Nope, the S3 is still overpriced for what it is. Also, I might get flamed for this but I find the R a better design in looks.
The fact that the R looks "just like another Golf" is a real plus in my books.
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The whole "hate VW" thing at the moment plus I really wanted to try another brand but nothing comes close.
I miss my Subies but they have lost any of the appeal they had (new vehicles)
I steer well clear of "hot hatch" cars like ST's and Merganes (try hard to the extreme and not something I want as a daily/tourer)
I wanted to love the new AMG but found it wanting.
So, it is back to VW.
For me, they are hard to hate
I know the a250 sport is a step down but the parts of it that are the same as the AMG turned me off it. That crappy comand console was jut horrible, everyone would of thought i had stuck an aftermarket satnav in. It wasn't touch screen, the gear selector on the right stalk is weird and it just didn't feel as premium to drive like a VW does. The 250 looks very nice and it looks premium but the drive just didn't match the looks for me.
How about a 125i? Great car to drive.
Will probably be swapping my wife's C63 Estate for something new in the next 6 months - can keep you in the loop if you're still interested in going down that path...
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Back on topic - I observed this 0-100kph reading courtesy of the AutoPolar FIS unit in the R. Although it's based on the 'real' speedo it's definitely not a scientific result like a GPS logger or drag strip timeslip, and there was a slight downhill slope to help cheat the result, and I didn't turn around and re-run the test for confirmation, but I'm still happy with the number...
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/foru...a0nqtpng-1.jpg
I'm certainly happy with the performance, even if the number itself can't really be taken to the bank. I wanted a sub-4.0s 0-100kph for the R when I bought it, so it looks like that box is checked.
The Gallardo is a claimed 3.9 0-100kph, but as it's RWD that is dependant on a dry, grippy surface and otherwise ideal conditions. In the real world the R will no doubt jump ahead of the Gallardo up to 100kph, but from there the lower drag and extra 100kW of the Lambo will put it back in front.
I'm running both cars at the Cooma 1000 later this year - proof will be in the results there.