Skilful marketing has marked out Audi’s S and RS cars as clear performance variants over and above the regular A-designated range. Similarly the GTi class of hot-hatch has been overtaken by a yet more powerful breed.
Not so long ago, 150ps would have been regarded as pushing it for front-wheel drive. But it’s putting down much more than that on the tarmac these days. Renaultsport’s Megane RS 265, Ford Focus ST, SEAT Leon Cupra 280, VW Scirocco R and Vauxhall’s VXR Astra GTC combine real punch with tractability.
Not so long ago, 150ps would have been regarded as pushing it for front-wheel drive. But it’s putting down much more than that on the tarmac these days. Renaultsport’s Megane RS 265, Ford Focus ST, SEAT Leon Cupra 280, VW Scirocco R and Vauxhall’s VXR Astra GTC combine real punch with tractability.
Much is down to electronics again (and turbocharging of course) but Renault, Ford and Vauxhall use a mechanical differential lock and re-engineered front suspension. It works well and the Megane is (rightly) regarded as a towering achievement.
For a 300ps output however, both Audi (S3) and VW (Golf R) have chosen a 4x4 (Haldex V) system primed to be more pro-active together with electronic mapping which delivers some trans-axle torque adjustment front and rear too. This uses the ABS braking and ESP stability systems to imitate the effect of a diff-lock.
Mercedes has gone down a similar route with the AMG 45 version of the front-drive A-class. BMW’s M135i and M235i are classic front engine rear-wheel drive with near 50-50 weight balance thus reserving for the front axle a purer steering function.
All Audi cars are basically front-wheel drive which means around 60% of the weight has to be over the front axle. Recently attempts have been made to move the front axle forwards to re-balance back somewhat – certainly seems to suit a 4x4 driveline.
The Haldex unit is housed in the rear axle and operates through an oil pump which, as the pressure increases, activates a series of clutches. A degree of pre-loading means rear-wheel drive kicks in quite readily even in the dry, for example, to aid press-on motoring. Almost 100% of the drive can divert to the rear if needs be.
One of the effects is to make the S3 feel much more ‘neutral’ and less ‘nose-heavy’. The weight is there still of course and could have something to do with steering which remains rather lifeless. It’s nicely weighted (electro-mechanical not electric only) with a variable ratio – heavier as speed builds/lighter quicker if parking. The car always feels well-planted, very stable and the steering certainly reinforces that view.
The S3 comes with a well-matched six-speed manual transmission. S-tronic (dual clutch auto) is an extra whereas it’s standard on the Sportback (five-door). There is an S3 saloon and Cabriolet (soft top convertible) too. The (slick and smooth) manual ‘box is the keen driver’s choice albeit lagging a tad behind on the 0-62mph dash, official mpg and CO2 figures (road tax no higher however) – hardly noticeable.
Restrained and understated the S3 sits lower, has its own special alloy wheels and two twin exhausts at the rear. Some discreet lower body panels and badges round off the exterior view. Inside it’s typical Audi fit and finish (despite a squeak around the area of the driver’s door in the car on test – unusual). Front sport-design seats are the main distinctive S3 items and they are truly excellent – winged (side) support to the backs and extendable squabs cater for the tall and longer legged.
A Dynamic Drive dashboard switch offers a range of responses - from ‘auto’ to ‘individual’. Ride quality of the latest S3 is a great improvement as long as ‘comfort’ rather than ‘sport’ is chosen: firm enough but not harsh and good for a long trip. Well-resolved and impressive, the S3 is cheaper than the Mercedes if a bit near for comfort to the BMW. Its main competitor is sister-car Golf R at around £750 less but Audi used values might be a touch firmer than the (albeit) relatively strong VW’s.
Facts & Figures:
Audi S3 6sp man 3dr
Price £30,645
Max speed 155mph (limited)
0-62mph 5.2 secs
Fuel economy 40.4mpg (official combined figure)
CO2 162g/km
Road tax Band G/£180
Insurance 36E
Verdict: Great driver’s car; 4x4 system a key asset; ‘all-weather’ capability.
By Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, the newspaper for the Farmers' Union of Wales.
For a 300ps output however, both Audi (S3) and VW (Golf R) have chosen a 4x4 (Haldex V) system primed to be more pro-active together with electronic mapping which delivers some trans-axle torque adjustment front and rear too. This uses the ABS braking and ESP stability systems to imitate the effect of a diff-lock.
Mercedes has gone down a similar route with the AMG 45 version of the front-drive A-class. BMW’s M135i and M235i are classic front engine rear-wheel drive with near 50-50 weight balance thus reserving for the front axle a purer steering function.
All Audi cars are basically front-wheel drive which means around 60% of the weight has to be over the front axle. Recently attempts have been made to move the front axle forwards to re-balance back somewhat – certainly seems to suit a 4x4 driveline.
The Haldex unit is housed in the rear axle and operates through an oil pump which, as the pressure increases, activates a series of clutches. A degree of pre-loading means rear-wheel drive kicks in quite readily even in the dry, for example, to aid press-on motoring. Almost 100% of the drive can divert to the rear if needs be.
One of the effects is to make the S3 feel much more ‘neutral’ and less ‘nose-heavy’. The weight is there still of course and could have something to do with steering which remains rather lifeless. It’s nicely weighted (electro-mechanical not electric only) with a variable ratio – heavier as speed builds/lighter quicker if parking. The car always feels well-planted, very stable and the steering certainly reinforces that view.
The S3 comes with a well-matched six-speed manual transmission. S-tronic (dual clutch auto) is an extra whereas it’s standard on the Sportback (five-door). There is an S3 saloon and Cabriolet (soft top convertible) too. The (slick and smooth) manual ‘box is the keen driver’s choice albeit lagging a tad behind on the 0-62mph dash, official mpg and CO2 figures (road tax no higher however) – hardly noticeable.
Restrained and understated the S3 sits lower, has its own special alloy wheels and two twin exhausts at the rear. Some discreet lower body panels and badges round off the exterior view. Inside it’s typical Audi fit and finish (despite a squeak around the area of the driver’s door in the car on test – unusual). Front sport-design seats are the main distinctive S3 items and they are truly excellent – winged (side) support to the backs and extendable squabs cater for the tall and longer legged.
A Dynamic Drive dashboard switch offers a range of responses - from ‘auto’ to ‘individual’. Ride quality of the latest S3 is a great improvement as long as ‘comfort’ rather than ‘sport’ is chosen: firm enough but not harsh and good for a long trip. Well-resolved and impressive, the S3 is cheaper than the Mercedes if a bit near for comfort to the BMW. Its main competitor is sister-car Golf R at around £750 less but Audi used values might be a touch firmer than the (albeit) relatively strong VW’s.
Facts & Figures:
Audi S3 6sp man 3dr
Price £30,645
Max speed 155mph (limited)
0-62mph 5.2 secs
Fuel economy 40.4mpg (official combined figure)
CO2 162g/km
Road tax Band G/£180
Insurance 36E
Verdict: Great driver’s car; 4x4 system a key asset; ‘all-weather’ capability.
By Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, the newspaper for the Farmers' Union of Wales.
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