With Audi entering F1, sporty customers are in for a treat with upcoming models set to get more "race inspired" attention so as to align with the brands F1 exploits. Current models have received a bit of the positive rub with the S3 Sportback getting more power and suspension goodies. We tested the sports hatch to find out.
On the design front, the minor changes to the front centre around the lower bumper air intakes and the 4 rings logo which form part of the new brand design. It's not easy to see the difference unless parked side by side with the pre-facelift model. The standard Audi Matrix LED lights not only look good but make night driving so much easy and safer. Their ability to block out the car in front and high beam the sides make it easy to see obstacles and people walking on the side at night. Getting out of an Audi model with this feature makes you wonder why governments around the world don't legislate this as standard.
Audi S3 buyers also get 3 design options with the 5-Y-arm structure 19 inch being favoured for its more curvy design. Opting for the R80k Akropovic exhaust is a worthy exercise as the bangs and pops from the back are exactly what makes the S3 get love from onlookers. One thing that did surprise me was the actual size of the S3 when compared to recent "SUVish hatches" like the Aceman we had on test at the time. The Audi is smaller but sleeker.
The 2.0 TFSI has received a bump of 32 kW and 20 Nm resulting in 245kW/ 420Nm which I will not lie, I didn't really feel that much of a difference largely due to the gap between the last time we had the S3 on test. Figures I cant argue with though are the 0 to 100 km/h time oft 4.7 seconds, and the limited top speed of 250 km/h as the S3 feels alive when pushed. When pushed, the Akropovic exhaust encourage the drive to push even further for a very fun experience.
If you opt for the Adaptive suspension with Audi drive select for the extra R13k, you will add another layer of excitement to the driving experience. Through a button in the centre console, you can change the damper and suspension settings to suite your driving mood. Select Dynamic and you activate the torque splitter at the back and the S3 comes alive. Where the previous model was good and nice, with the new suspension settings, the new S3 comes alive. This means the extra R93k for the Akropovic and the adaptive suspension are worth the expense. Do watch the fuel gauge though as we easily saw 10.8l/100km which is a far from the 7.9l/100km claim. Put the model into Comfort or even Efficiency and it turns the volume down on noise and suspension but he suspension is still hard but not uncomfortable.
The interior retains the quality thats the DNA of Audi but the design is starting to feel its age when compared to newer Audi designs. Actually the curvy design accents are a let down when one compares to the nice flowing lines of the previous S3 model. Having controls for the air con, radio away from the infotainment screen is a welcome relief in the new world of "Cram everything on the large screen". The new transmission selector needs a bit of getting used to.
Our model didn't have the Navigation option which robbed us of the excellent instrument setting where the Nav (in Google earth mode) dominates the binnacle and the rev, speedo are neatly placed on either side. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto doesn't mirror the navigation to the instrument cluster, a shame really.
Space up front is ok with the S Seats holding one in the right places and also proving comfortable for day to day driving. In the age of SUVs, the S3 Sportback does feel a bit cramped then usual.
Space at the back is ok but the dark color can give some claustrophobic vibes whilst the sun roof does give a respite when opened. A panoramic glass top would work much better though.
Boot space on our test model was "killed" by the full size 19 inch spare tyre which was placed to counter our deteriorating roads. Folding down the rear seats helps to create extra space.
At R1,091,100 after all taxes are included, owners also get a 5-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan as standard which is a full maintenance plan meaning you only pay for fuel and tyres during that period. At around this price, buyers can also opt for the BMW M135 (R988 767) which has less power and less Vrrr Phaa but is more spacious. The Honda Type R (R999 900) is also an option with more dynamic drive but less quality and features when compared to the Germans. VW has promised to launch the Golf 8.5 R which would be an identical spec to the S3 at a lower price but not as premium in feel as the Audi. In summary, the S3 Sportback has received well judged technical updates making it a hoot to drive but the time against is starting to show in interior layout.