david_d Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 another bad one im afraid Times online review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Oh dear, another one who says the R32 is a better bet. I'm sad about this because i was hoping the S3 would , at least, be a good as the previous one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sufu Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Just read that too, He didn't sound too happy with its dynamics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinka Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 just one persons opinion i guess,everyone is different,it does'nt mean its a bad car,he probably likes a nice family saloon,and expects the s3 to handle like a go kart and ride like c6,i dont think an hour or two in it will prove much, clarkson loved the new gt40,and raved about it,and bought one,but by all accounts its not that great,but because he liked it he told every one it was fantastic,if you get the point im trying to make, im still going for a 330d next though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulyb Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I have to say if I'd just ordered an S3 I would now be seriously worried. This isn't just one guys opinion unfortunately, it seems to be every review saying it's poor. I think I've read three or four reviews now and they all say the same thing, terrible turbo lag and it sounds rough as you rev it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinka Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 ah,ive only read that one,but,would you order a car on hype alone,i would'nt,thats almost like buying off e-bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_d Posted September 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I have to say if I'd just ordered an S3 I would now be seriously worried. This isn't just one guys opinion unfortunately, it seems to be every review saying it's poor. I think I've read three or four reviews now and they all say the same thing, terrible turbo lag and it sounds rough as you rev it. [/ QUOTE ] Nobodies ordered one yet, all deposit are refundable. And I suspect quite a few people will be getting refunds or moving their £1500 to another car, the 3.2 TT perhaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleyadam Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I was not aware they where using such a small engine in the S3 they must be launching a RS3 to compensate the 3.2 seems far better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulyb Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I've been looking at a 3.2TT for next August but like tinka said I need to drive it first before sticking any cash down. But, I suppose to get one of the first units of any car you have to order early. David - Are all the deposits definately refundable? When I ordered my 3.2 S-LIne new it was £500 and it defo wasn't refundable but that was on a car that you could order there and then. It would certainly be handy to get your deposit back but having seen that dealers seem to want £1500 down when mine was just £500 I trust them as far as I could throw them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S3Rob Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I have to say if I'd just ordered an S3 I would now be seriously worried. This isn't just one guys opinion unfortunately, it seems to be every review saying it's poor. I think I've read three or four reviews now and they all say the same thing, terrible turbo lag and it sounds rough as you rev it. [/ QUOTE ] Err, let's not get over the top here. No-one has said it's got terrible turbo lag and I don't know what everyone expects a 4 cylinder to sound like at 6000rpm, but I've never heard anything approaching a nice noise. The guy in the Times review was actually criticising the car for handling too well, so much so that it was no fun to drive. So we know it goes like hell and feels even faster because of the turbo punch and we know it handles well, something that every reviewer has conceded. The issues people are having are price, looks, slighlty numb steering (but apparently accurate enough) and a question mark about ride quality on British roads. Price I don't have a problem with. Looks - I think it looks nice and understated but is colour and wheel sensitive. The Daytona Grey with RS6's really is a wash-out. Steering is a worry but I have a feeling this is a remark made about all A3's previously and I have no problem with the '06 2.0TFSI I drove. Ride quality is a subjective issue and we really won't know about this until cars are tested in the UK. Let's just remember this car will be better than the previous S3 loved by many. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollox Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Hmm, well, a couple of "reviews" have already mentioned Turbo Lag so it probably is an issue. To be honest, a remapped 'original' isn't lag-free so time will tell. Interesting to read the Sunday Times today (which I presume is the same as the Times Online article) heaping fond praise on the 'old' S3. I seem to remember it getting a panning by the press for being capable but dull. Early days. I am glad however that I haven't ordered one without trying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulyb Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Rob, I know you're defending your future purchase - and I know I'd do the same! But the bit in the Times review talks about: "it often means there is a considerable pause between your right foot requesting a gob of power...and it actually arriving" It could all be cobblers of course but it does seem to be adding up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_d Posted September 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] David - Are all the deposits definately refundable? When I ordered my 3.2 S-LIne new it was £500 and it defo wasn't refundable but that was on a car that you could order there and then. [/ QUOTE ] I'm pretty sure they are, Audi can't expect anyone to commit to a car they haven't even seen let alone driven. Which was the case when I put my deposit down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_d Posted September 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I think it's becomming clear that the S3 has been a lazy effort from Audi. It's like an after thought. The S3 should be king of the range and yet I bet now people are in two minds whether to go for the S3 of the A3 3.2. I've waited a long time for this car and now it's here, it's just not making me want it enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollox Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I'm weary of pre-judging the new car and the last thing I want to do is upset anyone who's already ordered one. One thing does stick in my mind though - how can it be anywhere near as special as the old model when it costs a mere £700 odd more than a 'normal' 3.2 Quattro? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S3Rob Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Pauly, it's probably my future purchase yes, but I'm not blind enough to totally ignore all the reviews. I shall have a thorough test drive of the dealer demo before I order, as I would get it on an 07 plate anyway. I was merely trying to countenance all the negativity by saying that yes it may have problems but I still think it's going to be class leader when it comes out. I discounted the R32 some time ago for various reasons, so for me the only contender for the S3 will be the 135ti. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S3Rob Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I'm weary of pre-judging the new car and the last thing I want to do is upset anyone who's already ordered one. One thing does stick in my mind though - how can it be anywhere near as special as the old model when it costs a mere £700 odd more than a 'normal' 3.2 Quattro? [/ QUOTE ] Yep, that 3.2's got DSG though. I suppose you would add £1400* to the S3 if it had that. *Or however much DSG is now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 With respect, none of us have driven one yet, and that was only his opinion - I've never really listened to reviewers until I've had a go myself. The reviewer didn't think that the BMW 130i and the Mercedes Sports Coupé C 350 were all that much either, so maybe he's just hard to please?! Drive it for yourself, but don't jump on the bandwagon and pull the car down before then. It's unfair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinka Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Drive it for yourself, but don't jump on the bandwagon and pull the car down before then. It's unfair! [/ QUOTE ] exactly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I wont be buying one, but I will be quite interested to have a go... An RS3 may tempt me if it has enough power... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logit Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I dont think the question is whether it is better than the old S3 as it undoubtably is. For me, the biggest problem is that this car is such a disappointment compared to what it 'could have' been. We all got excited by the massive improvements the RS4 made and we thought that Audi has finally got things right. Unfortunately it 'seems' this hasn't been translated to the new S3 and that can only be due to laziness. It seems like they've thought,"ok, lets just give it a nice interior, a headline power figure, a nice new bumper and people will be happy". I, for one, am completely annoyed by the whole thing. I've been waiting some time for this new S3 and now its here, I wont be getting one. The major disappointments for me are: 1) That exterior - Am i the only one who thinks it looks like any old S Line? No flared arches - inexcusable! The old S3 was easily distinguishable from the 1.8T 150 bhp model. The new car, whilst having different bumpers etc, just doesn't look that different to an S Line. It's like the new M5 doesn't which look any different at first glance to a 5 series sport model! 2) The numb steering still seems to be there. Yes, the old S3 has it, but 7yrs on should the new S3 as well? 3) Engine note - this is entirely subjective, but it NEEDS to sound meaty. The old S3 sounded horrible but the new GTI has made improvements in that area and the S3 'needs' to sound at least as good it. 4) Turbo lag - again only speculation based on a few reviews, but modern 2006 turbo units shouldn't have significant lag. This isn't the 1990s! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] The reviewer didn't think that the BMW 130i and the Mercedes Sports Coupé C 350 were all that much either, so maybe he's just hard to please?! [/ QUOTE ] I wouldn't pay much attention to Andrew Frankel, he's more impressed by the new Vauhall Corsa from here [ QUOTE ] But put it this way: the next time I’m hiring a car at the airport, not only will I now not mind in the least if they give me Corsa, I might even ask for one first. [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 What, you mean you don't like Corsa's, Bazza? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 I read this in the paper today. I think the RS4 has shown that Audi can make a great engine and a great handling car. They raised the bar and were hoping for a car that they could launch superlatives towards, but it seems not to be the case. You don't buy a car on reviews alone because what each person wants from a car is different, but it is a factor that can't be ignored. Like others i'd be interested to take one for a spin to see what its like. But on the looks alone its not a car than I'm yearning for I'm afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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