Hi everyone
I'm starting to look around at what I'm going to have next to replace my daily hack, a Mini Cooper d clubman with outrageous spec.
I'm wanting something with more fun, speed, refinement and feel good factor. Plus I want dsg too.
Over the last two days I've driven a new s3 sportback 300hp manual and a 3d mk7 gti manual (not performance pack).
Had decent drives in both, 2hrs in each and really managed to get a good feel for both.
First thoughts
S3 positives - super quiet ride, no wind noise, great engine noise, very rapid progress, fantastic build, incredible economy (25 when thrashing and 41.5 when driving normally), planted feeling
S3 negatives - cost, slightly dead feeling steering, handling not grin inducing as so well planted, slightly understated looks
Gti positives - felt light and nimble when pushing on inducing grin, cheaper, engine revved quicker / felt more eager (smaller turbo maybe?), engine noise good
Gti negatives - don't like the big shiny black center console at all, didn't feel premium compared to the s3 for similar money when specd. Front end a bit loose when accelerating hard (performance pack could sort this?). Mpg worse than s3 - 23 on a blast then 35.7 when taking it easy.
So in a nutshell, I'm lost now.
I want the s3 but I want it to have the 10/10th light, nimble exciting feel of the gti or I want the gti with the s3 interior to get away from the hateful piano shiny black everywhere.
Anyone else driven either of these yet and have any views??
