Audi S3: Compact Luxury & Performance Combined

Motoring Channel Staff - 14/June/2007

Sydney, Australia — Priced from under $66,000, the Audi S3 is an ambitious new sports car that could upset the current balance of power in the luxury-performance hatchback segment. The current kings of the luxury hatchback segment are the BMW 130i and Volkswagen Golf R32, but with this new rival hitting the scene things are bound to change. 

Audi's profile in Australia has gone from good to great, and is one of the quickest growing prestige brands in Australia, but unlike its two German-made performance rivals - both of which have been independently road tested by the Motoring Channel crew - the new Audi is a 4-cylinder model. 

Could this play against it? Audi doesn't think so. 

The S3 is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct-injected engine with an intercooled turbocharger, which gives it more torque than the VW Golf R32's 3.2-litre V6. It's also slightly quicker in a straight line than the Volkswagen, but because of fuel differences the Australian version gets 330Nm instead of 350Nm. There's also been no mention of the quicker DSG version, which may influence some purchasing decisions.

Joerg Hofmann, Audi Australia’s managing director, said the company expects to sell about more than a 100 per year, citing not only its performance credentials, but also its practical features, including a fairly fuel efficient combined cycle: "The S3 has proven a very popular vehicle in Australia, with sales of the previous model exceeding our expectations. Interest in the new model has also been strong from potential customers via the dealer network. 

"We expect to sell at least 100 units per annum thanks to the very sporty yet luxurious nature of this new model," Mr Hofmann said.

The new 2.0-litre engine has been voted Engine of the Year three times in a row from 2005 to 2007 thanks to a high level of power (188kW), but also because it can still be used as an everyday car thanks to not-too-thirsty fuel consumption of 9.2 litres per 100km.

As the flagship Audi A3 model - sometimes referred to as a 'halo' car that creates a large amount of interest for the entire range - the new S3 is larger than its predecessor in almost all respects, expect for height being 16mm lower. Otherwise it adds 2mm of width and 55mm of length to provide more interior room.

Audi sold some 32,000 units of the first-generation S3 which is the smallest of Audi's 'S' range alongside the S4, S6 and S8. Audi says the average age of S3 buyers is quite young, about 38, and the new model will appeal to largely male drivers who express a keen interest in technical innovations.

As a result, things like satellite navigation can be optioned, while standard features include advanced aluminium components on the front suspension axle, high-performance brakes, an electromechanical steering rack, xenon 'plus' headlights, deluxe automatic air conditioning, luxury sports seats, a high fidelity Bose stereo system and a multifunction leather sports steering.

Compared to normal Audi A3 models, the S3 also sits on 25mm lowered suspension and benefits from a brooding bodykit that includes new front and rear aprons and side skirts that elevate its visual appeal, and with a 250km/h top speed things like the rear diffuser and rear spoiler help keep things aerodynamic.

As per modern Audi cars, the single-frame grille is recognisable up front with a sports chrome trim, and is complemented with a pair of larger restyled air-intakes. The rear end boasts twin S-style oval chrome tailpipes while aluminium-look door mirrors distinguish the model as something special.

Audi describes the new S3's engine performance as aggressively hard-hitting and free-revving, and together with a short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox the stealthy sports car can complete the zero to 100km/h run in 5.9 seconds. 

Furthermore, the engine's power is transmitted by the 6-speed gearbox to all four wheels via quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The wheels themselves are large 18-inch alloy wheels shod with high grip 225/40 profile tyres. 

The AWD system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to divert torque to where it's needed most, and this clutch is positioned at the rear of the car for the benefit of weight balance, and Audi also claims that all the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque.

Handling in the S3 is controlled by a new 'S' sports suspension system that has a slightly stiffer ride than standard models, but this offers better response to steering movements while increasing the car's precision through corners. 

Triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear highlight the car's advanced suspension systems, and the springs and shock absorbers have been tightened up to suit the cars high performance standing. Aluminium pivot bearings and wishbones reduce the weight of the front suspension, in turn improving the car's willingness to change direction without dragging its heels.

Inside the car, drivers can expect to be greeted with a concept car-like ambiance, featuring colour coded seats, door inserts, and even stitching, plus a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel. Audi talks about using materials of the highest quality, crafted with painstaking care, and dominant elements include leather sports seats (available in a two tone finish, as per the photo) and the racing-style dials of the instrument cluster. 

And in case curious persons are unaware of the car's heritage, the red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims.

Priced at $65,500, the new Audi S3 joins the S4, S6, and S8 models in Australia.

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