What’s hot?
- As the first ever compact S saloon from Audi, this three-box S3 effectively creates its own new niche, so can be seen as something new.
- Skillful marriage of the company’s high grade ‘S’ performance package, with the new gen A3 saloon body.
- Lighter and stiffer than previous S3 hatchbacks, Audi says, thanks to sophisticated, lightweight body/chassis construction and. new tech engine.
- High grade presentation inside and out gives the S3 top quality look and feel throughout.
All is leather and luxury. The S3 feels a distinctly premium package - Body tweaks including S3 front bumper, rear diffuser, boot lid spoiler and sill extensions all discreetly ramp up the show without being over the top.
- Inside: leather heated front sports seats. S instrument pack and flat-bottomed steering wheel are also part of the glossy S3 makeover.
- S3 engine is a freshly developed 1984cc turbocharged four cylinder TFSI unit, developing a powerful 300PS and 380 Nm of torque.
- With 0-62mph dispatched in a claimed 4.9 secs and top end governed at 155mph, the S3 can be searingly and effortlessly fast when roused.
- Kit levels include 19-inch alloy wheels and Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension as standard fit.
- Fast, fluent and highly refined on the move, the Audi S3 is also a sharp and fun handler on the lowered (by 25mm) S suspension.
- Offers proper room for four and has greater seats-up luggage capacity than S3 Sportback, according to Audi’s figures.
What’s not?
- For keen drivers, the S3 steering is too numb and handling ultimately lacks the sharpness and brilliance of the likes of BMW’s rear-drive M135i.
- Niggly low speed ride on poor surfaces can mar the S3’s otherwise highly sophisticated feel.
- Could in-house competition from the S3 hatchback and Sportback models hold back sales?
- On the face of it, the S3’s price is competitive with near BMW M135i and Mercedes CLA 250 rivals…but with options, our test car was up at the bracing £40K mark, something for business car managers to bear in mind.
