Audi S3 Saloon

[Scott.T]

Test drove an Audi S3 Saloon (300ps) today with a view to jump out of the Diesel Avant and get back into a petrol (I only do 8 miles a day and that's if I pop home for lunch).

The plan was to try the S3 Saloon manual and then try the S-Tronic.
Didn't bother with the S-Tronic as the S3 in general didn't give me that fizz and I was pretty underwhelmed.

My previous S4 although 6 years older was a much better car both in cabin feel and power delivery. Although on paper there's only 33BHP in it, the S4 felt so much better with the Supercharged V6.

It reminded me of when I bought and collected my STi Hawkeye (320ps PPP) from Halifax and nailed it up the slip-road on the M1. I was left with a feeling of "is that it......I was expecting more".

The S3 is yet another modern turbo charged car where they have mapped out the 'turboness' and made it feel linear and normally aspirated. Which is exactly what I un-done when I remapped the Hawkeye.

In a way it's a shame, but on a more positive note it allowed me to rattle that one out of my head and throw that option on the heap. Big thanks to E'bourne Audi for getting the S3 shipped over from Brighton for the trial.

Walking back across the Audi forecourt back to my Avant it did look very nice in all it's Sepang blue'ness, amongst the regular Black/Grey/Silver Audi brigade.
It's just a shame it doesn't deliver what it looks like and goes dugger dugger instead of broom broom pop crackle........

Sepang Blue RS3 test drive tomorrow then .......

[scotty]

RS4 the tarmac muncher would be a contender for what might suit your needs with noise and power .

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by scotty

RS4 the tarmac muncher would be a contender for what might suit your needs with noise and power .

Nice cars but I couldn't justify running the V8. Another S4 or an S5 Sportback may be in contention though.

[Banstead Stig]

I'm very keen to hear your thoughts on the RS3 as that's one I'm very interested in as my next car.

They've got one say at my local dealer, luring me in!

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Banstead Stig

I'm very keen to hear your thoughts on the RS3 as that's one I'm very interested in as my next car.

They've got one say at my local dealer, luring me in!

I've got to go to Tunbridge Wells Audi early tomorrow as Oliver has arranged with the sales manager to go in a video their 2 R8's. I will see what RS's I can drive while he's doing that.

[555_Si]

Merc AMG A45???

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by 555_Si

Merc AMG A45???

Can't stand the look of them. They look like a Korean hatchback with a bodykit.
A guy near my work had a Mk1 RS Focus, then a Mk2 RS Focus and now an AMG A45...it looks hideous parked outside his office compared to the MK2 RS that was there previously.

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

I've got to go to Tunbridge Wells Audi early tomorrow as Oliver has arranged with the sales manager to go in a video their 2 R8's. I will see what RS's I can drive while he's doing that.

Sounds like a decent morning out.

I've driven a R8. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd definitely have one.

If you are flush with time, try the S1 if they have one. My friend drove one and was raving about it. Too small for my liking, but apparently it's great fun.

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Can't stand the look of them. They look like a Korean hatchback with a bodykit.
A guy near my work had a Mk1 RS Focus, then a Mk2 RS Focus and now an AMG A45...it looks hideous parked outside his office compared to the MK2 RS that was there previously.

You don't have to have the full bodykit. I really like the more subtle version (although maybe that's the one you mean and it is not for you!). Alas, I'm told that are quite inadequate compared to the RS3.

[Hongkongfooi]

are you really thinking of changing again?

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Hongkongfooi

are you really thinking of changing again?

I was toying with the S3 or the A5 Sportback Quattro but as the 300ps S3 didn't cut it then the 230ps A5 sure won't.
Shame though as I was quoted £7600 discount on the outgoing/soon to be revised A5.

[thepieman]

You've been through so many Audi types lately, are you sure thats the correct brand for you?


and if your seriously thinking of changing either one or 'both' you won't get much better of a showroom than the Nurburgring trip So get your blooming name down

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by thepieman

You've been through so many Audi types lately, are you sure thats the correct brand for you?


and if your seriously thinking of changing either one or 'both' you won't get much better of a showroom than the Nurburgring trip So get your blooming name down

100%.

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by thepieman

you won't get much better of a showroom than the Nurburgring trip So get your blooming name down

Subtle

[Lazadude]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

I was toying with the S3 or the A5 Sportback Quattro but as the 300ps S3 didn't cut it then the 230ps A5 sure won't.
Shame though as I was quoted £7600 discount on the outgoing/soon to be revised A5.

There's lots of haggle room in Audi's atm, you can use broadspeed to take off the "showroom tax".

Currently get 8k off the 3.0tdi Black Edition, or 7.5k off the 2.0 TFSI as a starting point: https://broadspeed.com/main/search_r...5/5/Sportback/

[ScoobyStu]

What about a 135i? Got good reviews and look very nice too imho.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by ScoobyStu

What about a 135i? Got good reviews and look very nice too imho.

Too small and it looks like it's been rear ended by a bus.

A5 are a cracking deal at the moment and look the dogs in Black Edition Plus trim. Just not sure the power level is quite there. Can get them to 290-315bhp with a tuning module.
But S3 can go to 370 and S4 to 400 with similar dealer undetectable modules.

[ScoobyStu]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Too small and it looks like it's been rear ended by a bus.

A5 are a cracking deal at the moment and look the dogs in Black Edition Plus trim. Just not sure the power level is quite there. Can get them to 290-315bhp with a tuning module.
But S3 can go to 370 and S4 to 400 with similar dealer undetectable modules.

Haha, yeah the back end is a bit like that! Like A5's, depending on my budget, the 3.0 tdi may have to be an option for me. The S3/4 are very tuneable, seems they've held them back so as not to upset the RS range.

[Scott.T]

Test drove a 2012 RS3 sportback Saturday.
It had a bit more poke (335bhp) than the S3 and was S-tronic.
It was a little dated inside and similar style to a B7 2007/2008 A4/RS4 so not as good a perch as in the later S3.

What it did make me realise is that in order to get the 'fun factor' from an Audi that the S-tronic and Damper control is a must.
It brings that extra element that allows you to convert from wafting to hooning in the paddle shift mode.

The S3 would manage this better than the earlier RS3 as the S3 will waft or hoon depending on settings. However in the RS3 it was neither a wafter or hooner but somewhere in the middle.
I was disappointed with the RS3 exhaust note and almost non-existent up shift barks. My old S4 was more audible. I think the latest RS3 has gone full-on in this respect.

[Lucky]

I think its new German performance cars in general to be honest. They've all gone for the smooth power delivery and they are so well built that you really don't realise how fast you are going, which seems to be what they aim for.

ive also driven the S3 and found it about as uninspiring as the golf r that we run at work. Don't get me wrong, in the real world they are quick cars but soleless. I went out in a mates new 535d msport and was expecting to feel the massive surge that the torque suggests but didn't.

I think the nearest thing to a new scoob (not counting the new sti which is still far to expensive to run compared to its rivals) is the ne Honda Civic type r . It's got mad looks and had rave reviews on performance and feel. I will definitely be trying one when the merc goes back. The new focus RS could be worth a try too.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Lucky

The new focus RS could be worth a try too.

I'm waiting on that one, although having sat in one the seating position is too high and doesn't appear to be adjustable in the optional Recaro and if I can't sit in a Recaro then that rules the whole car out IMHO.
The fit/finish inside was better than expected but no Audi.
For such a sporting pedigree car the steering wheel was hideous.

In the small amount of what appear to be magazine but 'ford weighted' youtube reviews they talk about pops and bangs but I'm struggling to hear them on the footage.

The Civic looks like some of my boyz Hot Wheels cars. Needs to loose the red bits and gain 4WD.

The Cupra Sub8 pack gets great reviews but add Sub8 makes it S3 money and that comes with more toys, comfort and 4WD.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Lucky

I went out in a mates new 535d msport and was expecting to feel the massive surge that the torque suggests but didn't.

I think these torque figures are a bit contrived/misleading.
Yes they produce that torque but only on a wide open throttle from low revs.
The drive by wire throttle mapping prevents max torque being applied at part throttle, in order to give you that linear power delivery.
Hence why I fitted a DTUK pedal box to the A4.
I now have the choice of 'old man' torque delivery or 'baseball cap' torque delivery.

[ScoobyStu]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Test drove a 2012 RS3 sportback Saturday.
It had a bit more poke (335bhp) than the S3 and was S-tronic.
It was a little dated inside and similar style to a B7 2007/2008 A4/RS4 so not as good a perch as in the later S3.

What it did make me realise is that in order to get the 'fun factor' from an Audi that the S-tronic and Damper control is a must.
It brings that extra element that allows you to convert from wafting to hooning in the paddle shift mode.

The S3 would manage this better than the earlier RS3 as the S3 will waft or hoon depending on settings. However in the RS3 it was neither a wafter or hooner but somewhere in the middle.
I was disappointed with the RS3 exhaust note and almost non-existent up shift barks. My old S4 was more audible. I think the latest RS3 has gone full-on in this respect.

A lot of reviewers picked up on the dated look of the cabin in an RS3 and said pretty much the same as you. The new one is meant to be better and improves upon the mk1's floors but is very expensive still.

There is supposedly a sport button you push which increases the exhaust noise but having driven Subarus as long as you have, I guess most cars seem tame in comparison when it comes to noise! I'd love one as it gives the best of both worlds but at (currently) circa £25k, is out of my reach.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by ScoobyStu

A lot of reviewers picked up on the dated look of the cabin in an RS3 and said pretty much the same as you. The new one is meant to be better and improves upon the mk1's floors but is very expensive still.

There is supposedly a sport button you push which increases the exhaust noise but having driven Subarus as long as you have, I guess most cars seem tame in comparison when it comes to noise! I'd love one as it gives the best of both worlds but at (currently) circa £25k, is out of my reach.

I was pushing the sport button in and out on the A21 Pembury bypass. It did make a difference but certainly didn't make it all snarly.

[ScoobyStu]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

I was pushing the sport button in and out on the A21 Pembury bypass. It did make a difference but certainly didn't make it all snarly.

Shame as they have the potential to sound amazing I think. Nothing an exhaust swap wouldn't fix mind.

[Scott.T]

Just had my weekly Audi Coffee fix. Had 4 rings of chocolate powder on my cappachino which was a nice touch.
Test drove a 230ps petrol A4 S-tronic, as they didn't have a petrol A5 Sportback Plus available. It was very nice and a much more pleasurable drive than the 2.0 TDi.
Good bit of torque and much more responsive pull away.
The throttle response was even more responsive off the line than the S3, which seems to had a dead bit of pedal much like my TDi.

Also drove a 300ps S3 S-tronic after last week's dissapointment with the Manual.
It was hard to believe they are the same car. The S-tronic version was so much better pulling through the gears with pops and farts on the up shift.
But will this car end up competing to close to my Subaru ?

I want the S3 engine noises in the A5 please.

Getting the A5 to 300ps is easy enough though.

[Scott.T]

This






Or This :



But which wheels :

[thepieman]

THIS


and the other wheels look SH IT E!

[alfa male]

I like the 10 spoke wheels.

[NL03Scooby]

Originally Posted by thepieman

THIS


and the other wheels look SH IT E!

Agreed, one of my colleagues has a company car which happens to be an Audi with those huge, multi-spoke black wheels, I couldn't believe they are an Audi option, thought someone had gone all Halfords on it.

[Rdlangy1]

Agreed - A5 with 20" rotor alloys

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by NL03Scooby

Agreed, one of my colleagues has a company car which happens to be an Audi with those huge, multi-spoke black wheels, I couldn't believe they are an Audi option, thought someone had gone all Halfords on it.

I thought that when I first saw them about 6 months ago. But they are growing on me.
I think it's an incoming fashion as a few other marque are introducing retro style multi-spokes.
I have seen them on new Porsche, Merc AMG and the Cupra280 Sub8 pack.

[Hongkongfooi]

theres an s3 saloon running round eastbourne. It does sound good, think its dsg if thats your bag?

[Scott.T]

Ignoring the fact that this has an S5 badge on the grill instead of a Quattro this I think is the image that does it for me.

[Banstead Stig]

I'm not a fan of that A5, so for me it would be the S3 saloon.

But if we all liked exactly the same thing it'd be quite a boring world!

[Hongkongfooi]

Originally Posted by Banstead Stig

I'm not a fan of that A5, so for me it would be the S3 saloon.

But if we all liked exactly the same thing it'd be quite a boring world!

agreed. the a5 is a bit too grown up for me

[Scott.T]

Managed to swing by Reading Audi on the way to Cheltenham to see in person one of very few available in my preferred spec and colour combination.
I think I may of decided that the fit form and function ticks many boxes for me.
Internally it has as much room as an A4/S4 but is a lot more chuckable down a British 'A' road.
The only sacrifice is about a small holdall worth of boot space.

The picture does not do it justice and it was a real Wow!!!!! moment when I swung onto the forecourt.

[Hongkongfooi]

rumours are there is going to be an s3 clubsport soon

[Rdlangy1]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Managed to swing by Reading Audi on the way to Cheltenham to see in person one of very few available in my preferred spec and colour combination.
I think I may of decided that the fit form and function ticks many boxes for me.
Internally it has as much room as an A4/S4 but is a lot more chuckable down a British 'A' road.
The only sacrifice is about a small holdall worth of boot space.

The picture does not do it justice and it was a real Wow!!!!! moment when I swung onto the forecourt.

Looks absolutely stunning!!!!!

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Hongkongfooi

rumours are there is going to be an s3 clubsport soon

Rumours have been around for as while. The club sport demonstrator was also thought to be a trial on the reaction for a potential RS3 Saloon.

[Scott.T]

And the A5

[riiidaa]

A5 looks wow me compared

S car mirrors look ****

the 135i Coupe is better looking than the hatch

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by riiidaa

A5 looks wow me compared

S car mirrors look ****

Their in the folded position.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by riiidaa

the 135i Coupe is better looking than the hatch

Not enough doors for my requirements.

[riiidaa]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Their in the folded position.

I was referring to their colour, 💩

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by riiidaa

I was referring to their colour, 💩

All Audi 'S' models have aluminium mirror backs. It's how you tell the Audi in your mirror is a hot one.

[Rdlangy1]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

All Audi 'S' models have aluminium mirror backs. It's how you tell the Audi in your mirror is a hot one.

(Runs out to spray my mirrors chrome!) pmsl

[iPond]

Tough one but I'd lean toward the S3.... I would want the 5 spokes from the S5 on it though which probably isn't possible!

[Scott.T]

Just drove a Cupra 290.
Nah !!!!!!

[riiidaa]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

All Audi 'S' models have aluminium mirror backs. It's how you tell the Audi in your mirror is a hot one.

yes, i'm fully aware, I just think they look **** and i'd have to plastidip them for as long as i owned the car...

[riiidaa]

the 5 spoke deep dish props do suit those the best

[Willowsdad]

S3 saloon for me, but with the rotors and not those horrible BMW looking wheels. The s7 looks better than the s5 sportback, but I'm sure they're probably a little dearer and v8t. Stay away from the BMW garage. They're all fugly!

[jmcc42uk]

Yeah, saw an S7 on massive looking wheels, looked immense. THey must have been 21's or something

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Willowsdad

S3 saloon for me, but with the rotors and not those horrible BMW looking wheels. The s7 looks better than the s5 sportback, but I'm sure they're probably a little dearer and v8t. Stay away from the BMW garage. They're all fugly!

S7 Start at £63,000
With a good but not outrageous set of options £75,000

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Willowsdad

S3 saloon for me, but with the rotors and not those horrible BMW looking wheels

Rotors only come in 18".

I've managed to blag an S-tronic one for use next weekend, as weighing up S-Tronic Vs Manual.
I want to use S-tronic in a day-2-day environment and for more then just a rag up and down a dual carriageway outside the dealers.
The S-tronic comes with bonus's (better exhaust tunes, quicker shifts, launch control and the choice of lazy or full-on) but I need to establish if I can live with some of it's effects when 'it' has control.

I didn't get on too well with my 2010 S4 S-Tronic and I didn't settle in with any of the modes D, S or Full Manual. But it was an earlier system that seemed to of improved on the S3 when I test drove one last week (also tried a DSG in a Cupra290). But it was only a 15 minute session in both, hence the blagging.

The Manual would be the safe bet and 300ps would soon become 370ps

[Rdlangy1]

All sounds great! Where are you testing this one from? My sales guy at Southend Audi said he would be happy to lend you an S5 or S7 to test out e.t.c.

Ryan

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

All sounds great! Where are you testing this one from? My sales guy at Southend Audi said he would be happy to lend you an S5 or S7 to test out e.t.c.

Ryan

Cheers Ryan. But I think I'm going to have a change of plan. The core of my concern on the current A4 is the PCP plan and I was trying to convince myself that a more enjoyable car would settle my mind with respect to PCP financing methods.

It's my first ever PCP and I'm not at all comfortable with what is essentially long term lease with no equity earned in the vehicle at the end of the 36 month term as you either walk away with zip, trade (they may contribute £1000-£1500 to keep you in the brand) or find the money for the balloon settlement.

I'm too used to owning/financing my own car. So am looking to roll back a few years and actually own something with lower depreciation and that will actually have some value in it after 3 years.

[Rdlangy1]

I know exactly what u mean - this is my first car on PCP also and at the end of 5yrs I will still owe £8k... Like you I have always owned my motors and so it's a real shock to the system having to sign up like that.

[RobEvo5]

Curve Ball... Rather than PCP and a new/er car.

Loan/finance Something like a RS4 V8 Saloon or older 4 door M3 V8 Saloon. Both stonking cars, will now hold value pretty well and loose say 3-5K over 3 years still be reliable, still put a big smile on your face and grin factor. 4 doors 400+ponnies.. And will still be worth 15-20K when you go to sell it or get bored. And will probably leave plenty in the kitty for modding/servicing in the time you have it.

[Rdlangy1]

Originally Posted by RobEvo5

Curve Ball... Rather than PCP and a new/er car.

Loan/finance Something like a RS4 V8 Saloon or older 4 door M3 V8 Saloon. Both stonking cars, will now hold value pretty well and loose say 3-5K over 3 years still be reliable, still put a big smile on your face and grin factor. 4 doors 400+ponnies.. And will still be worth 15-20K when you go to sell it or get bored. And will probably leave plenty in the kitty for modding/servicing in the time you have it.

I like a good BMW - apart from the interiors...

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by RobEvo5

Curve Ball... Rather than PCP and a new/er car.

Loan/finance Something like a RS4 V8 Saloon or older 4 door M3 V8 Saloon. Both stonking cars, will now hold value pretty well and loose say 3-5K over 3 years still be reliable, still put a big smile on your face and grin factor. 4 doors 400+ponnies.. And will still be worth 15-20K when you go to sell it or get bored. And will probably leave plenty in the kitty for modding/servicing in the time you have it.

I have thought of those but the V8 day-2-day mpg puts me off.

My mind is all over the place on this topic and I'm driving the family mad.
I get my brain in order and decide what to do then 30 minutes later I've changed it again.

This morning I thought I had decided to ditch the PCP then I walked out the door to see the Sepang Blue A4 on the drive and I i just love the look with the black edition treatment. Then I drove it up the road and thought yuck....bloody diesel !!!

If I had bought the 225bhp A4 Quattro Petrol instead of the 190ps diesel I would probably be loving it and have it up at 280-300bhp by now.

[Rdlangy1]

I'm lucky I guess in that the scoob is enough "fun/fast car" for me...so I have everyday luxury and easy driving with the a6 and then fast and feel like ur working with the machine experience in the scoob....happy chappy

[Scott.T]

The saga continues.
Popped into Audi Tunbridge on the way back from the meet and sat in a A3 S-line (no S3 avaiable) and my head was touching the roof.
Now I know I need a haircut and this one had a sunroof but it did get thinking.
They also had an A5 sportback in there too and back to back with the A3 it looks so much MORE car and very stylish.
Interior is very much the same as my A4 and a very nice place.
What I do like on the A5 are the frameless windows, so very scoob like.

Also test drove a manual SEAT Cupra straight after getting back into Hastings. I know the dealer well and he just chucked me the keys. So had a good drive out of town and on some of my favourite Twisties.
What this highlighted is that a 290ps Cupra isn't a patch on my Scooby for grunt and feel. It was very linear with 2nd gear feeling like it had a torque limiter. 3rd was better but not like the scoob. The artificial noise generator could also end up quite wearing in Cupra mode.

It was good to drive it back-2-back with the scoob. What it has done is prove that the scoob is pretty untouchable in its current guise and I shouldn't be seeking the same thrill it gives, from alternative marque.

If respectable road testers and writers really rate the Cupra and put it very high on the Hot/Mega hatch pedestal when compared to Golf R, RS3, 308 GTI etc then I need to listen to them and accept that any current Hot/Mega hatch it's going to ring my bell.

So that brings me back to the A5 230ps TFSI.
230ps stock is likely to be more then my TDi is with the remap. It's quoted as 240ps but I expect an Audi claimed 230ps will return more on the dyno than a tuners claimed 240ps.
The TFSI can be tuned to 290-310ps easy enough.

For the 10% of time I will be able to use full power I expect it will be plenty. It also won't be competing with the Subaru for power glory, which keeps my interest and heart in the scoob.

We will see what happens next week with the loaner S3. A lot of me wants to come to the same conclusion as with the Cupra. It's trying to compete with the scoob and not only will it fail but that's not my goal.
My goal is comfortable driving but with nice smooth power delivery when I need it.
My original white A4 120ps done the first bit fine and was ok around town. But when out of town you soon realised it only had 120ps. I'm sure another 100+ horsepowers will sort me out.........

[Frenchie]

Looks like you need to keep the Scooby Scott! !!!

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

My mind is all over the place on this topic and I'm driving the family mad.
I get my brain in order and decide what to do then 30 minutes later I've changed it again.

I can sympathise.

Planned to sell the FSTi after two to three years.

As of last Friday I've had it five years!

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Looks like you need to keep the Scooby Scott! !!!

The Scoob is staying.
I just want family wheels that's got a bit of squirt when you need it, isn't an oil burner and can waft along in comfort.
Saw a nice Mercedes CLA style estate today but it was probably a mock AMG with about 150bhp !!!

[Scott.T]

Feedback on the loaner S3.
First things first, I have it until tomorrow....but would happily take it back today, as analysis is completed quicker then expected !!!!

Seating Position
I feel like I sit 'in' the A4 and more 'on' the S3. I noticed this jumping in and out of them at various dealers but I was never 100% sure as I always had to sort out the seat position first.

Test Route
I had about a 1 hour drive back over well known roads between here and the dealer. From Eastbourne up Beachy head, Bell toute lighthouse, Burling gap, Alfriston then back to Hastings.
This is a well trodden route of mine and as some of you know bits of it have been used in magazines and top gear features etc....

Ride Quality / Suspension
On the run down the straight to Burling gap the suspension got very out of shape with an astonishing amount of bounce. I was forced to very quickly hit the dynamic button to firm it up and dial out the bounce (It has Magnetic Ride adaption).

I do know that this is a particularly bouncy road as I have used it before for testing the suspension on the Subaru. But I have never experienced bounce such as the S3 produced, quite shocking.

Interior
Yes there are touches of 'more' modern than the A4, if your into the latest craze of ipads sticking out of the dash. But the touch and feel in the A4 is softer. The round A3/S3 heater vents look like they are made from old milk crates.

Performance
Power delivery was OK but it didn't blow me away (I'm too used to 330BHP in a 1200Kg car, which is the same as 400BHP in a 1400Kg car). It felt like it was trying too hard when compared to the V6 in the S4. It doesn't have the luxury element of the A4/S4 when you change mood/mode. Yes, it does soften up but it's certainly in a lower price bracket/market area.

It suffers the modern issue of having most of the turbo effect mapped out and linear, trying to make it feel like a normally aspirated engine.
Part throttle never gives full boost, despite I expect, the small, super efficient turbo, being quite capable to do so.
I like to have about 80% boost for 40-50% throttle deflection. This gives a much better torque response and makes progress swift without having to drive it's socks off.
The S3 seems to be mapped to give 100% boost only beyond 80% pedal effort (this wasn't measured via VCDS or Torque Pro, just my own interpretation of throttle angle).

Gearbox (S-Tronic)
S-Tronic may be fine for the gentleman who is used to an Auto that wants a bit more flexibility but it's not for the 'Manual' man.
Too many options and too many modes.
In anything other then Dynamic you can cruise along, but when you decide to do something more exiting, which only road conditions can predict, it's either in the wrong gear/out of the torque zone or will have a mad kickdown moment. This kickdown takes longer to engage gears then doing it on the paddles, and sounds like granddad slipping the clutch as it take up drive.

In Dynamic mode in town you have to flick the gearbox back into 'D' instead of the default 'S', otherwise it revs far too high even on light throttle. It's constantly chomping at the bit in what I would call ' just about to pull an overtake mode'.

When you do have that sudden urge to change your driving style you have to consult with the dash options to remind yourself what mode you last set it to, and toggle through to the mode you want. In these situations you haven't' necessarily got the time to start button pressing and staring at screens.
You can perform an immediate override with the paddles but then you are never quite sure how long the override will remain in place. Sometimes it seems to drop back into Auto mode too soon, other times you stare at the dash suddenly realising you are still in manual and need to shift it up yourself.

Driving on the paddles 100% of the time is better, but then you have to ask why have a Auto. The Exhaust farts are a nice touch, but the launch control can be achieved better with a stick and a clutch pedal (yes I tried it).

It's a lot easier to waggle the stick in your left hand, use your left leg and stick it in whatever ever gear suites.

Size
Too small for my current requirements. On paper it didn't look a lot smaller then the A4/A5 but on the drive it looks the same as the Scoob. Checking the numbers again it's only 10cm longer than a Classic Scoob and that's all in the wheelbase. My boys are getting bigger and their holiday clothing requirements no longer fit in a small holdall, so the boot needs to fit 2 large suitcases plus extra's etc.....

Price
RRP is £2000 more then the current offer I have on the A5.
Currently have a 10.8% discount on the table for an S3 and an 18.7% discount for an A5 sport back. I think I know we're I'm heading next and will try and grab one of the last 230ps Manual Quattros before the world runs out of options for a 200-300BHP Manual biassed driver.
Oh !!!! and I will just have to get my weekend power fix from elsewhere

[Rdlangy1]

That's an in depth and highly useful review Scott

Shame it doesn't tick all your boxes though but spending that sort of money you need to be 100%

[scotty]

Sooooo straight to the point it was a **** car then .

[Scott.T]

Well....new car is ordered.
A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSi Black Edition Plus
230ps
-30mm S-Line Sports Suspension (not a per images)
Alcantara/Leather Interior
Interior Lighting Pack
Storage Pack
Heated Front & Rear Seats
Rotor dished alloys

I ditched the rear camera @ £340 (that I have on the A4), as found it was something else to worry about/look at when manoeuvring. Rather then just listening for the beeps.
Also ditched the folding mirrors as I can do that myself and save £180.
Spent the money on keeping the kids warm with somewhere to store their bits when we go away.

Although I do have to tolerate the A4 soot chucker for a few more months.
The A4 is a great looking car, but every time I drive it I wince at the noise, lack of revs and spikey torque delivery.
I also need to avoid anything else hitting it !!!!!! I think it's cursed !!!!!!!

The damn thing seems to be a magnet.......so far I have had a rock crack screen, insulation board bounce off the front, a rock/FOD hit the passenger door on the M25 which chipped the paint smack in the middle of the door panel and on the way to dealers this weekend I had a fallen tree run one of it's limbs the entire length of the passenger side (thankfully it all machined out).

The new one is a fresh factory order, so I need to wait until May/June for delivery.
Clicked a few snaps of a demo one that happened to turn up as we left.

Got a cracking deal through Carwow, which I highly recommend.
It worked out cheaper than a SEAT Leon Cupra by a fair amount, and the SEAT was on 0% !!!! Go figure.........

[Rdlangy1]

Amazing looking machine and love the colour

Can't wait to see this in the flesh!