5 and didn't bother in the S3. They aren't "sports" seats as such, and only add a little bit visually - much of them are the same as the standard seat, which are fine (and available in alcantara).
The RS buckets are what you want, but not available for S3.
Had them in my old S5 and didn't bother in the S3. They aren't "sports" seats as such, and only add a little bit visually - much of them are the same as the standard seat, which are fine (and available in alcantara).
The RS buckets are what you want, but not available for S3.
Not worth it.
Had them in my old S5 and didn't bother in the S3. They aren't "sports" seats as such, and only add a little bit visually - much of them are the same as the standard seat, which are fine (and available in alcantara).
The RS buckets are what you want, but not available for S3.
Had them in my old S5 and didn't bother in the S3. They aren't "sports" seats as such, and only add a little bit visually - much of them are the same as the standard seat, which are fine (and available in alcantara).
The RS buckets are what you want, but not available for S3.
I just managed to spec one to £41k without ticking everything I'd like lol
Supersports add some visual appeal, especially with the quilted leather, and I like them in our S5. I've test driven S4s without them and to be honest they're no different in terms of how well they hold you in (not that well compared to a Pole Position)
I would imagine they'd make the car stand out come resale and somebody will absolutely insist on having them on a used example, but whether you'd see any of your £800 back is a different question....
Supersports add some visual appeal, especially with the quilted leather, and I like them in our S5. I've test driven S4s without them and to be honest they're no different in terms of how well they hold you in (not that well compared to a Pole Position)
I would imagine they'd make the car stand out come resale and somebody will absolutely insist on having them on a used example, but whether you'd see any of your £800 back is a different question....
Good stuff 
surprised they don't offer the range of lurid colours they do for the s4! Ours are black on black and they are wearing well, which is always the issue with PP seats that look rough after 20k miles if not treated with kid gloves
Ref the comment above on theft risk - it's only ever been the pole positions that the 'yoofs' were stealing as they were such mental money to buy from Audi - now they're no longer in production they basically write a car off if stolen! Not heard of super sports being targeted particularly - if they nick the car it's to break the whole thing.....
surprised they don't offer the range of lurid colours they do for the s4! Ours are black on black and they are wearing well, which is always the issue with PP seats that look rough after 20k miles if not treated with kid glovesRef the comment above on theft risk - it's only ever been the pole positions that the 'yoofs' were stealing as they were such mental money to buy from Audi - now they're no longer in production they basically write a car off if stolen! Not heard of super sports being targeted particularly - if they nick the car it's to break the whole thing.....
a4cabrio said:
Would the seats be a high risk item for stealing as they have been in earlier model S3 & S4s?? They maybe too much aggro to have is they were
Very different seat.I would personally want them; I find them more comfortable and supportive without being intrusive. They really lift the look of the interior too.
The comments regarding 'little difference' have been interesting. I pick up my new S3 on Sunday and I've not spec'd the sports seats. In fact, I didn't go for many options at all. As a result, I've been slightly nervous that I've spent a chunk of money on a car that is not going to 'feel' like a car that cost a chunk of money. Silly, I know!
The reason I am posting, is that I've not actually been in a saloon with the sports seats. I test drove the Sportback with the sports seats and my kids in the back didn't like them. Not sure if they steal any additional legroom from the back, but the extra width higher up the back of the seat, made the kids feel like they were a bit more 'in their face' than the standard ones which have daylight showing through.
So there you go - for back seat passengers, the standard seats might be nicer.
I've gone for the saloon and FWIW the only option that the dealer assumed was a given, was the privacy glass. (I actually remember saying, "I don't care" when he suggested I would 'obviously' want that option). Apart from the odd 'Comfort Pack' (is it uncomfortable without this option?!), I've not ticked many more boxes.
The reason I am posting, is that I've not actually been in a saloon with the sports seats. I test drove the Sportback with the sports seats and my kids in the back didn't like them. Not sure if they steal any additional legroom from the back, but the extra width higher up the back of the seat, made the kids feel like they were a bit more 'in their face' than the standard ones which have daylight showing through.
So there you go - for back seat passengers, the standard seats might be nicer.
I've gone for the saloon and FWIW the only option that the dealer assumed was a given, was the privacy glass. (I actually remember saying, "I don't care" when he suggested I would 'obviously' want that option). Apart from the odd 'Comfort Pack' (is it uncomfortable without this option?!), I've not ticked many more boxes.
Yeah, I guess I'm just trying to understand how the standard S3 spec differs to that of the Golf R. Seems like there is in fact very little in it. Although you've got to add a lot to the S3 (adaptive headlights, privacy glass, folding mirrors, auto headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, hill hold, adaptive cruise, front and rear parking sensors, and pre-sense), once you add leather to the R the difference is only £555.
For me though, a basic no-options S3 lacks far too many things I'd consider requisite equipment.
For me though, a basic no-options S3 lacks far too many things I'd consider requisite equipment.
andrewparker said:
Yeah, I guess I'm just trying to understand how the standard S3 spec differs to that of the Golf R. Seems like there is in fact very little in it. Although you've got to add a lot to the S3 (adaptive headlights, privacy glass, folding mirrors, auto headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, hill hold, adaptive cruise, front and rear parking sensors, and pre-sense), once you add leather to the R the difference is only £555.
For me though, a basic no-options S3 lacks far too many things I'd consider requisite equipment.
Can you give a 'for instance'? One of the reasons I didn't go nuts on spec was because it all seemed un-necessary on what was a pretty decent standard spec already. Genuine question - I have had a little buyer's remorse about ignoring a couple of options...For me though, a basic no-options S3 lacks far too many things I'd consider requisite equipment.
Well the privacy glass wouldn't bother me hugely, but I'd probably spec it regardless. The main things though are auto headlights (can't remember the last car I had without them), parking sensors (rely on them pretty heavily), and electrically folding mirrors. Since getting a car with adaptive cruise control that is an option I'd not want to forgo either.
Conversely the one thing I'd not spec is leather/alcantara.
Conversely the one thing I'd not spec is leather/alcantara.
andrewparker said:
Well the privacy glass wouldn't bother me hugely, but I'd probably spec it regardless. The main things though are auto headlights (can't remember the last car I had without them), parking sensors (rely on them pretty heavily), and electrically folding mirrors. Since getting a car with adaptive cruise control that is an option I'd not want to forgo either.
Conversely the one thing I'd not spec is leather/alcantara.
The first things you mention are available in a 'pack' as one of the lower priced options (I ticked that one). As for the leather...standard anyway! Including heated seats, as you would expect.Conversely the one thing I'd not spec is leather/alcantara.
I opted for only rear parking sensors (I can see the front of my car pretty easily
) instead of paying extra for front as well. I went for regular cruise control instead of adaptive. Again, not an issue for me as I tend to only use it on average speed camera stretches where I can live with occasionally having to brake and then re-enable.The only think I wish I had done, is spec a stereo upgrade. The problem is that you sit there with the spec sheet and think, "Ah, that's only a couple of hundred quid...I'll get that!". Do that a few times and you've added a couple of grand to your car on (frankly) crap you don't need.
For me? Cruise control (licence saver), heated seats, 19" alloys, 6-sp manual, 300hp, lovely. Everything else is just a 'nice to have'.
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