3,5 out of 5 sounds like GTI a better choice

Yeah that's what they think, they said the GTI is more engaging, while the 130i offering an equal price is more entertaining and the R32 can be bought for a little less than the S3.

Audi gets a big from me bout the S3. The car looks amazing, but I laugh at those 2.0T 265 ps, where the A3 3.2 has a REAL engine with 250 ps.

Good point when it comes to the A3 3.2, while i'm sure the 2.0 Turbo engine is the S3 is great the 3.2 offers nearly as much power and at a much cheaper price tag. It probably isn't as sporty as the S3, nor does it look as good ( ) but from this article it appears EVO doesn't really care. I'd really like to see Sport Auto test the S3 and see what they come up for figures, they tested the old S3 before so we can expect this test in the near future. I'd be interested in what it could achieve, maybe it doesn't feel more engaging than a R32, but maybe it's performance is a step ahead.

Well, I like EVO so much, I'm actually a subscriber. The S3's rating is typical of EVO - they've never been fans of the S3 concept so why expect anything to change? Besides - John Barker did the review and he's one mean task master to try and impress. The S3's rating isn't shameful - it's just that the benchmark in powerful all-wheel drive cars is set so high with cars like the R32 (a brilliant car that deserves every accolade) and STI's and EVOs... that I expect that S3 comes across as a little underwhelming.

The interesting points in the driving impression are that the S3 is punchy, rapid and a fine handling machine. Perhaps its competence is its ultimate undoing? Nevertheless, I expect it to post class-leading lap times at Bedford and it will no doubt grow in stature with familiarity. Let's keep an open mind and watch this space...

With the new generation of Haldex-based quattro (someone recently thought fit to call it rubbish or such like in another thread tsk tsk) I think the new S3 will show its true merit in a full-on performance test.

By the way... the new S3 (in right hand drive guise for the South African market) has been shown at Auto Africa over the past fortnight. I spend quite some time pouring over the car's interior, styling and vital stats. It's seriously lovely - it'd be my hyper hatch choice in a heartbeat. Interestingly, because of our lousy 95 octane petrol, the S3 has been de-rated to a scant 188 kW and 330 Nm! On paper absolutely bugger-all over a 3.2 quattro! Of course, I'm certain that it'll be worth every cent more despite...

All The Audi [S] Models are I'm not shocked by the 3,5 of 5 rating

Yeah true, EVO didn't say it was a bad car by anymeans, just not as exciting as some of it's competition and it has some tough enemy's. Especially the 130i which if my memory serves me correctly is one of EVO's favourite hot hatches.

Agreed with that comment 100 % and that's why, like i said in the post above yours i'd really like to see it tested by Sport Auto.

Hey!!! I like the S8

EVO gave it 4 out of 5: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Still, what makes you so sure it's so much better than the NA 3.2 Quattro?