RE: Audi unveils its new S3

[Leins]

While I've never actually pulled the trigger on an S3 purchase, I have come close a couple of times. There's just something "quality" about them that appeals

But strangely, the RS3 doesn't hold any attraction for me in the slightest, and nor do any other of the faster Audis produced since the B5 RS4

However, in the end, I've always gone down the BMW route

[SprintSpeciale]

1. Choose "Road Grime Grey" paint
2. Remove S badges
3. Replace stupid silver mirrors
4. Delve into infotainment system to turn off the dreaded DRLs
5. Swap 18" alloys for some subtle Audi 16" wheels and tyres which have a side profile big enough to fill the arches....
6. remove one-to-two exhaust tips.

and Robert's your mother's brother - the perfect all weather sleeper.

[Edited to agree with other's comments about exhausts..]

Edited by SprintSpeciale on Friday 21st September 15:38

[stuckmojo]

Boring lines but quad exhausts. Not for me. In the same category, I'd take a 135i anytime.

[yellowbentines]

The review states "There’ll be no confusing this with a 1.6 TDI S line". Yes, yes there will.

[DoubleSix]

Leins said:

While I've never actually pulled the trigger on an S3 purchase, I have come close a couple of times. There's just something "quality" about them that appeals

But strangely, the RS3 doesn't hold any attraction for me in the slightest, and nor do any other of the faster Audis produced since the B5 RS4

However, in the end, I've always gone down the BMW route

I went straight to a BMW 130i from and S3, they were both rapid. But guess which one was actually fun?

[RichTBiscuit]

Good point raised here - Quad exhausts look gash - mainly because there is a probably only one (max 2) pipes coming from the engine.

[sodslaw]

DoubleSix said:

Quad exhausts on a 2 litre TFSI?? Ok then...

This is exactly what I thought.


S3s don't 'do' anything for me

[tommy vercetti]

This or the M135i?

[DoubleSix]

Exactly, its just nonsense. The one thing the previous model had going for it was that it was at least pretty understated...

[Marf]

tommy vercetti said:

This or the M135i?

135i hands down. Inert AWD understeering box versus rear wheel drive car made by a company renowned for making drivers cars.

[Debaser]

I couldn't believe how dull the current RS3 was. I hope this is a lot more interesting, although I doubt it will be.

[Debaser]

tommy vercetti said:

This or the M135i?

I'd have any 1 series over this.

[Chr1sch]

Having had a 1 series and since then a 3 an a 5, I love my BM's but compated to the 3 & 5 series i found the 1 series too twitchy and although it had fantastic turn in it felt twitchy and unpredictable on the limit.

Now mine didn't have much power but I came to the conclusion that rwd are better in longer wheel based cars, I think I'd go S3 over 130 myself :-s

[pSyCoSiS]

1 Series M all the way.

Looks better.

Probably sounds better.

And will no doubt drive better.

[rudecherub]

What would interest me is longitudinal 5 cylinder engine with genuine 40/60 Quattro drive train.

[Leins]

DoubleSix said:

I went straight to a BMW 130i from and S3, they were both rapid. But guess which one was actually fun?

I bought a 325ti instead of a 225 car a good few years ago, as even though it was down on power, I prefered the engine noise and the RWD handling, albeit from a brief test-drive. Never once regretted the decision in 3.5 years either

Strangely, I couldn't get at all comfortable in a MkV Golf R32, but the 2.0L S3 felt perfect. Never been able to work that one out, other than I felt the Audi's seats went lower (I'm quite tall). Would have bought the S3 too, other than I changed my mind overnight and went to get a 135i instead. And then came out of the dealers with a 335d

[DoubleSix]

Chr1sch said:

Having had a 1 series and since then a 3 an a 5, I love my BM's but compated to the 3 & 5 series i found the 1 series too twitchy and although it had fantastic turn in it felt twitchy and unpredictable on the limit.

Now mine didn't have much power but I came to the conclusion that rwd are better in longer wheel based cars, I think I'd go S3 over 130 myself :-s

More powerful 1ers have a staggered wheel setup, much wider at rear.

[macdeb]

Spend £32k plus to go to the car park and try and find your car. Interior Shaved nearly 3/4 off 0-60 time with only 30 odd extra bhp, really?

Edited by macdeb on Friday 21st September 15:50

[StottyZr]

macdeb said:

Spend £32k plus to go to the car park and try and find your car. Interior Shaved half a second off 0-60 time with only 30 odd extra bhp, really?

Improved haldex system I would've thought. It wasn't exactly optimised for launches so theres a lot of room for improvement.

[the-photographer]

DoubleSix said:

Quad exhausts on a 2 litre TFSI?? Ok then...

Been on the TTS for YEARS