Fast, fun and impressive to look at - inside and out
Audi’s 2017 S3 sedan offers big dollop of technology and driving dynamics
I’m often asked what differentiates a Mercedes-Benz from a BMW from an Audi. And while each of these German automakers produce vehicles that seem to cover every genre, an answer isn’t that hard to come by. Mercedes-Benz still leans toward traditional luxury, BMW offers a more organic, engaged driving experience, and Audi trades on cool technical precision, unassailable build quality and a design ethos that eschews frivolity for timeless chic.
Yep, this S3 little firecracker of a sports sedan, starting at $50,700, is all things Audi. The dash might look minimalistic on first blush, but its simple elegance and attention to detail are exemplary. Every surface, no matter how far away from where you hands should be, appears to have been vetted for scrutiny.
Then you hit a twisty road and discover the S3’s impressive turn of speed; it’s a point-and-shoot slot car of the highest order. Select Dynamic from the Drive Select menu (stiffened suspension, quicker steering, quicker throttle and more aggressive transmission mapping) and it grips and goes, no questions asked. There is some turbo lag from the turbocharged EA888 2.0-litre four, now with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. But once beyond 3,500 rpm, the S3 bolts. This is a great engine, and unlike many turbocharged four-pots, it delivers power right up to its redline.
With the tweaked-for-2017 Haldex AWD system, the S3 dismisses corners, with an aloof neutrality. On a winding secondary road, the S3 shows the classic Audi dynamic signature of limpet-like grip, aloof disdain for transitional forces and an unerring neutrality that transitions into gentle understeer. Helping here is the $1,600 Advanced Handling Package, adding magnetic damping and 19-inch, five double-spoke wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero 235/35 performance tires.
The six-speed S-tronic dualclutch transmission bangs off shifts with lightning speed, and full throttle upshifts are punctuated with delightful woofs from the exhaust. Response to paddle shifter inputs is immediate. I would ask for more steering feel, but the helm is surely accurate.
The S3 Technik expands on the base S3 Progressiv ($47,400) with navigation, MMI touchpad, blind-spot assist, rearview camera, front and rear park assist, Bang and Olufsen audio, proximity key, and Audi’s ubercool Virtual Cockpit. A 12.3-inch digital TFT display replaces the traditional central gauge cluster, and offers several configurations. The most impressive is the fullwidth navigation display with a small speedo and tachometer living in the lower corners.
Like any of these multi-layered infotainment systems, Audi’s interface takes a bit of learning, but then it’s easy to navigate. The thumbwheels on the steering wheel prove effective for adjusting audio volume and scrolling through audio stations. Technik models get the more advanced
MMI Touch with Navigation Plus. The large central control knob on the console is topped with a touchpad that accepts handwritten number and letter entries for navigation.
This tester also had the $1,400 Technology Package that sprouts some radar and camera systems, enabling adaptive cruise control with full stop and active lane assist and side assist.
The Audi S3 sees a few visual tweaks for 2017, including its more angular grill, slimmer headlights and fresh LED tail lights. New standard equipment for Canadian S3s include LED headlights, LED fog lights, illuminated tread plates, smartphone interface and auto stop-start.
As a daily driver, the S3 is fine. In Comfort mode the ride remains firm, and on the highway it offers a solid, relaxed cruise.
Back-seat room is just adequate for a couple of adults, and the trunk is decently sized, although the opening is small.
The S3’s obsessive build quality is a gift that keeps on giving.