Still no S or RS cars in Audi configuration tool
Discussion
Not sure how long this has been the case, clearly WLTP related. Surely Audi must be losing out here to rivals if these cars cannot be specified. Also, what does this do to used car prices, does it help them, given they have not been producing any? Whilst I get the RS models are a fewer in production, the S models tend to be popular.
G
G
I was able to spec up an S4 a week or so back. Was just checking to see whether it had any facelift details up. At the time the S4 was just the old/current model and the rest of the A4s were the new facelifts with the newfangled 'numerical power range' numbers.
If the new 340i touring was out (my missus has the current one as her company car - works for BMW) I'd be grabbing my cash off Audi in a flash. Think I'll be waiting until summer for either.
Zippy-ki8ee said:
I've had an S4 on order since April and due to WLTP there's still no sign of even a possible date... I chased my dealer a couple of days ago but still awaiting an update.
Put my deposit down for one in September. Dealer has been unable to even put an order on the system since. Phones me up every few weeks to give me the 'news'.If the new 340i touring was out (my missus has the current one as her company car - works for BMW) I'd be grabbing my cash off Audi in a flash. Think I'll be waiting until summer for either.
Edited by Gren on Thursday 3rd January 16:46
It will be testing. For example there is a Golf R Estate lease deal opening up when the homologation is in place in the next few days so they are still on with testing/type approval documentation across the group.
I was told further into the year for S4 and S5 ordering to recommence due to a facelift. Whether this facelift is as per A4 facelift (as the S4 is available out of EU with the new bumper already) and A5 re spec but they are held up with testing given the relative low numbers in these models or maybe they will be boosting power in response to the competition? I have said this for a while now but they would sell loads with the 360hp variant of the 2.5 in!
And the S3 is on the configurator now.
RS3-5 are the only RS models still in life cycle aren't they? I think they will do S models first given their commonality with the base models and larger numbers.
I was told further into the year for S4 and S5 ordering to recommence due to a facelift. Whether this facelift is as per A4 facelift (as the S4 is available out of EU with the new bumper already) and A5 re spec but they are held up with testing given the relative low numbers in these models or maybe they will be boosting power in response to the competition? I have said this for a while now but they would sell loads with the 360hp variant of the 2.5 in!
And the S3 is on the configurator now.
RS3-5 are the only RS models still in life cycle aren't they? I think they will do S models first given their commonality with the base models and larger numbers.
Unless I’m being fed mis information I’ve just received confirmation that the RS3 I’ve had on order since last August/September will be given a build week commencing 14th January. However, this model is still removed from the configurator.
I hope this is true given the various web stories recently stating that production of the RS3 will cease for good until the brand new A3 is released.
Does anyone on here know any more on the RS models coming back into production post WLTP testing?
I hope this is true given the various web stories recently stating that production of the RS3 will cease for good until the brand new A3 is released.
Does anyone on here know any more on the RS models coming back into production post WLTP testing?
I was hoping there would be some movement on the S/RS's from Audi after Christmas but still nothing, they must be in the poo.
I narrowly missed out on an S6 last year, still gutted at that, the current A6 looks so bloody awful, hoping the black pack will eventually sort that, but hoping the new S6 wont be far but I could be waiting a while....
I narrowly missed out on an S6 last year, still gutted at that, the current A6 looks so bloody awful, hoping the black pack will eventually sort that, but hoping the new S6 wont be far but I could be waiting a while....
Red 3 said:
Unless I’m being fed mis information I’ve just received confirmation that the RS3 I’ve had on order since last August/September will be given a build week commencing 14th January. However, this model is still removed from the configurator.
I hope this is true given the various web stories recently stating that production of the RS3 will cease for good until the brand new A3 is released.
Does anyone on here know any more on the RS models coming back into production post WLTP testing?
Enquired about an RS3 from a dealer I’ve used regularly over the years yesterday. They said I couldn’t spec/order one right now, but they were expecting RS3 production to resume in February. I hope this is true given the various web stories recently stating that production of the RS3 will cease for good until the brand new A3 is released.
Does anyone on here know any more on the RS models coming back into production post WLTP testing?
SWGT3 said:
Enquired about an RS3 from a dealer I’ve used regularly over the years yesterday. They said I couldn’t spec/order one right now, but they were expecting RS3 production to resume in February.
Many thanks for that. Good to hear as really scratching my head as to what else to look at if the RS3 was given the chop. Ticks all the boxes.Red 3 said:
Many thanks for that. Good to hear as really scratching my head as to what else to look at if the RS3 was given the chop. Ticks all the boxes.
Completely agree with you mate. Can you let me know if they confirm that build week please? Keen to get an order in once things start moving again.
While we are all aware of the emissions issue which appears to be the underlying driver for the delays, I do wonder in reality if the Brexit process is also impacting UK manufacturing production& if other EU countries are receiving the similar delays (or excuses).
I do also struggle with the latest product strategies, yes the build/parts quality has noteably fallen in recent years but the S3 for example you couldn't spec it in 2 door or with a manual gearbox when you could order it, whatever happened to customer choice?
I do also struggle with the latest product strategies, yes the build/parts quality has noteably fallen in recent years but the S3 for example you couldn't spec it in 2 door or with a manual gearbox when you could order it, whatever happened to customer choice?
Andy JB said:
While we are all aware of the emissions issue which appears to be the underlying driver for the delays, I do wonder in reality if the Brexit process is also impacting UK manufacturing production& if other EU countries are receiving the similar delays (or excuses).
I do also struggle with the latest product strategies, yes the build/parts quality has noteably fallen in recent years but the S3 for example you couldn't spec it in 2 door or with a manual gearbox when you could order it, whatever happened to customer choice?
I'm pretty sure the availability issue is Europe wide.I do also struggle with the latest product strategies, yes the build/parts quality has noteably fallen in recent years but the S3 for example you couldn't spec it in 2 door or with a manual gearbox when you could order it, whatever happened to customer choice?
The A3 3 door got withdrawn because they hardly sold any, probably to the point that it wasn't viable. Seat have done the same with the Leon SC. VW still make a 3 door Golf but it will outsell the A3 and Leon combined as a guess.
The manual option has been taken away from all the VAG cars with the high powered 2.0 TFSI, I would imagine this would be partially down to demand (the manual was taken off the S3 before WLTP but has been taken from the Golf R now) but mostly down to emissions. If they sold loads of manuals then they would maybe have been willing to jump through more hoops to homologate it.
Dr G said:
Exactly, manuals are very difficult to sell. There simply isn't the demand for them.
While i don't disgaree with demand comment it is odd to me - the S & RS models i would have thought would be owned by enthusiasts or petrolhead types who enjoy the driving experience rather than simple A to B motoring which to me demands a manual. I personally tried the S3 Stronic and yes it was very quick at shifting and a good auto but after a few mins of play it was just an auto which distanced the level of driver involvement for me, so i held out for a manual which fulfills that role nicely.
I have a tiptronic Auto in my A6 Avant which suits the character of the car just fine, and I rarely find myself using the paddles to change unless i'm completely bored on a journey.
Its a shame the choice has been lost and wonder why owners prefer the auto, although i can develop my own ideas on this point!
I'm surprised by the above comment about manuals being hard to sell.
I sold my TTRS for two reasons.
1. The awful DSG gearbox.
Yes it's great on the power going up the box, but approaching roundabouts when it gets confused and makes you wait? Dangerous.
Cruising along at 50mph and hit the gas, wait three whole seconds before it goes.
Audi promised an update would cure this, nothing after a year of ownership.
So for that overtake, one has to put it in manual mode, can't rely on the DSG.
2. The awful ticking/rattle from the exhaust on cold start up, lasted about 20 secs.
Again, Audi promised a new exhaust, nothing after a year of ownership, on back order.
In fact when I challenged them I was then told "it's a characteristic of the car"
My reply "So your technicians spent loads of time and effort making this car sound great, but hey! Let's make it sound rubbish on cold start up?"
I'm done with Audi dealers, I've had quite a few nice Audis, no more.
I sold my TTRS for two reasons.
1. The awful DSG gearbox.
Yes it's great on the power going up the box, but approaching roundabouts when it gets confused and makes you wait? Dangerous.
Cruising along at 50mph and hit the gas, wait three whole seconds before it goes.
Audi promised an update would cure this, nothing after a year of ownership.
So for that overtake, one has to put it in manual mode, can't rely on the DSG.
2. The awful ticking/rattle from the exhaust on cold start up, lasted about 20 secs.
Again, Audi promised a new exhaust, nothing after a year of ownership, on back order.
In fact when I challenged them I was then told "it's a characteristic of the car"
My reply "So your technicians spent loads of time and effort making this car sound great, but hey! Let's make it sound rubbish on cold start up?"
I'm done with Audi dealers, I've had quite a few nice Audis, no more.
Andy JB said:
While i don't disgaree with demand comment it is odd to me - the S & RS models i would have thought would be owned by enthusiasts or petrolhead types who enjoy the driving experience rather than simple A to B motoring which to me demands a manual.
Nobody likes it less than me. I love Audis and I love manual gearboxes. An S/RS is still a family/normal car for a lot of buyers who like Audi, want the practicality, like the look/image/noise/feel/prestige, and want some shove to use from time to time. Hell, a lot of RS6 buyers probably have it simply because it's the best A6.Even a few years back people complained B7 RS4s weren't available with an automatic box.
Around here it might feel like the adoration of a manual gearbox in a quick car is the norm but out in the big bad world it is not. As a personal observation it is a phenomena more apparent among used car buyers than new.
Audi is my job. We've got one manual in stock (and that model was never sold with an auto).
On the question of a manual, I think it has to be the right car. I love the fact my RS5 has a ZF auto and never had I wished it was a manual, as ZF does an amazing job. A manual alternative would not suit the car especially the way it delivers the power. Now I recently purchased an S1, which for some is an odd choice, however it is only available in a manual, but I think a small hot hatch suits the 6-speed manual so well, I am sure if they had room, they would have fitted a DSG auto, however feel it would ruin the car.. I would consider this the same for an RS3, should be fitted with a manual, suits the car.
G
G
I don't desire a manual in a car which is a daily driver. The point of the S/RS models in my opinion is that they are high performance cars with everyday usability. I came from a Golf R manual to the S5. The auto is more convenient most of the time than the manual is more engaging on the odd occasion.
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff