VW Golf R vs Audi S3 2018 - find out which is the best | Head-to-Head
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- Looking for the ultimate German hot hatchback comparison? Look no further... The Golf R and Audi S3 are two of the best hatchbacks on the market, but which one stands out more? Check out my latest head to head to find out the result, and let me know which you'd prefer in the comments!
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Авто/Мото
I’ve had my 2018 s3 black edition for 5 days and it’s incredible!
Mat : let's say you want a hot hatchback but don't want to look like a boy racer.
Bradford : hold my cash
Why don’t you for once just get both in auto? Not really a comparison..
e2k I know, right? So many car vids are doing manuals vs auto... Absolute waste of time for a serious comparison. Probably a deliberate tactic to prevent any real criticisms...
@@TheRealTanSeeker Because that's how they come as standard. It's not like the conclusion would be any different. The Golf would be slightly faster in a drag race, but slightly less fun and involving to drive, so he'd still choose the Audi.
the s3 doesn’t come in manuel, he said it in the video
@@TheRealTanSeeker No. It's actually pretty obvious, if you've watched the video.
The main advantage of the Golf is its more engaging drive, which is provided by its manual gearbox.
The main advantage of the S3 is its smoother, more comfortable everyday experience. Therefore, it makes sense to compare the two cars at their best, since this is how he recommends that they should be bought. The automatic Golf R is not good value, since it compromises the main strength of the vehicle without providing the luxury of the Audi.
@@Racingmonkeyg25x But the Golf R does come in automatic which is why e2k stated "...get both in AUTO"
Golf R, DSG, Adaptive Dampers, Performance Pack
The manual is way more fun.
@@Ripinda1911 Agreed, i hate autos on small cars
@@temppa-seta3821 : the DSG is basically a manual without a clutch pedal
@@troyf374 it isnt... manual is way more engaging, speak from experience
@@kausarde4974 The dsg is faster tho
Your reviews are awesome. Keep coming back for mare. Cheers from Down Under!!!
In my opinion the Golf is specced better standard, but the S3 has much better tech on the options spec sheet. The Golf did feel slightly better to drive to me also. The Audi sounded nicer, though.
Horses for courses! I went for the Golf but can totally see why the S3 would appeal over it. Both are lovely cars.
Peanus Benis - this comment is far too sensible for RUclips, please stop it.
Peanus Benis actually it’s not better specced standard. You have to pay for driving modes and progressive steering.... (standard on S3)
Max Pay for driving modes?
Great Vid! I just bought a 2018 Golf R and it is pretty freakin amazing. However, I would have considered the S3 if it came in that wagon style here in the states, sedan is just useless to me.
I do disagree about the interior, I find the Golf very orderly and intuitive and flows very nicely, very cockpit style centered around the driver, and while the Audi is very nice, I don't like the pop up screen, looks like an ipad stuck to the dash.
Either would be great but I can get a stick in the R. The clutch is light and linear and not tiring in traffic like my old WRX. Can't go wrong with either.
Have to say! Carwow with matt Watson is the best car channel on the Internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the channel lads, keep up the fantastic work!!!!!!!!!!!! Just love it! 👍
Great review as usual just a shame that you didn’t have the automatic transmission in the golf. Would have been a more fairer comparison
More fair, but more boring.
I like the blue one
They both blue 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂😂
I’ve been having this very conversation with myself as I’m considering ordering both cars... but for me, whilst the Audi is more premium, the colour of the lapiz paint is brilliant and the paint options on the Audi doesn’t come close.
Matt’s whole review and recommendation really just boils down to his preference for auto over manual. Great review otherwise & always appreciate Matt’s great sense of humour.
It's strange, when the golf / a3 launched the a3s interior was far more fancier. After a couple years I feel as though the golf's interior aged better. Like it's not crazy modern but just looks good still. I don't know if it's just me.
I would go with the golf r, only because it has a manual option while the Audi doesn't, I love using the gear shifter/ clutch, and that automatic gearbox might make the car faster but for me it would be less fun
Vw vs expensive vw
😂😂
Vw< expensive vw (Audi) < more expensive vw (Porsche) < more expensive vw (Bentley) < even more expensive vw (Lamborghini) < more expensive vw (Bugatti)
ZotteZino bro you went stupid far for what?
Marko G no I don't
VWCeption
Test drove both cars in DSG form back to back then ended up picking the s3, I totally agree with Matt @6:27 about feeling more cocooned in, more luxurious, more snug and a lot nicer place to sit during traffic. It also had sunroof, leather seats, virtual cockpit, better looking wheels, optional red leather-things that weren't available in the Golf R in Canada. Add to the the much better dealership experience I had locally, and it came down to the Audi.
what do you do for a living?
Amateur that you are and the amount of bullshit you spout is incredible. I am a VAG importer in France, so I invite you to try both before speaking behind a screen without even having come close or remotely close to one of the two. The golf course is 100 times more comfortable, more livable and much prettier internally, they don't purify everything.
I'm having a case of deja vu.... Is this a reupload?
Rob Kliskey same here!!!!!!
The drag race part is taken from another video, but the rest of the video is new.
*eurobeat intensifies*
I was like: deja vu I've been in this place before
I literally just posted the same statement, pretty much with those same exact words.
Audi S3 costs a few grand more, but it regains it with the leather seats and automatic gearbox. Though, the digital display kit must cost around £1,200.
Pisses over the Golf in terms of quality though, it's like comparing a Corsa to an A Class.
Love the way you talk about the space in the booth saying that its the same
Great review Mat - these are getting better and better.
I looked at the R and ended up buying the S3. My previous car had a very rough ride and the luxury of the Audi is much appreciated.I liked the s3 more too, more fun and more tossable. and in traffic, the dsg over the stick anytime. I hated how dark the interior of the R was. The upgraded stereo sounded like it was made of tin. The nav system in the R is a joke. I don't like the steering wheel shape in either car. Its not round or comfortable. Audi is great as a ski car- great in snow, but the boot is on the small side. I have an APR stage II ECU/ TCU tune on my car. It did wonders ;)
These type of sporty cars need the beautifull sound of the 5 cilinder.
Omg the practicality review is nuts hahah , great vid Matt mate
I got out of an an M2 into an S3 2018. Despite the lower power its useable especially in anything mildly most condition. A sinple re map would give me one to 370hp but I really don't see the point. Superb car & don't regret the 'downgrade' for a nanosecond. It still has a drinking habit but it's smiles per mile, not MPG 😁
Got an S3 Black Edition with supersport seats, virtual cockpit and sunroof...glad I didn’t go back to VW for an R!!!
The thing I can't stand about the Audi A3 (5 door) is that it is a mini estate, it doesn't look at all like a normal hatchback, and that's why I would always choose the 1 series and the A class.
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. 3 door is nice but the 5 door looks like it can't decide if it wants to be an estate or a hatchback.It's not a good look.
Really enjoy your reviews mate best on RUclips. Matt for top gear 👌🏾
That numb driving/steering feeling is what I like about my Audi. Good for highway cruising
I would go for the audi .. cuz from the outside they are both bootiful but the inside is where im gonna be sooo s3 for the win price is the same and u have that badge
I've brought the s3 facelift about 2 weeks ago now and Its just amazing as a all rounder. Great for fuel, traffic driving,for launches and even if you want to accelerate from like 60+. It picks up the speed really fast
Anonymous Bullet what’s the fuel economy like?
27mpg when driving on efficiency mode and not using boost. Around 10mpg on dynamic/sports mode when using boost most of the time
Anonymous Bullet guess that would be a financial mistake for me when I do 60miles daily 😩
@@thepolishbrat112 depends really. If those 60 miles are on the motorway everyday. You'll probably get higher mpg, the s3 can hit 35mpg but that's only on a motorway
Anonymous Bullet mostly ‘A’ roads but with my way of driving I don’t think I would hit that 35mpg 😅
This was really helpful to me deciding between the two. Both are awesome cars tho.
Interesting that leather is standard in the US, but I'd rather have the seats in the video. Also, it is unreal how much of a difference in acceleration that 7 spd DSG is over the manual, even in the rolling start!
What's the big deal about leather seats. I'd much prefer cloth seats. I think leather being seen as the must have luxury for car upholstery is a bit Emperor's New Clothes. I do think the interior of a Golf GTI looks better than the Golf R.
Gary Taylor, the GTI looks better overall, unmistakable for a normal Golf unlike the R.
Leather is simply the superior material. Wears better, lasts longer, smells better and is way easier to clean. It also looks more expensive and [subjectively] nicer.
But if a manufacturer gives you leather as standard, they should give you the option for cloth seats for no extra cost.
Personally I'm not a fan of the black bits they added to the MK7.5. And black wheels are very "meh", regular 19" Pretorias look far more elegant. Also the R looks really nice inside at night, with the blue LED accents everywhere.
It also makes your nutsack cold in winter and glues the said nutsack during the summer. And don't start with the "ventilators and heat warmers" because that's an extra $$$, and a hefty extra $$$. Leather's mostly for pretensious ppl who haven't heard of anything else. Nice try, Georgi
Mark Stefanac I haven't said anything bad. Leather is objectively a better and more durable material than cloth. It also costs more. Heated seats come as standard on $20 000 vehicles these days. Leather interior may cost $5000, heated seats don't.
why not just get the golf with the DSG box.
ashlie higgins your right
1800 for the auto in the golf. 1800 for leather. I agree test both with auto.
The manual is more fun to drive, and it’s superior to any auto (making the Audi feel like the less-fun-to-drive car).
Manual for drivers who can drive. Will last longer than DSG which might eat itself.
Why would u ever buy a manual in a car like a golf r
that edit about the practicality was nice!
Thanks for the great videos Matt.
My wife brought an A3 with Sline for the look and interior, and I brought a Golf R for performance!
i got the a3 s line but with a vr6 for both the look and performance lol
AKA Zeus same the a3 sline it’s really good I got it for my 16th birthday
Put your glasses back Mat, that's mandatory!
i read your name as "A true Parrot-head"
Stop liking your own comment 🤦🏻♂
A true petrol-head your nasty
A true petrol-head lmao just because you're bi doesn't mean everyone else is
A true petrol-head my father kissed me on the lips, i'm bi
Tbh after sitting and driving a few different leather interior cars and cloth, I have to say I prefer the cloth. Especially in my new 1 series, they are comfy, look a lot better than leather seats and they arent super cold in the winter or super hot in the summer. The only thing leather you need are the steering wheel, arm rest and dashboard etc
I have been WAITING for this.
I will choose the audi !
hama king So you are choosing the Volkswagen .. if you know what I mean ^^
bodega147 what u mean
VW owns Audi...
bodega147 hahahaha
Haha Bodega King!
S3 no longer comes with a manual option?
I own the older (14 plate) MK7 so this might not apply to the 7.5; but one thing i would mention is the exhaust is quiter on the R compared to an S3; that DSG fart noise is also louder on the S3.
I don't know, I drive a golf every day, I love my interior. Though the audi is more aggressive looking, i'd love to take one for a test drive.
Are we ever going to to get an auto v auto review ? Every time the golf is reviewed it’s in manual 🙄
They always review golf r in manual and drag race with auto Audi rs3 or s3.
I think these cars are the same pair on each review recorded at the same time. I guess the point is that neither would lose. They’re identical mechanically.
Still, in every review of the Golf R, it has the manual gearbox, loses the dragrace and it is "if you want better performance and more comfort while cruising, get this other car with the automatic gearbox". What I'd really like to see is Golf R auto vs Audi S3 auto and if the cars have different performance due to one of them weighing more, having different suspension or a different tune (according to VW themselves, the DSG version is 0.5s faster 0-100 km/h than the manual version). And who knows, maybe the verdict then could have been "both are nice for cruising with their auto gearboxes, the S3 has a bit nicer interior, but with similar options the Audi costs much more and it's not really worth it". But it seems we will never know because apparently the only Golf R which is ever available for reviews is this one with the manual gearbox...
freibier i have an s3 and i have raced 3 different golf rs’ on the road and we were stuck next to each other from 0 till 170kmph every single time.
Porsche Z must’ve been dsg Golfs then
Jumps the start. I got a really good start.
S3 all the way mate.New performance upgrade on the S3 from 2016 onwards 😊🏁🍻
Audi S3, Nice interior and exterior design, great performance and hope it is also reliable?
I think i'm the only who would ignore these two and choose a gti, too much grip isn't fun for me i love a playful car
B.M - Except the GTI drives the wrong pair of wheels in your pursuit of a playful car.
B.M if you want a playful car why are you after a GTI... the BMW m135/140 is surely the way to go
squala not in a hot hatch.
matt: it’s a no brainer right ?
nobody:
matt: well not exactly
Dual clutch gear boxes (the automatic used in the golf R and the audi S3 - vw uses dash while audi uses their own) eliminate turbo lag.
This video is proof of why you take automatic if you care about performance
Auto for drag races. Manual for driving bliss (although I'm a huge fan of the DSG, you just can't replace the feeling if nailing your own shifts perfectly with proper timed clutch pedal/shifting action)
Get a manual for fun is like saying get a single-action revolver instead of a glock. I'm not trying to have fun, I'm trying to kill my enemies.
Yes, because as we know, drag times are the ULTIMATE indicator of daily experiences; three quarters of the world literally LIVES on the drag strip amirite?
@@kausarde4974 lol, I don't think he got the sarcasm. ANd yes, I would take manual over auto any day
S3❤️
RS3❤
yess keep doing the S3 im about to buy it
lol that practicality review was gold. I still think S3 as a sedan is the best version.
Can you review the M140i?
MahirTheCarGuy agreed!
Review:- nice engine, great to drive but there is no uglier car
an improvement over the 135i but still a terrible-looking car. There is no saving that basic shape that they started with and incremental changes to s fundamentally ugly shape are doomed.
Agreed. Though I think he'll say amazing engine but bad practicality, and it's sporty looks are even more subtle than the R. Personally I think the 1 series needs a refresh anyways, design and interior feels dated. However I have an R but would've definitely got a 140i shadow edition with Xdrive, but for some reason BMW don't sell the Xdrive version in the UK :(
afaik after the 140i all 1-series will be front-wheel drive only.
Golf R all day long.
No thx every one got it its' like my mom have it to
In Australia we get the leather interior on the R as standard. We also get a bigger infotainment screen (although extra). I sat in both of these cars, drove both, and ended up buying the R. I actually prefer the interior of the R, a lot more going on makes it feel nicer to me. After sitting in the R and going back to the S3 I found the car to be very sparse and visually lacking, but that is just me. The seats in the S3 were slightly comfier, but here there is an almost 20k difference between the two cars here and I don't think slightly comfier seats are worth that much.
Yeah, it's just you, the S3 has way better interiors and even more this new generation.
why it feels like I already saw this...
Golf R with DSG any day
Audi does the infotainment placement much better. Just under windshield. You can peek anytime. On most VW cars they not only don't pop out from the dash, they are under the vents. Big safety hazard.
TomaCukor it is annoying, all touchscreen’s are. My daily hack Octavia vrs is awful trying to change songs guessing where I press my finger or I take my eyes off the road for a lot longer than I’d like to
I hear this argument a lot, and I hear the same argument regarding checking the speedo.
My argument is that the amount of time required to divert your eyes to assess what button you need to press and where it is, is inconsequential to your driving safety. You are required and encouraged to spend the exact same amount of time doing regular head checks whilst your driving.
The only part that needs to move is your eyes, you don't need to shift your whole head or anything more to glance around the cabin of your car and identify what it is you plan to use.
If you can't look at a touchscreen, check your speed, or fiddle around with the centre stack in a safe manner, then you probably shouldn't be driving anyway.
Please lamborghini
but the in dash display shows media information and you have controls on the steering wheel?
Garthorium, the problem you're missing with that point, which I agree with, is that with physical buttons compared to a touchscreen, you don't even need to look away from the road, you can feel what button you are pressing. A touchscreen has no physical feedback compared to a physical button, so looking away even for a second is less safe than not having to look away at all.
I had a DSG Clubsport and leather and it was fantastic.
your best review so far
I would rather new dacia sandero it is awesome with 1.5 dci 90 hp
Aaa Zzz Why not 🤷♂️🤗
Which is basically a Renault so is French rubbish
Aaa Zzz can you afford a Dacia?
Good news!
Aaa Zzz Definitely better a Dacia than an overpriced Bmw.
In my area, VW dealer’s are offering no discounts for the late to the market 2018 Golf R, while Audi dealers are offering the S3 at up to $6K below MSRP, which ends up being just a few grand more than the Golf R.
Add to that the far better interior, better reliability, and more prestigious brand, the S3 is the way to go.
i;ve got a mk7.5 1.4tsi and it's great fun too
Love it. Do the new Polo against the curren Golf please. I want to one of the two as a first time car buyer.
Think I would go with the golf r. Here in Canada it seems like the right choice. My buddy has one and it gets around better in the snow than my Jeep!!! :D
I don't see why anyone would want full leather in the car. I actually see the standard seats better than leather and would pay 1800 to get the current standard seats if I had leather as standard. They get hot in the summer, cold in the winter. Just a piece of shit.
LoveGod16 which is why u have seat warmers
LoveGod16 and ventilators
LoveGod16 However, theyre far easier to clean, last longer and look better. Plus, here in the UK, it doesn't really get hot...
I love the alcantara.
Easier to clean with kids in the back I suppose
Loved that simultaneous boot review bit. Hilarious
Have a Golf R 7.5 DSG ..superb drive..So There.
3:05. lol
If you want the same car but cheaper and more fun, go for the Leon Cupra
George Eisikovits I agree, plus if you take it to a track day (like some people do) it's quicker than the Golf R as proven by two car magazines.
.
ACS607 yes, it weighs a lot less as it's only half haldex and that VAQ differential works amazingly well, so quick round the corners. Only issue with the manuals is that they come equipped with the same clutch you find on a 150hp TDI engine. Applies to the Golf R, S3 manual and Octavia VRS. Seriously unmanageable kit.
Or the Skoda equivalent.
If you want traction in gears 1+2 get the R or S3
It’s is basically a golf so you got a point 😂😂😂
If only the newer s3 had the manual options so my only options are the 2010 2012 and 2014 ones I've seen for sale so far
i never understood why everyone wants leather, i love the standard R seats. Leather is really cold in the winter, and really hot in the summer where cloth is not. Leather looks good but thats just about it.
Exorcismer easier to clean and maintain
I picked a Golf over an A3 because of the interiour. The Audi has a high quality interiour but it looks damn boring. I did not like that. Gave me a grand pa feeling. Apart from that only the price was a thing for me and that was also a win for the Golf. So Golf it became.
To be honest, the GTI has a very nice interiour with leather seats and the red accents. The R does not have red accents which makes a lil more boring.
Interior
Dan A 😂
hahahaha 03:05
The automatic can carry boost through gear changes as it’s so fast. The manual can not. Still would prefer the golf over the s3 even if both were auto
Good review. With regard to the handling, were they both running the same tyres? It does make a big difference.
Any particular reason we don't see Subarus on your channel?
Hopefully coming soon
Because nobody buys them. They are barely in the top 40 manufacturers by UK sales.
Too bad the UK is not the entire world. Mat's reviews are informative and interesting for everyone, not just UK buyers.
VW would be better if it was dsg
Oliver Simpson It would be identical if it was DSG would it not?
gynads I think he means VW dsg would be better than VW manual
All about opinions I guess.
I've driven both and chose the mk7.5 Golf over the S3.
I personally think the interior of the VW is far more better than the Audi.
I think what's missing is the R's identity.
Where as the GTi has it's own identity, the R doesn't.
Hopefully VW can deliver when they bring out the mk8.
I've had my mk7.5 since March and absolutely love it, no regrets.
Buen vídeo , DEBERÍAN PONER SUBTÍTULOS EN ESPAÑOL . Gracias !
Videos 4 mins old and VW fanbois are already commenting and liking lol
So whats the problem? They are not near as annoying as Tesla fanboys which is the most annoying fanboy group in car history imo
same goes for audi 'fanbois'
The problem is fanbois fullstop.
Which is why its so stupid. There are many VW fanbois but they tend to like jerking off to pictures of a Golf ;-)
I don't like either of them actually so you can take your jumping to conclusions and shove it up your ass along with all the cancerous fanbois.
The Golf looks absolutely beautiful in this spec! The Audi though, its a bit ugly.
BlackWind I like Audis a lot, but you're right.
I don't know why, but those roof black bars, makes it look like an estate...
WTF?
Golf👍👌
100%
Mat sounds like Alan Partridge would do if he did CarWow vids
I love the manual on sport’s cars, I go for the golf
“Better balance than I’ve got I nearly fell over haha” that the most cringest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. 1:20
The audi wins the drag because of the automatic gear
ناصر الدين الجزائري ًَ the audi would win anyway
a777 3mbali ni w7di khkh
@@user-oz8xg6ow5f surtou v vid ta3 golf w s3 hhhhhhhhhhhh
Just picked up a 2018 black edition quattro and it’s unreal 🔥🔥
We need the S3 here in India
Audi S3 is on a different level.
HG504 golf R sweeter chassis, better seats, better looks
It's literally the same car lol
both are on the MQB platform and use the 2.0 tfsi
Uh, wtf... They are literally the same car. And as Mat points out, the Golf is sharper to drive. Option it with the DSG and it's no slower either. So on what possible grounds is the S3 "on another level", apart from being more expensive?
Audi is better, deal with it vw boys hehe
Mmmm golf R the criminals new favourite weapon of choice!
Youre traction control was flashing like Christmas tree lights in the golf R.
i actually like the alcantara seats in the R way more than the leather ones
Golf all the way
DroneBoy yep
WV fangirlss
I drive a BMW M135i. I have driven both of these cars and the golf is better. The Audi understeer on a B road is awful. And the golf is cheaper!
TeacherToolkitDemo its still a lot of money for most people like me :)
Golf R with the DSG. Liveable everyday and you don't pay the badgewhore premium by going for the Audi.
The golf R has a much more race car feel and is a lot more planted than the s3 in corners. It would wreck an s3 for the handling and grip. And tbh I like the golf R interior better than the s3 interior. I’ve drove both vehicles and trust me.
Boss 245 I have also drove both and I couldn't disagree with you more.
Audi and Quattro ..starts from a4 platform. Rest of them, are simply just some golf platforms orned with four circles badge :))