The fast lane

Audi has never used the term ‘hot hatch’ to describe its performance A3 models – and with good reason. Aside from the obvious reference to being fast, the ‘hot hatch’ moniker is completely inappropriate for describing vehicles that are so refined, balanced and beautifully put together. Whether you’re talking about the S3 or even the RS3 models (arriving later in the year), these are cars that take the A3 model line to greater heights of performance and handling, but without compromising on quality, fit, finish or appointment – and never was that more apparent than with the latest iteration of the Audi S3.

Once again available as both a Sportback (S3 Sportback quattro $78,800*) and Sedan (S3 Sedan quattro $81,800), the S3 draws heavily from its RS 3 sibling and takes the performance and handling offering for the model to completely new heights.

While more subtly styled, and lacking that distinctive bark of the five-cylinder RS models, it nevertheless delivers a beautifully finished, compact, yet luxurious car, that serves up a performance and handling package that will delight performance aficionados.

More powerful than ever before, the S3’s 2.0-litre TFSI powerplant develops 245kW and 420Nm of torque – up 17kW and 20Nm respectively, while cutting 0.1 seconds from the 0 to 100km/h spent, to 4.7 seconds. As the ‘quattro’ in the name suggests, and in keeping with all S models, power goes down to the road through all four wheels, but new to this version and amongst a list of changes, is the inclusion of the Torque Splitter, previously introduced on the current RS 3 models. This allows fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels and takes the S3’s handling to a new level, giving it an even greater sporting bias.

This quantum leap in performance is not immediately evident in the styling, which, like all Audi S models, is slick and sophisticated, with only subtle signs as to the car’s sporting pedigree. The 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels housing red brake calibers (357mm x 34mm up front) are something of a giveaway, and the slightly lower stance (15mm) thanks to the S sport suspension with adaptive damper control certainly add to the vehicle’s presence. The quad exhausts are more of an overt sign, particularly when the optional Akrapovic titanium performance exhaust is fitted, and the rear diffuser treatment as well as the much larger front air intakes tell some of the the story.

That’s not to say that there’s anything staid about the exterior styling, and the S line exterior package, metallic paint and Matrix LED headlights with their selectable daytime running light signatures make for car that certainly attracts attention is both Sportback and Sedan guise.

The interior too gives off an unabashed sporting feel, with Audi’s trademark luxury appointment, clean design and beautiful execution. The S elements are obvious, with seats all upholstered in fine Nappa leather and featuring the distinctive diamond contrast stitching with the ’S’ embossed in the headrest. The front seats, which are form-hugging sports models, feature four-way lumbar support and heating, while the finish throughout speaks of quality. Rear seats fold 40:20:40 to allow the loading of all manner of larger gear, as well as featuring a central armrest with cupholders and there are USB jacks supplied for the rear as well as air-conditioning controls. The boot on the Sedan and luggage area on the Sportback feature 12 volt sockets and cargo nets to hold gear in place and make the most of what are generous cargo areas on both cars.

The beautifully finished door panels with their inlays featuring perforated and backlit sections through the ambient lighting system are a particularly slick touch that gives the interior its own unique feel, and with 30 light colours to choose from, the entire character of the car’s interior can be changed to suit the mood.

Inlays are in either Dynamic microfibre or optional carbon atlas structure and the front door sill trims feature aluminium inlays including an S logo illumination to the road when the doors are open.

Three-zone climate control is of course standard, as is the 12.3-inch Virtual cockpit, Audi phone box light with wireless charging, Audi Smartphone interface for Apple CarPly and Android Auto, DAB + Digital radio and the 680 watt premium SONOS 3D sound system features 15 speakers and a subwoofer, as well as a 16-channel amplifier.

Infotainment and connectivity are top line as you would expect, with the Audi connect plus Navigation and infotainment serving up everything from traffic reports, parking and weather, to giving access to advanced navigation and Google maps.

Security and safety too are well covered with the Audi connect plus security and assistance offering up online roadside assistance, car finder and remote lock/unlock, as well as emergency call if required and even automatic service reminders.

That safety focus extends to an extensive suite of driver assistance and safety systems, with everything from adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist and lane change warning, to Audi active lane assist, side assist with blind spot warning, turn assist and exist warning system – all part of the standard safety offering.

Customers can also add to the appeal and functionality of their S3 with several option packages available, as well as individual options such as the aforementioned performance exhaust system ($9,900), a black exterior package ($1560) and even an Audi Exclusive paint finish for that personalised look ($11,400) – that’s if one of the eight metallic colours, plus Arkona white don’t strike your fancy.

Marking the launch of this extraordinary model,  a special Launch Edition package adds 19-inch Audi Sport wheels with a five-arm star design finished in a high sheen and black metallic, as well as carbon dash inlays, a black exterior package plus as well as privacy glass and the S logo projected onto the ground when the doors are opened.

A Carbon Package is also available at $5,850, that introduces carbon wing mirror caps, and a carbon spoiler (roof for the Sportback and on the boot lid for the Sedan). Privacy glass, S logo projection and black exterior styling plus package complete this package.

The Premium Plus package ($3,300) adds a memory function to the driver’s seat and to the wing mirrors, as well as adding a panoramic sunroof and head-up display to the list of driver assistance system already on board.

It’s an impressive and comprehensive package right across the board, but it’s in the driving – the more spirited the better – that the new S3 really shines. Although beautifully smooth, quiet and easy to drive around town and superbly comfortable even in slow, start stop traffic, this is a car that has been designed very much with the driver in mind. Using the groundbreaking RS 3 as a template to truly elevate the driving experience, this is without doubt the best S3 yet. And it’s not just about the increased power and torque, although that certainly helps.

Everything in the new S3 has been dialled up, from the larger front brakes with new two-piston calipers and new tuning for the seven-speed S tonic transmission and an increased idle of 1300rpm for faster throttle response.

Turbo lag has been all but banished, with the power practically instantaneous thanks to the preloaded turbo at low to medium load, ready for the next hard acceleration, while suspension and steering have each been reworked and sharpened considerably both to work with the increased power and the presence of the torque splitter.

Previously the province of the RS 3 models only, the torque splitter, is an active rear differential that allows fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels. Through the use of the new dynamic plus drive mode activated by the driver, it pushes as much torque as possible to the rear axle and the wheel with the most traction for incredible rear-biased handling.

This combination elevates the S3’s handling to a whole new level, allowing the car to maximise the power down to the road through hard, fast corning to absolutely slingshot through the corner. The updated progressive steering is direct, with the torque splitter system responding to steering inputs and grip to provide the optimal power down for the situation. This is backed up with positive feedback to the driver that allows you press on with confidence as the S3 turns in better and hunkers down in the corner, with a solid, predictable feel, and allowing you to accelerate sooner out of the corner.

Put the S3 on the right bit of road or even take it to the track and it's impossible not to have fun. 

With changes to the adaptive suspension and greater negative camber up front, grip and agility is such that you’re able to make full use of the increased power, with the rear-wheel bias and beefed up braking providing plenty of confidence to press on.

The S3 has always been a fun car to drive, taking all of the admirable qualities of the A3 range and then applying the S treatment to elevate the whole experience. This new model has taken that driving experience to a completely new level, pushing the car more towards and RS 3 territory. 

But putting that aside though, this new S3 represents the ultimate expression of the model and an accomplished all-rounder that will impress the most demanding of performance enthusiasts who also want a car that is luxurious and comfortable in a day-to-day scenario as well. Add to that a keen price point for a vehicle with such impressive credentials and standard equipment, and the S3 becomes an even more compelling proposition for the performance oriented.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)