Pocket-sized fun

Despite its front-wheel drive configuration, it is the JCW that comes out better than the S3 in the handling department. Not only does it roll lesser in corners, it even turns in sharper and at the same time, resist understeer better than the all-wheel driven S3. In fact, when provoked, the tail can even swing out rather snappily.

Nonetheless, this does mean that the ride is bumpy on surfaces that are less than billiard table-smooth – which is in all honesty, a rather small price to pay for the superb handling. Braking performance is phenomenal, complete with pin-sharp modulation all thanks to the Brembo-sourced 4-piston front brake callipers.

Steering in the Audi, though accurate, could do with a little more weight and feel. Clutch pedal is light, which when coupled with precise gear shifts, makes for effortless city commuting. However, the shift action is a little vague - and the pedals are not as ideally placed for heel-and-toe manoeuvres as compared to the JCW.

The JCW is a polar opposite to the Audi - both its steering and clutch pedal are weighty, plus the six-speed manual gearbox have notchy gearshifts, albeit very short in throw. Throw in the well positioned pedals, and you have a car that is perfect for the enthusiast driver who takes pleasure in wringing their cars by their necks at every given opportunity.

At $166,700 and $159,000 for the S3 and the JCW respectively, both cars are genuinely expensive propositions, considering that they are just hatchbacks. However, they do have the substance to justify their asking prices.

The S3 is not only fast, but it also can double up as an executive express, indulging its passenger with its class-leading interior and sophisticated feel. The JCW, on the other hand, is a car for the extroverted seeking unadulterated driving pleasure, and at the same time, soak in the attention from others.

So which is the hatch to get? Hmmm…it’s an extremely close call, but I’ll have to give it to the JCW for the exhilarating driving pleasure it provides and its (relatively) more affordable pricing.

Do, however, bear in mind that for those who go for the S3, they will be contended and happy more often than those who choose the JCW – 71 percent of the time (5 days out of a week), to be precise.

Credits: Story by E.K Foo, pictures by Azfar Hashim