R32 Alternatives

Dolph said:
You forgot absolutely shocking handling and horrific depreciation...

All that power is nothing without actually being able to use it.
Click to expand...

In the OP Sadgeek did mention that he was thinking of an Astra VXR, so obviously lousy handling and too much power to be able to use properly, are factors he is considering. ;) :D
 
Hi , I am in the same boat in that I am considering an R32 or the new S3.
I would like to order a new car now but the lack of S3 demonstrators is spoiling my plans.
The R32 goes well from the numerous test drives I have had. I prefer manual as you are in total control. The sound is excellent. I think the car is let down by the interior which is cheaper looking than the existing Mk 4 GTI 1.8T that I own. The seat bolsters can wear if you are not careful getting in and out. The silver grill is easily marked by flying stones but can be replaced fairly cheaply.
On the other hand the A3 interior is much more upmarket but I did not find the seats in the 3.2 S line that I drove very supportive. Reviews comparing the R32 and the A3 3.2 make the golf the winner every time.
You will do well to get a discount off an R32, the best I could manage was £500 :( whereas people have talked about 8 - 9% on the A3 models. There will be no discount on the new S3 to begin with.
So in conclusion, if the interior of the R32 had been a little better I would have ordered months ago. On the other hand most people don't seem to mind this I am just fussy.
If I ordered an R32 tomorrow it would arrive for Jan/Feb 2007 which is when the first S3s will be delivered.

PeterT.
 
Just been looking at the S3 ~ seems to be a bit better than the V6 but has turbo lag (you know when you put your foot down and takes a second to kick in) for just 15bhp...

RS3 looks good, no idea when its coming but its confirmed..price tag 38k!
 
I'm waiting for the new Leon Cupra: 240 BHP, full bucket seats, huuuge brembos, 18"s, plenty of kit and the excellent golf chassis underneath, made that bit more special once the guys behind the Leon BTCC and WTCC cars have fettled with it. :cool:

http://www.seat.com/com/generator/su/com/modelCupra/site/models/choices/cupra/main.html

Price expected around the 19k mark give or take £500 either side. It will be a lot of car for the money. Full std options list to be announced - launch expected Dec / Jan.

Transform it into a missile with a simple remap for £500 to around 300BHP when you get bored and still have plenty of spare cash left over. :D
 
MNuTz said:
Is it just me that finds ALL alfas really ugly??
Click to expand...
Nope. I'm with you.

Except really old alfas. Some of them are OK. The newer ones are all ugly without exception :)
 
i really wouldnt go for the s3, the suspension is even harder than the slines any they already have probelms on bumpy roads so i suspect the s3 will be extremely uncomfortable on less than perfect roads.
 
GlasgowTitan said:
I think you have the wrong R32. What you want is an R32 Skyline.
Click to expand...

Yes I would have one, but it has to be a new car (company car scheme requirement). Not sure how long my licence would last, but the same could be said for any of the other cars that have been mentioned above, I guess :cool:

I see one on my way up to London every morning that is well looked after. It would suit as a second car, but not my primary drive. I think my customers would wonder what was going on if I took them in a Skyline :D
 
zain said:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/67427/audis_wild_rs3_is_go_go_go.html

Though I doubt that is a rs3 in the pic, more like lets slap on some wierd looking bumper. Maybe it could be rumours but google it and see
Click to expand...

That's rather interesting - it'd be cool if they do make it. What Car? says:

What Car? November 2006 issue said:
S3 is as hot as A3s get
Don't hold your breath if you're waiting for an Audi RS3 with even more power than the 262bhp S3 (page 29). Audi has only one RS model on its books at any tim and the honour currently falls to the A4-derived RS4
Click to expand...
 
zain said:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/67427/audis_wild_rs3_is_go_go_go.html

Though I doubt that is a rs3 in the pic, more like lets slap on some wierd looking bumper. Maybe it could be rumours but google it and see
Click to expand...
Sorry but I don't believe a word of that article. Everything we've heard from Audi indicates there will never be an RS3 as they've publicly stated the RS cars will never go "below" the RS4 as it would diminish the brand.

Also, the car in that pick looks virtually identical to the Nurburgring 24 Hours cars, including the front spoiler and 19" rims (will dig a pic out later for comparison) so I suspect that's what was being tested ahead of the race.

EDIT: Here you go, spot the difference :)

a3ring.jpg
 
Last edited:
Shame the cars got to be new, because the MK4 R32 is the only one I would consider the MK5 looks too tame and like a clio..........
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom