kdigital

Picked up my new S3 on Tuesday. Monsoon Gray PP with MMI+ and no other options. I'm thrilled with the car. It is a massive upgrade from my 2008 GLI; the differences are not subtle.

Interior:

I was initially a little concerned with the interior, as it felt a little cheap vs virtually every other audi model available. After driving for a few days I can the interior is much nicer than photos lead us to believe. My only nits are the obscene huge headrests and the side bolsters on the seat and backrest feel like they should be more aggressive. Seems like the super sport seats should be the standard seats. Possibly could do with a bit more soft touch plastics. However, overall fit and finish is very nice.

Audio:

I did not go for the B&O and thought I would need to upgrade via aftermarket. Reality is the stock system is quite nice with CDs and iPod support. The web streaming, blue tooth, and satellite are a no go as they are on most cars. I am happy enough with the audio that I do not feel an upgrade is required and I am a true audiophile. Without serious modifications to the system - which I am not interested in - the stock audi concert system is very good.

Exterior:

The lip spoiler on the rear deck lid feels cheap vs other models with integrated spoilers. The base 18's are much nicer in person than on the audi website. I figure these will become winter wheels after I wear out the summer rubber they're wrapped in. A set of 19" Hartmann's are surely in order come spring.

Performance:

Lack of 6MT is a real downside, however the DSG is very nice. Shifts are nice and quick and the paddles are a blast. The car is very fast particularly if the turbo is spooled up in sport mode. Acceleration is very smooth up to reasonable highway mph and tuckers out after you're moving way too fast, beyond 5500rpm. You will not be disappointed. The performance is amazing and the suspension keeps up. Soooo much better than the 2.0T in my GLI.



The license plate holder came off before I left the dealer.

Overall extremely pleased with the car and really wouldn't change much at all. Recommended.

dplaw09

Can you post some more pics of the car when you get a chance? Interested in seeing the lines of the S3 in that Monsoon.

Nice choice!

kdigital

Thanks!

I will post more pics. Haven't seen too many S3's in monsoon yet. I'll probably get around to posting them tomorrow.

Jason Jiwoong Yeon

WOW!! Congrats!

I ordered my S3 end of Aug, I am still waiting..........................................

you said that you took off the license plate holder, is it detachable?
Because i like the front without license plate holder but in WA, it is required and i do not want to get a ticket for that...

and Can you update the real-life-MPG on that car? just wondering.. =)

arU4ic

Nice write-up… your conclusions are scarily similar to mine, particularly regarding the stereo.

Looks like you're in PA. What town, if you don't mind me asking?

Congrads, and sorry we can't rally, unless you want some pics of your S3 on the pacific coast.

h8rade

I agree with you on the wheels. I love the stock 18s in person. I'm a wheel ***** so I'm sure I'll get something else next year.

kdigital

arU4ic - yeah, I did read your write-up, hope it didn't feel like I ripped you off. Your review is exceptionally detailed. I've been taking notes since I got the car, prepping my write up. Really glad I got the all black interior. I'm outside of Reading, PA, about an hour West of Philly. I would love to get some rally time in with you, but when I hot the West Coast, I get off the plane and get in a rental car! I too thought I wanted a larger Audi, but comparing to the drive in the A4/S4 I liked the feel of this car much better. Might be a preference from driving my old GLI for so long.

I am a massive audiophile and videophile, and part of my opinion on the stereo involves the road/engine noise in the car. I feel a better audio system (from the factory, without sound dampening) would lose out to the sounds of the driving experience.

Sort of wish I had opted for the driver assistance package - there was another local car (in Sepang) in inventory that had it and I really like the auto dipping mirrors in reverse.

Enjoy your car!!!

kdigital

Jason Jiwoong Yeon - the license plate holder come of by removing 2 screws and 2 clips. super easy to do

kdigital

I drive a lot (long commute, mostly highway) and so far I'm getting between 22 and 24 mpg. Worth every penny of lost fuel economy. We'll see if the mileage gets any better over time. but if it doesn't, it won't bother me much. That's what TDI's are for!

Penn Dutch

Thats pretty much where I'm at, I'm assuming you went to Audi of Reading (Vision). When did you order? My dealer is part of the same group, and I have another 3 weeks till I get my car.