In the end I gave the car the benefit of the doubt and when she arrived it looked lovely, but I had it remapped / intake + filter inside 200 miles as it lacked any urgency.
Golf V GTi (AmD mapped to 250bhp), V6 (mk2) TT and you know what? The S3 is quicker (and better in most departments) ...
...Ive read numerous articles about how `Great` the MKV is/was and how `Dull` the S3 was.
Rubbish IMO, just not the case.
Maybe my skills arent sensitive enough to pick up the subtleties that make the Golf `great` but I just dont get it.
I can only compare a few decent test drives of an S3 to my experience with our Mk5 GTI, but IMO the S3 is miles better. The S3 has sharper steering, a better gear change, plenty more grip (obviously), sits noticeably flatter through corners and it even rides better over normal city roads.
But, costing 50% more again (Australian pricing at least) the S3 should do all of those things better. And I suspect that's where the GTI gains better press. Simply because it is a substantially cheaper car.
Price aside, though, I've no doubt the S3 will be a better drivers car and a hell of a lot more fun than our GTI.
Another link (sorry if it's a duplicate - I did search first)
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Audi-A3/239372/
Anyone seen today's Autocar Magazine?
It says that the RS3 is go for launch towards the end of 2012 (new platform) with 335bhp, 7 speed DSG and Torque Vectoring Diff.
Let's hope that it is not another false alarm.
I'm starting to save now!!!!
(Also posted on the RS3 Forum but I guess that this Forum has a greater readership)
and Torque Vectoring Diff.
Spoke to dealer today with regard new S4 and he stated RS3 would be launch model on new platform, 2011.
I agree with Jamie. Even if it is wishful thinking.
TT-RS hasn't been much of delay though, has it? It looks like they're not sticking to their usual end of life run for the RS models anymore.
Got to agree with you Jamie, really hope they bring the RS3 out at the end of the 8P cycle.
I have now decided not to buy an RS4 avant and wait to see what happens with regard the RS3, for 2 reasons, one being I think petrol is going to go up dramaticly in the next 12-18 months or less and I fear the **** will drop out of RS4's in the next 12 months or so, current prices for the Avant appear to have increased alot due to the short supply therefore dealers are asking silly money which I am not prepared to pay.
Roll on the RS3, if not facelift S3.
Mark
yeah but what bodykit ive never seen or found it .....