Paris auto show: Audi S3
There was quite a commotion among enthusiasts in the U.S. when Audi first released information on the S3 hatch some time ago and we're not exactly sure why. For one, it's not destined for the U.S., so no matter how much you really, really want it, the dealers aren't going to have one to sell you. The other, more difficult point that's hard to miss is the fact that you can already get an A3 3.2 with nearly the same horsepower (250 vs 265). Granted, in the S3 you can couple that with a manual transmission, but given how good the A3's DSG system is to begin with, there isn't much to be gained by going for the six-speed do-it-yourself system. Please enlighten us on what makes the S3 so special and we'll gladly add a few more pictures for you to salivate over.
- Permalink | Comments (12)
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig September 28, 2006, 6:14 PM
- Categories: Audi, Hatchbacks, Paris Auto Show
I agree. For the money the Mazdaspeed3 is a more exciting car too.
Is that tangerine?
-'duff
It looks great. It is lighter than the A3 3.2 Quattro=better performance. The A3 3.2 already matches the Mazdaspeed3, the S3 will be quicker. Nice interior with awesome steering wheel. Is that enough?
3 reasons:
1. 6-speed manual is better than DSG for enthusiasts.
2. 265hp turbo-4 is lighter than 3.2 V6. Promises to be faster.
3. S3 is bound to have performance upgrades over mere S-line package.
BTW, what gives with the "enlighten us" attitude, Ed? Please don't tell me Edmunds is getting all mouthy like the other car sites on the web.
Well let see to start the 2.0T is a superior engine to the 3.2 in almost every way, plus you get all the extras. And please folks can we not compare a Mazda to an Audi, thats not a comparison
The S3 is lighter, has more power, a manual trans, and (possibly - only test drive comparison would tell fer sur) more sporting suspension. It's the stuff enthusasists like and will pay for!
Surprising that Audi won't bring it over - perhaps VW feels it would be competition against their GTI?
Given the expenses of certifying a new engine for the purpose of trying to sell $45,000 hatchbacks to Americans, IMO, it sounds like Audi made the correct call to leave this one in Europe, performance advantages of a turbo four and manual tranny notwithstanding
On the attitude, don't you know everyone is trying to be C&D cute these days.
I'm a little shocked Audi wont bring it over either. Oh, and comparing it to the A3 is an effort in futility. Audi lover's always go ga-ga over their S's.
Btw, any talk of an RS3?
Well I didn't mean to sound "mouthy", and just for the record I like the A3 more than most. But I was surprised by how much ink this car got by enthusiasts considering how little it would offer for the money.
An A3 3.2 already starts at $34K, so the S3 would probably go for at least $37-$38K. Seems like a lot of money for a car that still wouldn't be all that fast.
Fst1, just teasing you a little. ;) Thanks for responding.
There is a legitimate reason to want this car over current A3 offerings. But to your point, the S3 would need 300 hp to compete in America. A 335i coupe starts at only 41k.
Sure it is a fast very fast Small Audi, design wise though as many other Audis bit souless cold and mostly bland (even that wild orange shade doesn't really help)except perhaps for that snout, it has some character....all in all I expected more from second generation of A3 and S3.
My chipped S3 (I'm in the UK) puts out 265 bhp and I know other drivers who have 350bhp although at a large expense.
I like the subtle changes in the new S3 and will try a test drive before deciding if I want one (£27k).
I've heard that an RS3 is on the cards using a turbocharged 3.2 V6 putting out a minimum of 350 bhp.
Why is it that Audi refuses to offer this car as a sedan or coupe? I"m not a big hatchback kind of guy, but am a big Audi fan overall. A4s get expensive really fast so I'd be more than a little interested in an A3, but only one with a trunk. And I'd even go out on a limb and state that I probably speak for much of the U.S. on this point.