If you have deep pockets and want a seriously fast Audi then you are almost spoilt for choice with the thrilling R8, the refined S8 and a selection of gutsy RS models which are all great cars.
But if those are financially out of your reach and you crave performance and Audi quality then fear not because the S3 might be just up your street.
The A3 won World Car of the Year in 2014 so you would expect the S3 sedan to be impressive, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
There is an A3 Sportback which is basically a small Avant but this is the notchback or in simpler terms a compact premium four-door sedan.
It’s a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing in that it doesn’t look particularly spectacular at first glance although the double exhausts, enclosed in a platinum grey diffuser, stocky design and, of course, the S3 logos, give you a hint of the power that gives this vehicle huge appeal.
From the front the car looks great with its wide bonnet and S-specific deep aluminium-look grille, air intakes and stylish headlight clusters. The side is streamlined and athletic and the back is muscular, giving the S3 a refined but sporty look with 18-inch alloy wheels completing a tasty little package.
It also sits 25 millimetres lower to the floor than other A3s which gives it that hunkered down look.
Inside, the car is not quite as classy as some of its bigger stablemates, but nevertheless it remains high quality with lots of leather, heavy stitching and a racing-type flat bottom steering wheel.
It is extremely well designed with jet-engine like air vents dominating the dash. They sit below the seven-inch infotainment screen which rises from the dash when you start the car.
The centre console houses a ‘touchwheel’ which controls the infotainment. It is touch sensitive so you can input letters and numbers with your finger, although you shouldn’t try doing this while driving because it is too distracting.
The S3 interior also features brushed aluminium pedals and footrest and the instrument gauges are dark grey with white indicators.
The tachometer also features a boost-pressure display which sort of adds to the sportiness of this car. When you push the ignition button the S logo appears on the screen to welcome the driver which is a nice little touch.
But the real beauty of this Audi is the high-performance four-cylinder two-litre TFSI powerplant. In case you were wondering, TFSI stands for Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection which basically means a turbo-charged direct fuel injection engine which produces a high power output and a startlingly good engine response.
The car comes with Audi’s Drive Select which allows you to choose which mode you want the car in; efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.
If you are looking to save on what is already impressively frugal fuel consumption then select efficiency but if performance is your thing then dynamic is the one for you.
I spent most of my test drive with the car in this mode which tightens everything up and gives you maximum performance and the acceleration and handling were absolutely first class.
It might be a small car but it punches well above its weight when it comes to performance. I don’t mind admitting that I was taken a little by surprise at just how fast this car is – it is seriously quick and lots of fun to drive.
The engine is hooked up to a superb six-speed S-tronic twin clutch automatic gearbox which has tightly-spaced lower gears for a sportier response.
You can also use the paddle-shifts for more direct involvement.
Because this car is light – just 1,455kg – it is extremely potent and the custom-designed exhaust system ensures that all this excitement is supported with a very nice engine note.
You can really throw this car around without any fear of losing control thanks to the superb chassis, suspension and stability technology packed into the S3. It also has progressive steering which makes it more precise.
The S3 is mainly about performance but it has ample space in the back for passengers and plenty of room in the boot. I can’t fault it.
