2022 GOLF R vs NEW S3 - is the VW worth paying MORE for than the 'premium' AUDI? VW Golf R Audi S3

Thanks to gilksgaragecaf... for allowing us to film on their premises
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In this video I decide once and for all whether the Audi S3 is the real bargain 300 PS + all wheel drive hot hatch from the VW Group seeing as it's £1155 (I got this wrong in the video!) cheaper than the Golf R which doesn't on the face of it offer much more and has the far less aspirational VW badge on the bonnet (and cloth seats, and a manual bonnet stay and that divisive interior...)
Simon's Instagram @torquecarz
Thanks to @haslerdesigns for the graphics at the start and end of the video
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[@vwgolf9826]

Pay more and get the R. I don't think Audi are expecting to sell as many S3's but VW need the R to sell in massive numbers.

[@Nash15118]

So??

[@Larry_g_]

When these two cars were released I was actually considering buying the S3 until I test drive the golf R and yeah Four months later it’s still amazing and on the back road literally nothing can keep up with me especially with a set of Michelin pilot 4S brilliant car 10 out of 10

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

Nothing can keep up with you? LOL. My AMG A45s eats the new Golf R for breakfast. Dusted several in last few months. I love looking at thee driver's reaction as I pull away from them. Priceless. Golf R is a great car, but it's not that great. Rather have it over the S3 though

[@DarkHelmet1976]

How do you find the interior in the R? More specifically, how is it living with all the touch screens and haptic feedback and lack of buttons?

[@bradava1]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 he was talking about back roads not a straight line.

[@IainB]

You don't seem to know what the word "literally" means.

[@featheredindian]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 you have no clue how good of a driver he actually is. He might just leave you in a cloud of dust like the rest of them he smokes in his gti

[@leehiller3152]

i'd pay more for the golf if I only had the choice of the two cars just based on the look of the Golf over the Audi. That A3 is rank to look at from every angle in my opinion. The 8V model was soooo much nicer!

[@yfantisgiorgos4252]

In Greece, the S3 costs ~13.000£ more than the R!!!!! With (same) extras the difference gets even bigger. That shows a lot about Audi marketing and how they "persuade" everyone here that the S3 is 30% "more" of a car.

[@geronimooo260]

Agreed, in my country s3 is 6000 euros more expensive (base price), and many options have to added to reach the golf R standard equipment, so 13 000 difference is a good estimate. Funny that in the UK they are considered as close in price… In an other UK test i also saw a comparison between a fully speced R with a price alleged as comparable to a A45S. Over here here there’s an enormous gap too ! Maybe it has to do with different pricing policy, or base specs ?

[@yfantisgiorgos4252]

@@geronimooo260 It is not a matter of specs here. The base R is even slightly better speced than the S3. As for Mercedes, their pricing is just ridiculous. See prices for base versions: R 52.000€ S3 66.500€ A35 58.500€ A45 74.000€ A45S 80.000€!!!!! Only rear camera & Parking Assist more than the R. It is a marketing strategy (higher price for supposedly a "superior" brand/car) and that's what I hate about it. Sorry for the long reply.

[@johno222f8]

I had a 7R and now have an 8R, it makes me laugh all the 7/7.5 owners who knock the quality of the 8R interior. There is such little difference.

[@volkswizard]

This /\ is true, buttons do not make quality

[@vroomgc]

@Manc I think the Golf R also beats it in exterior looks and here in N/A we get real leather not that blue grey stuff, so even interior is close to the audi. Plus the hatch has more usable space then your saloon as you call it.

[@vroomgc]

@Manc Understood my Mk7 R is tuned and I'm looking at what to replace it with and I'm considering the R or Rs3 and also a G70, but I will be doing tuning to any of those choices 😉

[@sinappanis]

@@vroomgc We haven't had real leather in NA in years. It's been imitation for awhile now they have just gotten better at it.

[@vroomgc]

@@sinappanis Umm its nappa leather so I'm not sure what you think "real" leather is lol.

[@andrewlam426]

Golf is a ICON ! Good vid

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Andrew, I can't argue with that, it is!

[@andrewlam426]

@@volkswizard we love vw’s, You deserve more subs with your in-depth impartial reviews.

[@M_S-pf3bt]

For saying you drive, buy/sell vag group cars you dont half slate vw… mk8 is a great car, ppl moan that theres not enough tech, they get given it then moan about it.. im vag through and through and im a vw technician have a mk6 tsi and a b7 tfsi avant both brilliant cars and which my audi is no better built than the golf

[@dimsoneill]

@@andrewlam426 Impartiality my arse.

[@danielrussell446]

@@andrewlam426 cannot agree more

[@jryalls]

The new RS3 is the only good looking version of this A3 generation. The styling is just so awkward.

[@Beardchanics]

Completely agree, got an 8V and was highly disappointed by the new 8Y series. RS3 barely saved as well because at least the bumper doesn't look as weird.

[@mpolinsk22]

I agree, except for the fake grill thing in the rear bumper. That's horrendous.

[@lukemartin981]

Just to add that mk8 looks great and a much sleeker car than the S3. Lovely car SImon

[@volkswizard]

Couldn't agree more Luke!

[@DM-fn7je]

It just shows how good the Mk8 R line interior is when you consider the price difference.

[@volkswizard]

£10k more than R line for a bit more power and AWD seems a bit stiff to me for sure. Having said that an R line isn't that cheap really. Just shows you why VW like the R brand, it's a real cash cow as its selling emotion and kudos. Basically what Audi has been doing from day one.

[@jryalls]

You can order the GTI Clubsport in Europe and Ireland in Lapiz Blue according to the configurator. A weird move for VW in my opinion.

[@JoeGTI5]

Not in Ireland you can’t. But you can spec a diesel R-Line Golf / Tiguan / Passat in Lapiz blue!

[@volkswizard]

That is very weird indeed!

[@jryalls]

@@JoeGTI5 You definitely can, I’ve just checked the configurator again. New for MY 2022 Lapiz Blue, Lime Yellow Metallic both available in Ireland on the Clubsport.

[@JoeGTI5]

@@jryalls no, you definitely can’t! That’s a mistake on the configurator. If you try to select Lapiz actually (I just tried it), it gives you an error and deselects it again. I know the specs here only too well. I took delivery of a reflex silver CS myself recently.

[@JoeGTI5]

That said - I know VW Ireland tend to be flexible with special orders. I know of cases where unusual / off spec cars have been ordered here in the past. But lapiz is definitely not an official option.

[@Chris-fg2qh]

The Mk8R wins hands down. Great video 👌

[@volkswizard]

Thanks! 👍

[@krane15]

In this comparison. But its not that the R doesn't have issues. I could fill a database and all of them would be on the interior.

[@theoschofield1495]

Erm no

[@Gazmondo100]

great vid lads, glad i brought a 8R over a S3

[@justinevans1894]

I wouldn't like to think what the Audi's ride is like on 19s, and I'm pretty shocked by the hard rattly plastics everywhere.

[@volkswizard]

I had one on 19s last year, can't recall if it was on adaptive dampers

[@johndearn9457]

I’ve got a Mk7 R, absolutely beautiful car, ticks all the boxes, like the Mk8 R, but unfortunately out of my price range

[@slen6293]

So in your previous comparison video the m135i beat the S3. Here the golf R beats the S3 too. Which would you choose between the R and the m135i? The m135i has a much better interior than both cars. Has bigger brakes and better passive damping than the S3. Chassis not as good as the golf R. Is down on power but up on torque… but it is also cheaper than the golf R. Close one…

[@volkswizard]

Golf R I think because the BMW looks so awful from the B pillar forward

[@slen6293]

@@volkswizard each to their own I guess, I like the look of the bmw. I prefer the lights on the bmw to the golf R.

[@JamesGadbury]

What's with the epileptic, attention seeking headlights? No, I don't like bling and fakery either. I miss the no-nonsense, understated, classy Audis of old. But then I'm old and unfashionable! Take a leaf out of Gordon Murray's T50 design book, Audi! Beautiful engineering, clean design but no bloat - everything on and in the car has function and purpose.

[@johnguidetti5839]

When has an Audi ever been classy?

[@marcvalme7732]

This is probably my favorite video, witty banter was entertaining. Slight correction, the new rear diff is not a haldex at all, it's a magna

[@markx787]

In Canada the R have far better Price :) I paid mine 50K cad and a full Audi S3 is 62K cad!!

[@DonsShed]

sweeeet video guys...... it's helped make up my mind....... I'm going to buy a new 2022 RS3!!! LOL

[@AllOutNoobHater]

Also, why didn't he get the leather seating and upgraded stereo system in the R? Missed opportunity.

[@HCD488]

tbh for everyone who thinks about buying one of the but isn't to sure about just test drive the I30n DCT I have a golf 7 R and thinking about buying a new car and last weekend I tried the golf 8 R and de S3 I didn't really like both of them the quality of the mark 7 ist just better ... so this weekend I though lets just try the i30n and I felt in love so bad... after the test drive I ordered one 😍 don't give to much about brand name just go and test everything thats what I wanted to say 😊😊😊

[@volkswizard]

I asked Hyundai UK PR for a loaner I30N DCT on Thursday and no reply as yet..

[@HCD488]

@@volkswizard oh why ist that ? Are they so busy ? and by the way love your channel and best regards from Switzerland :-) if you once come to Switzerland I let you test my I30n if you still trying to get one :-)

[@lordtyranus08]

I wished we had the A3 in hatch format in the USA 😢

[@David-xc4us]

Before watching this vid I would of said the S3 but now I would definitely say the Golf R….it just seems a lot better thought out car….if that makes sense 😂

[@jaisingh-do2sw]

Which of these had better space in the back seats ?

[@volkswizard]

Pretty much identical TBH

[@David-ju5ci]

Great review the Audi looks old Golf wins the day.

[@HAWKER_99]

I hate the S3 without the "Black Styling Pack"

[@ryanjones5594]

That's a dreadfully specced S3. This is why it isn't actually cheaper - to make it look even reasonably sporty, it's going to cost you more than the Golf

[@volkswizard]

£250 for 19s and a better colour (no extra as Tango red is already extra cost) would go a long way. Annoyingly you have to go Vorsprung to lose the silver bits though chosing Daytona grey tones them down a lot.

[@ryanjones5594]

@@volkswizard 19s, black trim and the adaptive dampers are essential I think! Seems like these come with the Vorsprung which is over £46k without any paint options etc.!

[@NiceGuyAidey]

When did he Order his Golf R ???

[@volkswizard]

March

[@NiceGuyAidey]

@@volkswizard hmmm just before my order then, maybe mine will arrive before xmas....🙄

[@danielrussell446]

I would have the golf over the Audi!

[@thamil1365]

Andrew lost this battle purely by virtue he turned up in an Audi A2😂🤔

[@hdmuzzillo]

not the prettiest s3 sadly, mk8 looks far better. Interior doesnt change much in favor of Audi either... engine bay goes to Audi and I was hopping to justify the Audi for sure but I would choose the mk8 also :(

[@volkswizard]

2 bad choices really you could say

[@ScottZ370]

It's clear the S3 hasn't been given the performance assets the Golf R has for the current generation but I think it's sensible, on the whole let the yobbos get the Golf and the middle aged people get the more laid back S3

[@eternalbraid]

I've watched a zillion of these but this one made me really laugh and it was also really educational :)

[@Jameshhl]

Guess we got lucky in the US, Mk8 R with manual transmission just released here last week and it's $44.600 or £33,000, only one trim - fully loaded with every option, DSG is $800 extra. Compared to the $51,500 or £38,000 for S3 fully loaded (no hatchback in the US) just the sedan version.

[@PsychicMedium4747]

VW looks way better….the Audi does nothing for me. The wheels are hideous l the VW looks amazing….

[@majinsbo]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 classic review like audi but these s3 are so bland

[@HuskerTKE402]

Weird. In US the S3 is 10k more for a compatible model.

[@JM00-v9c]

40K seems like a “bargain” compared to the 2 down here for 54k nearly new… Awesome video as always, very entertaining.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks J 👍

[@dacmm]

The comparison was very biased in tone, even if I agree with the conclusion.

[@Pete7.5R]

Totally unbiased review from two golf fanboys 😙 . . . being an unbiased golf fanboy myself, I totally agree with the verdict! 👍 So Andrew, will you be changing your Mk8 Clubsport for an R? 😎

[@Pete7.5R]

Maybe you could do a back to back review of your CS and Simon's R, I know it would be FWD against AWD but I'm sure there would be a lot of interest . . . . .

[@mribi]

Yea, I’d love a club sport vs R comparison

[@garyjohnson3751]

Love my mark 8 golf R

[@davidporeilly1]

Vorsprung der Tecnik translated= Volkswagen but Expensive

[@jamielewis9461]

How do you rate the Clubsport vs that S3, Andrew? ;)

[@thibaultleclerc6536]

I love my S3 sedan

[@rockyarchambeau5820]

Golf R by a landslide!! Good Video!! New subscriber now !!

[@Daveodaddeo101]

Both great cars, but for me I’d take the S3 for the better interior and price. However, I’m glad I chose my M135i over them

[@volkswizard]

M135i is a good car and would love to spend some more time in one.

[@kenw1295]

Absolutely, interior quality is heads and shoulders above both of these with the right combination of interactive screen with buttons and controllers.

[@johnstannard8366]

Great car however I dont think it would keep up with the 8 R

[@dfk09]

The MK8 exterior has warmed up to me over the last year. The size of the S3/A3 Sportback is more practical. I could fit a bicycle in there without taking off the front wheel. As for the interior, I’m not too crazy about either of them. A slight edge to the Audi. I’m a MK 7 Golf owner so I’m let down by the new interior of the MK8. I wish they still sold the A3/S3 here in the states.

[@dj-vy3yl]

They both sound terrible from the outside , couldn't hear anything

[@bikersparky]

Superb video! Interesting, the A3 used to be the premium car to go for, now it’s a level playing field.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks a lot CAL!

[@bestman81]

I would like to disagree . I'll still choose the Audi S3 over Golf

[@vincentjoseph1995]

Funny banter

[@volkswizard]

👍

[@shotta287]

The 8V was the high point in the A3, I even preferred the pre-facelift over the facelift. As for the Mk8 Golf, I have been inside a GTE and not an R but the interior quality was definitely down compared to my Mk6 GTI. I think BMW has stepped up it’s interior game especially on the 3 series, best in class in my opinion.

[@burgerboy9487]

R over that S3 all day long what's the point of getting that s3 you'd just get the rs3 lol

[@dembacowles4395]

both dead specs tho so sad

[@robindow1061]

The current A3/S3 looks poor in comparison with the Golf. And its interior looks and feels cheap compared to the previous gen type 8V A3/S3. But the biggest problem for both of them is the lack of perceived interior interior quality compared to the Golf 4. Forget the 4 rings, why do people buy lesser A3's over a current Skoda?

[@volkswizard]

Skoda material quality isn't all that, sticking some alcantara dash doesn't change that, in fact it feels deceiving. Having said that Audi are way too close to Skoda now in this area.

[@robindow1061]

@@volkswizard I agree Andrew. I don't see that the new A3/S3 offers any real world advances over the previous 8V generation. And oh that grill !! And not forgetting the headlights !!! My money won't be going Audi's way when i want to change my car.

[@kevbrooks5130]

Typical car dealer mentality slags off ever car he doesn't own

[@nicholassigsworth7654]

Whilst the styling of the S3 is a disappointment, I would be almost tempted to choose it just to spite your guest.

[@MrJonah30]

Loved it a great comparison vw in general have been getting better then audi now for the last few years

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

Would have been a more fair comparison if you didnt get the ugliest possible specd s3 for the video... i cant think anyone would go for those rims, the red and silver is not working and who would buy the car without the black optics pack that gets rid of all the chrome/silver!!

[@urskamalej2692]

❤

[@JoJoJoker]

Option C: Buy a low mile RS3; Pay less than either of these cars.

[@IRaoulDuke]

Lol show me a late model rs3 with low miles cheaper than either of these 2.

[@JoJoJoker]

@@IRaoulDuke a 2016 should be around that price point.

[@IRaoulDuke]

@@JoJoJoker lol ok sure no low mile rs3 in the last 5 years gonna be cheaper try again.

[@JoJoJoker]

@@IRaoulDuke there are some; there will be more as they age. A45 AMG of that vintage one be another good alternative.

[@IRaoulDuke]

@@JoJoJoker So there really is no option c "buy a low mile rs3" , got it.

[@eszterbacso]

Vw much more better and nicer

[@N911GT2]

Simon is such an annoying bloke... severe case of confirmation bias and post-purchase rationalization.

[@mikedavies4561]

If I bought that S3 as is I would have to spend hundreds of pounds probs a a couple of thousand bringing it up to the standard I would want. New wheels from cm wheels . Blackout the horrid chrome etc a spoiler extension

[@alexmoofficial3767]

Great video, Golf R for me all the way! Got a near identical spec on order to replace my existing MK8 CS. The R is just the ultimate all rounder. Needs Performance Pack, needs to be Lapiz Blue as it just makes the car what it is.

[@JohyeahM]

Such a shame no one does 2-door hatch backs anymore. 4-door hatchbacks just look weird.

[@josemercado8496]

S3 got a horrible review from u all mates. 😬

[@shiugen676]

Brilliant video Andrew 👌

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Shiu, glad you enjoyed it👍

[@jeremyjohn1954]

Won't be the first time VW lied about emissions....

[@volkswizard]

Yes, that was tongue in cheek 😉

[@stephenzuchowski5754]

A few years back our family car was a S3 8v saloon beautiful car definitely a special car just far too small. Wow what have Audi done the new S3 is so far behind the mk8 golf r there is no doubt where my money would be the golf is a perfect hot hatch.

[@volkswizard]

8V A3, even 1.4 TFSI Sport feel plush inside, I guess that was the problem. It was too plush for its price point but the interior stacked up in a £40k+ RS3. I think with S3 and RS3 Audi should have considered better plastics and carpets but that's not what manufacturers do. The Mk3 TT also had the same issue with a £55k TTRS (as specced) which had the nasty plastics from a 1.8 Sport. I suspect average buyers especially those who aren't aware how good 8V A3 was just don't notice or care and when sat behind the wheel it's fine.

[@stephenzuchowski5754]

@@volkswizard No doubt the special end of the range S and Rs should be a step up in quality the cost of these cars are crazy but I suppose the aim is maximum profit and if they can put cheap plastics and carpet in and get away with it they will. Like you say your exposure to these cars is far greater so you see these cars day in and out so you can tell.

[@colinw1591]

Out of those two it has to be the R. However I'd be very tempted with a base spec RS3 ( + adaptive danpers) rather than a high spec R......

[@volkswizard]

I still think it's £10k plus for an equivalent spec RS3 over R and what for? Engine is good but adds weight, I think 4 cyl and torque vectoring rear is probably the perfect combination for handling but I want to give RS3 a try in case it's mind blowing

[@colinw1591]

@@volkswizard you may well be right. I specced one just with dampers and metallic paint it came to just under £52k otr. Prefer the look of the base model myself....

[@damienhostey7804]

I've been looking at the base spec RS3 with Adaptive dampers and a few other bits that come to £53800 the R on the other hand £46k spec you can get 14% off discount online which brings it to £39735 it all comes down to the engine I suppose

[@krane15]

The R definitely beats the S3 on the drive train. But the Audi even with all its limitations in refinement is still a class above the VW. The fact that it still has buttons give it bonus points.

[@GLA45Amg716]

I’m a drug dealer and I rather have the VW

[@MohammedIsmail-uj8yl]

How’s the pharmaceutical game these days?

[@GLA45Amg716]

@@MohammedIsmail-uj8yl pretty good. I just got a GLA 45 amg

[@TorqueDriven]

Nice one mate! But Golf R anytime ‼️

[@gilby379]

Great video but the s3 doesn’t come close to the current 8R. Interior on the golf is uninspiring but feels more sporty. The lack of buttons is where the market is going, look at Tesla and Mercedes. The golf is the best hot hatch in that price bracket on the market with the right specification at the moment.

[@sl0907]

Yea but Mercedes and Teslas have a big enough screen to display multiple functions/features with just a more well thought out software to boot. The golf requires u to jump in and out of so many different menus menus and pages to do simple functions like adjust the climate. Also the capacitive touch steering wheel controls are more to accidental presses. I know these mk8 mqb cars are supposed to be a decent improvement in performance over the mk7 cars but I really dislike the cost cutting on interior materials and trims. Especially in that Audi, coming from my last gen 8v s3 sure it looks a bit dated now but at least material quality is high and consistent throughout both front and back. I hate that they cheap out in the rear and then try to hide or distract you from the cheap materials with the very angular design. Also the exterior of that Audi, looks like the cars melted or something it’s hideous. Best of both worlds would be the golf look with the Audi infotainment system.

[@Feral2k4]

S3 is better it's does a standard quarter mile with launch in 12.7 whereas the golf takes 12.8 at its best

[@Emmasnail3356]

@@Feral2k4 s3 is slower than the 8r look at all the tests people have done

[@projectr2451]

@@Feral2k4 Lmao you must be living under a rock. The R has done 12.3 secs.

[@Feral2k4]

@@projectr2451 obviously ever heard of something called a tune

[@NiceGuyAidey]

Also My R order has been in or 8 months but the price is locked down.. I ordered PP with a few goodies, looking at some of the R's on the used market now!!! My price is pretty decent

[@volkswizard]

Apparently there is no shortage of ex-demo Rs out there so it will be interesting to see if prices hold up

[@NiceGuyAidey]

@@volkswizard Agreed , I saw a used 2021 R with 5k on it for sale at 49'999 this weekend , No PP model, Mental

[@redsagan7188]

I really like the predecessors of these cars but the mk8 and this new s3 are not the best looking of cars but just on the aesthetic‘s I think the golf wins.

[@peterbennpan7288]

The wheels on the S3 are hideous

[@volkswizard]

No argument there, designed to make you upgrade. In that regard they are a success!

[@patsy115]

golf looks well better

[@sleepwalker31]

Like the review, the mk 7 R was better than the competing s3 and if anything vw have stepped up even further.

[@whiskeymac5369]

More like the rs3 wasn’t it?

[@projectr2451]

Many actually said the Mk7 Golf R was better even than the RS3

[@jamielewis9461]

The hard plastic at rear by windows is very useful. I have a boxer dog, and it resists her nails scratching. So it’s a thumbs up for me. 😊

[@93455Driver]

Just need some kind of rear passenger window de-misting function to remove the dog nose art.

[@krane15]

First, train Fido. And second, is the car for you (and your passengers) or your dog?

[@jamielewis9461]

@@krane15 it has both uses.

[@Musti.1973]

Great review from you both. Definitely the R. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@monkey555500]

golf....

[@davidjohnston9870]

Ah brilliant Andrew! Loved the banter in this really informative video. As always your straight to the point with a no holds barred comparison. The smile on your face driving the R compared to the S says it all. I had a test drive in both cars S first and then R. The S was good, but the R blew me away. For me it’s a no-brainer. R every time. Really can’t wait now for mine to arrive! Another great vid. Keep up the good work. Loving it.

[@derekallan6231]

Went with son to look at audi sq2 and checked out s3 another issue is if you tick any options it takes you into higher tax bracket i assume golf r already is in that bracket which adds to cost i would be happy with either also sq2 insurance seems to be alot cheaper than golf r which also can influence some buyers

[@LifeOfTuners]

That Golf owner is insufferable Gives off Tesla owner vibes

[@allantilley3716]

Mk8R has the new awd system. S3 doesn’t. VW wins.

[@diogovieira3362]

thats a very simplistic evaluation

[@chrismlarge1]

My opinion: Interior-S3 Exterior-R Performance-R Overall I would buy the R, actually I wouldn’t I would save another few quid and buy a GTI Clubsport in Moonstone grey+Pretoria’s.

[@aadi8568]

I think the audi looks better on the exterior too

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

I also think the audi looks much more sportier on the exterior...golf r design is too safe and bland looking

[@chiquicat1]

If you’re a douche boy racer you buy the R, if you are refined, smart and classy, you buy the Audi. It’s a no brainer. Who do you want to be??

[@xxerggher2667]

Volkswizard, the video would be much nicer with better audio.

[@Sjbjo]

I prefer the Golf

[@abug.3974]

8R 😍😍😍

[@fuhrerpolizei86]

No fight. The Golf R is clearly the better of the 2....the RS3 is the next step up...

[@johnstannard8366]

RS3 is more expensive so it should be lol...

[@krane15]

@@johnstannard8366 Being superior never really says much when you're paying way more for it. If its not, there's something wrong.

[@garysimpson3900]

The Audi looks boring & not a patch on the Golf R. Have never been a fan of the large Audi grills that came in some several years ago.

[@krane15]

The Audi is most definitely boring. No doubt due it close sibling the SR3 which it can't outshine. The Golf is simply understated, like they've always been.

[@drorprof6152]

That’s a really basic s3 and the headlights are awful Audi didn’t change the exterior design enough

[@Staff7A]

Golf R. 100%

[@resnonverba137]

Although I want to be, I have never been a fan of the uber-bland Audi A3. It's the VW Polo of the Audi range.

[@robindow1061]

I think the current Polo is much better looking than this gen of A3/S3, and the interior quality is just as good. Audi seems to be going the way of BMW and Mercedes, Two a penny cars for those who think the more they spend, the better the car.

[@mattleistner313]

Not really, polo equivalent is the A1 and and the A3 has a totally different and better chassis than the Polo!

[@resnonverba137]

@@mattleistner313 You miss my point entirely.

[@johnguidetti5839]

@@robindow1061 The M135i has a much better quality interior than the S3 or Golf R

[@robindow1061]

@@johnguidetti5839 That may well be so, but it looks so ugly.

[@majinsbo]

Agreed S3 had become like the middle child that lacks attention because of the RS3

[@wrashid89]

the new S3 just looks so wet, as you pointed out..they are definitely saving all the good bits for the RS3. That Golf R is amazing!

[@jamesead9095]

In fairness though, it had been raining.

[@paullangley1332]

Don’t like any of the new Audi styling tbh it’s like the designers have gone nuts with a ruler. The only thing I’m not sure on with the Golf is the front lights especially the light bar running across the front at night. Choosing between the two I’d have the Golf.

[@jryalls]

I think their new styling only works well on their bigger vehicles like their SUV’s, RS6 etc which would make sense as that’s what they sell the most of. Although I do like the look of the new RS3 and E-Tron GT.

[@paullangley4840]

@@jryalls I've got a C7 RS6 and although I like the C8 version I still think the C7 has way more road presence than the C8 unless you spend a fortune on the Urban upgrades & Vossen wheels. The E-Tron is ok looking until you get to the rear light cluster....eek! The RSQ8 though is a beast of a SUV and might be my next car.

[@jryalls]

@@paullangley4840 In my opinion the RSQ8 is the best looking SUV out there and I hate SUV’s. Audi’s new design language just works the best on that car.

[@jeanmcdavid8292]

In Canada the R is a steal 50K Canadian and you are all the options in Europe except the Akropovic. Love mine a lot crazy fun car.