An S3 but better?

[Rilo88]

Hi all, due to moving out into the sticks I'm going to be driving 80 miles a day 3 days a week and looking for the best of everything and thought I had settled in an S3.

Looking to spend circa £20k for something that isn't going to kill my wallet, was hoping for something over 40mpg but the real world and here suggests that's highly unlikely.

Needs to be quick although doesn't HAVE to be sub 5 seconds, 4wd as living out in the middle of no where, rather something good for mod cons etc.

I know I'm looking for the best of everything but curious to see what others think.

Would prefer a decent auto but not ruling out the right manual, not sure I trust second electric (tesla) just yet with battery replacement and did consider an electric lease as self employed so would get the tax reduction but the costs seem too high for what I'm after.

Appreciate all y'all thoughts.

[Heathwood]

I thought there must be something a bit better than an S3, however putting your criteria into PH classifieds brings up almost exclusively S3 or Golf R. Maybe a Merc AMG A45?

[Rilo88]

I had looked at the A45 but they seem to be rare af and worse again on fuel. The golf seems to be the same car with just a down graded interior no?

[SWoll]

If you were considering EV, and can charge at home, 2019 Model 3 SR+ are getting perilously close to £20k at the moment. Not AWD, but the clever traction control and the weight balance due to the battery between the wheels makes them a lot better in bad conditions than an ICE RWD with all of the weight in the nose. They also come with an 8 year, 100k mile battery warranty so wouldn't see that as a concern on a 3 year old low mileage purchase?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303024...

If looking at ICE, there are any number of 330/335D X-Drives available in budget that might make a good alternative to the S3, are just as quick in the real world, auto and will do 50+ MPG on a run. Sallon/estate/coupe available dependent on preference and practicality requirements.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301223...

Edited by SWoll on Sunday 5th March 11:51

[Rilo88]

I've never been a HUGE fan of BMW personally. I've currently got a c350d estate but the older merc auto box is very sluggish but it's served its purpose. It replaced my dream car an f-type jag which replaced a 2016 C250 coupe which was a lovely car. I guess I just sit on the other side of the fence to BMW? 😂

[ChrisH72]

4WD probably limits your choices mostly.

Do you really need it? I'm thinking that a set of winter wheels/tyres would see you okay in almost any situation.

Otherwise I think I'd go with the Golf R. Interior in them is excellent, I don't think I'd feel short changed.

[SWoll]

Rilo88 said:

I've never been a HUGE fan of BMW personally. I've currently got a c350d estate but the older merc auto box is very sluggish but it's served its purpose. It replaced my dream car an f-type jag which replaced a 2016 C250 coupe which was a lovely car. I guess I just sit on the other side of the fence to BMW? ??

Fair enough. Having gone through various MB's, Audi's and BMW's over the years I'd suggest that they make the better all round vehicle with better engines, gearboxes and driving characteristics. They also have the best infotainment, although the latest MBUX runs them close finally.

[Belle427]

RSQ3 in budget maybe?

[CG2020UK]

I don’t think you get a better proposition than the Audi S3/Golf R or GTI/ Cupra as the ultimate daily driver. Great handling, quick, fun and sensible money.

I prefer a Golf interior to the Audi interior but it’s an apples or oranges comparison. If you prefer the S3 vs the R then that’s the one, you’ll not be disappointed in either.

If you’re sensible doing a 40mile drive (each way) you could get 40mpg without too much hassle.

[Rilo88]

Thanks all, I'll take a look at the BMW the 4 series/3 series coupe will do better on fuel but not being a BMW fan and it just feels like the time for a good hot hatch.

Ill be living in the middle of the moors so county lanes and good chances of regular snow hence the 4wd.

Feels good to have not wasted all your time that your research says same as mine.

[alscar]

A more recent version but my wife loved her S3 daily only upgrading it to a RS3.
Good build quality , reasonably quick and fairly practical.
Fuel consumption averaged early 30’s.

[don'tbesilly]

CG2020UK said:

I don’t think you get a better proposition than the Audi S3/Golf R or GTI/ Cupra as the ultimate daily driver. Great handling, quick, fun and sensible money.

I prefer a Golf interior to the Audi interior but it’s an apples or oranges comparison. If you prefer the S3 vs the R then that’s the one, you’ll not be disappointed in either.

If you’re sensible doing a 40mile drive (each way) you could get 40mpg without too much hassle.

I’ve had an S3 for 4 years and have never got close to 40mpg, and that’s on occasions ‘driving like Miss Daisy’ in economy mode.

Is it even possible?

[fido]

Belle427 said:

RSQ3 in budget maybe?

That's what I went for, well because it's quirky and has the lovely 5-cylinder, but willing to put up with the with the stiff ride. It's basically the old Q3 with lowered and stiffer suspension. I think the S3 or Q5 might be a better all-rounder.

[SWoll]

Belle427 said:

RSQ3 in budget maybe?

You can pick up a 2016 facelift model with the new styling, lights, extra power (30hp) and better economy for just over budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111269...

£5k cheaper than a comparable RS3, but £5k more expensive than an S3 for the same year and mileage.

[Rilo88]

Well thanks for that guys! It's a great looking car... Anyone attest to the fuel economy?

[tallpaul26]

If you don’t want VAG… available with an auto to:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302074...

[TGCOTF-dewey]

Rilo88 said:

Thanks all, I'll take a look at the BMW the 4 series/3 series coupe will do better on fuel but not being a BMW fan and it just feels like the time for a good hot hatch.

Ill be living in the middle of the moors so county lanes and good chances of regular snow hence the 4wd.

Feels good to have not wasted all your time that your research says same as mine.

Seriously, you don't need 4wd for the moors. Our old ford Ka was far more capable over the moors on winter tyres than my old landy on mud tyres.

My wife commuted through all weathers across the moors in a c350 on winters.

[SWoll]

Rilo88 said:

Well thanks for that guys! It's a great looking car... Anyone attest to the fuel economy?

30MPG average seems achievable with the facelift model, although will of course depend on how and where it's drive. High 30's on a motorway run, low 20's around town.

Take into account for 15k miles per year the difference in fuel cost between a car doing 30mpg and 35mpg is around a tenner a week and the only way you're getting 40MPG and the performance you are looking for is with a diesel and at current prices it's no cheaper than a petrol car doing 35MPG anyway.

[CG2020UK]

don'tbesilly said:

I’ve had an S3 for 4 years and have never got close to 40mpg, and that’s on occasions ‘driving like Miss Daisy’ in economy mode.

Is it even possible?

I drove my cousins down to pick him and his wife up from Dublin airport ~1hr drive and I’m 99% certain I got into the 40mpg.

My GTI (same engine minus Haldex) got over 40mpg same journey and I’ve nursed the M2 to 35mpg.

A lot more experience driving Golf Rs but I’d see ~35mpg on them regularly without trying.

[secret_stu]

A few years back I had a similar brief and ended up in a 435d. Not a car that you pick up the keys for a Sunday morning blast but great blend of pace and economy.