Thanks this helps massively, taking your points in turn:
Take the GTI for a test drive - I have, I love it.
- Fake engine noise when in Dynamic. It sounds truly awful.
This doesn't bother me, sounds ok to me and I'd drive in standard mode most of the time anyway.
- Steering weight in Dynamic is far too heavy and brings no more feel. Kept mine in comfort
Yes but this is the same for the A/S3, except that you get added vagueness with the Audi.
- Collision avoidance system. Truly awful and in my mind, dangerous. Would just slam the brakes on when going round a round-about. It can't be turned off either.
Yep, I had heard about this but sure I could adapt my driving style.
- Traction when going from AWD to FWD, especially in weather like now. You don't realise just how good AWD drive is for everyday driving until you don't have it.
Have never had it, so won't miss it. Won't miss the expense of buying four new tyres on a regular basis either.
- Engine does seam to run out of puff sooner than the S3 engine. S3 engine is soo much better
Possibly, but how fast does it need to be? The speed limit is 70 and around where I live with only one dual carriageway, I spend most of my time on single track A and B roads, usually behind a horse box.
- Avoid the Leather option, as it's over £1700, and the Tartan looks better anyway
I don't like leather anyway (too hot and sticky in summer and too cold in winter) and certainly wouldn't pay extra for it.
- Colour Options (at the time I had mine) were limited to some very dull and boring colours.
No problems here, love Isaac Blue, Indium Grey and the solid white.
- A cruise control system that is far to complicated to set-up. Unlike the S3 which is a simple stalk, the GTI is buttons and setting for how close you want to be to the car in front etc. Annoying
Never use cruise. Other drivers always cutting in forcing me to brake which deactivates it makes it more of an annoyance. And as per above, no DC's around here anyway!
Re your plus points:
- Seats are better than the S3 SS seats.
Yes I agree, always found Golf seats far more comfortable. Audi seats always give me a bad back and the optional lumbar is next to useless. It just feels like someone has stuck a tennis ball (or football, depending on setting) behind your back.
- The chassis is set up to be far more fun, and the whole car is more chuckable. You can drive it in a way the S3 can't.
That's what I want for my B road blasts.
- Dyn-audio is a must. Good system.
Already ticked the option!
- The GTI on Passive suspension is very well set up. Don't think you need mag ride on the GTI.
Good, can't afford any more options anyway! Also not spec-ing DCC. Only options I ticked were metallic paint, Brescia alloys (but only because I dislike the Parkers) and Dynaudio.