Audi A3

[geoffr70]

I drove a new S3/RS3 whatever they're called, with a manual box. I seem to remember 350 bhp ish? It was fast, very fast, but in an unfulfilling kind of way that always left you wanting more. The torque was limited in 1st gear which was obvious and just made it seem restrained and boring. The cabin was very small, although I am 6"1', and the visibility was extremely poor, front, back and sides but I find the same with many new cars. The suspension seemed like it had been removed and the ride was terrible, which is a big no no, and IMO the appearance is to be ridiculed, bling city. I saw a saloon version of the a3 too, it looked like it was an A4 that had been rear ended by a lorry at 60 mph, it was a horrible squashed down little ugly thing that reminded me of micro machines. So is it for girls? Yes, because you'd only ever buy it if you liked the colour.

[Sir Tigger KC]

The Omega is going in for MOT tomorrow so I always get a bit twitchy and start looking at ebay/autotrader in case she fails catastrophically. 

I've spotted a Black A3 2.0 TDi Sport that might be a good deal. 

[05omegav6]

Boils down to price... if we're talking a few hundred quid, then a Focus makes alot more sense... if were talking a few grand, then the world is your oyster, and an A3 shouldn't even register

Of course, the Omega might even pass

[Sir Tigger KC]

Boils down to price... if we're talking a few hundred quid, then a Focus makes alot more sense... if were talking a few grand, then the world is your oyster, and an A3 shouldn't even register

Of course, the Omega will pass

Of course it will!   

[johnnydog]

I drove a new S3/RS3 whatever they're called, with a manual box. I seem to remember 350 bhp ish? It was fast, very fast, but in an unfulfilling kind of way that always left you wanting more. The torque was limited in 1st gear which was obvious and just made it seem restrained and boring. The cabin was very small, although I am 6"1', and the visibility was extremely poor, front, back and sides but I find the same with many new cars. The suspension seemed like it had been removed and the ride was terrible, which is a big no no, and IMO the appearance is to be ridiculed, bling city. I saw a saloon version of the a3 too, it looked like it was an A4 that had been rear ended by a lorry at 60 mph, it was a horrible squashed down little ugly thing that reminded me of micro machines. So is it for girls? Yes, because you'd only ever buy it if you liked the colour.

I have also driven the S3 - stunning performance, which made you want to give it full beans wherever you went! Regarding the suspension, the latest ones have 'drive select' which allows you to alter the suspension, engine and gearbox /throttle response to suit your own preferences. Certainly if it was set in Dynamic mode, then it is a real bone shaker with stiff suspension, but put it in comfort or auto mode, or in individual to set each component to your liking. I preferred the tiptronic version to the manual - lightening fast gear changes, without the delay between gear changes as on the manual versions, but all this comes at a very costly price to buy and run!
The saloon version of the A3 in my opinion, looks great - proportions just right, and I think it looks better than the A4.
It wouldn't do if everyone liked the same things - be a very clinical world then!