[s-cars] The Audi as a Fiat

[Steve Voit]

S-Heads:

I must admit that I've been lookin' this way and that at other cars,
thinkin' my S-car is a bit long in the tooth.  M3s, M5s, all wheel
E-classes, maybe even some newer Audis, although by and large the new cars
(neu 3's and 5's included, certainly the neu A6/S6) have taken a left turn
while I'm going straight ahead.  So on one hand I'm holding back and not
breakin' loose the upgrade money (big list) on my S but at the same time I'm
not moved by the newer cars.  What's wrong with me, I'm thinkin', why isn't
anything stirring my auto-passion?  

All that changed with the Fiat Croma turbo diesel.

 

A recent trip to Europe re-connected me with what I love; well-engineered,
efficient, dynamic cars with a restrained but passionate aesthetic. Think
Car & Driver 10 best from the 80's and 90's, not 00's.  Driving in rural
italy reminded me why 'european' cars exist: 120 MPH on the Autostrada one
minute, tight bends and brilliant twisties the next -oops, small parking
spot - no sweat. While I was only behind the wheel for a few days it was a
cathartic experience >> showing that all the MMI's/10 cyl/perforated air
conditioned seats/slushbox trannies/ and other extravagant stuff was/is a
complete diversion from what I love in the first place, a well-designed,
dynamic, hands on, tactile car.  The new euro hardware featured in the US is
fascinating, but it's a solution to a problem I don't have and don't value.
For every A8 with over-the-top technology that product planners know we'll
love in the US, Audi sells 50 A3 3 doors at home, any one of which I'd
rather have.  We no longer get what I perceive as 'european' cars here in
the states (OK, Canada too, Dave), we get their high-end wretched excess
collection.  This shift toward high-end product is a defensible business
move, I suppose, but it's leaving me behind. (and opening opportunity for
others)

 

After 3 weeks away I savored being reunited with my car, and did so
thoughtfully.  I liked the way it smelled, the super comfortable and
functional interior, the perfect size, the smoothness and power, the
steering/shifting/braking - and I loved the fact its over 10 years old and
'only' has a 2.2L motor.  I love the turbo surge, thinking about upgrades,
keeping it 'new', and I love this silly list.  These reasons are why I
bought the car in the first place and why I'll proceed with the upgrades,
fun, and headaches.

 

These cars are not for everybody, and turnover on this list is high enough
to suggest that not everyone finds the experience to be to their liking.  So
while old M3's catch my eye they only have 2 doors.  The old M5's are very
cool, but no all wheel setup.  Wish I could get a manual in an MB sedan big
enough for my 6'6" frame, but I can't.  And none of these cars have the
community and tune-ability upside of the S-Car.  Call me a sucker but I'm
re-upping my slippery slope club card - and I promise I'll drive in Europe
before making any future replacement decisions.

Steve, goin' with the flow but not yet sick enough for the S-fest frenzy,
from Seattle, V.