Swap S3 for Leon? Am I mad?

[Revulike]

I would like a bit more space, more equipment and lower monthly payments, so looking to swap my 2021 S3 sportback for a used Leon estate, most likely the 310.

I'm guessing the 310 Leon will be pretty much the same performance-wise, and feel the same driving?

I have also considered (due to pricing) the 190hp and even the 150hp . The 245hp of the hybrid looks ok on paper, but then there's all the fuss of getting a charger, more kit to go wrong, no charge & extra weight etc.

One thing I know I would miss on the S3 is that it has buttons and switches for everything! (except auto brakes).

Am I mad?

 

[H Rafiq]

What about the Leon Cupra 5f estate, with 4WD? Or too old for you? The boot will be bigger of course, but I don’t think the space in the rear seats will be bigger to be honest.

 

[SRGTD]

@Revulike - No, I don’t think you’re mad. I’d recommend getting an extended test drive though so you can reassure yourself you’re making the right decision for you. Also, if you’re buying a used example of the current model, make sure it’s got the latest software version to minimise the risk of software gremlins that have afflicted many earlier current generation VAG cars.

Not quite the same, but I recently sold my VW Polo GTI+ for a small non-VAG brand car. I found that with the single carriageway A and B roads I drive regularly being very heavily congested most of the time, there was pretty much no opportunity to use the GTI’s performance when sitting in a steam of traffic travelling at (usually) 50 mph or slower.

My current car has a 52 bhp deficit compared to the VW, but has a much better spec equipment-wise, it’s more comfortable than the Polo, it has physical buttons and switches and the dealer has been brilliant. Do I regret making the change? Not at all.

 

[Revulike]

What about the Leon Cupra 5f estate, with 4WD? Or too old for you? The boot will be bigger of course, but I don’t think the space in the rear seats will be bigger to be honest.

Yes, I am looking at the 5f as well. Ironically, I almost bought a 300 st lux instead of the S3. It was a great car, but I was dazzled by the S3's new tech and looks. I now realise I should probably have bought the SEAT, especially since it actually had MORE tech than the S3.

My other car is a 2014 5f Leon 1.2 Tech, 110hp. Also a really great car, but a tad slower than the S3!

 

[Revulike]

@Revulike - No, I don’t think you’re mad. I’d recommend getting an extended test drive though so you can reassure yourself you’re making the right decision for you. Also, if you’re buying a used example of the current model, make sure it’s got the latest software version to minimise the risk of software gremlins that have afflicted many earlier current generation VAG cars.

Not quite the same, but I recently sold my VW Polo GTI+ for a small non-VAG brand car. I found that with the single carriageway A and B roads I drive regularly being very heavily congested most of the time, there was pretty much no opportunity to use the GTI’s performance when sitting in a steam of traffic travelling at (usually) 50 mph or slower.

My current car has a 52 bhp deficit compared to the VW, but has a much better spec equipment-wise, it’s more comfortable than the Polo, it has physical buttons and switches and the dealer has been brilliant. Do I regret making the change? Not at all.

Exactly this.

Average UK motorway speed is now 45mph.

A and B roads clogged with Boomers in their new SUVs (usually Kodiaks) doing 35mph on the way to lunch at garden centre. (I hope I haven't offended).

Best requirement may now be Traffic Jam Assist!

 

[tracktoy]

Exactly this.

Average UK motorway speed is now 45mph.

A and B roads clogged with Boomers in their new SUVs (usually Kodiaks) doing 35mph on the way to lunch at garden centre. (I hope I haven't offended).

Best requirement may now be Traffic Jam Assist!

And Tractors, This is why mine spends most of its life on the track to be able to use and enjoy the power without the worry of the inevitable speeding fine.

 

[SRGTD]

And Tractors, This is why mine spends most of its life on the track to be able to use and enjoy the power without the worry of the inevitable speeding fine.

Don’t get me started on tractors .

I live in quite an agricultural part of the UK so there are often tractors on the roads. I accept there are occasions when they need to use the roads, but what really annoys me is they don’t pull over into lay-bys and designated passing places when they have the opportunity to do so to let following motorists pass them . Oh, and why do they always seem to choose the busiest times to be out on the roads, causing extremely long tailbacks………..

 

[Solo]

I would like a bit more space, more equipment and lower monthly payments, so looking to swap my 2021 S3 sportback for a used Leon estate, most likely the 310.

Am I mad?

If you want more space, more equipment and lower monthly payments then no, you're not mad. It makes sense.

If having a high performance 'prestige' brand is high priority then yes, you might be mad.

 

[Revulike]

Does the 190hp have soundaktor sounds?

In all the videos I've seen, it's very quiet.

 

[Revulike]

If you want more space, more equipment and lower monthly payments then no, you're not mad. It makes sense.

If having a high performance 'prestige' brand is high priority then yes, you might be mad.

Not worried about the badge. I'd be very happy with a SEAT or Cupra.