Audi S3 2004 Review

It will be a V6-powered three door with around 170 plus kilowatts on tap and the usual quattro all wheel drive. The current S3 is a 1.8-litre, four cylinder turbo with twin intercoolers and 165kW/280Nm.

It has been around for a few years now but was significantly upgraded a couple of years ago. Engine is a lift from Audi TT quattro.

Rather an expensive three door hatch at $67,420, the current S3 delivers performance nearly up to a Subaru WRX.delivers luxury, compact, sports motoring for a select few.

• Engine performance is a strong point with superb roll on acceleration and strident torque from low in the rev range.
• Fuel economy is good for a car with this performance potential.
• Six speed manual is handy with top gear low enough to be useful and not merely a cruising cog. Shift action is smooth.
• A number of electronic systems modulate drive and they are subtle enough not to detract from the sporty performance and handling.
• Suspension is firm Macstruts up front and double wishbone at the rear. Controls S3 nicely on smooth roads, becomes untidy in corners if pavement is broken or bumpy.
• Has powerful brakes with multi piston calipers and grippy 17in tyres on attractive spoke alloys.
• ABS is not over eager.
• Steering has good feel, firmly weighted, direct response.
• It's a heavy little beast at 1420kg – due to quattro drive and all the fruit inside.
• Has stunning interior. Test car with body colour coded (yellow) suede leather inserts – extremely groovy. Dash has impeccable look and function as do other aspects of interior.
• Access to the rear seats is difficult. Front seats are a pain to fold/slide and return.
• Seats themselves are comfy but not much room in the back.
• 0-100kmh sprint goes in 6.6 seconds – not hanging around.
• Requires premium unleaded, becoming expensive these days.
• Full array of safety equipment including multiple bags and pyro belts x five three point.
• Generates a pleasing exhaust note but otherwise quiet, minimal wind noise.
• Superb finish, looks classy.