Arnie is 1 year old tomorrow the 7 Nov 2016 – happy birthday Arnie. His life so far has clocked up 4,849 miles with some 2.5k of those on a touring holiday in Northumberland.
Events in Arnie’s life have been; back to Audi after a month to replace mag ride suspension bushes (note that I had to point out to the dealer what the issue was) ; then later to replace a front headlight washer cover which had inexplicably blown off; an oil change after ‘running in’ and 1k on the clock; then following a puncture replaced Pirelli tyres with MPSS and then replaced Autoglym Lifeshine with Gtechniq CS black coating plus glass and wheel coatings with painted rear brake hubs thrown in. The only ‘modification’ to date is the addition of wind deflectors to two front windows, though next weekend Arnie is booked in for front Alcon discs replacement and another oil change.
So far has been trouble free motoring, apart from minor kerb scrub on one rim, with neither traction nor front brake squealing issues which seem to be the most common problems listed on this site. I do find the OEM brakes inadequate, they are not commensurate with the power of the car, especially when in continuous use (no interval for brake cooling), with a lot of brake pedal throw required making them very spongy and in no way inspires confidence. Hence proposed disc replacement to see if that makes a difference, and if not sufficient improvement, either go for red stuff pads or the more expensive caliper replacement (Alcon to match the discs). The only other mod currently under consideration is an upgrade for rear ARB.
Did get clocked for speeding (it was Festival of Speed week!), had letter seeking confirmation of driver which I signed & returned - this was over 3 months ago and I’m still waiting for response to find out if I am to be called to magistrates for potential ban!
Likes include Floret silver colour – this has grown on me and though a ‘not in your face’ colour it has a subtlety, a very faint blue hue, which distinguishes it from all other’ silver’ cars; standing start acceleration - lots of boy racer fun at traffic lights which I should have grown out of by now but I can’t help but put some aggressive Porsche or actual boy racer driver in his place (that’s the RS3 for you); road holding, despite body roll; exhaust note, apart from initial warm up stage, I always drive in dynamic for that sound and when clear of London potholes & speed bumps out of suspension comfort mode; down shift pops and crackles - intoxicating; interior cabin overall ambience; steering wheel & paddle shifting; luggage space for two (includes rear seats); hands free telephone; luggage nets to back of front seats, one of the improvements from 8p and of course the ‘sheep’ to ‘wolf’ transformation to give Grandma a heart attack.
Dislikes – brakes; suspension in comfort mode is still not sufficient to absorb enough of those London bumps; no electric seat adjustment for SS seats; fuel consumption, average is around 18-22 mpg, did manage 34 on motorway cruise once but difficult to maintain as have to do occasional blip of throttle to cheer me up; no oil temp gauge apart from ‘lap timing mode’, haven’t got round yet to changing this; pressing off the auto stop at every start up; throttle response in comfort mode; MMI navigation - route setting up and adding new destination; radio coming on automatically at start up and finally body roll when eagerly negotiating corners/bends.
Overall – the likes are a big positive and outweigh the lesser dislikes, I look forward to every drive, always enjoy the drive (even when stuck in traffic) and I usually feel the better for having one. Happy birthday Arnie.