Fridae

Audi fast cars have been hogging the limelight of automobile news of late. With the R8, RS4 and the TTS, the Ingolstadt, Bavaria based manufacturer has done well to earn its sporting credentials to become a full pledged premium car maker. Rewind to circa year 2000. The entire Audi range had similar disappointing driving traits, bar one car. And that car was the first Audi S3.

Fast forward to 2008 where I finally get to lay my hands (claws) on the new Audi S3. Standing firmly against its higher priced siblings, knowing that it still holds a special place in the premium car market where it dominates eight years on. A couple of rivals have risen, but none matches the S3's overall appeal so far.

Subtlety was the key to the success of the first S3. The new S3 thankfully continues the brilliance, little chin spoiler at the front, chrome wing mirrors, huge 18" alloy wheels (same ones as the S8), more chrome at the front grille and two small badges are the cues one could find on the top dog of Audi A3 family. On the roads, only trained eyes or Die Hard Audi fans are capable of distinguishing the S3 as a high performance hot hatch. Perhaps playing it low key, particularly at the rear was the appeal to Audi S3 drivers; not wanting to attract on-lookers.

Under the bonnet lies a completely re-worked 2.0 TSI engine from the Volkswagen Group. Throw in a larger turbo and intercooler, cranking up the boost pressure to 1.2 bar which is unusually high for a production car, the 265 horsepowers is served rapidly in a good old fashion manner through a very short geared and sweet shifting manual gearbox. Turbo lag? Slightly but could be overcome via revving it violently, taking the S3 by the scruff of its neck would be the best way to enjoy the Audi. Those thinking that the Japanese hooligan-mobiles of Evo and Scobby could jump on the S3 at the traffic lights should think twice and not fight a losing battle.

Driving enthusiasts will be delighted with the agility of the S3 despite a slightly lacking steering feel. Almost unexpectedly, the ride of the Audi S3 is comfortable considering the stiffness of the car structure. Power is being channelled to all four wheels via the clever Haldex four wheel drive system, providing a tenacious amount of grip. To achieve better weight distribution in the S3, the clutch has been moved to the rear. No heavy front nose diving business here. Kudos to the folks at the Quattro GmbH (in-house tuning division for Audi), the S3 has been a revelation.

Audi's interiors is said to be the single most persuasive factor that inspire customers to reach for their chequebooks. Having the same basic architecture from the regular A3 is not a bad place to start. The materials used in the S3 are of the highest quality - clearly in line with Audi's reputation for being the best interior maker in the world. However, my complaints for the S3 would be the missing satellite audio buttons on the lovely flat bottomed steering wheel. Why the omission? Because this is a single minded performance car, hence there should be no distractions on the steering wheel? Also the arm rest at the centre console could be a double edge sword as it obstructs gear changes but it also serves as a lovely spot to rest while cruising. Otherwise, the Audi S3's interior place is supremely well made with good all round space and easy access to the rear seats.

Strangely, while many journalists have complained about the high list price of the S3, I have felt otherwise. Competitors are few. The BMW 130i does not have the composure or looks of the S3 while the VW Golf R32 attracts a monstorous annual road tax on Singapore roads and predictably higher fuel consumption. The Audi S3 provides more practicality and pace than its sibling the TT 2.0T while being a massive 25 grand less dear. While being significantly cheaper, the WRX Sti simply lacks the class and badge of the Audi. The Audi S3 is definitely a car for happy me on all counts!

	Audi S3
Engine	1,984 cc 4 cylinder 16V, DOHC, Turbocharged
Transmission	6-Speed Manual, 4-Wheel Drive
Max. Power	265 BHP @ 6000rpm
Max. Torque	350 NM @ 2500 to 5000 rpm
0-100 km/h	5.7 secs
Top speed	250 km/h
Fuel Economy	8.5 L/100km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	217 g/km (Euro IV compliant)
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4214mmX1765mmX1399mm / 1455 kg
Price with COE*	$171,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.

The Audi TTS is making its way to our shores as I write this in time for its year-end launch. Rumours of an early Audi RS3 is entirely false, it just won't happen.