It will be a shame if cars like this go out of production. If this ends up happening. And it will be because the Audi S3 Sedan is a round car. And a car that is difficult to fault.
It is true that there are more powerful sports cars of this size. Also more expensive. And more spectacular, which exhibit shapes and features in a much more striking way. But the S3 is a concentrate of virtues, in part, because of its exquisite discretion.
It is a tempting mix of features, technology and careful interior presentation in a body that, as we say, certainly goes unnoticed. It doesn't matter. We are sure that in this case it is an advantage; For many it will be just another Audi A3.
But it's not like that. The fans, the connoisseurs of the S versions of Audi, know that there are details that give it away: double rear exhaust outlet with a large diffuser, carbon spoiler on the trunk lid, mirror housings also in carbon, generous intakes of air in the grill or brake calipers in red. And, naturally, the S3 logos.
The 19-inch wheels are optional and in this case they are equipped with GoodYear Eagle F1 tires with low profile and excellent grip.
It can have Matrix-LED headlights, projected information system or smartphone configuration as a car key. And the technological equipment has elements such as the configurable virtual cockpit digital instrumentation.
With a four-door body and separate trunk, the S3 Sedan measures 4.50 meters in length and offers a trunk capacity of 325 liters. It's not much, really, but it's enough for four adults to travel with their luggage.
Compact, sporty and with a recognizable design, it is a comfortable car to use every day. It is, we would say, a sports car for everything. Versatility is, in fact, one of its great virtues. Although we cannot consider it a family car, since the trunk is limited and the access opening is narrow.
The body line is very elegant and proportioned, but not innovative. It will appeal to users who want to distance themselves from the SUV “fever”, lovers of a car concept with currently little demand.
Once in the driving position it is difficult not to feel immediately at ease. Comfortable position behind the wheel, which this time is completely round, and everything within easy reach. As always, the materials provide a truly warm touch and appearance.
The dashboard is dominated by a 10.1-inch touch screen that can recognize characters drawn with your fingers. It incorporates navigation with Google Earth images and some functions are activated with vocal commands.
The S3 is, above all, an easy car to drive, with a contained size and good visibility behind the wheel. The Audi drive select system allows you to choose between Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, and also Individual modes, to program the power delivery, suspension hardness, and steering to the driver's taste. With Comfort mode, the car behaves in a smooth and refined manner, with a driving feel ideal for the city and urban routes. And with consumption everything is contained.
But we must keep in mind that the 310 HP TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine is the main protagonist. Along with the seven-speed S tronic transmission and the house's trademark quattro all-wheel drive. A really good cocktail that borders on excellence.
Acceleration is progressive at all times, especially with Comfort mode. With Dynamic mode, the engine sounds louder in the cabin, and the 310 HP begins to be noticeable. But always in a polite way, according to its elegance.
A sound that, on the road, is stimulating, but does not bother you. This reliable 4-cylinder engine with turbo stretches beyond 6,000 revolutions. Likewise, the stability control, with three operating modes, and the variable traction distribution allow extremely safe driving, even on wet asphalt. The driver has the feeling that everything is permanently under control.
A powerful car, but one that does not overwhelm due to the security it transmits. And it has it all: fast acceleration, fun to drive, high cornering speed, precise steering, and inside, it also has adequate room for four adults.
It does not have the ECO label from the DGT, it is true. But we loved this yellow color and it doesn't easily go unnoticed. Another success from Audi.
