As title really, considering a S3 Sportback as the GTI's eventual replacement but as I do about 300 miles a week MPG is unfortunately something I cant ignore while making the decision.
I've been quite anal for the last few months in monitoring the mpg I get in the golf and have determined that I get 98% of the stated combined MPG for the GTI. Which is pretty impressive so I guess the type of journeys I do and the way I drive is pretty close to the lab conditions. By the same logic applied to the stated combined mpg for the S3 I think I would be looking at a long term average of around 32 MPG (I currently get just over 34 MPG long term in the GTI).
However I could be barking up the wrong tree with this logic since its a different engine, different weight of car etc so I'm looking for some real world experience from people who have made the change from a GTI to a S3 if they can tell me what drop in MPG they noticed.
As an aside I'm really struggling to thing of other alternatives to the GTI. With the mileage I do a derv is an obvious choice but the only ones that really appeal are BMW's and I don't really fancy RWD as I live out in the sticks in the North East of Scotland and the winters can be brutal. Winter tyres would help but it still seems a fool hardy choice to make. A mk6 GTI would seem sensible too as they are a touch more economical and have some fun factor but this is my second GTI and I fancy something different next time.
