Audi's superb S3 Sportback embodies everything the Ingolstadt, Germany company does well - impeccable quality, superb driving dynamics, lots of technology…and it's rapid - very, very rapid
Car Showroom was enchanted by this compact high-performance hatchback during its week in our garage. Without a doubt the S3 Sportback is one of the world's finest.
What You Get
Stickered at $71,010, the S3 Sportback S tronic is the range-topper of the A3 lineup - the compact-sized Audi hatchback which actually starts at $35,400.
Under the bonnet is the superb 2.0-litre TSFI turbocharged engine which delivers 188kW and 330Nm. Drive is to all four wheels via Audi's acclaimed Quattro system and the S tronic dual clutch six-speed automatic transmission (or you can have an S3 with a six-speed manual).
On the outside is a superbly designed bodykit of spoilers and diffusers, Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and 'S' design 18-inch alloy wheels.
Under The Hood
The 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine is a remarkable piece of work - no surprise that an international jury of motoring journalists awarded it 'Engine Of the Year' on four consecutive occasions - 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
It's German automotive technology at its best. Maximum power is 188kW and peak torque is 330Nm. Audi says the combined cycle fuel economy is 8.3l/100kms.
One of the features of FSI engines is the very high-pressure injection of the fuel into the combustion chamber. In the case of Audi's 2.0-litre TFSI, that pressure is up to 110bar.
Turbocharger boost pressure is up to 1.2 bar and this is made possible partly by the beautiful one-piece casting of the turbocharger's steel casing which can withstand exhaust gas temperatures up to 1,050 degrees.
The rewards for all this effort are clear - a 2.0-litre engine that is economical yet delivers performance to surpass many six-cylinder powerplants. It's also light and compact (just 152 kgs and 652mm long, 648mm wide and 666mm high) which means the stylists can produce a smaller, more aerodynamic front end design and the suspension engineers can deliver enhanced ride, handling and steering response.
The Interior
Of all the cars tested by Car Showroom, the interior of the S3 Sportback was a standout - one of the very best.
Beautiful Silk Nappa leather sports seats get things started - the fronts are a figure-hugging new sports design from the Audi Exclusive GmbH range and are adjustable for height.
The steering wheel is thick, leather wrapped and has a flat bottom - just like a race car (makes access for the driver easier). Naturally it is adjustable for reach and rake and also contains buttons and dials for the trip computer, audio system etc.
We really liked the instrument cluster - which includes a function for timing laps should you venture onto a race track. Audi has a knack of presenting a mountain of information for the driver in a way that is logical and easy to read - others should follow.
Our test car was finished with the optional brushed aluminium trim which matched the aluminium trim for the air vents, pedals and gear lever.
Audio buffs will appreciate the BOSE sound system - 6-disc CD with MP3 and a six-channel amplifier. Bluetooth phone preparation is included.
We liked the sun blind behind the rear seats and the luggage area is impressively voluminous - 370 to 1,100 litres. The rear seat splits 60/40 for extra versatility.
Exterior & Styling
You've got to hand it to the German automotive industry - it has been responsible for some of the best styling executions we have seen.
Ultimately the S3 Sportback is a four-door hatchback, but the team at Audi's Ingolstadt design studios has delivered a superb styling package that says 'extreme high performance' in a purposeful yet uncomplicated way, without the need for garish wings and afterthoughts.
From an aerodynamic viewpoint there is a low front spoiler, side sills, a body-coloured roof spoiler on the rear hatch and a platinum grey rear diffuser between the two large oval-shaped exhaust pipes
The front sees chrome-plated vertical double bars for the grille, enlarged cool air inlets and chrome rings for the fog-lights.
The S3 also gains unique exterior mirrors with integrated indicator lights and superb Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights (these are now mandatory in Europe).
With its sports suspension lowering the ride height by 25mm, the large 18-inch alloy wheels with low profile 225/40 tyres seem to fill every square centimeter of the wheel arches.
On The Road
Remarkable, absolutely remarkable is how we would describe the driving dynamics of the S3 Sportback.
Acceleration? Think the Space Shuttle blasting off from its Florida launch pad. Nail the throttle, let the S tronic snick through the gears in milliseconds and the Quattro system take care of the traction…and just 5.6 seconds later the digital speedometer will click through 100km/h.
It was so accomplished over our mountain test route we actually drove it four times and by the last run it was raining pretty good. In all conditions S3 was ridiculously fast, precise and agile.
At the front, Audi has employed a McPherson strut design with spring struts, triangular lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. The rear sees a four-link set-up with two lower wishbones, one upper wishbone and one trailing link.
Electronic shock absorber management allows the driver to select normal or sports settings but the system is intuitive and can adjust the operating mode adaptively.
Stopping performance is equally impressive thanks to massive front 345mm front discs with back-painted calipers with the S3 logo prominent.
Challenges
We can only fault the S3 Sportback for the lack of rear seat space…but this is a compact hatchback after all.
Some may find the ride too firm…but we're fans of high performance European vehicles and we like them just as they are
Verdict
Yep, this one is a winner. Absolutely one of the best vehicles to grace our parking space.
The Competition
The Alfa Romeo 159 3.2-litre V6 Ti Sportswagon is one of the Italian marque's very best, nice to drive and well-appointed but not quite in the same performance league and more pricey. BMW's 130i Sport has more power, less torque and is cheaper but it doesn't have the load versatility of the Sportback. You could consider the Mercedes-Benz C200K , but it's not really singing the same super high performance tune.
Thumbs-up:
Styling, performance, driving dynamics
Thumbs-down:
Rear seat room
