New Audi A3 S3 Tfsi Quattro 3Dr Petrol Hatchback for Sale

Background

There's something very right about the Audi S3. Always has been, always will be. When the first version was launched back in 1999, it didn't get much in the way of attention. That's because it was unveiled at virtually the same time as the mechanically identical Audi TT 225. Well, I say identical. The engines were the same but Audi tweaked the S3's down to 210PS, so it wouldn't prove quicker than the glamorous TT. I got to drive the two cars back to back and was convinced the S3 was the quicker cross-country vehicle merely by dint of the fact that you could see out of it so much better. Audi eventually upped the power of the 1.8T engine up to the full monty 225PS in 2002. That car was replaced by a second generation S3 in 2006. This was powered by the 2.0TFSI engine, offering a lot more scope for big power. With 265PS as standard, it was one of the quickest point-to-point cars sensible money would buy. It was also offered as a five-door Sportback and with the option of the DSG twin-clutch gearbox. While 265PS would have certainly punted you into the premier league of hot hatches in 2006, these days you need a bit more. When the original version of this car was launched in 2012, that meant an increase to 300PS, a figure Audi has now upped to the 310PS output featured by this revised version.
Driving Experience

Of course, the S3 needs to respect its place in the hierarchy. There is, after all, an RS3 model that's even quicker, but ask yourself whether you really need a vehicle that'll get to 62mph quicker than the 4.6 seconds the S3 will detain you for. Customers can choose between a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. That auto transmission is new, a replacement for the previous six-speed S tronic. Its added ratio allows Audi to fit a lower first gear - which accounts as much as the increased power for the 0.3s improvement in the 0-62mph sprint time. Changes to the software controlling the Haldex multi-plate-clutch four-wheel drive system now allow it to send up to 100% of drive to the front or rear wheels, depending on the traction available. Audi claims to have programmed the system to provide a greater percentage of drive to the rear wheels during spirited driving. The idea is that this will provide the S3 with more neutral on-the-limit handling traits, with less of a tendency towards understeer and a more tail-happy character than previous model. As before, Audi drive select is standard. It allows you to tweak the characteristics of the electronic accelerator, the boost of the progressive steering and the shift points of the optional S tronic gearbox. The user determines with the push of a button whether these systems operate in comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual mode. In individual mode, drivers can compose their own preferred profile within certain limits.
Design and Build

As before, there's a choice of four S3 bodystyles - 3-door hatch, 5-door Sportback, 2-door cabriolet and 4-door saloon - but whichever you go for, this sporting variant doesn't tread a lot of new ground from an exterior design perspective. Subtle styling changes made to this revised model include revised bumpers, redesigned headlamps with optional matrix LED operation, a wider grille and more heavily structured LED tail-lamps. Otherwise, things are much as before. When viewed from the side, the aluminium-look mirror casings and the pronounced side sills still catch the eye. A platinum grey diffuser houses the exhaust system's four oval tailpipes, which feature chrome tips. A large roof spoiler is said to generate downforce onto the rear axle. It certainly does look good. The interior is typically jewel-like, with beautiful detailing but a pared-back feel. The 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument display used in the TT and other pricier Audis is now available in this car as an option. This displays the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen. The driver can switch between two views by pressing the "View" button on the multifunction steering wheel. In addition, the menu structure that works the centre dash MMI infotainment screen has been redesigned and is now more intuitive. Otherwise, everything is pretty much as before, with classy materials and strong build quality. The hatch most will want with three or five doors has a 365-litre boot - and there's still the option of saloon or Cabriolet bodystyles if you want them.

Market and Model

Prices haven't changed much, so they still start at around £33,000, with the £2,500 option of S tronic auto transmission. Inside the cabin, the sophisticated and now MMI infotainment system in the S3 is well worth taking the time to master. The key option with this improved model is the clever 'Virtual Cockpit' system replacing the conventional instrument dials with an eye-catching 12.3-inch TFT display. But of course, there's much else to select from. As for infotainment, well Audi reckons that this improved S3 sets fresh standards here. An 'MMI radio plus' set-up with an electrically extending 7-inch diagonal monitor is standard, along with 'MMI navigation'. Go further and specify the 'MMI navigation plus with MMI touch in conjunction with the Audi connect' package (what a mouthful!) and you can have many online functions in your S3 at high speed via the super-fast LTE standard. They include, for example, navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View traffic information in real time, as well as practical information on parking, destinations, news or the weather. There's also a free 'Audi MMI connect' app that enables other services, such as online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. Mobile phones with iOS and Android operating systems can now be connected with the car via the standard Audi smartphone interface. The assistance systems in the S3 come directly from the full-size class. Adaptive cruise control can, when combined with the 'Audi pre sense front' safety system, bring the car to a stop autonomously from speeds below 19mph. Further safety technology includes Audi side assist (to prevent dangerous blind spot overtakes), Audi active lane assist (to stop dozy drivers from drifting out of their lanes on the highway) and camera-based traffic sign recognition (that pictures speed signs as you pass and displays them on the dash). Plus there's a park assist system to help steer you into the tightest space.

Cost of Ownership

The Audi S3 is never going to be a notably cheap car to run. You don't buy a 310PS all-wheel drive petrol-powered sporting car that wears a ritzy badge if counting the pennies is your prime motivation, but the S3 shouldn't be a ruinously expensive ownership experience either. The previous version of this model was always a low depreciator, used buyers attracted to the smart image and surprisingly modest fuel thirst. The latest S3 does better in terms of efficiency. Combined fuel economy stands at 44.1mpg. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 148g/km. That's a useful improvement, especially when considering the 10PS power boost.

Miles Per Gallon

Insurance Group

Performance (BHP)

Number Of Seats

CO2 (g/km)

Road Tax

Specification
Body Glass
Electric front windows
Rear wiper
Heated windscreen washer jets
Brakes
Electromechanical parking brake
ESC - Electronic Stability Control + traction control
ABS/EBD
EDL
ASR
Chassis/Suspension
S sports suspension
Communication
Mobile telephone preparation - bluetooth interface
Audi connect
Voice control system
Audi smartphone interface
Driver Aids
Audi drive select
Multi-Collision Braking
Progressive power assisted steering
Driver Information
Speed limit display
Colour driver's information system display
Service interval indicator
Driving Mirrors
Electric adjustable heated door mirrors
Electric operated/heated door mirrors
Aluminium door mirror housings
Auto dimming rear view mirror with light and rain sensors
Embellishment Trims
Aluminium air vent surrounds
Aluminium trim elements
Entertainment
Audi music interface
2 USB ports
DAB Digital radio
Auxiliary input socket
Exterior Body Features
Aluminium window trim
S body styling
Twin chrome exhaust tailpipes x2
Door sill trims with S line logo
Platinum grey radiator grille with double chrome bars
Matt black radiator grille
Body colour roof spoiler
Body colour bumpers
Twin oval chrome trimmed exhaust tailpipes
Exterior Lights
LED daytime running lights
Front fog lights
Headlight washers
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Dual zone electronic climate control
Interior Features
Illuminated door sills
3 spoke flat bottom multi-function leather steering wheel
Stainless steel pedals
Height/depth adjustable steering column
Cloth headlining
Rock grey headlining
Adjustable front armrest
Perforated leather gearknob
Jack and tool kit
4 lashing points to secure luggage
Illuminated glovebox
Storage compartments in doors
Storage compartment under front seats
Storage compartment in centre console
Interior Lights
Front and rear interior lights with delay
Packs
LED interior light pack - A3/RS3
Storage and luggage pack - A3/RS3
Safety
Active bonnet
Drivers knee airbag
Front passenger airbag deactivation
Tyre pressure warning
Manual rear child locks
Driver and passenger side airbags
Seatbelt warning
3 point seatbelts on all seats
Active front headrests
Warning triangle and first aid kit
Curtain airbags
Driver/Front Passenger airbags
Seats
3 adjustable rear headrests
Isofix attachments on rear seats
Heated front seats
Front passenger seat isofix location point
ISOFIX child seat preparation+airbag deactivation
Security
Anti theft alarm
Remote control central locking
Thatcham category 1 alarm+immobiliser
Anti-theft wheel bolts
Wheels - Spare
Space saver spare wheel

Options
Entertainment
Audi Sound System with 10 speakers	Standard
Bang + Olufsen advanced sound system	£495.00
Packs
Driver assistance pack + Comfort and sound pack with park assist - A3	£2,170.00
Comfort and sound pack with park assist - A3	£920.00
Driver assistance pack - A3	£1,550.00
Audi Design Selection pack in Fine Nappa leather - S3	£895.00
Extended interior upholstery pack - A3/RS3	£275.00
Audi Design Selection pack in Fine Nappa leather with Super sport seats - S3	£1,545.00
Driver assistance pack with park assist - A3	£1,675.00
Comfort and sound pack - A3	£795.00
Driver assistance pack + Comfort and sound pack - A3	£2,045.00
Matrix LED Exterior lighting Pack - A3	£895.00
Paint - Metallic
Metallic - Cosmos blue	£550.00
Metallic - Tango red	£550.00
Metallic - Glacier white	£550.00
Metallic - Floret silver	£550.00
Metallic - Mythos black	£550.00
Metallic - Nano grey	£550.00
Metallic - Navarra blue	£550.00
Paint - Solid
Solid - Brilliant black	Standard
Solid - Ibis white	Standard
Security
Advanced key	£400.00
Seats
Front sports seats	Standard
40/20/40 split folding rear seat with load through system	£250.00
60/40 split folding rear seat	Standard
Electric 4-way lumbar support for front seats	£250.00
Height adjustable front seats	Standard
Electrically adjustable front seats	£650.00
Exterior Body Features
Electric panoramic sunroof	£1,075.00
Deletion of model + engine designation at rear	Standard
Solid paint	Standard
Metallic paint	£550.00
Pearlescent paint	£550.00
Crystal effect paint	£775.00
Audi exclusive paint	£2,400.00
Special solid paint	£550.00
Chassis/Suspension
Audi magnetic ride	£995.00
Interior Features
Leather/Alcantara upholstery	£550.00
Fine Nappa leather upholstery	Standard
Alcantara/Leather upholstery	Standard
Fine nappa leather + super sports seats	£650.00
Body Glass
Privacy glass	£375.00
Brakes
Black brake calipers	Standard
Red brake calipers	£325.00
Driver Aids
Adaptive cruise control with pre sense front	£475.00
Cruise control	Standard
Park assist system	£1,565.00
Rear view camera	£375.00
Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors	£300.00
Hill hold assist	Standard
Audi side assist and lane assist	£1,000.00
Park assist with gap measurement and steering assist	£425.00
Rear parking sensors	Standard
Audi side assist including rear cross-traffic assist	£500.00
Audi side assist	£500.00
Communication
Audi phone box with wireless charging	£325.00
Driving Mirrors
Auto dimming and folding door mirrors	£275.00
Folding door mirrors	£200.00
Exterior Lights
High beam assistant	£150.00
LED headlights with LED rear lights + dynamic rear indicators	Standard
Matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights + dynamic front and rear indicators	£895.00
Matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights + dynamic front and rear indicators + Auto-dimming rear view mirror	£895.00
Paint - Pearlescent
Pearl - Daytona grey	£550.00
Paint - Special
Crystal - Ara blue	£775.00
Special solid - Vegas yellow	£550.00
Crystal - Panther black	£775.00
Safety
Rear side airbags	£325.00
Pre sense basic	£200.00
Carpets/Rugs
Reversible mat for luggage compartment	£65.00
Trim - Leather
Two tone Fine nappa leather - Audi Design Selection pack - Black with red centre panel and red stitching	£895.00
Fine nappa leather - Audi Design selection pack with super sports seats - Black with red stitching + super sports seats	£1,545.00
Fine nappa leather - Black with Rock Grey stitching	Standard
Fine Nappa leather - Rotor grey with anthracite stitching	Standard
Fine Nappa leather - Rotor grey with Anthracite stitching + super sports seats	£650.00
Fine Nappa leather - Black with rock grey stitching + super sports seats	£650.00
Embellishment Trims
Matt brushed aluminium inlay	Standard
Light design matt brushed aluminium trim	£200.00
Wheels - Alloy
18" 5-twin-spoke star design alloy wheels in contrast grey with diamond cut finish	Standard
18" 10 spoke design alloy wheels in matt titanium look with diamond cut finish	£450.00
19" 5 arm wing design high gloss titanium alloy wheels	£900.00
19" 5 V spoke design sport alloy wheels in matt titanium look with diamond cut finish	£900.00
Trim - Part Leather
Alcantara/leather -Black with rock grey stitching	Standard
Alcantara/leather - Rotor grey with anthracite stitching	Standard

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	5.2
Engine Power - BHP	310
Engine Power - KW	228
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	5800
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	280
Engine Torque - NM	380
Engine Torque - RPM	1850
Top Speed	155

Audi A3 S3 Tfsi Quattro 3Dr Petrol Hatchback

PCP (Personal Contract Purchase)

Hire Purchase

Lease

Key Standard Features*

Ten Second Review

Background

Driving Experience

Design and Build

Market and Model

Cost of Ownership