The Audi S3USED-CARS

The Audi A3 and A3 Sportback models are

among the very best family hatchbacks on the

market so it makes sense that a performance

variant is available in the form of the S3 -

offered as both a three-door and a five-door

Sportback, and it’s as refined and well put

together as the A3 models.

It doesn't look like high-performance hot hatch

at a glance however. The only real giveaway is

the quad rear exhausts, as even the red 'S'

badging is available on lesser S Line.

The big difference, of

course, is in the

performance the S3

delivers. Power comes

from a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol

engine (familiar from the

likes of the latest

Volkswagen Golf GTI) but

with power cranked up to

300PS and torque to

380Nm across a broad rev

range 1800-5000rpm. The

result is excellent

performance of 0-100 kmh

taking 4.8 seconds with

the S Tronic gearbox

specified.

It takes a little bit

longer to get to 100

kmh with the

standard manual

gearbox – 5.2

seconds – but all

models, whether

three-door or five-

door, manual or

automatic, are

limited to a 250 kmh

speed. Despite

impressive

performance the fuel

economy is good – S

Tronic models

manage 5.75 kms/100

on the combined

cycle

As with all performance Audi models the S3 features quattro all-

wheel drive and it works to maintain traction and keep the car

planted and stable on twisting roads, whether at high speeds or

when accelerating out of slower turns or roundabouts. It offers

enjoyable performance and handling but it feels safe and

controllable, which is a great blend for a family-sized hot hatchback.

It’s a little firmer

than the A3 but

that’s an expected

compromise when

buying a

performance car

and it’s not at all

uncomfortable. It’s

as practical as the

A3 on which it is

based, and so

offers a useable

everyday package

that’s easy to

drive on the

motorway and

around town but

that’s enjoyable

when you get to

your favourite

road.