Review : Audi S3 Sportback S-tronic

The Audi S3 Sportback is the ultimate version of the Audi A3, chasing down the BMW M135i and the pricey Mercedes A45 AMG.
‘Sportback’ is Audi-speak for five-door, meaning that this car blends
mind-bending performance with the practicalities of one of our favourite
hatches. It’s the second of three body styles – there’s an S3 saloon
coming, as well – and is currently the most expensive in the A3/S3
range, but is it worth the extra cash?
How hot hatch is the S3 Sportback?
We’re spoilt rotten with hot hatches – and the S3 Sportback serves up
performance times that would have seen it listed as a supercar only a
few years ago. Its 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, shared with the
Golf R
and related to that found in the VW Golf GTI, makes 296bhp, just as it
does in the three-door model. There’s also 280lb ft of torque on tap
from a low 1800rpm all the way through to 5500rpm. Option the six-speed
S-tronic (£1480) and you’ll be using those steering wheel mounted
paddles, quattro all-wheel drive and 18in rubber to try and match the
4.9sec 0-62mph claim. That’s only a single tenth behind the 30kg lighter
three door, and while its 0.3sec behind the A45 AMG, its £5105 lower
starting price makes the deficit easier to deal with.
What’s unique to the Sportback?
Space. The five-door means you can throw the shopping in the back
seat, pile friends in or move bulkier items (use your imagination) more
easily. Not only is rear-seat entry and egress easier, there’s actually
more room: 15L more than the three-door S3 with the seats in place,
extending to an advantage of 120L – for an 1180L total – with them
folded flat. You’ll pay £620 more for the privilege, and while the
1445kg is more than the three-door, it’s 70kg less than the previous
model – which also had 29bhp less. Convinced?
It’s all about performance, though, so what’s it like to drive?
You won’t have read this in recent times: an Audi loaded with
character. Yet that’s what the S3 Sportback is. The outside has the S3’s
chunkier bumpers, roof-mounted spoiler with 18in alloys and signature
silver mirrors. You’d rather be behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel,
though, perched in the comfy, well bolstered yet supportive leather
chairs peering through to the white-needles on grey gauges.
Set the driving position to dance on the stainless steel pedals, hit
the engine start button on the console and mash the right pedal – and
the S3 bursts into life. From the bassy idle, the 2.0-litre four-pot has
a purposeful yet unobtrusive tone. It sounds potent yet doesn’t
overshadow the drive when you’re trundling through town on the slightly
firm but not crashy suspension, but give it full beans and the backtrack
steps into the spotlight with an almost metallic, touring car-esque
tone. Your fingertips will feel the grooves in the shift paddles as you
pull back for another gear, the puffs of air a joy to hear as the
Sportback pushes on forward. Corners? Tight body control, great seats
and brilliant road holding back up excellent traction for a quick exit,
with power poured on early.
Verdict
The S3 is a blast and takes the necessary step up from the lower-spec
VW Group cars – such as the GTI – not just in acceleration numbers,
features and price, but also in the overall experience. It’s still not
the last word in driver involvement, but its blend of refinement,
practicality and that beautifully tactile cabin make it a serious
player.
0 commentaires: