The Audi S3 is the high-performance version of the Audi A3, available since 1999 and currently in its third generation. Its competition includes Ford Focus ST, Golf GTI, BMW 1-Series M version, as well as Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG.
Three years after the launch of Audi A3, S3 came in a three-door hatchback version exclusively. It was developed and built by Quattro GmbH, Audi's high-performance division. Euro NCAP tested the Audi A3 and rated its overall safety with a 4 out of 5 stars, with criticisms aimed at the inadequate protection of the driver's knees.
The initial engine used was an inline-four 20-valve 1.8L turbocharged petrol engine with a power output of 154kW (207hp) at 5500rpm and 270Nm of torque at 2100rpm. It could reach a top speed of 238km/h and accelerates from 0km/h to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
In 2001, variable valve timing was added to raise the power to 165kW (222hp) at 5900rpm and 280Nm of torque at 2200rpm. The top speed was increased to 243km/h, while the 0-100km/h acceleration was reduced to 6.6 seconds.
It was equipped with the following features: Dual Front Airbags Package, Anti-lock Braking, Automatic Air Con / Climate Control, Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft, 17-inch Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, CD with 6 CD Stacker, Central Locking Remote Control, Fog Lights - Front, Engine Immobiliser, Leather Steering Wheel, Leather Upholstery, and Recaro Seats, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Seatbelts - Pretensioners Front Seats, Side Front Airbags, Sport Seats, Sound System, Sports Suspension, Trip Computer.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Rear Spoiler, and Xenon Headlights were added with the 2002 facelift of the A3, along with front wings, headlights, and rear lights, redesign, as well as minor interior changes.
The Second Generation (2006-2013)
Again arriving three years later than the standard A3, the new Typ 8P S3 was available in three-door hatchback or five-door Sportback variant. Quattro GmbH modified VW’s 2.0L turbocharged FSI engine with high-performance pistons, reworked fuel mapping, and boost, larger turbocharger and intercooler.
The Haldex Traction system was used in conjunction with Quattro's on-demand 4WD system, paired with 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed automatic, or 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0L VW engine has a power output of 195kW (261hp) at 6000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2500-5000rpm, allowing the car to accelerate to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
Euro NCAP tested the second-generation A3 and gave it a 4-star rating in Adult occupant safety, 3-star rating in Child occupant safety, and a 1-star rating in Pedestrian safety.
Base equipment package - included Dual Front Airbags Package, Anti-lock Braking, Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones, Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft, 18-Inch Alloy Wheels, Brake Assist, Cruise Control, CD with 6 CD Stacker, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Differential Lock, Electronic Stability Program, Fog Lights - Front, Head Airbags, Engine Immobiliser, Leather Steering Wheel, Leather Upholstery, Parking Distance Control Rear, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Side Front AirBags, Sound System with 8 Speakers, Sports Suspension, Traction Control System, and Xenon Headlights
- Sportback trim level - came with Central Locking Remote Control, Side Airbags, Sound System with 10 Speakers, and a Trip computer
- LE - added a Power Sunroof and Sports Seats
- Sportback S-Tronic LE - added a Body Kit, Satellite Navigation, and Sports Seats
The Third Generation (2013-present)
The latest S3 began production in 2013, equipped with a 2.0L TFSI turbocharged I4 petrol engine, capable of producing 221kW (296hp) at 5500rpm and 380NM of torque at 1800-5500rpm. Changes to the standard engine include new pistons with tougher rings and bolts, strengthened connecting rod and new mounts. The manufacturer used aluminium alloy for the cylinder head to combat high temperature and stress while also making the whole engine 5kg lighter than the previous model.
Top speed has been electronically limited to 249km/h, while it can achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.8-5.2 seconds depending on the choice of transmission - on the Australian market, 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed or 7-speed automatic transmission are available.
Euro NCAP tested the standard A3 in a 3-door hatchback variant, giving it a 5-star rating in Overall safety, 95% and 34 points in Adult occupant safety, 87%, and 42 points in Child occupant safety, 74% and 27 points in Pedestrian safety, and 86% and 6 points in Safety assist systems.
On the Australian market, the standard equipment includes Dual Front Airbags Package, Anti-lock Braking, Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones, Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft, 18 Inch Alloy Wheels, Brake Assist, Cruise Control, CD with 6 CD Stacker, Central Locking Remote Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Differential Lock, Electronic Stability Program, Fog Lights - Front, Head Airbags, Engine Immobilizer, Leather Steering Wheel, Leather Upholstery, Parking Distance Control Rear, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Side Airbags, Sound System with 10 Speakers, Sports Suspension, Trip Computer, Traction Control System, and Xenon Headlights.
Optional equipment includes: Airbag Knee Driver, Antenna - Roof-mounted Shark Fin type, Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic, Body Coloured Exterior Door Handles, Body Kit, Chrome Exhaust Tip(s), Chrome Front Grille, Daytime Running Lights - LED, Dusk Sensing Headlights, Floor Mats - Front & Rear, Heated Front Seats, High Mounted Rear Stop Light, Keyless Entry and Drive, Multi-Function Control Screen, Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Mobile Phone Connectivity, Park Assist, Power front seats, Radio CD with 10 Speakers, Rear Lights - LED, Rear Spoiler, Rain Sensing Wipers, Reversing Camera, Rear View Mirror Auto Dimming, Rear Wiper/Washer, Satellite Navigation, Sport Seats, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Display
The facelift of 2017 added more features to the standard package, including Airbags - Window, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Anti-Slip regulation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Warning, LED Headlights, Multi-Function Display, Nappa and Leather.
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Author: Luka Kusic