Jason,

Great article on the S3, with excellent pictures.

One thing I would like to mention though, in your review you compared the looks of the S3(A3) to the Golf IV,

"There's no doubt in my mind that the car carries a bit of a VW Golf IV look and feel to it. In fact, it's similarity in size and shape to the Golf is probably the main reason that we will never see the A3/S3 in North America where brands are kept more distinct."

Which gave me the impression that you thought the A3's looks may be based on the Golf IV. Or that the two cars could easily get mistaken for each other in terms of looks. I'd strongly disagree on that.

The A3 was released long before the Golf IV. So, if anything, you could say the Golf IV is based on the A3 platform.

In terms of looks, I think there are no similarities, apart from the wing mirrors, which are exactly the same, and that they are both 2door hatch-backs. The Golf IV is an evolution from the Golf III in terms of styling, were as the A3 was a completely fresh design back in 1996(?).

I admit, that the cars are similar in concept, they are both "hot-hatches." And Audi probably thinks that the A3/S3 will not sell in North America, because there isn't a hot-hatch craze like there is in the UK (Europe).

My own view is, I think Audi will eventually drop the A3, I mean why have two such similar cars under one corporate umbrella? The Golf will always be the hot-hatch that every hot hatch is compared to, because it started the hot-hatch craze back in the eighties. And, I'll also admit, you don't get much more for your money when you buy an A3 over a Golf. In my experience you certainly don't get better build quality.

Anyway, just my 2p/cents.

Great article though, glad you enjoyed the S3. You've even got one up on me, I've never driven an S3!

Cheers,

Alan
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

How much is the S3 compared to the A4/S4?

Alan, I agree with your points. Maybe the Golf comment was a little off-base. I passed a Golf IV on the way to work today and thought to myself that it really didn't look much like an A3/S3 (or visa-versa). But the point is that they are both, as you put it, hot-hatches.

Regards . . . jet

Damn the article!!! :) I don't need anymore salt in the wound.....such a sweet car and we can't even breath on it here in the United States. :)