thats not the point... a 2.0t 4wd *same base car as golf with apr chip* should not cost an arm and a leg. Its not really a "performance bargain" you know?

 

Fancy claps! Sign me up folks.

 

IF you ever drove the previous S3 back to back with the previous GTI, you'd know the difference. The S3 may not be worth the 35k price tag, but it sure is one heck of a car. Get on a plane to Europe and test drive the previous version. There's a 3.2 V6 quattro version of the regular 3 door A3, but some how, I think the S3 is going to be both quicker and more fun.

 

It's not the same car with a chip. The engine's internals have been strenghthened throughout. It's definitely a performance bargain as far as german cars go, in the grand scheme of things I agree with you if you factor in the STi, Evo iX, etc.

As far as the current platform golf goes... have you driven one? It's an impressive car from a handling/powertrain perspective given how low the entry cost is.

-Adam