At the meet yesterday I was lucky enough to sit in Aeromans fantastic new S3, and it made me think somewhat in terms of how things have moved on in the short space of time that the Aero has been on our roads.
I figured it might be interesting to a few others here to hear my thoughts on the latest model ahving managed to get up close and personal.
OK - lets set the scene so people can see where I'm coming from.
I'm relatively young for an Aero owner (<35) and I've had my S1 for 2.5 years now.
Key differences stepping from the S1 into the S3 become apparrent immediately.
1. Space - there is much more in the S3 - and Aeromans car gets this feelig across effortlessly - the light interior I feel has a big part to play here, as sitting in demonstrators previously I didn't really feel it to be as pronounced.
2. Surfaces - the S3 dash is so much better resolved - you feel you're in a production car, rather than the 'track special' feel of the S1 with it's bare aluminium in the footwells etc. The materials are high quality and feel luxurious. Carpet is perhaps a little too deep pile for my tastes - but thats personal choice, and I have to say it was very comfortable. (Better than the S1 seats certainly).
3. Visibility - so much better. Although the rear screen is plastic (which I do not approve of and it's something that rankles a bit) the visiblity is excellent, and the extra light it affords adds to the feel of space.
4. Doors - the most obvious place where the car feels like a new generation is in the doors. The S1 door is thin and makes a 'clack' when you close it. Suggesting little more than tin foil over a wire shell. The S3 door makes a solid sounding clunk, has a flat fascia, is better trimmed than the S1 (considerably) and the classy black piano wood Aeroman has chosed adds a subtle air of class.
The door also has the added benefet of providing a psychological boost - making you feel immediately safe and protected. I'm sure at the same time the wind noise (serious in the s1) from the doors is much reduced.
5. General feeling of airtightness in the S3 is much more pronounced - it feels airy, but snug, whereas the S1 feels 'compact' and 'breezy' by comparisson. Don't get me wrong, I love the S1 and it's character - it's got a lot going for it, but refinement and creating a firm seal between you and the outside in inclement weather isn't it's strong suit.
6. From the outside - have to say the shape is still strong and I love the look of the S3. The new headlights are growing on me, and the wings at the side do not suffer any erosion it seems with the wider cockpit. (is the S3 wider than the S1?)
Only issue I ahve with the S3 as an S1 owner is the height - and in particular rather than the physical stature of the car (whichi I don't mind) - it's more the perception that it's floating - particularly from the rear - without rear pipes it looks a bit odd. Hopefully the diffuser will see to this. Certainly seems to work on the SII that Andrew brought along yesterday
7. Wheels. I like the lightweight racing magnesium wheels of the S1 - the bigger assumedly steel wheels of the newer cars doing really do it for me. I would figure that it might perhaps pay to talk to OZ about a specific wheel type - thinking of spyker here.
More later - be interested in other feedback.
Overall the S3 is fantastic , will have to go test drive one, buying might have to wait though as looks like I'll be moving house in the short term...
