Hi,
I know I might be subject to bias posting in a BMW forum, but I test drove 2 cars this week and am undecided which to get (or which others to look into).
I'm 30 years old - been driving a Honda Jazz for 8 years and it's come time to upgrade. I dont have a long drive to work and don't go on long drives that often, so I want something that is luxurious (put a smile on my face when I get in), but still really fun to drive (put a smile on my face when driving) and practical (be able to schlepp suitcases and stock (occasionally I go myself to work suppliers)), so no 3 door.
1) 2015 BMW 328i M Sport
As I got in it, I felt like I was in a quality car. The interior was of absolutely incredible high quality and finish. Really feels like a solid, well put together car.
Extras - sunroof, rear pdc, navigation, connecteddrive, adaptive cruise control, leather seats, keyless entry/start and the M sport styling kit, harmon kardon speakers
The Good
a) Leagues ahead of a 120i I drove a few weeks back. You can really feel the extra power and torque and it makes for a really awesome drive. I found the 120i to be a bit dull.
b) That ZF Transmission - it makes downshifts seem almost instantaneous - incredible for when you have to get power instantly and quickly - really makes one feel the turbo.
The Bad
a) Like the 120i, but even more exagerrated - the car feels "big". The big nose, the bigger body, makes me feel like I'm in a bigger car than I actually am. I'm not sure if this is something one gets used to, but felt less "nippy" by being so big.
b) Turbo lag - definitely feel it from start position (not sure if the 2015 model has launch control, and if it did, not sure how to activate). c) The 19 inch rims - definitely makes the car feel lower and makes one a bit nervous anytime a bump or small pothole comes up. Even more so when the BMW guy told me it costs R4500 per tire, never mind the rimms.
d) I understand what you guys mean about the engine noise - doesn't sound particularly exciting when it is revving.
e) Lastly, this car sitting on 76000km. Extending the motorplan by 2 years would then need me to extend to around 120k km, which shoots up the price incredibly.
At the end of the drive, I asked the BMW salesman which car he prefers - he told me the torque from diesel is incredible and he would take a diesel any day. I asked him for the closest diesel and he had a 330d (still within budget) on his floor. Unfortunately I ran out of time and had to go back to work, so I did not test drive it - so before I drive back there, would you guys recommend trying it out or will I not benefit from the diesel torque? Is diesel slow on pull off?
2) 2014 Audi S3
Small things as I got in. Firstly, I actually had to put a key into the ignition. Next, cloth seats - I'm not really a fan. The seats even had stains in from not being cleaned yet. Audi interior is not in the same class as BMW, but I still felt it was really good. The car itself looks incredible - subtle hints of sportiness - like a wolf in sheeps clothing
Extras - sunroof, B&O Speakers (yep, that's the end of the list)
The Good
a) Felt really nippy and great to drive
b) Tons of power, can definitely feel the turbo kicking in once going
c) Going round a sharp bend (managed to take it round 2 of them) - car did slide slightly but generally kept good grip.
d) That "calm but I'm gonna rip" engine noise and especially the burp when it changes gear - OMG!
The Bad
a) Tested 0-100km/h twice - took around 7 seconds. Not what I expected from an S3. This matches the timing in an 2017 A3 I drove a few weeks back.
b) Power - Although a few weeks have passed, I did not feel a significant power boost over the A3 2.0 I tested a few weeks back
c) Turbo Lag - On pull off from 0, the S3 just "leisurely" (for lack of a batter word) started going and eventually the turbo kicked in. In the A3 I tested a few weeks back, as soon as I hit the throttle, traction control light came on,wheels skidded ever so slightly and the car "launched" on pull off. I actually preferred the way the A3 did it to the way the S3 did
d) I didn't even ask Audi yet, but I have been informed that extending the Audi Freeway plan (maintenance plan) is a lot more expensive than BMW.
So with that said, I'm not really sold by the S3. But it could be that I drove a dud (or turbo was on the way out), I'm not sure. As it stands I don't see how it is much better than an A3 2017 (unless the 2017 models have improved that much?)
Next step? Is it worth driving back to test the 330d? Should I look for another S3 in my budget? Or push up budget slightly, wait 6 months and spec my personalised new A3?
Or, do I need to up my budget and just go for an M135i? (I just hate the fact that I have to "think" about petrol usage, and will never be happy going far distances at 13l/100km)
I know I might be subject to bias posting in a BMW forum, but I test drove 2 cars this week and am undecided which to get (or which others to look into).
I'm 30 years old - been driving a Honda Jazz for 8 years and it's come time to upgrade. I dont have a long drive to work and don't go on long drives that often, so I want something that is luxurious (put a smile on my face when I get in), but still really fun to drive (put a smile on my face when driving) and practical (be able to schlepp suitcases and stock (occasionally I go myself to work suppliers)), so no 3 door.
1) 2015 BMW 328i M Sport
As I got in it, I felt like I was in a quality car. The interior was of absolutely incredible high quality and finish. Really feels like a solid, well put together car.
Extras - sunroof, rear pdc, navigation, connecteddrive, adaptive cruise control, leather seats, keyless entry/start and the M sport styling kit, harmon kardon speakers
The Good
a) Leagues ahead of a 120i I drove a few weeks back. You can really feel the extra power and torque and it makes for a really awesome drive. I found the 120i to be a bit dull.
b) That ZF Transmission - it makes downshifts seem almost instantaneous - incredible for when you have to get power instantly and quickly - really makes one feel the turbo.
The Bad
a) Like the 120i, but even more exagerrated - the car feels "big". The big nose, the bigger body, makes me feel like I'm in a bigger car than I actually am. I'm not sure if this is something one gets used to, but felt less "nippy" by being so big.
b) Turbo lag - definitely feel it from start position (not sure if the 2015 model has launch control, and if it did, not sure how to activate). c) The 19 inch rims - definitely makes the car feel lower and makes one a bit nervous anytime a bump or small pothole comes up. Even more so when the BMW guy told me it costs R4500 per tire, never mind the rimms.
d) I understand what you guys mean about the engine noise - doesn't sound particularly exciting when it is revving.
e) Lastly, this car sitting on 76000km. Extending the motorplan by 2 years would then need me to extend to around 120k km, which shoots up the price incredibly.
At the end of the drive, I asked the BMW salesman which car he prefers - he told me the torque from diesel is incredible and he would take a diesel any day. I asked him for the closest diesel and he had a 330d (still within budget) on his floor. Unfortunately I ran out of time and had to go back to work, so I did not test drive it - so before I drive back there, would you guys recommend trying it out or will I not benefit from the diesel torque? Is diesel slow on pull off?
2) 2014 Audi S3
Small things as I got in. Firstly, I actually had to put a key into the ignition. Next, cloth seats - I'm not really a fan. The seats even had stains in from not being cleaned yet. Audi interior is not in the same class as BMW, but I still felt it was really good. The car itself looks incredible - subtle hints of sportiness - like a wolf in sheeps clothing
Extras - sunroof, B&O Speakers (yep, that's the end of the list)
The Good
a) Felt really nippy and great to drive
b) Tons of power, can definitely feel the turbo kicking in once going
c) Going round a sharp bend (managed to take it round 2 of them) - car did slide slightly but generally kept good grip.
d) That "calm but I'm gonna rip" engine noise and especially the burp when it changes gear - OMG!
The Bad
a) Tested 0-100km/h twice - took around 7 seconds. Not what I expected from an S3. This matches the timing in an 2017 A3 I drove a few weeks back.
b) Power - Although a few weeks have passed, I did not feel a significant power boost over the A3 2.0 I tested a few weeks back
c) Turbo Lag - On pull off from 0, the S3 just "leisurely" (for lack of a batter word) started going and eventually the turbo kicked in. In the A3 I tested a few weeks back, as soon as I hit the throttle, traction control light came on,wheels skidded ever so slightly and the car "launched" on pull off. I actually preferred the way the A3 did it to the way the S3 did
d) I didn't even ask Audi yet, but I have been informed that extending the Audi Freeway plan (maintenance plan) is a lot more expensive than BMW.
So with that said, I'm not really sold by the S3. But it could be that I drove a dud (or turbo was on the way out), I'm not sure. As it stands I don't see how it is much better than an A3 2017 (unless the 2017 models have improved that much?)
Next step? Is it worth driving back to test the 330d? Should I look for another S3 in my budget? Or push up budget slightly, wait 6 months and spec my personalised new A3?
Or, do I need to up my budget and just go for an M135i? (I just hate the fact that I have to "think" about petrol usage, and will never be happy going far distances at 13l/100km)
