Audi S3 R-tronic

Costs

Running costs for the S3 will be relatively high. The initial purchase price is high for this type of car, as is the insurance, although the fuel economy is quite good for the performance available.

Space and practicality

The S3 is just as practical as regular A3s, with a fair amount of room front and rear. The boot is also class competitive in terms of size and there are plenty of storage spaces within the cabin.

Controls and display

The interior layout of the S3 is excellent, with clear and attractive instruments and switches, all constructed from high quality materials. The control systems are good too, with a version of the Multi Media Interface controller making it easy to navigate through the systems.

Comfort

Considering its performance, the S3 is impressively comfortable. The seats are excellent, providing a high level of support, and noise levels are well controlled. The ride quality is also good and the magnetic ride option, although expensive, allows the driver to firm up the suspension for enthusiastic driving.

Car security

A standard fit alarm and immobiliser comes with all A3 models and combined with remote central locking should ensure that the S3 remains secure.

Car safety

A high level of safety comes as standard with the S3. Not only does it have a powerful engine, brakes and the security of four-wheel drive, it also has ESP and a host of other safety devices to help avoid accidents. Should the worst happen, a full complement of airbags including deactivation for the passenger seat will help.

Driver appeal

The S3's appeal comes from its ability to deliver high performance and handling whilst remaining civilised in normal use. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is impressively flexible and accelerates hard up to the red line. The dual-clutch gearbox is exceptionally quick and easy to use, and adds to the impressive driving experience. The steering is accurate although not suffused with feel, it does it feel secure. When driven at normal speeds it is comfortable and undemanding.

Family car appeal

The S3 can provide decent family transport given its decent space inside. The five-door model is obviously better in this respect and, although its no people-carrier, the S3 remains as practical as the hatchback on which it is based.

First car appeal

The S3 is likely to be outside the reach of most new drivers, given its price and insurance costs. It is however easy enough to drive for the inexperienced to cope with easily.

Quality and image

The quality of the S3 is very impressive. Inside and out there is a strong feeling of robustness and high quality and all the controls operate with impressive solidity. The S3's image is strong, building on the reputation of Audi and the S series models, although it might be seen as being outside of the regular hot hatch market due to its price.

Accessibility

Gaining access to the S3 is no problem at all, with wide opening front doors and good access to the rear seats for a three-door car. The five-door version is even better, while the boot also opens to give a large aperture for loading. A minor irritant is the automatic locking which requires the boot to be unlocked every time.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

With the optional Bose stereo upgrade fitted, the S3's stereo system is impressive. As well as a CD/tuner it can also accept MP3 discs and offers excellent sound reproduction. The options list also offers luxuries such as TV reception.

Colours and trim

To emphasise its sporty nature, the S3 is available in a handful of colours that are not available on regular A3 models. The brighter hues such as yellow and orange do help the looks, which may be too understated for some. Inside the same is also true for, although the cabin plastic is black, aluminium or piano black inlays are available as are bright hues for the fabrics.

Parking

The S3 is no more difficult to park than a regular A3, with good all-round visibility and parking sensors available as an option. The only possible demerit is the large alloy wheels, which could easily be kerbed.

Spare wheel

Space saver spare wheel fitted beneath the boot floor.