Please help me choose?! - B8.5 S4, Golf 7 or A6 BiTdi
Discussion
Hi there everyone,
I am new to this forum, let me introduce myself. I am Brent I am from South Africa, at the time of posting this I currently reside in South Africa and I am immigrating in 2 months time to the UK as my mom and dad were born there but they moved here 30 odd years ago and have been here 95% of my life.
I currently drive a 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (you guys don't get that variant in the UK I believe) and although it has been INCREDIBLY reliable, it is SO dull to drive and although it has 311hp, because of the way the gearbox is set up and the fact that the power and torque are all so high in the rev range it has felt quite the slouch at low speeds. My wife's Focus ST Mk3 felt faster.
I am now on the search for its successor upon arrival in the UK later this year and I used these as prerequisites:
I work online for myself so won't be commuting other than to school/gym/shops etc. I reckon we will do about 8-10k annually as my wife will want to go out on excursions every second week or so.
The choices I have narrowed it down to are:
In the UK I understand I cannot remove the DPF/EGR if I choose the A6 BiTDi as it would be illegal and also void my insurance should anything happen. Should I rule the A6 out on that basis, or would the biweekly excursions my wife wants to do be enough to keep the DPF happy? I will get some OBD adapter and software so I can monitor soot levels but if it will clog up too fast it will be a waste, your guys input will be appreciated.
I initially thought of the 7R or S3 but more than likely they may have been driven by hooligans seeing how fast they can go 0-60 at every traffic light.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Brent
I am new to this forum, let me introduce myself. I am Brent I am from South Africa, at the time of posting this I currently reside in South Africa and I am immigrating in 2 months time to the UK as my mom and dad were born there but they moved here 30 odd years ago and have been here 95% of my life.
I currently drive a 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (you guys don't get that variant in the UK I believe) and although it has been INCREDIBLY reliable, it is SO dull to drive and although it has 311hp, because of the way the gearbox is set up and the fact that the power and torque are all so high in the rev range it has felt quite the slouch at low speeds. My wife's Focus ST Mk3 felt faster.
I am now on the search for its successor upon arrival in the UK later this year and I used these as prerequisites:
- Fast
- Somewhat fun yet sensible
- Practical for a family of 3
- 4wd will be important as we will be staying where there is quite a bit of snow
- Decent reliability - I understand whatever I buy won't be a Lexus in terms of reliability but one needs to have compromise, decent reliability with more maintenance is okay.
I work online for myself so won't be commuting other than to school/gym/shops etc. I reckon we will do about 8-10k annually as my wife will want to go out on excursions every second week or so.
The choices I have narrowed it down to are:
- 2013/14 Audi S4 Saloon/Avant Manual or DSG not too worried - would prefer it in Avant guise
- 2013/14 Audi A6 BiTDi Saloon - Avant's are too expensive
- 2015/16 Golf 7 R or Audi S3 DSG 5 Door Hatch
- 2013 Lexus GS450H - Even though RWD this is what my head tells me but I'm avoiding it as I don't want another boring old bloke's car and the thought of a CVT makes me cringe.
- What else would you guys recommend with these prerequisites?
In the UK I understand I cannot remove the DPF/EGR if I choose the A6 BiTDi as it would be illegal and also void my insurance should anything happen. Should I rule the A6 out on that basis, or would the biweekly excursions my wife wants to do be enough to keep the DPF happy? I will get some OBD adapter and software so I can monitor soot levels but if it will clog up too fast it will be a waste, your guys input will be appreciated.
I initially thought of the 7R or S3 but more than likely they may have been driven by hooligans seeing how fast they can go 0-60 at every traffic light.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Brent
First question, where about in the UK will you be regarding the snow issue? Ie how remote and what type of roads?
My take would be that you may not need four wheel drive if you either put a set of winter tyres on or use the all season tyres such as the Michelin Cross Climates. I managed very well with a set of winter tyres as the cost of changing twice a year wasn’t too bad. Even cheaper if you can store the tyres on a set of steel wheels or smaller alloys.
You may then be fine with a RWD drive which brings say the BMW 1 series into play
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107235...
My take would be that you may not need four wheel drive if you either put a set of winter tyres on or use the all season tyres such as the Michelin Cross Climates. I managed very well with a set of winter tyres as the cost of changing twice a year wasn’t too bad. Even cheaper if you can store the tyres on a set of steel wheels or smaller alloys.
You may then be fine with a RWD drive which brings say the BMW 1 series into play
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107235...
I’ve had a 2015 s4 avant, 2 golf r estates and a c7 A6 (although not the biturbo) and my thoughts are basically as follows - Audis are much nicer places to be, but the golf was basically the perfect all round car. Just let down a bit by interior plastics and looks.
I wouldn’t worry too much about them being driven hard. Look for golfs that have some options added as they’re less likely to have been lease cars early on.
If you go for the S4 - try and find one with a sports diff as it really helps with tye handling. They’re quite spec sensitive too - engine also feels pretty anodyne so although they’re quick, they’re so linear they never really feel it. Golf is much more fun.
A6 is a big and heavy car. Incredible motorway mile muncher, but zero fun otherwise and big old barges in town.
I wouldn’t worry too much about them being driven hard. Look for golfs that have some options added as they’re less likely to have been lease cars early on.
If you go for the S4 - try and find one with a sports diff as it really helps with tye handling. They’re quite spec sensitive too - engine also feels pretty anodyne so although they’re quick, they’re so linear they never really feel it. Golf is much more fun.
A6 is a big and heavy car. Incredible motorway mile muncher, but zero fun otherwise and big old barges in town.
Hi guys,
Thanks for the replies so far. I had actually considered the M140i, we will be moving to Stoke-on-Trent initially for the first year and then somewhere in that area (Crewe, Stafford etc).
The only problem with the M140i is the wife....I terrorise her now and then with the IS 350 when I switch the traction control off and she hates it haha 😂 I'm by no means an excellent driver but I do know how to let the back out and have some fun haha, the other reason I had removed the M140i from the shortlist was because I was a bit wary of it in the wet/snow. If I don't be an idiot and switch the traction control off will it be alright and not end us up in a hedge?
I am very happy you told me about the S4s power delivery, I hate linear power delivery, it is the same in the Lexus, although faster than my wife's Focus ST it feels sedate and dull, it doesn't give you that push that the ST does when the boost hits. I have removed the A6 from the shortlist due to it being a barge as you've said.
How does the Golf R feel power delivery wise? Basically I'm looking for something that will be our daily driver but also something that can put a smile on your face.
Thanks
Thanks for the replies so far. I had actually considered the M140i, we will be moving to Stoke-on-Trent initially for the first year and then somewhere in that area (Crewe, Stafford etc).
The only problem with the M140i is the wife....I terrorise her now and then with the IS 350 when I switch the traction control off and she hates it haha 😂 I'm by no means an excellent driver but I do know how to let the back out and have some fun haha, the other reason I had removed the M140i from the shortlist was because I was a bit wary of it in the wet/snow. If I don't be an idiot and switch the traction control off will it be alright and not end us up in a hedge?
I am very happy you told me about the S4s power delivery, I hate linear power delivery, it is the same in the Lexus, although faster than my wife's Focus ST it feels sedate and dull, it doesn't give you that push that the ST does when the boost hits. I have removed the A6 from the shortlist due to it being a barge as you've said.
How does the Golf R feel power delivery wise? Basically I'm looking for something that will be our daily driver but also something that can put a smile on your face.
Thanks
brentrentatent said:
Hi guys,
Thanks for the replies so far. I had actually considered the M140i, we will be moving to Stoke-on-Trent initially for the first year and then somewhere in that area (Crewe, Stafford etc).
The only problem with the M140i is the wife....I terrorise her now and then with the IS 350 when I switch the traction control off and she hates it haha ?? I'm by no means an excellent driver but I do know how to let the back out and have some fun haha, the other reason I had removed the M140i from the shortlist was because I was a bit wary of it in the wet/snow. If I don't be an idiot and switch the traction control off will it be alright and not end us up in a hedge?
I am very happy you told me about the S4s power delivery, I hate linear power delivery, it is the same in the Lexus, although faster than my wife's Focus ST it feels sedate and dull, it doesn't give you that push that the ST does when the boost hits. I have removed the A6 from the shortlist due to it being a barge as you've said.
How does the Golf R feel power delivery wise? Basically I'm looking for something that will be our daily driver but also something that can put a smile on your face.
Thanks
Having spent 15 years in the stoke on Trent area I can count on one hand the amount of times we had more than about an inch of snow.Thanks for the replies so far. I had actually considered the M140i, we will be moving to Stoke-on-Trent initially for the first year and then somewhere in that area (Crewe, Stafford etc).
The only problem with the M140i is the wife....I terrorise her now and then with the IS 350 when I switch the traction control off and she hates it haha ?? I'm by no means an excellent driver but I do know how to let the back out and have some fun haha, the other reason I had removed the M140i from the shortlist was because I was a bit wary of it in the wet/snow. If I don't be an idiot and switch the traction control off will it be alright and not end us up in a hedge?
I am very happy you told me about the S4s power delivery, I hate linear power delivery, it is the same in the Lexus, although faster than my wife's Focus ST it feels sedate and dull, it doesn't give you that push that the ST does when the boost hits. I have removed the A6 from the shortlist due to it being a barge as you've said.
How does the Golf R feel power delivery wise? Basically I'm looking for something that will be our daily driver but also something that can put a smile on your face.
Thanks
Unless you are heading out to the moorlands around leek or biddulph or up towards the peak district you will not need 4wd.
blue_haddock said:
Having spent 15 years in the stoke on Trent area I can count on one hand the amount of times we had more than about an inch of snow.
Unless you are heading out to the moorlands around leek or biddulph or up towards the peak district you will not need 4wd.
I would tend to agree with that - if you wanted to play really really safe, then the Cross Climates get some good reviews though not sure what size they go up to now. Unless you are heading out to the moorlands around leek or biddulph or up towards the peak district you will not need 4wd.
However, normally standard tyres will be fine and if it should snow, then stay at home!
This is good news about the snow, having only been there a handful of times in my youth I didn't really have an accurate representation of things in my mind. I thought there would have been far, far more snow.
Decision time now though...M140i or Golf 7 R? I see decent M140i's are on the very top end of my budget as I would only really be interested in the automatic renditions of either car.
Here is a good example of what I would be looking at Golf wise: ( https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110168... )
and M140i wise: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...
I get the BMW is quite a bit newer, but is it worth the extra cash?
Decision time now though...M140i or Golf 7 R? I see decent M140i's are on the very top end of my budget as I would only really be interested in the automatic renditions of either car.
Here is a good example of what I would be looking at Golf wise: ( https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110168... )
and M140i wise: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...
I get the BMW is quite a bit newer, but is it worth the extra cash?
Realistically in all my time living in stoke I've never had an issue in driving round the main parts of the city even in the bit of snow we did get, like I said if you venture out towards the Moors and peak.districk then you may need 4wd a few times a year but in the city you'll be fine.
If you need any more info on the area drop me a pm as I'm still in stoke regularly as the eldest is at Keele uni plus I've still got lots of friends in the area.
If you want some help sourcing a car have a word with Umesh @ specialist cars, he is an absolute diamond and all his cars are fantastic condition.
https://www.specialistcars-stoke.co.uk/
If you need any more info on the area drop me a pm as I'm still in stoke regularly as the eldest is at Keele uni plus I've still got lots of friends in the area.
If you want some help sourcing a car have a word with Umesh @ specialist cars, he is an absolute diamond and all his cars are fantastic condition.
https://www.specialistcars-stoke.co.uk/
There's also the Cupra ST 290 to consider:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202232...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203263...
AWD Skoda Superb 280 Sportline:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203253...
535i Luxury:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203073...
3.0TT A6 (same drivetrain as the S4)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111209...
Mercedes CLA 250 AWD:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204114...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204054...
Insignia VXR tick all of your boxes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202232...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203263...
AWD Skoda Superb 280 Sportline:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203253...
535i Luxury:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203073...
3.0TT A6 (same drivetrain as the S4)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111209...
Mercedes CLA 250 AWD:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204114...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204054...
Insignia VXR tick all of your boxes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...
Both the M140/S3/R appeal to the same market and have had the same types of driver.
Both are similar in that they are good cars however they are a bit different.
Interior and looks is subjective and up to you. I like both.
M140i is dominated by the engine and has RWD. Suspension is a bit rubbish on a B road so it more cruiser than hot hatch. It is unique but compared to the other hot hatches.
Golf R is more roomy and bit more of an all round car. It doesn’t really have a weakness except it is a VW car which means it feels safer.
I’d suggest looking at the Cupra for value for money. Also the RenaultSport Megane, 308GTI and Focus ST. Bit more will get you an I30n or new ST.
Both are similar in that they are good cars however they are a bit different.
Interior and looks is subjective and up to you. I like both.
M140i is dominated by the engine and has RWD. Suspension is a bit rubbish on a B road so it more cruiser than hot hatch. It is unique but compared to the other hot hatches.
Golf R is more roomy and bit more of an all round car. It doesn’t really have a weakness except it is a VW car which means it feels safer.
I’d suggest looking at the Cupra for value for money. Also the RenaultSport Megane, 308GTI and Focus ST. Bit more will get you an I30n or new ST.
blue_haddock said:
Realistically in all my time living in stoke I've never had an issue in driving round the main parts of the city even in the bit of snow we did get, like I said if you venture out towards the Moors and peak.districk then you may need 4wd a few times a year but in the city you'll be fine.
If you need any more info on the area drop me a pm as I'm still in stoke regularly as the eldest is at Keele uni plus I've still got lots of friends in the area.
If you want some help sourcing a car have a word with Umesh @ specialist cars, he is an absolute diamond and all his cars are fantastic condition.
https://www.specialistcars-stoke.co.uk/
Thanks I will definitely do that when I come over! If you need any more info on the area drop me a pm as I'm still in stoke regularly as the eldest is at Keele uni plus I've still got lots of friends in the area.
If you want some help sourcing a car have a word with Umesh @ specialist cars, he is an absolute diamond and all his cars are fantastic condition.
https://www.specialistcars-stoke.co.uk/
Thanks for all of these options.
I had thought of the Cupra 290 in hatchback guise but then quickly dismissed it because it was Fwd, my wife's ST is atrocious in the wet even under moderate throttle due to wheel hop, but maybe that was due to sh*tty Goodyear tyres, however the Cupra with a dsg transmission may fix that problem.
The M140i is looking more appealing due to the extra grunt but then again quite a few people have said the Golf R is a great all rounder, this is something that quite a few friends have reiterated here too but I am yet to drive either the R or M140i so it is difficult to compare.
The last golf I drove was a Golf 5 Gti and the interior disappointed me compared to my E90, have they improved since then?
I had thought of the Cupra 290 in hatchback guise but then quickly dismissed it because it was Fwd, my wife's ST is atrocious in the wet even under moderate throttle due to wheel hop, but maybe that was due to sh*tty Goodyear tyres, however the Cupra with a dsg transmission may fix that problem.
The M140i is looking more appealing due to the extra grunt but then again quite a few people have said the Golf R is a great all rounder, this is something that quite a few friends have reiterated here too but I am yet to drive either the R or M140i so it is difficult to compare.
The last golf I drove was a Golf 5 Gti and the interior disappointed me compared to my E90, have they improved since then?
The Focus ST is quite hoppy and struggles with torque steer as part of the character of the car. The Cupra is very different and has a lot more traction and very little to no torque steer.
In regards to traction my m135i use to have the traction control kick in all the time on a certain stretch of road after work on anything but a bone dry day. My GTI at 315bhp doesn’t have that issue anywhere near to the same extent though I’m not a traffic light warrior at all. Down a B the suspension means the m135i is going to be left behind by FWD and AWD.
Interior quality is much the same I found. Base it on whatever is the most appealing to you but both are perfectly adequate. I prefer I-drive but hate the dials.
At your budget I’d go Cupra with DSG over the R or m140i. Civic Type R FK2 is also in budget though the suspension is suppose to be rough.
In regards to traction my m135i use to have the traction control kick in all the time on a certain stretch of road after work on anything but a bone dry day. My GTI at 315bhp doesn’t have that issue anywhere near to the same extent though I’m not a traffic light warrior at all. Down a B the suspension means the m135i is going to be left behind by FWD and AWD.
Interior quality is much the same I found. Base it on whatever is the most appealing to you but both are perfectly adequate. I prefer I-drive but hate the dials.
At your budget I’d go Cupra with DSG over the R or m140i. Civic Type R FK2 is also in budget though the suspension is suppose to be rough.
brentrentatent said:
Hi guys,
I am very happy you told me about the S4s power delivery, I hate linear power delivery, it is the same in the Lexus
It's not the same, the S4 is supercharged. Torque from low rpm and all the way up plus no turbo lag to worry about. The excellent AWD system is great fun in the wet as well. Can be a bit thirsty though. Avant is very practical and B&O sound system is very good. B8.5 reliability is excellent. I am very happy you told me about the S4s power delivery, I hate linear power delivery, it is the same in the Lexus
Cheers for the replies.
The Cupra R is looking quite appealing now and I can get a newer one than a Golf R.
I'm also pleased to hear about the S4, the reason I likened it to the Lexus (as I've never driven a S4) is because my car is "supposed" to have around 265ftlb(360nm) at 2000rpm already and then peaking at 280ftlb(380nm) at 4800rpm, in reality though anything below 4500 feels absolutely useless and sluggish.
And then the gearbox oh my, I always tell my wife the gearbox learnt a thing or 2 from her because it only listens when it feels like it haha.
Both bmws I've owned had a kickdown when floored, giving you optimum power and torque the minute you mash the throttle to the floor in any given situation.
Lexus however thought it would be good to omit that.... I've had countless occasions where I would floor it at say 2500rpm and it wouldn't kick down, leaving me looking like a right idiot waiting for something to happen and then the youngster in his Fiesta ST who I wanted to teach a lesson sits there laughing at me because his car with just over half the power of mine destroyed me, needless to say I try make as if I wasn't trying lol. It has paddles for the 8 speed box but they are just as tardy to respond if it's not in manual mode.
I think the entire experience is also soured because I am about 5750ft above sea level where we stay so the car is struggling for air. I've never had it at the coast to sea how it would be there.
Would you liken the S4s delivery to a nice wallop down low? If so that would suit me just fine, I don't plan to be getting any fines or trouble with the police, I'd just like to enjoy the car from a standstill and get "pushed into the seat and have my insides tingle a little" so to say.
The Cupra R is looking quite appealing now and I can get a newer one than a Golf R.
I'm also pleased to hear about the S4, the reason I likened it to the Lexus (as I've never driven a S4) is because my car is "supposed" to have around 265ftlb(360nm) at 2000rpm already and then peaking at 280ftlb(380nm) at 4800rpm, in reality though anything below 4500 feels absolutely useless and sluggish.
And then the gearbox oh my, I always tell my wife the gearbox learnt a thing or 2 from her because it only listens when it feels like it haha.
Both bmws I've owned had a kickdown when floored, giving you optimum power and torque the minute you mash the throttle to the floor in any given situation.
Lexus however thought it would be good to omit that.... I've had countless occasions where I would floor it at say 2500rpm and it wouldn't kick down, leaving me looking like a right idiot waiting for something to happen and then the youngster in his Fiesta ST who I wanted to teach a lesson sits there laughing at me because his car with just over half the power of mine destroyed me, needless to say I try make as if I wasn't trying lol. It has paddles for the 8 speed box but they are just as tardy to respond if it's not in manual mode.
I think the entire experience is also soured because I am about 5750ft above sea level where we stay so the car is struggling for air. I've never had it at the coast to sea how it would be there.
Would you liken the S4s delivery to a nice wallop down low? If so that would suit me just fine, I don't plan to be getting any fines or trouble with the police, I'd just like to enjoy the car from a standstill and get "pushed into the seat and have my insides tingle a little" so to say.
The S4 has the DSG box which is very responsive and kickdown is never a problem, but it does need fluid and filter changes every 38k miles with their special DSG fluid. It's a fairly easy job, takes about an hour.
High rpm will always be king, but I find the low down grunt more than enough for pulling away when coming off roundabouts etc. Pop it in sport mode and it will hold the revs higher and it's pretty much instant full on acceleration with the car becoming quite light and chuckable.
The B8.5 in the UK has a few extras such as the addition of Manifold Port Injection (better fuel economy and solves the valve carbon problem of Direct Injection) and it also introduces an electromagnetic clutch for the supercharger, this allows the s/c to disengage under light load or idle and increases fuel economy. Both these also help with emissions so tax is low and it's Euro 6. It also has a later revision of the DSG box, I believe the earlier ones were prone to failure with the mechatronics unit.
I took my mate out in mine after having some fun against his Yaris GR which has the front and rear LSD and he couldn't believe the grip of the S4. But probably best for you to test one out yourself, it may not be for you. The Avant is very handy though, I've hauled all sorts in mine.
High rpm will always be king, but I find the low down grunt more than enough for pulling away when coming off roundabouts etc. Pop it in sport mode and it will hold the revs higher and it's pretty much instant full on acceleration with the car becoming quite light and chuckable.
The B8.5 in the UK has a few extras such as the addition of Manifold Port Injection (better fuel economy and solves the valve carbon problem of Direct Injection) and it also introduces an electromagnetic clutch for the supercharger, this allows the s/c to disengage under light load or idle and increases fuel economy. Both these also help with emissions so tax is low and it's Euro 6. It also has a later revision of the DSG box, I believe the earlier ones were prone to failure with the mechatronics unit.
I took my mate out in mine after having some fun against his Yaris GR which has the front and rear LSD and he couldn't believe the grip of the S4. But probably best for you to test one out yourself, it may not be for you. The Avant is very handy though, I've hauled all sorts in mine.
Thanks for the replies.
I am seriously now leaning towards the S4 due to the nicer interior and the size of the Avant.
Just one question, however silly it may sound. For those who have driven in a 7R/Cupra 290 and a S4, which "feels" faster and will give that everyday smile when the throttle is floored?
I am thinking of testing both a S4 and 7R before leaving the country if possible to help with the decision.
I am seriously now leaning towards the S4 due to the nicer interior and the size of the Avant.
Just one question, however silly it may sound. For those who have driven in a 7R/Cupra 290 and a S4, which "feels" faster and will give that everyday smile when the throttle is floored?
I am thinking of testing both a S4 and 7R before leaving the country if possible to help with the decision.
S4 is a great car and the one i’d choose…in fact I had one for three years and would still have it now had it not been stolen.
As previous poster said its pretty lively if you stick it in sport it does get off the line very quickly.
Compared to my C63 which has more mid range and high end the S4 feels like it has a very useable powerband and has plenty of power for every road based scenario and deploys the power effectively with the four wheel drive.
Accelerating hard in the wet it just gripped and went, likewise was great in snow with winter tyres.
I found it to be a fantastic all rounder and would have had another but didn’t want to risk a second theft
As previous poster said its pretty lively if you stick it in sport it does get off the line very quickly.
Compared to my C63 which has more mid range and high end the S4 feels like it has a very useable powerband and has plenty of power for every road based scenario and deploys the power effectively with the four wheel drive.
Accelerating hard in the wet it just gripped and went, likewise was great in snow with winter tyres.
I found it to be a fantastic all rounder and would have had another but didn’t want to risk a second theft
brentrentatent said:
Thanks for the replies.
I am seriously now leaning towards the S4 due to the nicer interior and the size of the Avant.
Just one question, however silly it may sound. For those who have driven in a 7R/Cupra 290 and a S4, which "feels" faster and will give that everyday smile when the throttle is floored?
I am thinking of testing both a S4 and 7R before leaving the country if possible to help with the decision.
I have had an older S4 (the 4.2 V8) and a manual 7R. I am seriously now leaning towards the S4 due to the nicer interior and the size of the Avant.
Just one question, however silly it may sound. For those who have driven in a 7R/Cupra 290 and a S4, which "feels" faster and will give that everyday smile when the throttle is floored?
I am thinking of testing both a S4 and 7R before leaving the country if possible to help with the decision.
I found the 7R to be one of the most boring cars I have ever owned. It’s about as exciting as elevator music. It doesn’t feel particularly high quality inside. The pedal weights are all too light, the steering is nothing to write home about and the gearbox is oddly notchy. And its exhaust note is awful, unless you’re a fan of Suburus, in which case it is probably fantastic.
It’s quick without being ballistic, but it never gave me a smile when I booted it. Possibly because it runs out of puff quite early in the rev range. Oh yes, I wasn’t a fan of the turbo’d engine either. I’ve had NA, SC and turbo’d engines, and that is my order of preference from best to worst.
I’d have the S4 Avant in a heartbeat from your initial list.
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