Facelift S3 - really disappointed

[chrissy85]

Evening people, i'm new here so please bear with me!

Picked up my new s3 2 weeks ago from leeds audi, excellent handover experience and felt like a VIP, really top marks for the people at leeds audi.

I must add i'd test drove a couple of s3's previously (30 min test drives) and i loved the experience, mainly blown away by the sound!

Now the bad news, i'm not liking my s3 at all, i traded in a 65 plate 330d (rear drive not x drive) and i appreciate the 3 series is a higher class car but i was expecting more from the s3.

My issues:

The biggest issue is the unacceptable lag from either the gearbox or engine when pulling away at junctions/roundabouts unless its in sport mode... it feels almost like the ecu has to take 2 seconds off and decide what gear to be in. I didnt notice this on the test drives, maybe cause i only had these in sports mode. Is this normal for s3's? it makes me scared to drive in comfort mode for fear of not being able to pull out if needed, it really is dangerous. audi tested the car and said no fault found.

The handling is extremely disappointing, it doesnt feel nimble round country lanes like i was expecting, it feels extremely nose heavy and definitely does not have the balance or poise of my old 330d. Some bmw owners replace the springs on their x drive models to improve handling, can anything be replaced on the s3 to improve the handling?

The interior is beautiful and feels classy, but i'm struggling to get on with the mmi despite paying extra for the tech pack, it feels a bit clunky and theres to many sub menus compared to idrive, maybe i will get used to this.

Final concern - it doesnt actually feel any quicker than the 330d, it should do!? I think its the gearbox, it just doesnt respond anything like the beemers, even though the audi sales man told me it was infact the same zf gearbox, is this correct?

Overall really disappointed and if i could turn back 2 weeks i would probably do so, i should have tried to arrange a 24 hour test drive or something as its a completely different ball game actually having time with the car on your drive than being sat with a dealer talking all the time.

Maybe i will grow to like the car but i dont think i'll ever love it, i'm left feeling like i should have got the cheaper golf r which is by all accounts a better drive.

Appreciate i may have been spoilt by the bmws handling, and this car does have it plus points (the sound, interior, buildquality, looks) but it feels dead as a car.

Any tips for me on the engine lag issue and handling? If i could make it a *bit* better it would be a start to making me feel like i have some value in my purchase!

I'm left feeling like i've bought the badge and not a car.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MattSedg]

With all due respect, all the points you listed are concerns that should have been picked up on during your test drive?

Mind you...I ordered mine without a test drive, just had a ride along in one whilst I was making my spec. And I love it, but this is my first car like this

 

[chrissy85]

With all due respect, all the points you listed are concerns that should have been picked up on during your test drive?

Mind you...I ordered mine without a test drive, just had a ride along in one whilst I was making my spec. And I love it, but this is my first car like this

Matt I absolutely 100% agree and i am to blame, hence me saying i should have tried for a 24 hour test drive at home.

Its completely different on a test drive with a dealer, they advise routes etc. and detract from actaully driving the car as i would.

Also the lag issue i mentioned is not apparent in sports mode, on the test drives the dealer was adamant i put it in sport (and i agreed as the sound is awesome)! Its just the drive i am trying to improve, theres no excitement. I'm hoping someone comes along with some magic suspension upgrade recommendation.

Thank you

 

[MattSedg]

Matt I absolutely 100% agree and i am to blame, hence me saying i should have tried for a 24 hour test drive at home.

Its completely different on a test drive with a dealer, they advise routes etc. and detract from actaully driving the car as i would.

Also the lag issue i mentioned is not apparent in sports mode, on the test drives the dealer was adamant i put it in sport (and i agreed as the sound is awesome)! Its just the drive i am trying to improve, theres no excitement. I'm hoping someone comes along with some magic suspension upgrade recommendation.

Thank you

a lot of your points I do agree with to be fair, comfort and especially efficiency can be laggy, but in efficiency and putting my clog down still gets me past people on motorways etc. MMI does feel clunky to me but im still figuring out which menus take me where.

Are you based near London or Manchester? I ask because @DJAlix is in London or Manchester and he can recalibrate your mag ride...I had mine done when I was down at AITP9 and it does make a very nice difference, comfort suspension is less bouncy? and dynamic suspension feels way more planted.

 

[Jassyo06]

Evening people, i'm new here so please bear with me!

Picked up my new s3 2 weeks ago from leeds audi, excellent handover experience and felt like a VIP, really top marks for the people at leeds audi.

I must add i'd test drove a couple of s3's previously (30 min test drives) and i loved the experience, mainly blown away by the sound!

Now the bad news, i'm not liking my s3 at all, i traded in a 65 plate 330d (rear drive not x drive) and i appreciate the 3 series is a higher class car but i was expecting more from the s3.

My issues:

The biggest issue is the unacceptable lag from either the gearbox or engine when pulling away at junctions/roundabouts unless its in sport mode... it feels almost like the ecu has to take 2 seconds off and decide what gear to be in. I didnt notice this on the test drives, maybe cause i only had these in sports mode. Is this normal for s3's? it makes me scared to drive in comfort mode for fear of not being able to pull out if needed, it really is dangerous. audi tested the car and said no fault found.

The handling is extremely disappointing, it doesnt feel nimble round country lanes like i was expecting, it feels extremely nose heavy and definitely does not have the balance or poise of my old 330d. Some bmw owners replace the springs on their x drive models to improve handling, can anything be replaced on the s3 to improve the handling?

The interior is beautiful and feels classy, but i'm struggling to get on with the mmi despite paying extra for the tech pack, it feels a bit clunky and theres to many sub menus compared to idrive, maybe i will get used to this.

Final concern - it doesnt actually feel any quicker than the 330d, it should do!? I think its the gearbox, it just doesnt respond anything like the beemers, even though the audi sales man told me it was infact the same zf gearbox, is this correct?

Overall really disappointed and if i could turn back 2 weeks i would probably do so, i should have tried to arrange a 24 hour test drive or something as its a completely different ball game actually having time with the car on your drive than being sat with a dealer talking all the time.

Maybe i will grow to like the car but i dont think i'll ever love it, i'm left feeling like i should have got the cheaper golf r which is by all accounts a better drive.

Appreciate i may have been spoilt by the bmws handling, and this car does have it plus points (the sound, interior, buildquality, looks) but it feels dead as a car.

Any tips for me on the engine lag issue and handling? If i could make it a *bit* better it would be a start to making me feel like i have some value in my purchase!

I'm left feeling like i've bought the badge and not a car.

Thanks in advance.

Well 30 months ago l felt the exact same as you do,cut to the chase,you'll learn how use the S-Tronic box better the longer you own the car its not a ZF box....its DSG,buy some Eibach Sportline spring with a drop of 15/20 mm this will improve the handling,it wont improve the steering....all Audi's suffer from the same Zombie like steering,you have hatchback on 18"s???

 

[chrissy85]

a lot of your points I do agree with to be fair, comfort and especially efficiency can be laggy, but in efficiency and putting my clog down still gets me past people on motorways etc. MMI does feel clunky to me but im still figuring out which menus take me where.

Are you based near London or Manchester? I ask because @DJAlix is in London or Manchester and he can recalibrate your mag ride...I had mine done when I was down at AITP9 and it does make a very nice difference, comfort suspension is less bouncy? and dynamic suspension feels way more planted.

This is sounding very positive, I am based in leeds so manchester is not far away. I wouldnt say its the bounce thats the issue its more the disconnected feel from the drive and feeling of the nose being mega heavy that loses me confidence in the corners. In the 330d despite having what must be a much heavier diesel engine it just tracked round corners like it was on rails, the s3 feels much more likely to understeer.

I will message the user tomorrow and see what options re the suspension i have.

Thank you again

 

[BMB - 77]

I am going to take the bait here.

Having had many performance cars including a 3series BMW, I can't understand where you are coming from especially regarding the 3 series being a higher class of car. I feel the S3 is a step up from the fairly high spec BMW I had, especially in terms of interior.
I also love the gear box (I assume it's s-tronic) and have no issues with it whatsoever , unless it's on eco which I don't like so I don't put it in that mode and problem solved.
I also like the mag ride and love the fact I can have it soft and relaxing when that suits my mood but firm for the enthusiastic drive when the urge takes me.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and perhaps the car just doesn't suit you but having had mine a year now I am loving it and the itchy feet haven't started yet which is saying something for me.

 

[chrissy85]

Well 30 months ago l felt the exact same as you do,cut to the chase,you'll learn how use the S-Tronic box better the longer you own the car its not a ZF box....its DSG,buy some Eibach Sportline spring with a drop of 15/20 mm this will improve the handling,it wont improve the steering....all Audi's suffer from the same Zombie like steering,you have hatchback on 18"s???

Thanks again for your comments, this forum is very impressive.

I am concerned as to why the salesman told me it was a zf box, surely if its a dsg it should be way quicker than the bmws zf traditional auto?

 

[jungle650]

Read these threads.

The DSG gearbox takes a little getting used to. A pedal box will help add urgency if you also need that.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-pfl-2014-queries.335654/#post-3057356

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...w-fitting-guide-–-audi-s3–-users-view.272708/

Lowering the car slightly will aid with the handling, as will appropriate tyres and believe it or not the correct pressures.


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/is-mag-ride-really-worth-it.330195/#post-3030918


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/ideal-s3-8v-lowering.329067/#post-3026121


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/lowering-springs.320444/#post-2987573

Jungle

 

[chrissy85]

I am going to take the bait here.

Having had many performance cars including a 3series BMW, I can't understand where you are coming from especially regarding the 3 series being a higher class of car. I feel the S3 is a step up from the fairly high spec BMW I had, especially in terms of interior.
I also love the gear box (I assume it's s-tronic) and have no issues with it whatsoever , unless it's on eco which I don't like so I don't put it in that mode and problem solved.
I also like the mag ride and love the fact I can have it soft and relaxing when that suits my mood but firm for the enthusiastic drive when the urge takes me.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and perhaps the car just doesn't suit you but having had mine a year now I am loving it and the itchy feet haven't started yet which is saying something for me.

I totally agree hence my comment re. me expecting the s3 to be better. I simply meant the 3 series is in a different category of car. I completely agree the interior of the s3 is leaps and bounds ahead of the bmw, i imagine the a4/a5 is even better.

Its the drive and handling i cant get on with. This is supposed to be a performance car yet the 3 series is just a glorified mass market mondeo. I'm only saying i expected better, and for the time owning it, it doesnt feel better. Maybe my expectations were too high.

 

[chrissy85]

Read these threads.

The DSG gearbox takes a littlr getting used to. A pedal box will help add urgency if you also need that.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-pfl-2014-queries.335654/#post-3057356

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...w-fitting-guide-–-audi-s3–-users-view.272708/

Lowering the car slightly will aid with the handling, as will appropriate tyres and believe it or not the correct pressures.


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/is-mag-ride-really-worth-it.330195/#post-3030918


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/ideal-s3-8v-lowering.329067/#post-3026121


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/lowering-springs.320444/#post-2987573

Jungle

Absolutely brilliant, i will have a good read this evening.

Its sounding positive that the handling and lag feeling can be fixed.

 

[Dan_G]

Is it new? If you don't think it's quick now, wait until you've got a few miles on it. Mine is 11k and it's VERY quick when the boost kicks in.

Against a friends remapped 330d it pulls away quite quickly.

If I am behind him and he's full throttle, I have to lift, consistently.

You'll learn to just give it more pedal at junctions and it'll spring away quite happily.

Give it time....

 

[Jassyo06]

Thanks again for your comments, this forum is very impressive.

I am concerned as to why the salesman told me it was a zf box, surely if its a dsg it should be way quicker than the bmws zf traditional auto?

You'll adapt....but lower the ****** thing..at least thats a start....and wont **** up....any warranty,the DSG takes a wee bit getting use to it really does its slow to downshif tand too quick to change up.....you hit 5th gear just after 33 mph.....gash,l only use auto mode to pull away...like until it hits 3rd...then its all manual changes from then.....always in manual,except from pulling away

 

[chrissy85]

Is it new? If you don't think it's quick now, wait until you've got a few miles on it. Mine is 11k and it's VERY quick when the boost kicks in.

Against a friends remapped 330d it pulls away quite quickly.

If I am behind him and he's full throttle, I have to lift, consistently.

You'll learn to just give it more pedal at junctions and it'll spring away quite happily.

Give it time....

Sounds very positive and maybe a good excuse to go on a road trip to get some miles on it.

Only fair to add my 330d had the m performance kit on which raised it to 300~bhp, i imagine it had much more torque than the s3 too.

Maybe just a bit of buyers remourse too, it may wear off. Going to look at the pedal box for sure.

 

[Jassyo06]

My Opinion on how fast the S3 is....l dont...lol,its fast off the mark using LAUNCH CONTROL.....but lacks mid range punch,but its still faster than any 3/4 30d...car but that's not anything to brag about in real world driving,if you want the S3.....Zing along......you need to take it to Stage1....simples

 

[Oliver Noble]

I'm due delivery of an S3 SB in the coming weeks, I had 2 dealer test drives and then persuaded them to let me take the demo to West Country for the weekend from Southampton (this is when I was sold) my current car is a 220d M-Sport Auto.

The BM I also find is very laggy in anything but sport or sport +, I also found this is in the S3 but this is also suits how and when I want to drive the car, I don't always want the 'kicking' feeling as it up shifts especially if I have the grandparents in the car etc. I think the lovely thing about drive select is being able to have **** off the shovel mode and the oh I'm not turning up to meet a client and don't want a loud car mode!

Every new car especially changing brand will take time to get used too (I drive lots of different cars, vans etc.

Patience is a virtue plus a good excuse to chuck some 'getting used to' miles on the car! Enjoy the bank holiday driving!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chrissy85]

My Opinion on how fast the S3 is....l dont...lol,its fast off the mark using LAUNCH CONTROL.....but lacks mid range punch,but its still faster than any 3/4 30d...car but that's not anything to brag about in real world driving,if you want the S3.....Zing along......you need to take it to Stage1....simples

I think you just hit the nail on the head, its the mid range punch that lacks, the 330d could do between 40 and 70 in what felt like a couple of seconds, the s3 feels like it has to think, rev a bit, then pull.

How much should i save up for a remap?!

 

[chrissy85]

I'm due delivery of an S3 SB in the coming weeks, I had 2 dealer test drives and then persuaded them to let me take the demo to West Country for the weekend from Southampton (this is when I was sold) my current car is a 220d M-Sport Auto.

The BM I also find is very laggy in anything but sport or sport +, I also found this is in the S3 but this is also suits how and when I want to drive the car, I don't always want the 'kicking' feeling as it up shifts especially if I have the grandparents in the car etc. I think the lovely thing about drive select is being able to have **** off the shovel mode and the oh I'm not turning up to meet a client and don't want a loud car mode!

Every new car especially changing brand will take time to get used too (I drive lots of different cars, vans etc.

Patience is a virtue plus a good excuse to chuck some 'getting used to' miles on the car! Enjoy the bank holiday driving!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheers buddy, its not all bad. I'm very lucky i have an s3 and i need to remember that. Never had an issue with swapping brands or having favourites, just get the feeling this s3 is not right, either a fault or simply just not for me.

 

[Daveotto]

@chrissy85 welcome to the forum.

Understand most of your points, some are easily rectified and others you will have to live and learn with

Firstly, don't drive it in anything other than dynamic/sport mode.....in 2.5 years of S3 ownership mine has only been in eco/comfort once, on the first day I had it.

The S3 will feel front heavy/nosy compared to your Beemer, One has predominately front wheel drive and the other complete rear wheel drive.

Ride and steering issues on the S3 are well documented whether on standard suspension or mag ride and there are improvements that you can make, search the forum and you will find many ways round if you want to spend some money

Looking at the stats for the 330D there is not much in it in a straight line, S3 quicker off the mark to 60 and in gear they are pretty much the same at motorway acceleration speeds

Would I rubbish BMW over Audi or vice verse, probably not, you just have to appreciate they are different cars with different characteristics

 

[chrissy85]

@chrissy85 welcome to the forum.

Understand most of your points, some are easily rectified and others you will have to live and learn with

Firstly, don't drive it in anything other than dynamic/sport mode.....in 2.5 years of S3 ownership mine has only been in eco/comfort once, on the first day I had it.

The S3 will feel front heavy/nosy compared to your Beemer, One has predominately front wheel drive and the other complete rear wheel drive.

Ride and steering issues on the S3 are well documented whether on standard suspension or mag ride and there are improvements that you can make, search the forum and you will find many ways round if you want to spend some money

Looking at the stats for the 330D there is not much in it in a straight line, S3 quicker off the mark to 60 and in gear they are pretty much the same at motorway acceleration speeds

Would I rubbish BMW over Audi or vice verse, probably not, you just have to appreciate they are different cars with different characteristics

Completely understand, i guess there would only be one car manufacturer if everyone wanted the same!

I have mag ride so i will read all of these forum threads.

Thank you

 

[Clumph]

Evening people, i'm new here so please bear with me!

Picked up my new s3 2 weeks ago from leeds audi, excellent handover experience and felt like a VIP, really top marks for the people at leeds audi.

I must add i'd test drove a couple of s3's previously (30 min test drives) and i loved the experience, mainly blown away by the sound!

Now the bad news, i'm not liking my s3 at all, i traded in a 65 plate 330d (rear drive not x drive) and i appreciate the 3 series is a higher class car but i was expecting more from the s3.

My issues:

The biggest issue is the unacceptable lag from either the gearbox or engine when pulling away at junctions/roundabouts unless its in sport mode... it feels almost like the ecu has to take 2 seconds off and decide what gear to be in. I didnt notice this on the test drives, maybe cause i only had these in sports mode. Is this normal for s3's? it makes me scared to drive in comfort mode for fear of not being able to pull out if needed, it really is dangerous. audi tested the car and said no fault found.

The handling is extremely disappointing, it doesnt feel nimble round country lanes like i was expecting, it feels extremely nose heavy and definitely does not have the balance or poise of my old 330d. Some bmw owners replace the springs on their x drive models to improve handling, can anything be replaced on the s3 to improve the handling?

The interior is beautiful and feels classy, but i'm struggling to get on with the mmi despite paying extra for the tech pack, it feels a bit clunky and theres to many sub menus compared to idrive, maybe i will get used to this.

Final concern - it doesnt actually feel any quicker than the 330d, it should do!? I think its the gearbox, it just doesnt respond anything like the beemers, even though the audi sales man told me it was infact the same zf gearbox, is this correct?

Overall really disappointed and if i could turn back 2 weeks i would probably do so, i should have tried to arrange a 24 hour test drive or something as its a completely different ball game actually having time with the car on your drive than being sat with a dealer talking all the time.

Maybe i will grow to like the car but i dont think i'll ever love it, i'm left feeling like i should have got the cheaper golf r which is by all accounts a better drive.

Appreciate i may have been spoilt by the bmws handling, and this car does have it plus points (the sound, interior, buildquality, looks) but it feels dead as a car.

Any tips for me on the engine lag issue and handling? If i could make it a *bit* better it would be a start to making me feel like i have some value in my purchase!

I'm left feeling like i've bought the badge and not a car.

Thanks in advance.

Having come from a Nissan 370z, I share some of your disappointment in the handling, and a slight feeling that the S3 is faster than it feels from behind the wheel

A couple of things I've noticed in 12 months of S3 ownership

* you won't get much better acceleration than 0-60 in 6s if you leave the traction control in default mode ( it intervenes way too much in 1st and a little in 2nd ), drop tc level to sport or even better turn off completely

* you get a little less understeer with tc in sport mode, and with to set to off you can get back end to push out little in the wet under power but usually just neutral at best in the dry. Any back end step outs are only for a short duration , the chassis just has a tendency to understeer but lower traction control settings do help, at least on facelift model

I have adaptive dampers don't know if that helps things

Despite the above I've been happy that the car can have the sensation that it is pushing you around a corner rather than plowing ahead like Audis of old. you won't get anywhere near a drift but I'm happy with car when both dsg & tc are in sport, as you really shouldn't be hanging the backend out on public roads. on a track day an S3 won't be anywhere near as much fun as a rwd bmw with 230bhp+


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Daveotto]

s it new? If you don't think it's quick now, wait until you've got a few miles on it. Mine is 11k and it's VERY quick when the boost kicks in.

Very good point, if you look after the engine the S3 does get noticeably quicker after the first 5-10k, seen this on 2 separate S3's

 

[chrissy85]

Very good point, if you look after the engine the S3 does get noticeably quicker after the first 5-10k, seen this on 2 separate S3's

I'll get some miles on it tomorrow, a trip to the east coast may be in hand!

Is the s3 a heavy car for its size? I was expecting it to be a little pocket rocket but it doesnt feel it, something that comes very close to the beemers handling and maybe even bettered it was a mates fiesta st i had a go in last week, that thing was a right laugh, and i think fun is what im missing despite the s3 being extremely competent.

 

[Jassyo06]

The engine use to loosen up around 8k miles on my Pre face lift car it did.....but drive the S3 at 7/10th and you'll appreciate it more.....drive it any harder it will begin to show its weaknesses....lack of steering feel......and understeer.....= scary moments

 

[-Ju-]

As a pure drivers car out of the box I don't think the S3 would ever compete with a BMW, however from the inside driver perspective the S3 is a nicer place to be in comparison.
Suspension wise, you didn't say you have Mag ride, I expect not as it's an expensive option coupled with the 19" alloys. Mag ride allows you to alter the feel of the suspension. I think lowering springs will help a little but not by much tbh, you'd be better with uprated anti roll bars which will help with the understeer. However the suspension will still be a little soft and the only way around that is to upgrade the dampers too.
The S-tronic gearbox is a great gearbox but can feel a little lazy from standstill, you do need to anticipate a little bit when pulling out, but you do learn to adapt your driving style.
The engine in the S3 will never compete with the torque of the diesel BMW but it has a much wider power band and you have various tuning box and remap options to look into.
Has it rained yet?.....I think you'll appreciate the S3 more once you've settled into it!

 

[Daveotto]

I was expecting it to be a little pocket rocket but it doesnt feel it, something that comes very close to the beemers handling and maybe even bettered it was a mates fiesta st

The S3 is not a pocket rocket in the same way a Fiesta ST might feel, more of a small family hatchback pocket rocket

The S3 is a very competent all rounder in all departments and at the price point its hard to beat, a marketing mans dream machine but a thoroughbred race machine it is not

 

[Flying Scotsman]

To answer some concerns you have on the DSG. I have owned 3 cars with that transmission. For puttering around town leave it in auto, sport auto around town holds 3rd gear way too long. For country fast roads use manual mode (S or normal) and around town, if you want some get up and go and for being more in control of the car. Knock it down into sport mode in auto at roundabouts etc. if you want some immediate response.
The DSG, or any dual clutch, when you get used to it, is far superior to any other auto transmission.

 

[HulkRS3]

Genuinely no idea where you're coming from. Unless there's a mechanical fault with your car (which according to Audi there is not) then I do not have any of the issues you describe. I drive my car mostly in Eco/Ind/Dyn and sometimes Comfort and do not find the car 'dangerous' at all.

One thing that did take me a day or two to get used to was the accelerator pedal. I was expecting a very touchy pedal but was surprised by quite how far you had to push to get normal acceleration from the car.

As for the handling, I too felt the steering a bit vague and not really knowing where I stood with the grip of the car, so one day I went out and decided enough was enough and threw it into every corner I came up against and it almost pulls the face off you, the grip is there, just trust the car.

PS, I would not agree that BMW's 3 series range is a step up in 'class' compared to the S3.

 

[chrissy85]

Genuinely no idea where you're coming from. Unless there's a mechanical fault with your car (which according to Audi there is not) then I do not have any of the issues you describe. I drive my car mostly in Eco/Ind/Dyn and sometimes Comfort and do not find the car 'dangerous' at all.

One thing that did take me a day or two to get used to was the accelerator pedal. I was expecting a very touchy pedal but was surprised by quite how far you had to push to get normal acceleration from the car.

As for the handling, I too felt the steering a bit vague and not really knowing where I stood with the grip of the car, so one day I went out and decided enough was enough and threw it into every corner I came up against and it almost pulls the face off you, the grip is there, just trust the car.

PS, I would not agree that BMW's 3 series range is a step up in 'class' compared to the S3.

I didn't actually mean a step up in class, just that the a3/s3 is in line with the 1 series, not the 3 series.

I've just been out for a 20 mile drive, country roads and long dual carriageways - I'm going to get to grips with it this week for sure, I haven't drove it much to be fair and I do need time to "bond" with it.

I'm glad you mention the vague steering, it's almost like you're not connected to the road, I have no doubt whatsoever it will grip - though I did have some understeer on a roundabout at moderate speeds which really took me by surprise - people above mention playing with the traction control etc. and checking tyre pressures which i will do to stop this.

My first post was a little strong, i'll change the title to disappointed, not really disappointed because this car looks extremely special/posh on my drive, as a thing of beauty it is awesome, and the interior feels extremely well built. It's just a shame I can't translate this special feeling to the drive, it doesn't feel like i'm doing the driving, it's like every input is just transferred to a computer and it does the rest. Honestly I am not knocking the car at all, it just lacks the magic i expected for such an expensive performance car. Maybe the RS is what I need and should have got for that spark of magic.

 

[Audi Bairn]

I am going to take the bait here.

Having had many performance cars including a 3series BMW, I can't understand where you are coming from especially regarding the 3 series being a higher class of car. I feel the S3 is a step up from the fairly high spec BMW I had, especially in terms of interior.
I also love the gear box (I assume it's s-tronic) and have no issues with it whatsoever , unless it's on eco which I don't like so I don't put it in that mode and problem solved.
I also like the mag ride and love the fact I can have it soft and relaxing when that suits my mood but firm for the enthusiastic drive when the urge takes me.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and perhaps the car just doesn't suit you but having had mine a year now I am loving it and the itchy feet haven't started yet which is saying something for me.

Pretty much spot on with how I'd have answered. I was puzzled by the comment about the 3 being a higher class car too. All I would add that there is a slight lag but at junctions where I know I'm going to need a quick take off I just knock it back into Sport. My last car was a Supercharged S5 which was instantaneous. Both that and current cars have S Tronic and I'm a big fan.

 

[HulkRS3]

I didn't actually mean a step up in class, just that the a3/s3 is in line with the 1 series, not the 3 series.

I've just been out for a 20 mile drive, country roads and long dual carriageways - I'm going to get to grips with it this week for sure, I haven't drove it much to be fair and I do need time to "bond" with it.

I'm glad you mention the vague steering, it's almost like you're not connected to the road, I have no doubt whatsoever it will grip - though I did have some understeer on a roundabout at moderate speeds which really took me by surprise - people above mention playing with the traction control etc. and checking tyre pressures which i will do to stop this.

My first post was a little strong, i'll change the title to disappointed, not really disappointed because this car looks extremely special/posh on my drive, as a thing of beauty it is awesome, and the interior feels extremely well built. It's just a shame I can't translate this special feeling to the drive, it doesn't feel like i'm doing the driving, it's like every input is just transferred to a computer and it does the rest. Honestly I am not knocking the car at all, it just lacks the magic i expected for such an expensive performance car. Maybe the RS is what I need and should have got for that spark of magic.

The RS is essentially exactly the same car with a 5 cylinder bark and a bit more power. People often describe the S3 as a car that's too reserved, or the lacking magic when it actual fact when you sit back and appreciate the sheer magnificence of the car that you realise how good it actually is. It's not that it lacks anything, it's purely that it's so well built that you tend to forget how good it's actually gripping because it's extremely comfortable and forget how fast it is because it's very well insulated etc.

What I would suggest is that you maybe pop down to DTUK's headquarters if you're close by and ask to trial the pedal box for your car. It will most certainly eliminate any lag you're feeling as it changes the throttle maps. I would wholeheartedly recommend the product and the boys there.

Well, the above is my opinion only. I never test drove the car either FWIW.

@ABYSS

 

[chrissy85]

The RS is essentially exactly the same car with a 5 cylinder bark and a bit more power. People often describe the S3 as a car that's too reserved, or the lacking magic when it actual fact when you sit back and appreciate the sheer magnificence of the car that you realise how good it actually is. It's not that it lacks anything, it's purely that it's so well built that you tend to forget how good it's actually gripping because it's extremely comfortable and forget how fast it is because it's very well insulated etc.

What I would suggest is that you maybe pop down to DTUK's headquarters if you're close by and ask to trial the pedal box for your car. It will most certainly eliminate any lag you're feeling as it changes the throttle maps. I would wholeheartedly recommend the product and the boys there.

Well, the above is my opinion only. I never test drove the car either FWIW.

I'm going to investigate the pedal box, someone mentioned it above also and posted links to pages on here where people say they improve the response. If i can sort the lag (it's probably just how it is but i've never had a car that has to think before it does it) and sort the handling out a little i'll be really happy.

Also @S15THM you're right that sport improves this lag no end, i dont understand why audi would have the lag in comfort though, sometimes i dont want to use sport for driving through town.

 

[Audi Bairn]

the s3 feels like it has to think, rev a bit, then pull.

Certainly in Dynamic I don't have much hesitation but if it's an issue push the gear stick to the left and change manually

 

[chrissy85]

Certainly in Dynamic I don't have much hesitation but if it's an issue push the gear stick to the left and change manually

I will try this, thank you

 

[RichardT]

You will get used to managing the "lag" at roundabouts etc. It is definitely a knack that you need to develop.

 

[chrissy85]

You will get used to managing the "lag" at roundabouts etc. It is definitely a knack that you need to develop.

Should I have to develop a knack though? The response is good in sports, why can't it be in the nice soft comfort setting?

 

[Flying Scotsman]

Should I have to develop a knack though? The response is good in sports, why can't it be in the nice soft comfort setting?

In your MMI optional individual transmission mode set it to auto.....it will give a response between dynamic and comfort

 

[Simonb1975]

From peoples replies in this thread and others there appears to be some randomness in dsg responsiveness between cars. A 'characteristic' no doubt.
The 3 series is a step up as it's the class above the 1 series/A3. Don't think the original post was a slight against Audi (Which is dangerous around here)

Most things listed are what they are and you will get used to them over time. To be fair though, the quickish testdrives that most people take don't really give a proper feel for the quirks of a car.

Think... the S3 is just a fast A3 and is great for all weather straight line speed. Use it as it's meant to be used and you'll settle into it better.

 

[wab172uk]

The one sure fire way to get round any laggy DSG style gearbox, is to order the manual instead.

Just a shame the new RS3 doesn't come with one

 

[musicegbdf]

I am in a PFL , and still love the car . Though I was looking for a small luxury hatch with a bit of poke , but does not look all boy racer .
I it is not a sports car in my eyes and like most road cars would be rubbish in the track .
That said I think drive select is a missed opportunity. Eco , fair enough it does feel different ( horrible that is ) all the others change up too early and dynamic in sport too late unless you are looking to lose your licence. ( fun though) . The " pause" at junctions is nasty! Like others I flick into sport or use the paddles. My wife hates it and wants our deisel back as that had no such issues .
I do agree a car at this price should not have this fault ( or personality).

That is the worse thing though , there are a few other issues (rusting tail pipes , poor and expensive dealerships) . Would I buy another , yes I would as I want a hatch.

Though could be tempted with a F type Jag , best car I have driven ..