With the S3, Audi has added a superior top-of-the-line sports model to its range in the compact class. The high-performance athlete, which is based on the A3, develops 165 kW (225 bhp) and 280 Nm of torque from its 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, it guarantees superior acceleration in all situations.
Sporty handling, high directional stability and agile mobility whatever the road surface are further characteristic features of this compact sports model. Thanks to its more powerful engine, the S3 offers uncompromising dynamism coupled with running smoothness for everyday use. With a top speed of 243 km/h and requiring just 6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km, it leaves even much larger engined rivals in its tracks.
As usual with the Audi S models, the S3 is distinguished by its distinctive yet discreet exterior design. Contoured wheel arches and large air intakes in the specially shaped front bumpers are as much a part of this as the standard xenon headlights prominent behind their clear-glass covers and the fog lights integrated into the front apron.
The 17-inch Avus alloy wheels fitted with 225/45 R 17 W tyres also contribute to the car's sporty appearance. The integral roof spoiler and the twin stainless-steel tailpipes add visual touches at the back.
Eye-catching features in the interior include piano varnish applications, dark-grey dials and Recaro sports seats. The Driver Information System DIS is part of the standard specification.
The more powerful engine of the S3 demonstrates once again Audi's long-standing expertise in turbocharging. From 1.8 litres this four-cylinder unit, with its two intercoolers, a type K 04 turbocharger and a maximum boost pressure of 2.1 bar absolute develops a muscular torque of 280 Nm, which is available from just 2200 rpm and remains at this high level right up to 5500 rpm. Power is also delivered smoothly from low engine speeds and peaks at 165 kW (225 bhp) at 5900 rpm. Fuel consumption figures for this power unit, which falls within the EU3 category, are decidedly modest: 9.3 litres of Super Plus fuel per 100 km.
As is usual for the Audi S models, the sports suspension results in a slightly lowered body, but the S3 nonetheless offers above-average ride comfort for a car with sports suspension settings. At the front, McPherson strut suspension, with newly developed forged wishbones, new guide joints, cast steel pivot bearings and specially configured suspension geometry, ensures precise wheel control.
At the rear there is independent suspension with double wishbones and a trailing arm for each wheel. The springs and the angled shock absorbers are mounted separately to save space.
Ventilated disc brakes at all four wheels, assisted by ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ensure that the Audi S3 has recourse to plenty of reliable braking power. The Electronic Stability Program ESP is standard.
The passive safety of the S3 is naturally also in keeping with the high standards of the Audi brand. High-strength aluminium beams in the doors increase protection against side intrusion. In addition, there are airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags integrated into the front seat backs as well as pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for all four three-point inertia-reel seat belts and belt-force limiters at the front.
Text and photos courtesy of Audi AG
