Audi S3 Family Sizzling pace and sporty looks in a premium compact package Various generations of the Audi S3 have been around since 2000 and over the past two decades it has carved itself an enduring reputation as a fast, sophisticated and compact Audi. The latest version is now here and comes with a choice of five-door Sportback or four-door Saloon versions. The combination of potent drivetrain, compact size and the Velcro-like grip of quattro all-wheel drive makes the S3 a brilliant and entertaining all-rounder.
Design
Whether you choose the Sportback or Saloon, there’s little danger your neighbours will mistake it for an A3. The ‘S’ identity of the S3 is defined by the 15mm lower ride height, black rhomboid singleframe grille, deep air intakes and rear diffuser with quad exhaust pipes. The side flanks are strongly sculpted to throw visual emphasis on the bulging wheel arches. Within the interior, there are high gloss piano black surfaces, a compact gearshift and a choice of aluminium or carbon inlays. Sports seats are in Nappa leather with contrast stitching. Both models are a fraction longer and wider than their predecessors, giving a little more interior space for shoulders and elbows, and there’s 325 litres of boot space, extending to 1,145 litres when the Sportback’s split rear seats are folded. Features
The new S3 is equipped with Audi’s third generation Multi-Media Interface system, which has ten times the processing power of its predecessor. Driver instrumentation is conveyed by a 10.25-inch digital display with the option of an upgrade to the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus. Infotainment is controlled via voice or the 10.1-inch touchscreen, which can recognise letters entered by hand and provides clear acoustic feedback. An inbuilt SIM card provides a Wi-Fi hotspot and instant traffic connectivity, and the standard MyAudi app lets you check up on your S3 remotely via your smartphone. PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY
Equipped with the S badge, this S3 range features a 2.0-litre TFSI quattro engine, all four wheels are driven by the powertrain’s 296bhp, so you can experience the combination of gripping power and inspired technology for yourself. Audi have also enhanced the steering and exhaust systems which makes this range very dynamic. The Audi S3 range can be equipped with an optional seven speed S tronic gearbox (standard in the cabriolet model), accelerating this range from 0 – 62mph in just 4.6 seconds with the Cabriolet reaching 62mph in 5.1 seconds Further enjoyment is provided by the car’s entertainment system. The MMI radio which includes a CD player and SD card reader for you to bring your own music to the party. FM and DAB radio and music can also be played using your smartphone on Apple Play or Android Auto through the eight-speaker system when you sync your device with the car. There’s also a satellite navigation system that can be voice controlled through the infotainment system. The temperature can be controlled using the Climatronic dials and light and rain sensors as standard make this model even more comfortable and fun to drive. 