|
THE AUDI S3 QUATTRO
Reviewed by HOWARD B KAYMAN
The S3 impresses. I test drove the S3 this week and what a car! I found a big
improvement compared to the A3 1.8T. What the A3 turbo has been missing, the
S3 has.
The car had arrived at my local garage on a Thursday morning and they called
to ask if I wanted a test drive. Well the answer was 'YES' - although the
whole thing was a great tease as it wasn't ready until the following week. So
you can imagine, the car I've ordered, and it's there ready for a test drive,
and I had to wait the whole weekend!
My wife was going to kill me, as I wouldn't stop going on about it.
Eventually the day came, the salesman at the garage telephoned and said that
it was ready for a test drive - well, I tell you - I couldn't wait to get
down to the showroom.
The car that they had came with standard leather upholstery in the new red
Colour. (I didn't like the red - it looks like it has a hint of orange). The
first thing that you notice, when you are used to a A3 1.8T, is the bigger
wheels and arches, the deeper front bumper incorporating larger air intakes,
the driving/fog lights (poser lights) and the striking, stainless steel twin
exhaust tailpipes. On opening the door there are a lot of pleasant, simple
touches like the aluminum sill trims with S3 inscriptions which mark the
threshold to a super interior.
The silk nappa leather Recaro sport seats are standard. I found that they
where very comfortable and offered lots of support. The leather is also
carried on to the top part of the doors instead of the cloth. The Grey
dashboard, the 3-spoke sports leather-covered steering wheel which is great
to handle, and the high-gloss lacquer around the doors and centre console
give the car that little something special.
As I pulled away, the first two things I noticed were the extra power and the
better ride - a much more solid feeling even when the suspension is sopping
up those bumpy roads. At the end of the drive it was getting close to dusk
and the xenon headlights are absolutely brilliant set behind clear glass.
I currently have air conditioning in my 1.8T and, once you have had it, you
can never do without it -so thank you Audi for making it standard. Let's not
forget about that standard 6-speed manual gearbox, with a short, Precise
shift action via a larger gear knob. As you accelerate through the gears you
can hear the lovely sounds of that turbo, which are missing in the 1.8T.
Two things that upset me about this car, like the 1.8T, it doesn't like first
gear and the brakes are a bit spongy and it could do with a bit more torque -
but I sure love the rest of it!
Why did I decide, after owning an A3 1.8T for one year, that I wanted to
change it for the S3? Well the answer is easy - I love my current car so much
I thought, well why not go for the S3? It couldn't be worse than what I
already had. It just had to be even better, and it IS.
I did consider ordering the TT, which also is a remarkable car, but those two
seats in the back are just for show and not for my two young children who
would be uncomfortable in there. If they had placed the same style of seat in
the TT that they have in the 1.8T/S3, which slides when you pull the seat
forward, then that may have changed my mind. Trying to get a child's seat in
and out promised to be exhausting and very clumsy. Yes, you're saying it's
not a family car, but us dads also want a bit of fun and that's why the S3 is
for me.
I had complained to Audi, Why is the car is not being produced in 'Nogaro
Blue' and I am informed that the quality of the Bumpers are not the same as
the S4 and the Colour will not take to the bumpers, although they are still
trying. I have today asked if I can have the car in 'Kingfisher Blue' and I
am currently waiting for a reply. The 'Imola Yellow' looks great but I don't
think it will last 3 years and still look good when hopefully by then it's
time to look at the RS3 (300BHP)??
The Audi S3 Quattro, although I am sure Audi would not admit it, is better
than the TT. I think the reason for Audi not agreeing with this is because
'the TT look' is so unusual - and impressive - that the company would not
want to spoil the marketing impact that the TT can bring them.
Happy motoring!
Howard B Kayman
PS: Since writing the above, I have chosen to go for Aluminum Silver,
Sunroof, standard Black leather upholstery (Alcantara's not for children) and
transfer the CD player from my current car to the S3 and upgrade to the Bose
System, Pictures attached.
PSS: I have also had the windows slightly tinted since the attached photos,
it looks great.
S3 quattro Technical Data
Engine/electrics
Displacement 1781 cm³
Emission control system 3-way catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensor,
active carbon filter
Engine Type 4-cylinder inline, spark ignition, 5-valve technology,
exhaust turbocharger with 2 intercoolers, double overhead camshaft (DOHC)
Engine management Motronic
Max. output, kW (bhp) at rpm 154 (210) / 5800
Max. torque, (Nm) at rpm 270 / 2100-5000
Performance data/fuel consumption
Acceleration 0-62 mph 6.8 Seconds
Carbon dioxide emissions 218 g/km
Fuel consumption (93/116/EU) - combined 31.0 mpg
Fuel consumption (93/116/EU) - extra urban 39.2 mpg
Fuel consumption (93/116/EU) - urban 23.2 mpg
Fuel grade Premium unleaded, 95 RON
Top speed 148 mph
Fuel consumption (93/116/EU) - combined 9.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (93/116/EU) - extra urban 7.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (93/116/EU) - urban 12.2 l/100 km
Driveline
Clutch Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch with asbestos-free
linings
Gearbox 6-speed manual
Type Permanent four-wheel drive via haledex clutch, EDL at front,
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
Gear ratios - Manual gearbox 3.417 (1st) / 2.105 (2nd) / 1.429 (3rd) /
1.088 (4th) / 1.097 (5th) / 0.912 (6th) / 4.630 (R) / 3.316 (Final Drive)
Weights/volumes/dimensions
Gross weight limit 1935 Kg
Luggage compartment capacity 270 (1020 with rear seat folded down)
Litres
Roof load limit/nose weight 75/75 Kg
Tank capacity (approx.) 62 Litres
Trailer weight limit - braked on 12% gradient 1600/1600 Kg
Trailer weight limit - braked on 8% gradient 1600/1600 Kg
Trailer weight limit - unbraked 720 Kg
Unladen weight 1375 Kg
Length 4159 mm
Width, without mirrors 1763 mm
Height 1415 mm
Track - front 1527 mm
Track - rear 1503 mm
Wheelbase 2519 mm
Suspension/steering
Brake system Diagonally split dual circuit, anti-lock brake system
with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), brake servo, ventilated front
and rear discs
Front axle McPherson struts with lower wishbones, track stabilising
steering geometry, Double-tube gas-filled shock absorbers
Rear axle Torsion-beam rear axle with track correcting bearings,
anti-roll bar
Steering Power-assisted, maintenance-free rack-and-pinion, track
stabilising steering-roll radius, turning circle approximately 10.9m
Tyres 225/45 R17 W
Wheels 7.5 J x 17 light alloy 'Avus' wheels, space saving spare wheel
SINCE RECEIVING THE CAR AND HAVING DONE JUST OVER
5,000 MILES, I AM
CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING CONVERSION TO MY CAR:
Audi S3
Engine Conversion
Standard Engine
Power 210Bhp/ 5.800Rpm
Torque 270Nm/ 2.100-5.000Rpm
Performance 148 mph Acceleration: 0-62mph 6.8 sec
Engine Management Conversion
Motronic unit modified with increased boost pressure and fuel air mixture
formation.
Power Increase (approx.) 248Bhp/ 5.680Rpm
Peak Torque 346Nm/ 3.610Rpm 330Nm/ 2.600-5.200Rpm
Performance (approx.) 156 mph Acceleration: 0-62mph TBA sec
|
