Audi S3 2006-2012 Review

 

This is that the Audi S3 2006-2012 Review and sister car towards the Volkswagen Golf R. It’s a similar 261bhp, four-wheel drive super-hatch that’s been around since 2006. But unlike the hatchback-only Golf, the S3 is available like a three door hatchback and also a hatch-cum-estate Sportback. Such as the VW, the four-wheel drive Audi S3 has always been more of the swift, surefooted express rather when compared to a tearaway hot hatch or rival towards the brutally fast Subaru WRX STI or Renaultsport Megane Renault Sport. MattPriorRoad test editorCivilised manners and fierce cross country pace result in the S3 a winnerA six-speed manual is offered alongside Audi's S Tronic transmission. The latter 'box is essentially the older six-speed version of VW’s DSG gearbox instead of the newest seven-speed unit, however the shifts are smooth and rapid. With the Audi’s relentless shove (258lb ft at 2500-5000rpm ), the seventh forward cog is never missed.

Audi S3 2006-2012 claims the S Tronic-equipped S3 will crack the sprint to 62mph in 5. 5 sec (0. 2sec quicker compared to the manual transmission car ). And we will well believe Audi ; the smooth turbocharged four-pot motor barely needs to pause between ratios, making for rapid, unrelenting progress. When it comes to economy, you’ll see as much as 34mpg in S Tronic guise and 33. 2mpg when equipped using the standard six manual ‘box. CO2 emissions to the pricier auto option are 5g / km better compared to the manual at 193g / km CO2.

Driven with nuances of decorum, however, the Audi S3 is really a perfectly civilised cruiser, thanks to some supple chassis and excellent refinement. Akin towards the Golf R, we’d compare the Audi’s motorway cruising prowess to that of the VW Passat ; high praise indeed. As the S3’s steering wheel features shift paddles in your test car, they’re all but redundant ; prod the lever into ‘S’ and also the upshifts and downchanges are so well timed that changing gear yourself could in fact hinder rapid progress. But as good like the auto 'box is, the six-speed manual remains lovely to make use of and slightly more involving. If you’re following a hot hatch which will cover ground rapidly, cruise effortlessly and embarrass most sports cars in the lights, probably the S3 is a fine companion. Given its price, too, it’s hard to consider any car in its price range  that blends civilised manners and cross-country pace so effectively. It sounds ridiculous, however you would have to seem at something as a Jaguar XK to get yourself a superior blend of speed and comfort.