TIME TO CANCEL THAT GOLF R? NEW 333 HP AUDI S3 FULL REVIEW

[@jamesmercer3963]

Golf doors are a distinctive brand asset. The nailed on screen and fussy styling are miss-steps, but the VW marketing team have committed the cardinal sin in allowing that door experience to be diluted. So disappointing! 7.5 remains peak Golf for me.

[@ravenstylea2]

Wish all modern DSG optioned cars retained the fun gear shift lever because I literally use it all the time to shift gears in my Golf R turbo swapped Mk7.5 GTI.

[@adrianlw2750]

The lack of under-bonnet gloss paint is something the VW group has been doing for a long time - my 2015 Golf was like that. Looked okay when new but didn’t look so good as it aged. At the time it was “marketed” as being a weight saving measure if I remember correctly. I guess the accountants have a say too.

[@volkswizard]

Funny thing is that it is hit and miss, order a white Mk8 and you get full paint. If you look at the red pre-facelift S3 in my S3 vs Golf R video from 3 years ago, it also had a full painted engine bay. It's probably a bit of weight saving but mainly money. So is a fully painted white Mk8 heavier and therefore worse on emissions? If so they don't reflect that in the stats :)

[@odds-and-sods]

2024 Polo gti is fully painted with the same Gen 4 engine (slightly detuned), brakes, and the 7 speed box. Brilliant ❤️

[@danieledwards4398]

With the new Golf’s, I just hate that DRL that runs across the grill! Don’t know why but doesn’t do it for me.

[@thereallotharmatthae]

Same. Tacky.

[@colmlivingstone5540]

@@danieledwards4398 you can turn it off

[@leenadalutti6694]

The 8 and 8.5 golfs are ugly. Audi S3 isn’t any better either. Get a decent 1 year old Audi e-tron for the silly money they’re asking for the boy racer toys.

[@madsdgdhg]

The bigger downside of the Golf R is... not being available in Kings Red. I would still go for the base Golf GTi over any other, if available with a manual gearbox.

[@volkswizard]

I still go for new base GTI 265 with DCC myself, all the car you could ever really need.

[@markrhoden68]

I'm not a Audi or VW owner but I do enjoy your video's. I've had a BMW m140i and the m135i xdrive. What I now personally find astonishing is BMW is offering the new 2024 m135 which is costing roughly the same as the new S3 and new R but has less power than both the VW and Audi and doesn't have the trick rear diff, now I get that those things may not be that big a deal in the scheme of things but if your paying nearly 45k for a premium hot hatch then you want as much stuff as you can get for your money. I'm a BMW guy but I just don't see how the new m135 competes with these two cars 🤷‍♂️

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for your kind words Mark. Don't know if you saw it but I did an S3 vs M135i xdrive review a few years ago and the BMW won mainly because it looked and felt worthy of its premium badge unlike the Audi which at the time was well matched on firepower. I've suspected and now seen in reports that manufacturers don't want to sell a lot of these cars but want to make max profit instead because ultimately that's the only reason they make them. The way Co2 emissions are penalised by EU is partly to do with this. So BMW will sell the first few to dedicated BMW M fans and max out on profit and then when the sales drop off they will have to sell enough to pay for all the R&D so discounts will improve but I bet actual sales targets will be much lower than the pre facelift car. As you call tell by the lack of hot hatch rivals these days, lots of manufacturers can't be bothered so I guess we should be grateful for having what little choice we do have👍🏻

[@wynhughes9072]

As a current low mileage 8v S3 owner and a previous owner of a Mk7 Gti P/P I would definately choose the S3. Streets ahead in quality over the Mk7 Golf. Or perhaps a 2 year old RS3.

[@Buck3366]

@@wynhughes9072 The only thing I wouldn’t want from the RS3 is the astronomical running costs in comparison to the GTI/S3/R. I’ve sold my 7PP and stuck between an 8Y S3/ 8R and late model M135i rock and hard place. Can’t decide but I’d never have the balls to go for the RS after knowing what my friends shelled out over the years 😬

[@chrisml91]

As a Mk7 R owner I desperately want an extra cylinder. But the price difference between the R/S3 and RS3 is like £20k.

[@volkswizard]

It's a lot more than the S3 too and I suspect dynamically inferior, only the way it will be quicker around the 'ring is its extra power but all that front weight is not good. But it does have a lot of character and is much sharper now than the old 8V cars. Just wish it could be specced how you want it in the UK

Great review. One suggestion about the rough ride without having adaptive dampers, I've heard many times over with MQB cars, and especially the pre-facelift 8Y S3, if you downsize from 19" to 18" wheels then the ride becomes quite a bit more compliant. In the US, the S3 comes standard with 18" wheels. I've got years driving a mk7 GTI with a passive system on the stock 18" Austin wheels and it's perfect, not too firm or soft (on medium quality roads). I wonder how this S3's ride quality compares when equipped with 18"s and passive A few things you forgot to mention, is that now you can finally peg the needle on redline without it auto upshifting in manual mode. Also how nice and tactile the buttons are when you push them and hear the click. Would have also liked to hear you talk about the new dynamic plus, other reviews mention that the magna splitter is better calibrated for a daily cruiser like this compared to how it's full drift wildness in the rs3/R

[@teikarate]

I have the 8Y S3 black edition with 19 inch wheels, and I can say the stories about it being an uncomfortable firm ride are absolutely bollocks. My kids fall asleep in the car when I'm driving, and the first thing my wife said after I changed from an A4 2l diesel SE was that the S3 felt comfier, and it doesn't have the adaptive dampeners.

[@volkswizard]

18s are ok but look dreadful, main because of their offset not actually their diameter. Not available in the UK anyway because once again we get shafted by Audi on choice of spec. Actually I forgot to say it still changes up in manual mode. Where have you heard it doesn’t? That is actually a point to the Golf which performance pack doesn’t. Re the Magna splitter if you are testing it on the road then best of luck but it’s not worth me getting into trouble. I did sample it off camera and it does exactly what I stated in dynamic mode, scared me the first time TBH. RS3 was similar but doesn’t that have a drift mode type mode? Stay out of that and R, S3 RS3 all behave similarly, in fact the 4 cylinder cars are probably better overall.

@@volkswizard Mat Watson from carwow demonstrates the non-forced upshifting and pegs the redline here around the 10:15 min mark; kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWWnknyJn6dgotksi=8obEJ0MoRiAzhd9t (he's in both dynamic mode and manual mode) I thought the RS3 had a drift mode exactly like the golf R but just named something different like 'Torque Rear' (but tuned the same with almost too much rear slip like the golf R). I don't blame you for not wanting to get too aggressive on public UK roads, thanks for the feedback on the s3 in dynamic plus.

[@step0601]

Not a fan of the front end TBH, looks a bit of a mess. Kinda bulbous like it's been taken from a bigger car and grafted on. The wheels are a bit fussy too, I like a cleaner looking wheel. It'd be the Golf for me, don't like leather and I think it's a better looking car. I like your shoe analogy, I always prefer trainers over brogues.

[@nigelsmith3144]

I'd buy the S3 on the interior alone!

[@alanwayte432]

Your a fan of hard plastic then

[@r3games1985]

Same.

[@colmlivingstone5540]

@@alanwayte432tbf they both use a lot of plastic anyway

[@nigelsmith3144]

@@alanwayte432 no harder in the appallingly laid out VW!

[@neilooo1998]

Not a fan of that steering wheel either. Too bland. Now if it was flat bottomed finished in alcantara to match the door and dash trim that would be impressive. The seats need an upgrade too to reflect that it's an S3. Buckets of some sort. These hot hatches are approaching £50k with options....there are too many comprises with the interior. That's just my opinion for what it's worth.

[@johngoodwin1710]

I’m a massive Golf R fan, but I bought an S3 as it blends in more which matters to me - I can park it anywhere and not worry about it being nicked.

[@volkswizard]

Interesting John, I do wonder if the low key Golf R was exactly what VW were trying to produce with the S3 because it appeals to me too

[@keithblacknell957]

S3 is one of the most stolen cars in the UK

[@plank770]

Still happy with my 2015 S3 thank you. I'd miss the flat bottom steering wheel and the S3 embossed on the seats!

[@volkswizard]

8V S3 was a great car. At the time I seem to recall Mk7 Golf R was dynamically superior supposedly so it never got the limelight but now I can't imagine Golf R can be much sharper. Flat bottom wheel still exists but adding driver assistance items deletes it - this is super annoying as the assistance stuff is bundled in with Tech Pack Pro so you don't really choose it and other brands including Audi have offered these functions with flat bottom wheel so I don't understand the reasoning.

[@km4089]

Great honest review thanks. Probably need to spend extra and get the vorsprung as adaptive suspension is almost a must in the UK.

[@NZsarge1]

I’d definitely go for S3 Vorsprung but if there weren’t sensors behind the front badge if hook it off and have a proper badge 3D printed

[@paulwardzynski3265]

Andrew, Nice review as usual. I've just taken delivery of an S3 Vorsprung in Progressive red, rear airbags and red brake calipers. Absolutely beautiful. The ride in Comfort mode easily takes care of our typical roads. Performance is effortless. It's expensive on paper but in relative terms I think it is worth the money.

[@irmclarke]

Tempted by exactly the same spec. :)

[@senator7352]

Just remember that the golf r is not trying to be the s3, the s3 is trying to be the golf r

[@volkswizard]

Agreed it’s trying to be a Golf R but without trying to be an exact copy. It’s quite clever what Audi has done as Golf R image isn’t for everyone

[@ghostinthemachine76]

Just remember the S3 has been around a lot longer than the Golf R.

[@teikarate]

Just remember nobody cares, or should care. They are both part of the same group sharing the same parts. If you like golf's stick with golf's, if you like audis stick with audis and so on. Or just test drive them and see whats best for you rather than being sucked into what youtube says. I like both, but own an S3 8Y because I'm used to audis. My friend has the Golf R 20 years and it's a cracking car. I considered the golf but when I walked into the audi show room and saw the S3 in the show room I just bought it there and then and haven't been disappointed.

[@bp.eternity1362]

@@ghostinthemachine76I wouldn’t call 3 years a lot longer

[@samster1995]

​@@bp.eternity13629-10 years longer. 2001 vs 2010-2011

[@simontaylor3211]

Great review Andrew. Would you say the ride is firmer than it was on the pre face lift?

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Simon, that's tricky to say for sure but it may well have been beefed up in the same way as the brakes have been. I had 2 S3 press cars in 2021, one was on 19s, other on 18s but don't recall dampers. Need to check my videos to see what I said but don't recall it being an issue. I do recall the 1.5 TFSI S line I drove in 2020 being surprisingly plush for an S line Audi and I think S3 continued that theme.

[@colmlivingstone5540]

Great video looking forward to your comparison between the old golf GTE and the new one

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Colm, I've driven every GTE apart from Mk7, (7.5 + 8.0) and all have shown potential, 272 PS of 8.5 is a big jump so hopefully it's enough to make it feel like a performance car.

[@colmlivingstone5540]

@@volkswizard we will see although I’m sure that battery is adding extra weight!

[@claudio6175]

I'm a Golf guy (love the MK5 amd MK7) but really dislike the front and interior of the MK8, so S3 all the way after the MK7.5...

[@davidolsen9425]

I’ve just got rid of a mk 8 Golf R. Couldn’t stand it. Looks, god awful HMI, interior quality, the list goes on. Was totally gutted as my 7.5 R was the best car I’ve ever had.

[@Pete7.5R]

Couldn’t have put it better myself. . . 7.5R owner and would lean towards the new S3 rather than the 8.5R, looks a far better quality package 👍😎

[@claudio6175]

​@@davidolsen9425 It's really disappointing they got it so wrong. Even the new R logo looks sh*t. The interior is a big step backwards. Only advancement was the rear diff at the expense of several other things....

[@edward92128]

I’d go for the Golf R. In my eyes it looks better and that wins it for me

[@ratbeee]

22:10 Check Engine

[@volkswizard]

Engine is off (as rev counter shows) so it's only illuminated because of the self test

[@LOUCABRASI]

Ooops

[@davedooney8473]

A comparison video to the new 265bhp Octavia VRS would be great too, I know its a GTI not R or S3 competitor but a lot of people will be cross shopping them. I would add the new Leon Cupra but that front bumper is a total mess. On the S3, the interior is a winner for me but the R wins on exterior (even though im a fan of the S3 Saloon), this S3 could be any lowly engined Sline A3.

[@jaxkesa]

No powered tailgate on UK models, it's been deleted now.

[@volkswizard]

I tried to get this answer out of Audi but no reply. Why delete one of the best features? Spec of UK Audis has been really poor in recent years to the point where I can’t get the car I want even if I want to pay a lot more on options. Not sure how this is good business.

[@MHVids409]

I'm confused - isn't the powered tailgate on this UK reg. black edition?

[@jaxkesa]

@@MHVids409 This was probably an early press car before they removed it. I took delivery of the same Black Edition model 1 week ago and it has no powered tailgate. UK build configurator also shows "Manual boot compartment lid" for both Black Edition and Vorsprung.

[@MHVids409]

@@jaxkesa Many thanks for clarifying! I ordered a Black Edition as well, so this would be rather disappointing... Did you get the Teck Pack Pro though? There is a brief mention of "The boot can be opened using a kicking motion" in the Keyless entry section.

[@jaxkesa]

@@MHVids409 Yes have Tech Pack Pro. Kicking motion doesn't unlock, open or do anything. I guess that only applies if you have the electric boot. Also missing Audi Beam on my model.

[@andym1908]

Good stuff Andrew . I like this S3. .especially over the Golf

[@alanwayte432]

Separate climate controls...great a step forward

[@edward92128]

Or step backwards as some might say! No one asked for none physical buttons yet all manufacturers seemed to think they did

[@SudSale31]

​@@edward92128It’s all part of a trend called cost cuttings, but hush, they want you to feel techno🤡

[@SudSale31]

​@@edward92128It’s all part of a trend called cost cuttings, but hush, they want you to feel techno🤡

[@d4tjr165]

Polo GTI comes with DCC standard and the s3 doesn’t 😂

[@volkswizard]

I've just checked and I am very surprised that yes the Polo gets proper adaptive dampers, because in the old Polo GTI and S1 they were just switchable and I think they just got harder which wasn' that useful. It's possible the torsion beam rear end on the Polo means the ride would be too firm without them. I had a torsion beam rear end Leon FR Sport TDI 150 with DCC and that was pretty terrible even with it!

[@adsmel5881]

Also comes with Matrix LED's, It's kinda crazy how much stuff comes with the polo gti really compared with the more expensive vw models.

[@xaviersariceable]

They've turned up the fuel to give you more go.. but all in all its an amazing car....I have the standard exhaust on mine and it's fine, it still sounds great...remember its 4 years before audi decided to upgrade the S3. In my opinion it was worth the wait.. great car....

[@jaydeanhall]

Aesthetically on the outside the Golf R for me, but the interior? the S3....just. That said, there's hardly any difference (seats aside) with a boggy A3 in there, lots of cheap plastic. The M140i has a much better cabin and the A35 blows them all away. Not having the 360 camera available is so poor for a top range car, that just ought to be standard, its a £325 option on a Golf!! Not sure who's designing or signing off the alloy wheels for Audi (or VW) these days but they're really, really uninspiring. For me, the S3 Saloon would be my choice over the R and Sportback, purely based on looks alone. Dunno, the S3 is leaving me a bit underwhelmed these days.

[@volkswizard]

I think drive the S3 and you’ll be impressed. It will drive similarly to R but you look at it and don’t expect it so its strangely more satisfying as a result, proper Q car

[@jaydeanhall]

@@volkswizard I absolutely don't question the drive, i'm more than sure its really good. Its the looks, i like sporty but subtle, but i like looking over my shoulder at my car in a car park or somewhere and thinking, 'that looks good' (even though i should really grow up at my age) but the difference between a well specced boggy and top range seems to be becoming ever closer aesthetically with the interiors almost the same. It seems the only way to tell at a quick glance is to look at the exhausts. That's getting a bit too understated for an S3 imo.

[@derekallan6231]

Can't believe how quick price is going up on s and RS models 3 years ago could've ordered a base model S3 for 38500 and we thought that was expensive then and the extra road tax doesn't help either

[@briansteele2723]

I stepped out of my S3 8V last week and got into a friend's Polo hire car, this new S3 looks more like the polo than my Audi for sure! Front end is way too fussy and a backwards step

[@volkswizard]

The Polo similarity continues inside with some of the plastic quality. It’s the bottom of the range carpet quality that saddens me the most though

[@seedybee7201]

I'll take a 3-Series. Thanks.

[@edward92128]

Different class of car

[@seedybee7201]

@@edward92128 At these prices, not so much. All are fast driver's cars with four seats and some space for luggage.

[@seedybee7201]

@@edward92128 At this price, not so much. All are fast driver's cars with practical space inside.

[@derekporter66]

Which 3 series

[@seanduncan8927]

Another great review. I love your Audi analogies whether it’s comparing new house builds or now shoes it makes the point well. BTW what’s that plastic on your gates - I need something like that.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Sean, much appreciated🙌🏻 I didn’t know how that analogy would go down but clearly we are on same wavelength. Same about the new house thing 👍 I’ve looked on Amazon and the plastic is Protec garden 300 gsm but can’t see any more as it’s been a while. I was dubious how it would look but amazing it fitted perfectly in height so only needed one cut on each gate for width. Secured with black cable ties. Looks better from the front. Keeps things away from prying eyes and people who think just because you used to sell cars and own a few cars that you must be selling cars from home… 🙄

[@seanduncan8927]

That’s helpful - thanks for replying

[@MattHealey.]

Do Audi still stick the cruise on a stupid bloody stalk instead of the wheel like normal people?

[@sleepwalker31]

On looks alone the R wins hands down. The S3 has lost its identity and in the wrobg colour would look like a model further down the range. Great reveiw

[@volkswizard]

Thanks! Agreed the R looks more in yer face but the stealth factor of the S3 has its benefits especially if you like to push on when driving and keep a low profile. I just wish it said S3 more (or a bit!) inside.

[@sleepwalker31]

@volkswizard my point exactly about the badges though I get the low profile take but uts definitely too low key!

[@l8erzmonkey]

Isnt the audi s3 allways been the more premium r ?

[@volkswizard]

Not in last version as it just wasn’t as hardcore as mk8. This one now is and the premium thing is my point, it’s very close in PCP costs and in some specs cheaper than the R. So no premium

[@Birmingham_racing]

The golf r styling has grown on me a little but I much prefer the s3

[@rob_lightbody]

Why is there no golf GTi equivalent in the Audi range?

[@volkswizard]

Good question, there used be an A3 with Mk5 engine, it was great

[@rob_lightbody]

@@volkswizard it's a heck of a jump from 150PS to 333PS

[@Daveodaddeo101]

I really like the S3 and may consider it when changing my M135i (F40), but the interior quality really is a step down.

[@volkswizard]

Agreed, amazing how BMW have kept it so high and Audi who were class leaders have taken the mick, the carpet is the biggest let down, if you look at pre -2020 A3/S3 or your 1er you will see why

[@neilwatson5864]

Andrew. Does the Golf R Mk8.5 make the Audi S3 Sportback obsolete?

[@mikelowwwrey]

A better comparison would be the base Golf R, not the black edition, right?

[@rlakhay]

The golf r is the better choice..as it will suit the type of people that want a 4wd hot hatch. Also with the audi s3.. You know there's an RS3 and so it's like accepting 2nd best. The quality seems to be getting worst... But the prices keep increasing.....

[@malcolmscott4150]

Excellent comparison and definitely like the S3 understated design - in yellow would look great and with adaptive dampers my choice as not losing any performance or dynamic assets of the R 🎯👍

[@Thatguysbackagain]

I like that blue, it's close to asphalt blue on the seat Leon

[@oldkid6]

i don't like how VW cheaps out on basic things like a nice engine cover and no hood struts for an 50K plus car, outrageous.

[@DrFod]

Drive the deal have got an offer on S3 black editions with tech pack for £44,699. I'd be tempted if I could add DCC as an option but I think Audi are going to lose sales by forcing people to get the Vorsprung if they want it.

[@volkswizard]

Agreed! They are trying to force people into the Vorsprung when all they are doing it making people go elsewhere. Ridiculous.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

That electric seat driver side only on the Golf is so cheap & stingy, would put me off paying 2k for leather.

[@volkswizard]

It's actually just under £2500!

[@michaelschneider1365]

I hope in June this car is about 600-625 or so for lease. Hurry up June to hope so.

[@robertizmirlian7933]

I wish Audi sold the Sportback in the US!

[@jasonelliott8101]

Golf R platform has always handled better than its counter part in the S3

[@d4tjr165]

I don’t like the front and not a fan of interior therefore I’d go for the golf, plus if there the same price roughly then surely the cheaper VW is better than a cheap Audi

[@volkswizard]

Depending on spec the S3 can actually be cheaper than the VW (that bit is right at the end of the video). But they are so close that if you just don't like one of them then go for the other 👍🏻

[@DrFod]

I think you might be in a minority for preferring the Golf interior, for me the Audi is on a different level.

[@robstacy]

No akrapovic exhaust option on the Audi 😢

[@volkswizard]

There is an Akrapovic available in other markets, another example of how we get screwed on spec in the UK. I mean why would they not want £3k+ for an exhaust that costs them a fraction of this?

[@slen6293]

Finance wise, Audi have just bumped up the GFV at the end to make the numbers look better. Overall you are paying more interest and more money with the Audi

[@volkswizard]

Sure, the GFV is higher because it depreciates less and therefore the monthly is lower but you only pay more overall if you buy the car at the end of the term which most people don't do. So in this case less per month still equates to less overall even if more of what you do pay for the Audi is interest which is academic anyway as interest and depreciation are as bad as each other :) It's this slower depreciation of German premium brands that makes them cheaper to finance than inferior non-premium mainstream cars, generally VW have been immune to this because like for like they are usually cheaper but with VW R being seen by the marketing department as effectively a 'premium performance' stand alone, brand they are being punchy with their pricing but I think they've gone too far this time.

[@slen6293]

@@volkswizard is still love to see another comparison of this with the bmw like you did before

[@egekaratayli5855]

Fantastic car inside and out! The UK version has a manual boot lid not electronic like in the video :(

[@AUDIDOIT]

I am an Audi fan and I would take the golf R all day long. The S3 is so so dull, looks like a basic A3, and is not as playful as the R.

[@Robin-c8e1q]

Though the S3 type 8Y has 333PS and a torque vectoring rear diff, it also has a 'cheap and techie' looking facia (no longer a pop up infotainment screen). It has also lost the 'feel good' factor, so No Thanks Audi.

[@brianiswrong]

Not going to lie The A3 render in the bronze/ brown is right up my street😊

[@volkswizard]

There has to be reason why its in the range :) Choose whatever colour you like and if it's on PCP the depreciation is not your problem - Audi won't care because you've given them £4k towards it with the paint :)

[@kbsub]

You need serious money to waste buying a fast hatch these days 50k to buy then luxury car tax then insurance and fuel , servicing etc factor in depreciation , wouldn’t even like to think what cost per mile is

[@derekporter66]

Most people just look at the monthly cost and nothing else

[@justinevans1894]

Really good film Andrew, I think it's a great car.

[@Rob_who]

Golf R Black edition for sure for me

[@rob_lightbody]

Audi for me. It has the premium factors that vw used to give you. (All the bits you point out. But i can't afford it! I paid £17k for my three year old GTi 7.5 in 2020, the car market is moving away from what i can afford.

[@volkswizard]

Those were the days!

[@jackwilkinson88]

Another great video

[@rasherbasher8203]

I would go for the s3. Over the golf 8 r, I'll wait for the review of the golf 8.5 r.. Audi is definitely more classy..

[@VWbobby94]

Golf R 🤘

[@jamesgeorge9587]

My 2017 black edition s3 looks much better, inside and outside.

[@volkswizard]

That was a nice facelift too 👌

[@Kytes93]

harman kardon was too expensive o them, VW made drastic cutoffs

[@davidolsen9425]

I’ll be honest, I think both VW and Audi have totally dropped the ball with the design of the Golf and the A3. Far too much scooping, sculpting of the exterior. And the Golf just look too bulky / overweight.

[@r7coo]

An Audi badge has never been coveted since about 1995.

[@slen6293]

Golf R for me. Looks better

[@davidolsen9425]

The facelift hasn’t got rid of the awful headlights.

[@r3games1985]

Out here in Canada it dose for sure. They are almost the exact same price. $53k

[@FragGile]

I find those new Audi Badges terrible they look so cheap, like it's been printed out and stuck on

[@simonupex2628]

Unfortunately Andrew you can't really tell the difference between the S3 and the rest of the A3 range to be honest it looks boring 🥱

[@stephenpearson8720]

You could say the same about golf r and BMW m135i

[@coastalrider1155]

Golf looks much better

[@kennythomson4934]

I’m sorry I’m sticking with my mk7.5 R 3 door.

[@josmith3565]

I'll stick to my mk4 Cupra Leon 300.

[@Tagomago12]

They are both nice cars but they are trying to be something they never will be For the new price of these cars you could own something really nice at 2 or 3 years old with 15 ,000 miles ish . I'm just not 1 for taking the hit when buying a new car.

[@mickspsmith]

Why not do a comparison with the Mercedes A35 or A45

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Hi Andrew great video For me Audi has always been the premium brand over the years rubbing shoulders with bmw mercs but now Audi vw seat Skoda are different versions of the golf and don’t have there own character as much as they used to like the mk2 golf days. Looking forward to your thoughts on the R black edition. Thanks again Vdub :)

[@JohnGuidetti751]

A4 up MLB platform are proper Audi’s under that is reskinned MQB VW.

[@butchmeister80]

Rather the golf R the Audi looks boring in comparison maybe better for the older boy racer haha s3 has a lot more spec and little hidden gems better interior maybe but your paying premium.

[@ThrottleBody]

My biggest issue is that it looks like a 1.0. Im all for understated but it looks rubbish.

[@volkswizard]

Has an S model ever been that much better than an S line aesthetically? Not since 8V / 2012. First one was special and 8p was desirable too but they were largely defined by their matt aluminium bits so black styling while in fashion, does have the effect of downgrading the visual impact

[@ThrottleBody]

@@volkswizard yes, that is definitely part of it. The removing of the badges on grilles etc is also criminal.

[@davidfisher2359]

Yes.

[@philipmo4609]

Aluminium mirror covers…

[@volkswizard]

They are all plastic now sadly, just 'aluminium look'.

[@philipmo4609]

@@volkswizard I have an 8L with the alloy mirror covers, one of the boxes I had to tick on the order form..

[@kevdavies3445]

grill not pretty

[@JohnInSale]

I prefer this to the Golf, but I wonder if you can order it without the awful rear tinted windows 🤔

[@slen6293]

Build quality and interior quality significantly worse than bmw m135i. Would be good to see you do a comparison video with the new bmw like you did last time? Or maybe the updated f40 bmw which had all the upgraded suspension and chassis revisions

[@leemace9638]

Nobody can pull along side of you in a better Golf when ur in the R but in the Audi the RS pulls up along side and ur in the S3 you may feel ur doing something wrong in life 😂

[@volkswizard]

That is a fair point Lee, RS3 is still the MQB daddy and as with pre facelift car you feel S3 could be better if it was top of the tree but it’s definitely closer to RS3 and maybe even better dynamically without heavy 5 pot up front

[@alonzoharris222]

Sorry but the interior still looks really cheap to me.

[@r7coo]

Golf every time take the badge off the Audi looks like a car from the far east. The Golf looks like a Golf - authentic.

[@JackKing12.]

Golf too boxy

[@volkswizard]

The surfacing on A3 does really make it look incredible in the right light & body colour ❤️

[@Roger-ff3cu]

It's an audi a3 hatchback not a bloody rolls Royce fool 😅😅

[@0badboy0]

Is it just me that thinks Audi s3s are dog shit? 😂 just total scrap.

[@cloudsdrinkwater]

Audi = old man car

[@volkswizard]

You may be right but that's still quite a big market

[@LOUCABRASI]

Audi= Grown man car