Just to add my two-penneth...
Thought it was a predictably contrived, formulaic, lazy and incomplete review from Fifth Gear - ultimately to answer the question, ‘which of the 4 is the most focussed hard core track day car?’
Do I agree with the finding that the S3 isn’t the pick of the bunch based on this very narrow test parameter? Yes.
Are there sharper handling alternatives out there? Undoubtedly.
Do I intend to ever subject my car to a mechanically unsympathetic ‘drive it like you stole it’ track day? Hell no.
Did the Audi brief to their design team ask for the the S3 to be the best track day hot-hatch of them all? Very unlikely.
Does the S3 have enough performance and handling characteristics for the real-world and for real, flawed drivers like myself? Yes, in spades.
Does the S3 have a better quality interior and proud to own factor? I’m obviously biased, however I’m not a closed minded Audi disciple. For me, yes.
Did any of the other cars have 4 wheel drive - because let’s face it 300bhp+ needs it in real-world slippery when wet conditions? Nope.
Did any of the others have roof rails? Nope, and I need ‘em - I have a family, and rails let me drive the type of car I want to and still give me the practicality of a BIG estate on the half a dozen times a year I actually need it.
In a test like that I’d love to see 100 family men (or women) petrol heads polled to answer the question ‘forgetting track performance for a moment, you have to drive from Lands End to John O’Groats, and back again - which would you choose?’ Wonder how the S3 would fare then?
I’m not ‘dissing’ the other cars on test - I’m sure they’re very good. I just reckon the S3 isn’t even trying to play in the same sandpit.
Finally, the Renault’s residuals will drop like a granny on a frosty morning, the Honda hurts my eyes (like a lot - that thing is butt ugly) and the SEAT Cupra R is not a real world option as produced very limited numbers (I used to have a hot SEAT, and it was ace, but I wouldn’t consider the Cupra R over my S3) And ALL of them, being front wheel drive would likely suffer from massive torque steer and axle tramp, so using the loud pedal would be just as annoying as fun.
Like I say, just my two-penneth
"Did any of the others have roof rails?"
hahaha quality
Hold on... It didn't say black roof rails!"Did any of the others have roof rails?"
hahaha quality
Well they do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.the Honda hurts my eyes (like a lot - that thing is butt ugly)
Yeah there are 2 car wow videos. One is just a standing start race the other is more comprehensive and looks at a range of aspects including driveability That's the one I mean.That Head to Head was a fight between VW R manual v S3 Dsg....NOT...a fair comparison....Golfs sell very well and to be honest VAG.....couldnt give a flying monkeys...as to what is the better car....they win either way....Perceived Brand image.....as both cars are almost identical in price once you start adding options
yep - what contrived BS, same reason we miss out on a lot of content on Netflix and Prime and not mention stupid region DVD players.
Removing any emotion as we own the car some are trying to 'defend'.
The inside of the S3 is a nice place to be and it can get a move on when needed but lacks a little sparkle (other than outright speed) where you get out and smirk to yourself.
I don't even own an S3, and think their "test" was complete b*llsh1t. I mean who really is going to see how quickly they can slam into reverse and park ***. And as mentioned before, not like for like cars anyway. Should have had Focus, Golf, Merc with S3.Removing any emotion as we own the car some are trying to 'defend'.
I have one and it does what I need it to do very well, is it a really good handling car no but can it use most of its power most of the time yes. It does bounce and understeer in some scenarios but those scenarios shouldn't really be normal driving on the road but both can be displayed at will. Do i think Audi should have done better then absolutely yes but not too long ago 300bhp was a lot of power and hard to tame so I understand Audi (and other manufacturers) attempts to come away from perfectly balanced 4 wheel slides and introduce understeer for driver self preservation.
The inside of the S3 is a nice place to be and it can get a move on when needed but lacks a little sparkle (other than outright speed) where you get out and smirk to yourself.
Whilst we all think we are rwd sliding gods like Tiff (i for one am not) there are times I am quite glad i didn't buy a rwd and can still drive quicker than conditions might otherwise suggest. The S3 should be treated as a gentleman's express, very quick point to point in a very efficient subtle way but having loads of fun on the journey not really. Some would say a very good recipe for car sales.
I dont hang about in my S3 when im taking it for a "spirited" drive, but havnt got anywhere near understeer. How are people managing to get understeer on public roads without driving like a complete loon?
Exactly, that is why these track tests are pretty pointless imho. Proper long “road” tests much more useful, and in changing weather
I dont hang about in my S3 when im taking it for a "spirited" drive, but havnt got anywhere near understeer. How are people managing to get understeer on public roads without driving like a complete loon?
Ever been round a roundabout?
I have had rear end lose it a bit before. But there is defo understeer with the car. When hooning on country roads you can feel it too.Sure I have. Although i've never been around one fast enough to loose traction on my rather large and grippy tyres. Have you?
I was accelerating around the roundabout... so guess you’re wrong there. Can’t remember speed but don’t fancy doing it again. If you’ve yet to experience oversteer then you are not pushing it hard enough. It’s very evidently there.If you've had the rear end out on a roundabout that's lift off oversteer, not understeer. So you've actually had understeer on a country road? How quick where you going?
If you’ve yet to experience oversteer then you are not pushing it hard enough.