Thanks Rob ...I wondered what happened to the Golf R......the Merc will not be standard for long...how do the Merc. S3 and R compare?
LoL could possibly find a home for an air filter and a tuning box haha.
Hmm good question, well jumbled up but points as they enter my head ....
A35 handles better out of the box where R needed springs and roll bar to sort it out. It’s roll bars are rigidly mounted to make the body stiffer the downside being that it translates slightly more road noise depending on road surface but I’d take the handling any day.
Steering and feedback the A35 is just that bit more engaging than both cars but remember MQB platform is getting on for 6/7 years old.
Seats are perfect for me and slightly grained so shouldn’t crease on the bolsters or if they do it’ll disguise it.
Technology is awesome but augmented reality sat nav a bit of a gimmick but heads up display on the other hand is fantastic.
Some bits of tech you can’t permanently switch off which can be a bit irritating lane departure being an example is always on every time you start the car.
Interior layout is fantastic the armrest works as an arm rest as does the door trim so you can rest both elbows when driving. Switches fall to hand just right so lots of thought gone into cabin layout.
Interior space as a whole much better than R and edges the S3 too. The car is 6 inches longer than the R so my 8y/o has more room in the back. Boot is also bigger and floor lower.
Interior trim not a huge fan of piano black and non brushed alloy trim also a finger print magnet so prefer materials used in the S3.
MMI much better than R, wasn’t a huge fan of touch screen. The little touch pads on the steering wheel work well so the game has moved on here.
Steering wheel is perfect. Perforated leather and decent metal paddles.
Gear changes slightly more notchy than both R and S3 maybe improve with miles.
Exhaust sound much better than F/L R, my S3 was P/F/L. Especially pops and crackles in sport +
Must have the best ambient lighting on the market I’ve certainly not seen better.
Mines a premium plus so has electric seats and sunroof. Sunroof opening is probably 1.5x the size of R and S3 so worth having.
Build quality and materials is better than R but a tad below S3 but you have to look hard. I’ve a very OCD for detail as work for a prestige car company so 99% of people wouldn’t look in these areas or you’ll only notice when removing parts.
Engine bay much nicer covers and management of cables . R really bugged me that they hadn’t even lacquered under the bonnet.
Burmester audio is miles better than Dynaudio but B&O a clear winner.
Miss the little storage spaces of the R especially the under seat drawers.
Probably loads more I’ve missed
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