If sales and awards are any indication,
then Audi seems to be doing lots right at present. It is building vehicles that
people want, like Q Series SUVs, and the new A3 family offerings. Together, they
contribute to one in two Audi sales. The two new additions to the A3 family,
the stealthy quick S3 and the A3 Cabriolet, are only likely to strengthen those
trends. Moreover, a hot-rod S3 Cabriolet is promised for year end, at $93,000.
During the recent press launch drive, we
spent more time in the S3 than the A3 Cabriolet, being winter. The
quattro-enhanced turbo-empowered S3 reminds of a similar launch drive we’d
undertaken to the central North Island in 2006, driving the then-new RS 4. That
car would go on to eclipse the BMW M3 in a subsequent comparison test.
The
Audi A3 cabriolet is a competent small convertible
More than that, the S3 feels quite like the
former RS 4 to drive. As with most new generations, it’s a bit bigger than
before and a bit more space efficient so doesn’t feel all that much smaller
than the former RS 4. And while clearly not as potent – the 2.0-litre turbo
cranks out 221kW to the 309kW tally of the 4.2 high revving V8 – it does have
the advantage of being fully 250kg lighter. Moreover, its torque peak of 380Nm
arrives at 1,800rpm and hangs tough to 5,500rpm, which is where the 430Nm total
of the RS 4 actually peaks. We reckon in an 80-120km/h overtaking duel there’d
be little in it. For the 0-100 times are only 0.3sec apart, at least for the
twin-clutch version; the manual is a distant 0.4s slower at 5.3sec. Even the
sound is vaguely reminiscent of the howling wolf RS 4; not quite the drama or
gravitas but like its predecessor you can dial up ‘dynamic exhaust’ whereupon
it pops and gurgles on high rev upshifts. And that adds to the drama that’s
happening.
The
Audi S3 is a visual standout from every angle, inside and out
Optimising the Audi Select settings in
which you can modify several key dynamic criteria, and the S3 was ready to
tackle some of the most alluring, demanding and picturesque back country roads
the Central North Island has to offer. Some of them were dry, many weren’t and
with the temperature gauge reading in the minus area, conditions were perfect
for quattro-secured blasting. Even without going particularly hard or using all
the revs on offer the S3 calmly dispenses with the targa-style roads ahead,
gobbling up substantial distances in easy, secure style, the sharp, fast
steering enabling it to hit apexes on the button. You have to be plunging in a
ways too hard to get the ESP light to even illuminate. The grip from the
225/40R18 ContiSportContact5s is supreme, even if the road surface noise
generated is occasionally a bit over the top. The problem is our government’s
reluctance to spend on longer lasting hotmix. With top rubber and performance
brakes, stopping power is up to the task of curbing longitudinal acceleration.
When the fun’s over, select comfort mode, revs around 2,000rpm and you’re ready
to tackle urban climes; it’s versatile the S3.
The
A3 Cabriolet’s cabin is notable for its logical layout
Compared with the RS 4, which back then
imbibed 13.5L/100km, the S3 is rated at around half that. Not when we were out
scaring the wildlife, where figures were in the early teens, but with
moderation you’d get closer to the average.
The wacky thing is the RS 4, despite not
being all that much quicker, went for $160k eight years ago. This, with
standard spec which includes sports leather seats, dual zone climate air, nav,
reversing camera and parking sonar, costs $86,000. If you value the
practicality of a hatch you can always opt for the slightly less expensive
Sportback S3 at $79,900. Option packs with items like LED headlights and
Magnetic Ride Damper Control are available for both. This pair has M135i and
A45 with which to contend.
Once
you’re inside, the Audi S3 starts to shine as it has one of the nicest,
user-friendly cabins in its class
Of importance to the wind in the hair set,
we also drove the new A3 Cabriolet. It is much bigger than its forebear, is
much better shaped with more luggage space (287L/320L top down/up), gets a
useful 1.8-litre turbo engine mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, and
performs, rides and handles in satisfyingly balanced fashion. Fuel efficiency
is a decent 5.8L/100km. Its soft top goes up or down at speeds below 50km/h –
we tried and it obliged – and a quieter acoustic roof is an option. Cost is
$69,900, and you can option in neck warmer vents for $1,200.
