2004 Audi S3 Reviews

It will be a V6-powered three door with around 170 plus kilowatts on tap and the usual quattro all wheel drive. The current S3 is a 1.8-litre, four cylinder turbo with twin intercoolers and 165kW/280Nm.It has been around for a few years now but was significantly upgraded a couple of years ago. Engine is a lift from Audi TT quattro.Rather an expensive three door hatch at $67,420, the current S3 delivers performance nearly up to a Subaru WRX.delivers luxury, compact, sports motoring for a select few. Engine performance is a strong point with superb roll on acceleration and strident torque from low in the rev range.Fuel economy is good for a car with this performance potential.Six speed manual is handy with top gear low enough to be useful and not merely a cruising cog. Shift action is smooth.A number of electronic systems modulate drive and they are subtle enough not to detract from the sporty performance and handling.Suspension is firm Macstruts up front and double wishbone at the rear. Controls S3 nicely on smooth roads, becomes untidy in corners if pavement is broken or bumpy.Has powerful brakes with multi piston calipers and grippy 17in tyres on attractive spoke alloys.ABS is not over eager.Steering has good feel, firmly weighted, direct response.It's a heavy little beast at 1420kg – due to quattro drive and all the fruit inside.Has stunning interior. Test car with body colour coded (yellow) suede leather inserts – extremely groovy. Dash has impeccable look and function as do other aspects of interior.Access to the rear seats is difficult. Front seats are a pain to fold/slide and return.Seats themselves are comfy but not much room in the back.0-100kmh sprint goes in 6.6 seconds – not hanging around.Requires premium unleaded, becoming expensive these days.Full array of safety equipment including multiple bags and pyro belts x five three point.Generates a pleasing exhaust note but otherwise quiet, minimal wind noise.Superb finish, looks classy.