FIRST DRIVES
Audi S3
Price: £26,995
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cylinder
Power: 261bhp
0-62mph: 5.7seconds
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
It's been a long time coming but Audi's eagerly awaited S3 has finally landed on UK shores. The old model found favour with buyers over here for its blend of performance, prestige and sporting but subtle image. But does the new version continue to uphold these qualities while persuading buyers to also steer away from the BMW 130i?
First impressions of the 261bhp S3 confirm that subtlety is still a key part of the package. In fact, it is probably a little too low-key. Apart from the silver wing mirror housings - a trademark of all quick Audis - a deeper front bumper and a rear diffuser you'd be hard pressed to pick this one out among a line of standard A3s. And the only visual excitement to be gleaned from the 18 inch alloys is due to the fact they hide large S3 embossed brake calipers.
Swing open the door of the three door only body and the theme of understatement continues. The S3 logos pop up again: this time on the gear lever, steering wheel and rev counter. There's also heavily bolstered front seats and aluminium trim for the pedals. But that's about your lot for sporting cues. Overall the interior is standard sombre Audi. It is, however, beautifully screwed together with the best materials.
Once on the move, the performance credentials cannot be doubted. The 2.0 litre FSI is the most powerful version yet of the unit familiar to the Golf GTI. Performance is blistering - 0 to 60 comes up in less than six seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph. It's strongest above 4,000rpm and you're treated to an insistent whistle from the turbo as a sonic backdrop. Other than that it's a characterless unit and certainly cannot match the cultured delivery of a BMW straight six.
It also falls short of 'the ultimate driving machine' when it comes to entertainment. The quattro drivetrain means that there is grip in abundance, but involvement is at a premium. Although it has good weighting the steering lacks feel and the ride can crash uncomfortably on typically undulating British back roads.
£26,995 is a lot of money for what is essentially a warmed over hatchback - even one this quick. There's plenty of kit as standard and the 4WD transmission is pretty much a unique proposition in this sector. The Audi's image and impeccable build quality also count for a lot. You just have to ask yourself whether you also value character and entertainment in your hot hatch.
First Opinion:
On paper the S3 should be a sure-fire winner. It has stunning performance and almost limitless grip courtesy of the Quattro chassis. And despite the understated nature of the overall design it is still a handsome motor. There's also the prestige of that Audi badge and the high quality build. However, for a hot hatch it is sorely lacking in character, something the 130i has more than enough of. And there's always the superb Golf GTI and the small matter of a £7,000 saving to consider.
At a glance:
Bodywork has only received minor tweaks in transformation to S3. 2.0 litre turbocharged engine packs a killer punch. Interior is peppered with subtle hints to performance but otherwise standard A3.
Overall rating: Three stars
James Disdale
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