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Audi S3 Sportback 2017 review: Torquing Heads

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EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

  • Active headlights
  • Looks cool
  • Performance/dynamics

Dislikes

  • No rear seat armrest/cupholders
  • Tight rear room
  • Active cruise costs extra
Peter Anderson
Contributing journalist
9 Jun 2017
2 min read

In this Torquing Heads, Nikki ponders whether this is the perfect car for her and Peter wonders where her fondness for a floored throttle has suddenly come from. 

The yellow S3 we both spent a week with is powered by Audi's 2.0 turbo with a whopping 213kW and 380Nm of torque delivering a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.8 seconds. 

Check out Peter's full Audi S3 review here

Since late 2016 it has come with Audi's new seven-speed twin clutch transmission and now has the brilliant 'Virtual Cockpit' digital dash system.

We also had the S performance package which adds those tasty 19-inch alloys, Nikki's favourite red brake calipers, an upgraded B&O sound system and my favourite, the magnetic ride system.

The S3 is quick and to help keep us safe there are the usual complement of airbags but also Audi's sophisticated pre-sense system that helps keep you out of a crash and a set of headlights that could light a rock concert.

Nikki wasn't at all sure about a fast Audi hatch. She's not a speed demon and I'm is always encouraging more liberal use of the loud pedal when there's some power under the bonnet, because if it's there, what's it for?

This is the Torquing Heads where I find out whether Nikki has a rev head buried deep inside her heart and I revisit one of my favourites.

Plus: Check out Tim Robson's Audi S3 review here

More: Thinking of performance hatches? Take a look at Chesto's BMW M140i reveiw here

Extra: See all Torquing Heads videos here.

Read the full 2017 Audi S3 review

Audi S3 2017: Sportback 2.0 Tfsi S Tronic

Engine Type Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $30,580 - $36,850
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$34,033
Based on 39 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$26,888
HIGHEST PRICE
$39,990
Peter Anderson
Contributing journalist
Peter grew up in a house in Western Sydney where automotive passion extended to white Sigmas and Magnas. At school he discovered "those" magazines that weren't to be found in the house. Magazines that offered him the chance to sit in the driver's seat of cars he’d never even heard of let alone seen. His path to rebellion was set - he would love cars, know cars and want to write about cars, much to his family’s disgust. They wanted him to be a teacher. He bought a series of terrible cars and lusted after Ford Escort Cosworths, the Alfa Romeo 164 Q and occasionally kicked himself for selling his 1977 Alfa GTV. From 1.0-litre three cylinders to roaring V12s, Peter has driven them all and can't wait to tell you all about it.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$26,888
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2017 Audi S3
See Pricing & Specs

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