I started my driving life in a Golf GTI on these norcal roads, it's such a wonderful combination that I never even fully realized just how good these cars are suited for these roads until I got a Miata, thinking it would be an upgrade bcuz RWD, but actually discovered the torque, grip, suspension travel, and FWD balance of a Golf-based car is better on these roads than a sports car.
the Golf GTI got the matching skill level for most drivers on normal roads... The Miata is a car I would like right now, on our small winter rally roads here.
@@ctm5617 Tell me you don't understand the value of suspension travel on NorCal roads without telling me you don't understand the value of suspension travel on NorCal roads. And to be fair my Miata came with coilovers from a previous owner that are due for a replacement. My point was that a well-tuned FWD-based compact car with suspension travel and grip gets underrated relative to "hurr durr RWD". Also have attended many HPDEs, ran a couple competitive amateur kart championships closer to the front than the back, am competitive in the casual sim racing I do, and know how to push my Miata too; it likes to oversteer and I like catching it. Still miss my GTI across a lot of the roads I drive on, because it genuinely worked better over the pavement and grades we have here in NorCal. So save your snark.
I love my '22 s3 prestige in turbo blue. Has the right amount of gurgle and great planted feeling in the corners. Not the mention it has the nicest infotainment I've ever used.
Good review. Would love this but unfortunately have a Golf R on order for my wife as it's 1) Available in a manual 2) A hatch back. Those factors were non-negotiable for her and offset the haptic controls.
@@Redshift42 very nice. Golf R manuals are the shizz. Golf R manual wagons would be even cooler. But you're in North America I'd assume, so P A I N for yu.
I was an Audi guy, but I always ended up choosing the m235 and m240 over the s3 and plan to do so again this year. The m240 having 6cyl, lsd, and a coupe body style always swayed me. Audi interiors look much better though
I have an S3 on order, after learning no RS3s coming to Canada. Contemplated the new Golf R but can't get past the terrible infotainment system, especially no volume control, delays at startup, most commonly used features being buried in multiple sub menus. I bet VW will redesign that system before a full model refresh is due, given all of the negative press and feedback coming in from reviewers
I’d have the S3 over the Golf R. Nicer interior in the Audi, better brakes, love the saloon version. The rear diff on the Golf R makes the handling unpredictable & just seems like a gimmick to try & impress car journalists
For the “professional enthusiast” I’ll say, these are a great option. Capable of a sleeper-esk daily driven 500 HP when properly modified. Classy and less boy tuner than the Golf R. Different direction, but a CPO SQ5 is also a great drive.
I agree on the S3, (we have an A3 2.0T quattro as a second car.) But with the SQ5, I think I'd do an X3 M40i all day over an SQ5, and we're typically VAG people.
The EA888 motor is a gem. It’s been in use since 2008 in everything from a GTI, S3, Q3, Q5, A4, A5, Tiguan, Passat, GLI… I could go on and on. It’s smooth, refined, torquey, very fuel efficient and durable. VW Group wouldn’t still be using it 14 years later if it wasn’t durable. The one in my ‘10 GTI has been 100% reliable and it has 140K miles. I love it.
My mk6 was great. It went through a couple of water pumps and a valve cover but I still loved that thing. Sold it to my bud and at 150k its still going. I did change the timing chain tensioner and due a couple of carbon cleanings on it as well. Bought a type r to replace it, but still find myself missing the GTI. Thinking of picking up an S3 or Integra Type S, when that comes out.
Love my 2020! I’m who these are for. A lower level executive who drives all over 3 states. Understated. Classy enough. Comfortable. Good mileage. Still fun on these PNW roads.
Love it, it’s always nice seeing videos on cars that are sub $60ish grand because it feels like these can still give decent performance and be reasonably attainable
Can't wait to see your thoughts on the MK8 Golf R since I own a 7.5. All the journalists are shitting on the 8 interior but I see on the forums it's not as bad as they say so I really encourage you to spend ample time on trying it out.
I hope it's not as bad as it looks. I had a 7.5 GTI and a lot of the things I liked about that interior (real controls, real gauges, good materials/soft touch plastics) seem to be all the things they got rid of in the mk8 in favor of capacitive buttons, more screens, and hard plastic.
I've driven that road many times west bound and I cannot recall ever driving it east bound. I've even ridden my bicycle on that road west bound. Even in my 2015 Tiguan it's a fun road to drive on. Love the S3 but it's the Golf R with the manual transmission for me.
The size of the new A3/S3 is very similar to my 06' Audi A4 Quattro. I loved the size of that car and everything it could do. Question is, get an S3 now or wait for the RS3? Can't wait for you guys to review the RS3 and then go back and do a comparison with S3 and new Golf R.
Cool review! Love seeing you up here in Northern Cali, some great roads up here, my favorite is Skyline off of the 92, take it up to Boulder Creek and highway 9, so much fun😎
@@MrZyLeXx Well the opening isn't that big, it can fit about 1,5 medium suitcases. Basically a space big enough if you're single or don't have a family
Your steady-cam was how they moved the camera when "alf" walked lol. Nice car, but at that price, its a used R8.. doesn't seem a value in that comparison! (I have both).
Here’s the car I want. The Audi RS3, but actually built by Porsche with a front engine, 4 door, manual transmission, naturally aspirated 4.0 boxer 6, with 500 hp. Will they car ever exist?
Good to see that Matt has found la Honda road, undoubtedly one of the best roads in NorCal. The S3 is certainly a nice Audi but im much more excited to see what the new RS3 can do
I'd normally say I agree, but then we look at the prices of other cars and this unfortunately seems to check out. A new Civic Type R is almost $40k (although good luck finding them for under $40k), and the new Golf R starts at $43k. Even with this being the baby S model Audi in the US, I would expect it to be priced above the VW counterpart (ignoring the hatchback vs sedan differences) and especially priced above a Civic, even if it is a Type R
@@Aaphree You're right. I'm moving from the UK to the US in a couple of months and trying to figure out where different cars sit price wise. The Supra 3.0 costs more than a base Cayman in the UK but is significantly cheaper than a base Cayman in the US for example.
@@matthewlange8616 It is always interesting seeing the pricing differences between the US and European countries. I couldn't imagine a base Cayman being less expensive than a Supra 3.0 (new vs new) because Porsche pricing has become so inflated over the past few years here. What other cars have you been looking at?
@@Aaphree EU has protectionist import taxes masquerading as environmental preservation taxes. That is basically the beginning and end of the massive price fluctuations between continents, because you'll note that the Porsche is still cheaper in the US than in the UK or actual EU countries. One-way street.
@@vomErsten Yes, cars are all generally pretty cheap here compared to the rest of the world. I think part of it is that (besides all of the fees and and taxes added on by your governments) Americans are much more dependent on cars to get around. Our public transportation is only established in major cities, and even then I would consider it to be mediocre compared to Western Europe and Eastern Asian countries
Do you think a 18 lightly used RS3 and it's 5 cylinder is worth the 60k asking and over the S3 new 🤔 Matt.. selling my 15 low mile Mustang GT.. offered 29k. Want the new R but dealers are gonna mark up like crazy
Yes, but to make it worth it, extract the inline 5 character don't be afraid to put exhaust and Intake.. the Rs3 is quiet from factory..... The 07k engine is the closest thing to those old group B quattros.
I would definitely pick the Golf R over this. Hatchback instead of sedan. Manual transmission instead of auto. Plus the torque vectoring rear diff makes all the difference.
The old lady just commuted to work on record snowfall day, and with snows on, she was laughing. Laying dirty drifts, and passing cars stuck on hills with ease. Her’s is a ‘20, her second S3 after a ‘15. She loves the ‘20, with the extra gear. That really woke the car up. She doesn’t need the extra power, she beats on it, and the old engine is plenty. Though, she’ll see the screens, and want want the newer one soon enough.
@@thunderthumbz3293 2011 A4 is still one of the earlier model b8's, by 2013/2014 up to 2016(when they stopped making the b8) it was improved upon significantly. Its not that uncommon for a car company to need to iron out some issues early on after they remodel one of the cars in their line, although Ill admit the early b8 a4's probably had a bit more issues that needed ironing out than usual. The newer s3s and s4s should be pretty reliable for the most part (in terms of the engine and drivetrain, if an issue arises itll probably more related to electronics these days).
Thanks for the real world review! My daily is a 2019 A6, and your comments regarding the Adaptive Cruise Control are familiar. In rain, sleet or snow, there are all sorts of warning messages and the ‘sensor’ related functions, such as ACC, are all disabled with warning messages. Drives me crazy, but similar to your experience, it adjusts and corrects itself, and of course at service time, Audi can find no fault. Great car in every other respect, and count me as an Audi fan.
I agree with Cammisa regarding the Lambo style interior. It's definitely got some fairly agro shapes going on inside that I personally would prefer they dialed back just a little. As for whether it feels cheap, I'm not at liberty to say and will trust Matt's view. Still, this S3 seems like a nice car, albeit totally anonymous.
The front looks like a Hyundai i30 N line, but then uglier.. What the hell is wrong with Audi's design at the moment? The previous model A3 was a good looking, timeless design.
One thing I noticed is that the engine note in the sound system is *definitely* wrong. The sound being synthesized is from the RS3 I5. I mean, if you’re bringing in fake exhaust sound, at least the 5 cyl sounds better.
Oh man haven't had to or been told to unplug the battery for 20 minutes since my 2001 VW. After owning that car I told myself never to buy another one from the brand. 20 years later I guess it still hasn't changed. It's a shame cause they have comfort, performance, and design.
The APR Gearbox tune helped on my 2017. With Audi’s factory tuning, comfort mode is way too eco and sport mode holds revs too long. Looks like the Russian River Valley
The OEM DSG tuning in D and S being too lazy/too aggressive respectably has been my biggest complaints with VW DSG products since the start, the one tuned DSG I drove in an early MkV car was a revelation compared to stock. I'm pretty sure he's running southbound on Highway 35 south of Highway 92 in San Mateo County.
100% agree. I found myself in manual in my 2016 any time I was driving unless I was on the highway in top gear. I had a …2019(?) loaner A3 and they’d updated the gearbox tune significantly by then.
I started my driving life in a Golf GTI on these norcal roads, it's such a wonderful combination that I never even fully realized just how good these cars are suited for these roads until I got a Miata, thinking it would be an upgrade bcuz RWD, but actually discovered the torque, grip, suspension travel, and FWD balance of a Golf-based car is better on these roads than a sports car.
the Golf GTI got the matching skill level for most drivers on normal roads...
The Miata is a car I would like right now, on our small winter rally roads here.
Uhhh tell me you don’t know how to drive without telling me you don’t know how to drive
@@ctm5617 Tell me you don't understand the value of suspension travel on NorCal roads without telling me you don't understand the value of suspension travel on NorCal roads. And to be fair my Miata came with coilovers from a previous owner that are due for a replacement. My point was that a well-tuned FWD-based compact car with suspension travel and grip gets underrated relative to "hurr durr RWD". Also have attended many HPDEs, ran a couple competitive amateur kart championships closer to the front than the back, am competitive in the casual sim racing I do, and know how to push my Miata too; it likes to oversteer and I like catching it. Still miss my GTI across a lot of the roads I drive on, because it genuinely worked better over the pavement and grades we have here in NorCal. So save your snark.
I love my '22 s3 prestige in turbo blue. Has the right amount of gurgle and great planted feeling in the corners. Not the mention it has the nicest infotainment I've ever used.
Good review. Would love this but unfortunately have a Golf R on order for my wife as it's 1) Available in a manual 2) A hatch back. Those factors were non-negotiable for her and offset the haptic controls.
Wow. You got a keeper there. Manual and a small hatchback enthusiast. Damn.
@@thehumanoid6543 Yep. Hanging on until she realizes I'm not worthy. :) Her WRX hatch needs replacement and Subaru refuse to build it so VW it is
@@Redshift42 very nice. Golf R manuals are the shizz. Golf R manual wagons would be even cooler. But you're in North America I'd assume, so P A I N for yu.
@@thehumanoid6543 Yes, in Canada so wagon isn't an option but would be preferred.
@@Redshift42 f. wagon always preferred. If only the tiguan hadnt come and wiped the sales, the golf wagon might have survived in us/ca for the mk8 gen
Cool seeing Matt drive on some of our roads up here in Nor Cal for a change. Love all the roads around Alice's.
Best roads ever plus you see some insane rides. Drove my '18 s3 there a lot
My weekly therapy road!
It's so crazy looking at him drive there!! I used to go there all the time (now in college). Reminds me of home
Those were the best roads I’ve ever been in my motorcycle. Miss living in NorCal
6:51 Apparently he likes these roads as well
I was an Audi guy, but I always ended up choosing the m235 and m240 over the s3 and plan to do so again this year. The m240 having 6cyl, lsd, and a coupe body style always swayed me. Audi interiors look much better though
It seems like the ratio of sedan to coupe body styles has changed drastically over the past 5 years. I always prefer a coupe to a sedan.
LSD is not available from factory on m240
@@SenszR it is on the new one
@@ross2358 oh fair enough
@@SenszR 😉
If Audi got their head out their ass and offered us the S3 sportback, that would hands down be my car
I was expecting them to bring the Sport back with this new Gen but for now it's still a big NO
Do you know why?
@@チャーリーブラウン-w8l I imagine it would compete too much with the Golf R.
@@chobocops I can see that perspective but they have both models in Europe
@@チャーリーブラウン-w8l Probably only enough room for sales of one in the US vs Europe
I think if there was an incentive for Audi to offer the hatch in the US they would
Hell yeah. The Golf 8 has a far less desirable interior.
THIS. The MK8 Golf has enough of a horrid cabin to completely turn me off it.
@@tyler9703 If it was $15000 i still wouldn't buy a Mk8 GTI or Golf
It’s way more fun to drive than an s3. Also retains better value.
@@keithskoglund10 that's also true
@@Boomtowndogs it's not actually that bad. Still better than Hyundai
I have an S3 on order, after learning no RS3s coming to Canada. Contemplated the new Golf R but can't get past the terrible infotainment system, especially no volume control, delays at startup, most commonly used features being buried in multiple sub menus. I bet VW will redesign that system before a full model refresh is due, given all of the negative press and feedback coming in from reviewers
They told me that we might get them but in two years
@@turbos7780 same i got a S3 in may 2022, love it, my deal told me, by may 2024 we should see them in Canada, i am on the waiting list for now :)
anyone: fully loaded 2022 Audi S3 or 2022 Genesis G70!?!?!? (Theyre the same price)(ontario)
Really would be interested if they offered the RS3 hatch over here.
Yes, that's the model that's sorely missing in North America.
I would trade my car in a heartbeat if it did
I'd take a new A3 hatch
no chance lol we never get the cool stuff
wont come. Europe only. USA wont get the M3 touring either.
I’d have the S3 over the Golf R. Nicer interior in the Audi, better brakes, love the saloon version. The rear diff on the Golf R makes the handling unpredictable & just seems like a gimmick to try & impress car journalists
As someone likely upgrading from an 8V A3, (and debating the two) thanks!
For the “professional enthusiast” I’ll say, these are a great option. Capable of a sleeper-esk daily driven 500 HP when properly modified. Classy and less boy tuner than the Golf R. Different direction, but a CPO SQ5 is also a great drive.
what if you dont want 500 hp.
I agree on the S3, (we have an A3 2.0T quattro as a second car.) But with the SQ5, I think I'd do an X3 M40i all day over an SQ5, and we're typically VAG people.
finally a person who actually tests cars and know what they are talking about
The EA888 motor is a gem. It’s been in use since 2008 in everything from a GTI, S3, Q3, Q5, A4, A5, Tiguan, Passat, GLI… I could go on and on. It’s smooth, refined, torquey, very fuel efficient and durable. VW Group wouldn’t still be using it 14 years later if it wasn’t durable. The one in my ‘10 GTI has been 100% reliable and it has 140K miles. I love it.
Love my GLI very similar to this
My mk6 was great. It went through a couple of water pumps and a valve cover but I still loved that thing. Sold it to my bud and at 150k its still going. I did change the timing chain tensioner and due a couple of carbon cleanings on it as well. Bought a type r to replace it, but still find myself missing the GTI. Thinking of picking up an S3 or Integra Type S, when that comes out.
I really like this generation of S3. The size, power, AWD and the creature comforts really would make a great daily driver.
Nice seeing you on our roads 🤙🏽
Nice Review. Torque kicks in at 2000rpm. S3 is a Great Drive here in Australia with the Adaptive Dampers.
Love my 2020! I’m who these are for. A lower level executive who drives all over 3 states. Understated. Classy enough. Comfortable. Good mileage. Still fun on these PNW roads.
Love it, it’s always nice seeing videos on cars that are sub $60ish grand because it feels like these can still give decent performance and be reasonably attainable
Hwy 84 up in NorCal is one of my favorite roads to drive as well
I’m just really happy we don’t have to suffer with having the hatch version of these in the states.
I LOVE the 3-cars. Drove an A3 for several days in 2020 and I loved it.
Oh man, I haven't been on HIghway 9 in a few years now. Used to rip that stretch before the intersection so hard....
Can't wait to see your thoughts on the MK8 Golf R since I own a 7.5. All the journalists are shitting on the 8 interior but I see on the forums it's not as bad as they say so I really encourage you to spend ample time on trying it out.
I hope it's not as bad as it looks. I had a 7.5 GTI and a lot of the things I liked about that interior (real controls, real gauges, good materials/soft touch plastics) seem to be all the things they got rid of in the mk8 in favor of capacitive buttons, more screens, and hard plastic.
I've driven that road many times west bound and I cannot recall ever driving it east bound. I've even ridden my bicycle on that road west bound. Even in my 2015 Tiguan it's a fun road to drive on.
Love the S3 but it's the Golf R with the manual transmission for me.
The size of the new A3/S3 is very similar to my 06' Audi A4 Quattro. I loved the size of that car and everything it could do. Question is, get an S3 now or wait for the RS3? Can't wait for you guys to review the RS3 and then go back and do a comparison with S3 and new Golf R.
I like both vehicles , but I’ve been leaning toward the Golf R
I honestly love my Golf GTI 8 interface.
Don’t regret the loss of buttons at all.
Gotta love ‘em Marin County backroads.
I'd recognize highway 84 anywhere. How much fun is that section of road!
Nice review! Got me interested in driving one😎👍
I always find that the Golf/Gti offer more leg room in the backseat than the A3 model.
Cool review! Love seeing you up here in Northern Cali, some great roads up here, my favorite is Skyline off of the 92, take it up to Boulder Creek and highway 9, so much fun😎
I love how its a luxury to have real buttons now.
Thanks Matt and crew
What watch are you wearing here Matt? Couldn't place it.
10:00 told yall, slight burble is nice. Not gunshots, but slight burble gives the drive a bit more liveliness imo
Literally the first time ever I've rewound to check out an ad, damn
Would be more interested if we got the hatch.
Personally I don't see the attraction in the A3 Sportback in any spec. IMHO the sedan is much better looking...
@@ZATennisFan yeah but the trunk on a s3 is fairly useless, but when you get a Sportback it's just the right size for me at least
@@davidsubotin7122 Fair enough 😀I’m single so boot space is less of an issue. I would love an RS3 sedan
@@davidsubotin7122 it looked pretty big in the shot he did of it with all the stuff he has in it
@@MrZyLeXx Well the opening isn't that big, it can fit about 1,5 medium suitcases.
Basically a space big enough if you're single or don't have a family
Funny how it has 1 cylinder more on the inside
I don't get it
@@bvedant Fake audio being pumped in is that of the 5-cylinder from the RS3.
@@vomErsten only in dynamic mode does it pump in engine noise. If you have it in individual it wont...
What engine sound plays when the TST One Take logo comes up?
Look at me I'm Matt Farah I'm too good to pull over at a turnout I'm just gonna stop in the middle of the fuckin road
Hwy 84! I live on this road! Great daily commute.
Just a casual SVJ passing by in the mountains 😭🤣
rockin the grand seiko i see!
This, or mk8 golf R for more exciting driving?
Thanks!
I didn't even feel the urge to skip his sponsored ad, unlike the normal irrelevant ads that are forced upon you by TH-cam.
APR tune and done.
Your steady-cam was how they moved the camera when "alf" walked lol. Nice car, but at that price, its a used R8.. doesn't seem a value in that comparison! (I have both).
Unfortunately because of used car prices, you'd have a hard time finding an R8 for the price of one of these.
nice one for stopping in the road on a blind corner, 10 points
When and do you plan on reviewing the mk8 Golf R?
I really want a globe, those look sick, but i wouldn't pay more than 50 bucks. After shipping and taxes they are 200+
Pretty bland looking and sounding for $56k.
Those globes are cool though.
Here’s the car I want. The Audi RS3, but actually built by Porsche with a front engine, 4 door, manual transmission, naturally aspirated 4.0 boxer 6, with 500 hp. Will they car ever exist?
More norcal road videos please!
it will be nice to see the m240i video eventually...
I think you are really missing a trick by not doing one takes no more, some of them are bloody great!
Is that a piped-in fake 5 cylinder sound I'm hearing? Lovely looking car still though
yeah lol they tried so hard to make it sound like a 5
When are you driving the new mk8 R?
Interior sounds pumped in interior sound louder than outside
which size globes did you have in the ad roll?
Is it my imagination or did they tweak the exhaust note sound inside the car to make it sound more like a 5-cylinder?
they even pump that fake 5 cylinder noise in my mk6 gli
@@eddieru i turned off my soundaktor
Almost $60k….the world has passed me by. There is no way I’m ever buying a new car again.
It has gotten utterly crazy.
Is it noisy ? If you are traveling , you have to hear that engine?
I prefer the Audi S3 over the VW R MK8.
The VW to me looks borig and unexciting
Good to see that Matt has found la Honda road, undoubtedly one of the best roads in NorCal. The S3 is certainly a nice Audi but im much more excited to see what the new RS3 can do
For a lot more money.
People want leather for leather's sake... only on the places you touch in normal use is the place that matters.
Was expecting it to start around $40-41,000 Starting price seems a little high to me.
I'd normally say I agree, but then we look at the prices of other cars and this unfortunately seems to check out. A new Civic Type R is almost $40k (although good luck finding them for under $40k), and the new Golf R starts at $43k. Even with this being the baby S model Audi in the US, I would expect it to be priced above the VW counterpart (ignoring the hatchback vs sedan differences) and especially priced above a Civic, even if it is a Type R
@@Aaphree You're right. I'm moving from the UK to the US in a couple of months and trying to figure out where different cars sit price wise. The Supra 3.0 costs more than a base Cayman in the UK but is significantly cheaper than a base Cayman in the US for example.
@@matthewlange8616 It is always interesting seeing the pricing differences between the US and European countries. I couldn't imagine a base Cayman being less expensive than a Supra 3.0 (new vs new) because Porsche pricing has become so inflated over the past few years here. What other cars have you been looking at?
@@Aaphree EU has protectionist import taxes masquerading as environmental preservation taxes. That is basically the beginning and end of the massive price fluctuations between continents, because you'll note that the Porsche is still cheaper in the US than in the UK or actual EU countries. One-way street.
@@vomErsten Yes, cars are all generally pretty cheap here compared to the rest of the world. I think part of it is that (besides all of the fees and and taxes added on by your governments) Americans are much more dependent on cars to get around. Our public transportation is only established in major cities, and even then I would consider it to be mediocre compared to Western Europe and Eastern Asian countries
Do you think a 18 lightly used RS3 and it's 5 cylinder is worth the 60k asking and over the S3 new 🤔 Matt.. selling my 15 low mile Mustang GT.. offered 29k. Want the new R but dealers are gonna mark up like crazy
Yes, but to make it worth it, extract the inline 5 character don't be afraid to put exhaust and Intake.. the Rs3 is quiet from factory..... The 07k engine is the closest thing to those old group B quattros.
Does it sound like the interior is getting RS3 audio pumped in or is that just me?
100%
First thing I noticed as well. It's awful.
I would definitely pick the Golf R over this. Hatchback instead of sedan. Manual transmission instead of auto. Plus the torque vectoring rear diff makes all the difference.
5:39 why doesn’t anyone turn on/off the parking brake these days…
Golf R all the way 10k less ,and checks all of the boxes for me!!
Buy the RS3 that 2.5 l 5cyl turbo is sick!
Yes it is, just the note it delivers is worth the price of admission! I'd take it with the TT RS though.
The old lady just commuted to work on record snowfall day, and with snows on, she was laughing. Laying dirty drifts, and passing cars stuck on hills with ease. Her’s is a ‘20, her second S3 after a ‘15. She loves the ‘20, with the extra gear. That really woke the car up. She doesn’t need the extra power, she beats on it, and the old engine is plenty. Though, she’ll see the screens, and want want the newer one soon enough.
Is the s3 engine reliable over the long term? I had 2011 A4 and there were serious recalls.
@@thunderthumbz3293 2011 A4 is still one of the earlier model b8's, by 2013/2014 up to 2016(when they stopped making the b8) it was improved upon significantly. Its not that uncommon for a car company to need to iron out some issues early on after they remodel one of the cars in their line, although Ill admit the early b8 a4's probably had a bit more issues that needed ironing out than usual. The newer s3s and s4s should be pretty reliable for the most part (in terms of the engine and drivetrain, if an issue arises itll probably more related to electronics these days).
I wish Audi America will start bringing S3 or/and RS3 Sportback/hatchback.
Shoutout to a MK1 Caddy parked down the road!
Yes. Yes it is.
Where in No Cal? I'm always looking for good roads.
On the list for the new RS3. Hoping to use it as a fun DD that can handle snow. P-car for the weekends and nice weather.
ah yes, the Audi Cimarron!
Kidding, kidding...
Thanks for the real world review! My daily is a 2019 A6, and your comments regarding the Adaptive Cruise Control are familiar. In rain, sleet or snow, there are all sorts of warning messages and the ‘sensor’ related functions, such as ACC, are all disabled with warning messages. Drives me crazy, but similar to your experience, it adjusts and corrects itself, and of course at service time, Audi can find no fault. Great car in every other respect, and count me as an Audi fan.
I agree with Cammisa regarding the Lambo style interior. It's definitely got some fairly agro shapes going on inside that I personally would prefer they dialed back just a little. As for whether it feels cheap, I'm not at liberty to say and will trust Matt's view. Still, this S3 seems like a nice car, albeit totally anonymous.
It's a shame the S3 doesn't have the Torque Vectoring like the MK8 Golf R and RS3.
Gets even sillier when you consider people are paying more than these two cost, for a Kia EV6, or Hyundai Ionic......
The front looks like a Hyundai i30 N line, but then uglier.. What the hell is wrong with Audi's design at the moment? The previous model A3 was a good looking, timeless design.
Man, what road is that? I need to drive it!
the previous version looks better.
One thing I noticed is that the engine note in the sound system is *definitely* wrong. The sound being synthesized is from the RS3 I5.
I mean, if you’re bringing in fake exhaust sound, at least the 5 cyl sounds better.
I immediately noticed the same but realized it sounds quite good.
is this basically a sedan golf r?
8V S3 is the best s3
Be careful out there.
The a3 with a vr6 is the best golf
The A3 is not a Golf, rather the Golf is an A3. MQB came out first on the Audi. ;)
Oh man haven't had to or been told to unplug the battery for 20 minutes since my 2001 VW. After owning that car I told myself never to buy another one from the brand. 20 years later I guess it still hasn't changed. It's a shame cause they have comfort, performance, and design.
Svj cameo hilarious
If I got an audi, I'd probably get a last gen a3 with quattro and have an AWD gti.
Over an S3? How come?
@@jaredjohnson9711 cheaper means more money for mods.
@@jaredjohnson9711 s3s around me are still super expensive
The APR Gearbox tune helped on my 2017. With Audi’s factory tuning, comfort mode is way too eco and sport mode holds revs too long.
Looks like the Russian River Valley
The OEM DSG tuning in D and S being too lazy/too aggressive respectably has been my biggest complaints with VW DSG products since the start, the one tuned DSG I drove in an early MkV car was a revelation compared to stock. I'm pretty sure he's running southbound on Highway 35 south of Highway 92 in San Mateo County.
100% agree. I found myself in manual in my 2016 any time I was driving unless I was on the highway in top gear. I had a …2019(?) loaner A3 and they’d updated the gearbox tune significantly by then.
if only audi made a hatch back of the a3 still, hard pass on small 4 door, if it was a hatch I would totally buy one
They do make a hatch, but not for the US market.
@@rlsedition except for the limited-run a3 e-tron. That was hatchback only and sold in California for compliance.
@@faeinthebay I'm aware of that offering, but I would want an S3 hatch, not some "greenie" vehicle.
57k For This Car Is Absurd. Welcome To Utopia.