Hi,
This question is about the new 2020 S3 (8Y). I've posted my question in the 8V section because I value the opinions of drivers who currently own a 2017 - 2019 A3 or S3 (posters in the 2020 S3 (8Y) forum might be biased).
QUESTION: What do Audi 2017 - 2019 A3 / S3 (8V) owners think of the cockpit layout and controls in the new 2020 A3 / S3?
First of all, I do LOVE the fact the pop-up screen has been replaced with a touch screen that is in the dash. That looks great. I also love the slightly angled dash that has that "wrap around" feeling (a bit like Knight Rider). Nice air vents too. You can also adjust the RGB lighting - nice touch.
But...
1) The virtual cockpit screen is noticeably smaller. The 2020 virtual dash is only 10.25 inches. After almost 4 years you notice things like this. The old virtual cockpit is 12.3 inches (over a foot wide). Why would Audi mess around with one of the most attractive features of their cars – the virtual cockpit? Crazy! I know the new touch screen in the dash is bigger than the old pop-up screen, but why couldn’t Audi just leave the virtual cockpit screen the same size as before?
2) On the automatics, the gear “stick” (shifter) has been replaced with a small “switch”. I really like the look of my current S3 centre console with a “proper” gear stick. I have the carbon gear knob cover which really sets it off. What do other A3 / S3 drivers think of this small switch to select gears?
3) I also don’t like where the cup holders have moved to. They mess up the streamlined look of the centre console. Also, I have an Amazon Alexa "dot" in the right cup holder and a 10 inch Android screen over the top with Torque on (see photo). The tapered raised sides to the right and left of the cop holders makes my 10 inch Android screen tilt so I can easily see it. Not sure where I would put my Android screen in the new 2020 S3??
4) Cigarette socket: In my current S3 I can utilise the cigarette socket behind the cup holders to power an extension lead that has 4 x USB 5v connectors to power my Alexa, Android Tablet, my Snooper and Dash cam. My 10 inch Android screen also hides the Cigarette socket. Putting the cup holders in the middle of the centre console is very inconvenient for me!
5) I couldn’t believe how small the centre console storage compartment now is. My Samsung S20 (not a big phone) wouldn’t even fit inside it. The wireless phone charger has moved forward to a little storage area below the air con controls. This means my mobile phone will be on display for all to see. I liked the “Audi phone box” being a box.
6) There are no USB connectors in the centre console storage compartment. I keep my 256GB SSD in there with all my music and films on. Again, the USB connectors have moved forward to below the air con controls. This means my SSD will be on display for all to see. I don’t want to connect it / disconnect it every time I get in / out.
It’s a shame – because I LOVE the touch screen in the dash.
I was just curious what other Audi A3 or S3 drivers thought of the changes I've mentioned above?
Oh, and is there a cigarette socket in the front anywhere?
Appreciate any comments. Am I being unreasonable??
This question is about the new 2020 S3 (8Y). I've posted my question in the 8V section because I value the opinions of drivers who currently own a 2017 - 2019 A3 or S3 (posters in the 2020 S3 (8Y) forum might be biased).
QUESTION: What do Audi 2017 - 2019 A3 / S3 (8V) owners think of the cockpit layout and controls in the new 2020 A3 / S3?
First of all, I do LOVE the fact the pop-up screen has been replaced with a touch screen that is in the dash. That looks great. I also love the slightly angled dash that has that "wrap around" feeling (a bit like Knight Rider). Nice air vents too. You can also adjust the RGB lighting - nice touch.
But...
1) The virtual cockpit screen is noticeably smaller. The 2020 virtual dash is only 10.25 inches. After almost 4 years you notice things like this. The old virtual cockpit is 12.3 inches (over a foot wide). Why would Audi mess around with one of the most attractive features of their cars – the virtual cockpit? Crazy! I know the new touch screen in the dash is bigger than the old pop-up screen, but why couldn’t Audi just leave the virtual cockpit screen the same size as before?
2) On the automatics, the gear “stick” (shifter) has been replaced with a small “switch”. I really like the look of my current S3 centre console with a “proper” gear stick. I have the carbon gear knob cover which really sets it off. What do other A3 / S3 drivers think of this small switch to select gears?
3) I also don’t like where the cup holders have moved to. They mess up the streamlined look of the centre console. Also, I have an Amazon Alexa "dot" in the right cup holder and a 10 inch Android screen over the top with Torque on (see photo). The tapered raised sides to the right and left of the cop holders makes my 10 inch Android screen tilt so I can easily see it. Not sure where I would put my Android screen in the new 2020 S3??
4) Cigarette socket: In my current S3 I can utilise the cigarette socket behind the cup holders to power an extension lead that has 4 x USB 5v connectors to power my Alexa, Android Tablet, my Snooper and Dash cam. My 10 inch Android screen also hides the Cigarette socket. Putting the cup holders in the middle of the centre console is very inconvenient for me!
5) I couldn’t believe how small the centre console storage compartment now is. My Samsung S20 (not a big phone) wouldn’t even fit inside it. The wireless phone charger has moved forward to a little storage area below the air con controls. This means my mobile phone will be on display for all to see. I liked the “Audi phone box” being a box.
6) There are no USB connectors in the centre console storage compartment. I keep my 256GB SSD in there with all my music and films on. Again, the USB connectors have moved forward to below the air con controls. This means my SSD will be on display for all to see. I don’t want to connect it / disconnect it every time I get in / out.
It’s a shame – because I LOVE the touch screen in the dash.
I was just curious what other Audi A3 or S3 drivers thought of the changes I've mentioned above?
Oh, and is there a cigarette socket in the front anywhere?
Appreciate any comments. Am I being unreasonable??