AUDI S3 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO 310 PS BLACK EDITION by Tony Yates
When I was about 15 years old my father decided that he wanted to buy a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II. So with cash in hand, he did just that. I still, to this day remember it well. Even thirty-odd years on, I can still recall going all the way to London with my father to buy it. Why did he buy it? Well to be honest with you, I really don’ t know, because he had a perfectly good Jensen Interceptor. When I did finally ask him why he wanted a Rolls Royce, he went on to explain that business was booming and that the family deserved something a bit special. He also said that one day I would understand better. Although, I’ m not entirely sure my mother ever did.
In the end, the‘ Roller’ only stayed with us for a few years before my father decided he needed something better, so he traded it in for a brand new Range Rover instead, which was a hideous yellow colour. After that purchase, my street cred suddenly crashed. Anyway, enough about my childhood memories, let’ s get back to this month’ s review of the Audi S3. A car, with so much power that I’ m pretty sure it could launch The Millennium Falcon to hyper speed.
Power and Efficiency: The S3 I had on test was powered by a 310PS 2.0 litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine which produces blistering responsiveness along with the added bonus of 400Nm of torque. 0-62 mph comes in an eyeball wobbling time of 4.6 seconds, yet it still managed to return a combined fuel consumption of 42.8 mpg. Plus, flat out the S3 is capable of 155mph. So, fast is it? Well, I will let you into a little secret. Don’ t let the S3 fool you. The engine is really powerful and ferocious. In fact, I’ m pretty sure given the chance; it would quickly break free from that Audi straight jacket fitted under that bonnet whilst hastily making a getaway to the nearest race track. I have got to be honest here; an escaping inmate at Arkham Asylum has got nothing on this animal when it comes to making a break for it.
On the road: As you would expect, the S3 handling is pretty much perfect, thanks to the utter brilliance of the Audi engineers. I have been in many fast cars, but the suspension in the S3 has been set up in such a way that any road or any corner feels so effortless, at pretty much any speed that takes your fancy( roads permitting of course).
As for the ride, well it can be quite harsh. If you have ever ridden a horse‘ bareback’ then you know what I’ m talking about. Thankfully there are various buttons that you can press in the hope that you find the setting that’ s a little more refined. Then again, you wouldn’ t buy a Doberman Pinscher if you really wanted a Chihuahua, would you?
If you do decide to engage WARP drive and stick it into the corners – you can relax knowing you will safely come out the other side still pointing in the same direction as you want to- mainly due to the fact that it has the brilliant Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system fitted, which is just a masterpiece of... well, witchcraft. Of course, this being the‘ S3’ means it also comes with sports suspension which has been lowered by 25mm giving it an even more hunched down look.
Equipment, Safety and Technology As you would expect from Audi, the cabin materials are exceptional quality and this runs right through the veins of the S3. There is even more good news because on the inside you get pure Audi quality throughout the interior, which includes fine Nappa leather seating. Also, because this was the‘ Black Edition’ you get additional exterior touches such as; Black radiator grille, window trims and rear diffuser insert. You also getinstrument dials with the‘ S3’ logo. And, privacy glass – dark tinted rear and rear-side windows from B-pillar backwards and Black door mirrors. There’ s also plenty of standard equipment- like Air-con, cruise control, dual zone climate control, automatic wipers, Bluetooth handsfree, reversing sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, a leather steering wheel, 18”‘ 5 – arm turbine’ design alloy wheels which have been fitted with 225 / 40 R18 tyres, dual-branch oval twin tailpipes in chrome-plated finish, brake calipers painted in black with S3 logo at the front, Audi Beam – uses LEDs to project the Audi logo onto the ground as you exit your S3 and the top notch Bang & Olufsen sound system kicks some serious ass!
There is also an abundance of driver assistance systems fitted to the S3 which covers a wide range of functions, all combining an intelligent combination of different technologies to enhance safety, comfort and efficiency.
To sum up: I like the Audi S3 a lot because it’ s poised, controlled, and, well, reeeeally fast.
Plus, it’ s possibly the most fun I have ever had in an Audi. One final point, just remember to check you have locked the cell door before‘ lights out’. Price from: £ 36,465( not including extras)
tony @ yatesmedia. co. uk
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