What's the difference?
In a world where car upgrades often feel like saying, “Can I upsize that?”, it’s refreshing to hop into the updated Audi S3 Sportback.
The flagship RS 3 may still be the holy grail of hot hatch dreams, but with boosted engine outputs and upgraded tech, the S3 is stepping up.
Is the S3 Sportback the smarter pick over pricier rivals? It delivers serious performance and polish without stretching into RS 3 territory. With fierce competition in the segment, let’s see what this contender brings to the table.
You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.
That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.
But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.
Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.
So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?
Let’s go find out.
The updated Audi S3 Sportback is a fun-sized dynamo with impressive outputs and athletic road manners. It’s missing a few premium features, but its compact size paired with a gutsy engine makes it a compelling option for drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance (just space).
A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.
Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.