On Wednesday I traded my S3 Aero for a 2016 S5 on sale at the factory, I had only owned the S3 for 6 months (bought from Richard Thorne CC), and was smitten despite what I felt where some failings.
My thoughts after a few days and a 300 miles.
To be perfectly honest The ride quality of the S3 was pretty poor, a bit like driving a BMW on big wheels and runflats, hitting a bump mid corner resulted in scuttle shake and really upset the car, to be honest this was my biggest motivation to change. Before driving the S5 I had plans to fit quality suspension and swap the 18" rims for 17"s to calm down the ride.
Steering was also a little vague with a feeling on turn in that the rear was lagging behind the front.
To put this into context my previous 3 cars were Elise, Exige and Evora, which are world class in these areas, so the Aero was always going to struggle a bit by comparison.
None of this detracted from the charm and sheer event of driving the S3, it was rock solid on smooth roads, and surprisingly quick over the North Weald sprint course.
Like most of us I idly browse the usual sites looking at used Aeros, a 2016 Black car popped up for sale at the factory and I arranged a test drive. Not really anticipating it going much further than that, although I was interested to experience whether the stiffer chassis and revised suspension would make a perceivable difference, particularly with the new car running on larger 19" rims.
First impressions? It was luvverly, and had real Gotham city presence in black with anthracite rims. The driving position is improved with more arm space, and the seat reclines which helps to get comfy. The roof looks great both up and down, but is a bit of a faff, and not a 5 second job like the S3.
And it's loud! the S3 had side pipes but was pretty quiet when pootling about, the S5 is loud all the time with pops and bangs on overrun, not subtle but fun.
The test drive? Well ride quality and steering are not Lotus quality but a huge step forward, I deliberately pointed the car at potholes and it rode them without any scuttle shake, the steering has also been improved, there is still a slight vagueness, but nothing like the old car, I will be interested whether that can be further improved with decent geometry.
Happy days, a little negotiating and I am now the proud owner of a very black, very loud S5.
Roll on summer trips to Spa classic, Reims and Garda.
