9:45 am, December 24, 2013
The German firm is making its sporty S models available to all; meet the family man’s hot hatch. James Batchelor has driven it
WHAT IS IT?
Audi knows how to build a fast and refined hot hatchback. Its RS3 model, launched in 2011, showed that the Ingolstadt-based carmaker understood what made hot hatch buyers tick. But that model has died, and to make sure its rivals don’t run away completely, Audi has created the S3. Now available as a five-door version called the S3 Sportback, Audi is giving UK buyers a choice when it comes to selecting their next performance-minded hatchback.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
A brand-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine that pumps out 296bhp — 33bhp more than the outgoing S3’s engine — and 380Nm of torque. All of this means the S3 Sportback can top 155mph (electronically limited), return 40.9mpg on the combined cycle, and get to 60mph in 5.1 seconds or 4.7 seconds when the excellent seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic ’box is fitted.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
In light of its sporty positioning in the A3 range, the S3 Sportback gets an aluminium-look front grille, more pronounced front and rear bumpers, edgier side sills, a roof spoiler, four exhaust pipes and a 25mm drop in ride height. On the inside, there are S3 dials with an integrated turbo- boost gauge, a flat-bottomed multi- function steering wheel, aluminium pedals, leather upholstery, sports seats, Bluetooth and 4G compatibility. Base price for the S3 Sportback is a competitive £31,260 for the manual and £32,740 for the S tronic — but our test car was awash with tasty extras and had an RRP of £43,425!
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
With all that power on tap and linked to Audi’s indefatigable quattro four- wheel-drive system, the S3 Sportback makes for a speedy cross-country machine. It’s tidy in the corners too, with great body control, bearable ride quality and a sense that it’s light on its feet. But it’s certainly not the last word in driver involvement.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
Car said: ‘The S3 is a blast and takes the necessary step up from lower- spec VW Group cars in acceleration numbers, features, price and in the overall experience.’
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
The S3 continues its family heritage of giving owners a sense of being cocooned from the outside world, thanks to a tasteful interior and capable driving abilities. The S3 is fun, and with its commodious boot — there’s 1,060 litres when the seats are folded — it makes for a great all-rounder. More than that, the S3 points the way for a cracking RS3 in the future. In the meantime, owners won’t be disappointed with an S3. But, for us, it just doesn’t get us as excited as the BMW M135i does.
