Poll AutoBild Sportscars - Opel Astra OPC vs Renault Mégane RS Cup vs Seat León Cupra 280

[Zafiro]

I like the A1 and think it's one of the best looking little cars. Its interior I'd take even over the S-Class'.
I really, really like that little car. The S1 is also quite unique by being the only AWD in this class of cars.

Ok, well personally I buy these kind of cars based on how the drive. The rest comes second. But In the end its your decision, your money

 

[Deckhook]

Ok, well personally I buy these kind of cars based on how the drive. The rest comes second. But In the end its your decision, your money

I never driven one to know if that statement is true but compared to other superminis the A1 feels much more the quality product so I can only imagine adding over 200 ponies and Quattro must make it quite appealing.

 

[Zafiro]

I never driven one to know if that statement is true but compared to other superminis the A1 feels much more the quality product so I can only imagine adding over 200 ponies and Quattro must make it quite appealing.

and thats one of the reasons why its expensive + the badge...AWD is not something I care for in small performance cars like these. Nothing will change my opinion about the car, in this price range there is so much more. Seat Cupra, Golf GTI, BMW M125i anyday over S1.

 

[Deckhook]

and thats one of the reasons why its expensive + the badge...AWD is not something I care for in small performance cars like these. Nothing will change my opinion about the car, in this price range there is so much more. Seat Cupra, Golf GTI, BMW M125i anyday over S1.

Have you driven one yet?

 

[Zafiro]

Have you driven one yet?

Dont need to, firstly I dont need AWD. Secondly car cost too much. And I've read reviews from people I value and not single of them says its the best small car out there. I've read nothing about praise about Cupra and it cost less than S1. So what the point to go and drive a S1?
I say its way too expensive and the price do not justify it. I seriously doubt its more fun than my ST to justify the extra cost.

 

[C4L]

I seriously doubt its more fun than my ST to justify the extra cost.

The extra cost comes from the fact it is literally better than your ST in every single way. (Mean but true). Seems to make sense to me considering you always get what you pay for...

And the S1 is a steal of deal (depending on your market of course);

Fiesta ST - From 20,190
VW GTI - From 28,675 Euro
Audi S1 - From 29,950 Euro
Seat Leon Cupra - From 30,930 Euro

Seems like great value to me if you don't need something larger like the GTI or Cupra. The Fiesta ST is just plain cheap. But at the price point I am still getting a Polo GTI or R WRC if you can find one...

 

[C4L]

I really wish they would sell the Cupra or some variation of here in the US. As a two-time GTI owned I would at least like the change to see how it compares and have the option to make that choice. Seems like a great car and a great value all things considered.

 

[Deckhook]

The extra cost comes from the fact it is literally better than your ST in every single way. (Mean but true). Seems to make sense to me considering you always get what you pay for...

This comment is only true if stuff like interior quality, materials used and general build means a lot to you.

If these things are less important then the Fiesta ST is incredible value.

I personally see the S1 as the ultimate mini Hothatch, giving you the kind of build quality Audi are famous for and the type of performance you can only expect from bigger Hothatches. Sure you are paying a premium for its badge but is this not true in all markets by that washing machines to watches.

 

[C4L]

This comment is only true if stuff like interior quality, materials used and general build means a lot to you.

If these things are less important then the Fiesta ST is incredible value.

Or if EVERYTHING is important to you. The S1 even has more power, better performance, AWD, and more. Really the ONLY thing the ST does better than the S1 is probably gas mileage and cost less of course (to get less car...)

And make no mistake, those things are important to everyone, so long as they don't hinder any other one area (which in this case they don't) and more importantly one can afford to make that choice...

 

[mini_cooper4]

Ok, well personally I buy these kind of cars based on how the drive. The rest comes second. But In the end its your decision, your money

I mostly buy them on how they look and feel since I get my driving thrills in a different kind of animal on the track and an R8 on the road.
When it comes to my daily first comes looks and a very close second is power to weight and steering feel. Comfort is somewhere there but not what I really need.

PS: If BMW's steering remained hydraulic... it was going to be the other way around but there are not many premium(since I'm a premium customer) cars worth choosing over the others when they all lack steering feel.

 

[C4L]

I mostly buy them on how they look and feel since I get my driving thrills in a different kind of animal on the track and an R8 on the road.
When it comes to my daily first comes looks and a very close second is power to weight and steering feel. Comfort is somewhere there but not what I really need.

Right. Hot Hatches like these are specifically designed for the total package. If JUST driving dynamics was what you were looking for, a FWD hatchback likely wouldn't even be on your list...

 

[Giannis]

more power, better performance, AWD, and more.

These do not guarantee a better, more entertaining drive.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Right. Hot Hatches like these are specifically designed for the total package. If JUST driving dynamics was what you were looking for, a FWD hatchback likely wouldn't even be on your list...

I just need a fuel efficient, good looking, fun to drive car that can suit 4 adults comfortably and in rare occasions up to 5 adults and luggage but that would rarely happen since I use the S65 as an MPV

 

[Zafiro]

Or if EVERYTHING is important to you. The S1 even has more power, better performance, AWD, and more. Really the ONLY thing the ST does better than the S1 is probably gas mileage and cost less of course (to get less car...)

And make no mistake, those things are important to everyone, so long as they don't hinder any other one area (which in this case they don't) and more importantly one can afford to make that choice...

Yes it has more power and AWD but that doesnt mean its more fun to drive. Thats what I value the most and S1 simply cost too much what you are paying for. R WRC is another example about a car I rather buy than S1.
I read comparisons about ST beating cars like M135i, RS6, M6, A45 AMG when it comes to driving. I cant even count all the awards and positive feedback the ST been getting. Let's see if the S1 is going to get the same glowing feedback like the ST did.
I'm just back home from a good drive. I've driven many powerful and expensive cars but the ST is special, no doubt about that and I paid the car in cash, thats how cheap it is. Not a single time have I seen lack of handling, the way this car takes corners are brilliant. And the steering feedback is one of the best right now, many cars just can dream of having. And then there the slick and quick manual gearbox. Skip the biases aside and your comments are nothing than prejudices and no knowledge.

 

[Zafiro]

I mostly buy them on how they look and feel since I get my driving thrills in a different kind of animal on the track and an R8 on the road.
When it comes to my daily first comes looks and a very close second is power to weight and steering feel. Comfort is somewhere there but not what I really need.

PS: If BMW's steering remained hydraulic... it was going to be the other way around but there are not many premium(since I'm a premium customer) cars worth choosing over the others when they all lack steering feel.

Mini, stop being a brand whore, get yourself a Cupra I stopped being all about BMW and see where it got me. Now I drive a fantastic ST instead.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Mini, stop being a brand whore, get yourself a Cupra I stopped being all about BMW and see where it got me. Now I drive a fantastic ST instead.

I drove the Cupra 280 today and I might be getting one instead of the S1. I can't decide yet because for 3000GBP more I can get the Golf R.
I really like the looks of the Cupra but the Golf R is a brilliant car that has little to no flaws.

 

[Zafiro]

This comment is only true if stuff like interior quality, materials used and general build means a lot to you.

If these things are less important then the Fiesta ST is incredible value.

I personally see the S1 as the ultimate mini Hothatch, giving you the kind of build quality Audi are famous for and the type of performance you can only expect from bigger Hothatches. Sure you are paying a premium for its badge but is this not true in all markets by that washing machines to watches.

Generally the build is good. Some hard plastic down around the gearbox and glovebox but overall its not bad. No annoying noises or squeaking from the interior. Its solid and no big gap between the materials. Its certainly not much worse than my mothers brand new BMW 1-series. Sure it's not A3 level but you dont pay a fortune for the car so you cant really demand it. For the money ST is great value, saying otherwise is just lack of knowledge.

 

[KiwiRob]

For the money ST is great value, saying otherwise is just lack of knowledge.

The ST is really only a super bargain if you purchase the Mountune Package (212hp), you'd be foolish to order one without it, standard it's a fun car to drive but not fast.

 

[KiwiRob]

I read comparisons about ST beating cars like M135i, RS6, M6, A45 AMG when it comes to driving. I cant even count all the awards and positive feedback the ST been getting.

Which ones, because I've never read a comparison between the ST and any of the cars you've listed, they aren't competitors in any way shape or form.

 

[C4L]

These do not guarantee a better, more entertaining drive.

Of course not but I am sure the S1 is more entertaining than a Fiesta too...