Time to replace the MKVI R

[AdamD]

I don't think you'll get the RS3 you'd want for $90k driveaway. A base car may be around that mark with some haggling, but add a small smattering of options, LCT, etc etc and you'll likely be looking at close to 6 figures.

I have an S3 sedan and love it. Although I'm not a heavy boot user I wouldn't call its capacity small or restrictive at all. My father has an S3 Sportback (hatch) and that doesn't seem to offer much more in the way of boot space either (other than vertical space obviously). Both have less space than my Mk5 and Mk6 Golfs, though.

[Candyman]

Thanks Adam

Looks like the RS3 won't make it then as the $90k budget is strict.

After reading up on the Mustang and also asking the dealers about wait times, that is off the list.

I'm reluctant to lose boot space and with less boot space than the Golf, the drive of the S3 will need to be very good.

Ah dammit. I really want to stay away from the Ford RS/ST and the Merc is just so ugly (and problematic it seems).

Hopefully there will be some other left field suggestions.

[Candyman]

Actually, just did a spec comparison and they have the same size boot - 380L ?

[AdamD]

The S3 Sportback boot certainly seems smaller to me than the Golf because the sides are not concave at all, whereas in both my Golfs (current Mk5 Comfortline and previous Mk6 GTI) there was extra space available thanks to side pockets. Of course the S3 boot floor is higher, but all 4Motion cars have a higher floor height thanks to the diff and you'll be used to that already. As for the sedan, I've not put anything large in there yet, so my evidence is purely based on observation. I'd suggest you check them both out in person and see if you think their capacity would be acceptable to you.

I drove the A45 AMG and wasn't impressed; it was loud and harsh, which was fun for about five minutes but got tired real quick, and there's just no way to be inconspicuous in one of those. The interior quality is also not up to Audi standard.

I'm struggling to think of anything else south of $90k OTR that offers the same blend of performance, quality, luxury and practicality as the S3 though (which is why my dad and I both bought one). There's the facelifted M135i which still falls short in some areas but looks far less ugly than before, and the M235i is supposedly a very good (if not great) drive but would certainly be pushing $90k before the essential M-diff and isn't very practical. You could probably pick up a new well-equipped Mercedes C250 Sport or BMW 328i M-Sport for that sort of coin, and these would be excellent transport, if not as performance-focussed as you're used to.

[Lucas_R]

The Mustang looks good but DO NOT get an auto - its a woeful gearbox.

[AdamD]

As SF said, the XE will be out soon and is actually getting great reviews; entry cars will be available for well under $90k and are probably still quick-ish, so it's worth reading a few UK reviews to see whether you'd consider one. They're intended to take on the 3 series, new C class, upcoming (next year) A4, and the new Lexus IS.

The Volvo S60 Polestar is also decent in recently-revised spec, but a bit outdated now and very very expensive for what it is. Actually, I think it's $100k so scratch that.

If you'd consider an SUV there's the Audi RSQ3 (I think they're a bit naff but they appeal to some) and the far more appealing SQ5 (which is Audi's best-selling model in Australia right now bar none). The latter is $92k base price with no options though, so you'd need to bargain hard (corporate pricing) and go with a base car; again, it's possible, but tricky.

Personally, I'd never look anywhere near a Focus - I just can't get past the interior (looks like it was designed by hundreds of people who didn't consult each other and each brought their own switchgear to the party). The RenaultSport Megane is far too tough to live with and is overdue for replacement anyway, and it shows.

[Candyman]

The Mustang looks good but DO NOT get an auto - its a woeful gearbox.

Thanks for the heads up Lucas

It doesn't really meet our needs other than it looks good and reportedly drives well but the 8 would be overkill for our needs and I'd miss AWD and the VW/Audi fit and finish I suspect plus I really want to stick with a DSG (which limits us a lot in choice) but I'll still do a test drive if I can find one. The wait times are horrific.

[SilvrFoxX]

The S3 sounds close to what you are after, I test drove the sedan when it came out, performance wise it feels similar to what you have, it is a lot more refined, quieter and smoother. I have been doing laps of this question for a while and keep coming back to this. If the boot is not compromised then it makes it more appealing, maybe the size is similar to the hatch but access reduced would need to check that I can get all that cricket gear in

[tigger73]

Have a check of the new car calendar to see if there's anything of interest: New Car Calendar - motoring.com.au

[Candyman]

Thanks guys - this thread has been really useful.

I was able to get a price indicator for an XE in the format I wanted and it is outside my budget (over $100k). A little too 'mature' for my likes anyway.

- tigger, thanks buddy, will keep an eye on that.

Daughter says Mustang (kids....)

[SilvrFoxX]

Audi A4 is due next year

[Candyman]

Yep

New Audi A4 revealed

The S4 is way outside my budget though and the standard A4 just isn't that interesting. What a shame they didn't get more aggressive with the new look, it looks even tamer.

[SilvrFoxX]

I thought the Quattro was in the price range and had some poke

[Candyman]

The Quattro has some poke but not Golf R/S3 poke and it is fairly bland without the S treatment.

[SilvrFoxX]

Yes I thought so too, but you wanted options.. go take a run in the S3 and let us know what you think. The performance pack is worth the coin