Audi S3. Hot temper
The Audi S3 is a sport edition of the Audi A3 – compact C-class vehicle produced by German company Audi AG belonging to Volkswagen Group. It has been released since 1999. The S3 has a Quattro all-wheel-drive as all the models of the S-series. Before 2020 the Israeli market offered the third generation of the car restyled in 2016. But starting from 2020 the fourth generation of S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan was revealed.
First generation
The first-generation Audi S3 was released from 1999-2003. The first S3 was created on the same platform as the fourth-generation VW Golf – transverse-engined, with a compact front suspension McPherson and Haldex Traction-based rear wheel-drive system. The A3 was launched as a three-door hatchback with a 1.8L turbocharged engine (210 hp) and 6-speed manual gearbox.
Second generation
The second-generation Audi S3 was released from 2006-2012, with a redesign in 2008. After the first generation production ended, a new upgraded A3 version hadn’t been released for several years. The second A3, launched in 2006, got a more powerful engine, enhanced brake system, low-clearance, and sport settings for the suspension, steering, and stabilization systems. The second-generation Audi S3 had a turbocharged engine producing 265 hp with acceleration 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. After the restyle of a three-door hatchback in 2008, Audi produced a five-door S3 Sportback.
Third generation
The third-generation Audi S3 was released from 2013-2020, with a redesign in 2016. The third S3 was launched as a 3-door hatchback, a 5-door Sportback, and a cabriolet. In 2013 the S3 was presented as a sedan. Restyle of 2016 modified the S3 exterior and uprated its engine power.
The third S3 stands out with its aluminum straps for rear view mirrors, four pipes of the exhaust system, threshold straps, chromed grille, and massive front bumper. Like other upgraded versions, this A3 has a sport-style steering wheel with a truncated lower part. The vehicle got a rich interior: matt aluminum inserts, leather sport seats, grey dials on the dashboard, and many elements with the S-series logo.
The 5-door Sportback received a more powerful wheelbase and got 50 kg heavier than the 3-door version. Except for two extra doors, the S3 Sportback exterior is similar to a hatchback’s one. The S3 sedan had a comfortable salon, but a little bit less spacious than the 5-door hatchback had. Front seats have anatomical form and comfortable lateral support.
All the Audi S3 2018/2019 versions have a 4-cylinder turbocharged 2L engine producing 300 hp. Restyled sedan, weighing 1.5 tons, having turbo engine and S-Tronic transmission, accelerates 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. But a powerful engine is not the only pride of the A3. German engineers upgraded a steering system, suspension, and all-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive was improved with a Haldex clutch.
The renovated S3 2016 received better road traction, perfect sharp turns taken, and emergency braking at any speed.
As a result of modernization, the renovated vehicle received better road traction, perfect sharp turns taken, and emergency braking at any speed. The steering is soft and precise. The driver perfectly feels the car at any moment. In case of any driver’s error, the Audi S3 will discreetly and softly correct it.
Fourth generation
The fourth generation has been released since 2020. New S3 generation in sedan and hatchback versions got bigger, changed their exterior, and received a new series of engines. Audi S3 Sportback 2020 and S3 sedan can be recognized by a hexagonal grille Singleframe, enlarged air intakes of the front bumper, distinct rear diffuser, and four exhaust pipes. Each headlight is equipped with 15 pixels LED running lights, 10 of them form vertical lines. Matrix optics is available for an extra charge. The S3 Sportback 2020/2021 got 3 cm and Sedan 4 cm longer than their predecessors. Base upgraded models receive an intellectual sport suspension that reduces the clearance of the vehicle by 15 mm.
The interior of the ‘charged’ versions is made of leather with aluminum and carbon inserts. The sport seat upholstery is made of recycled plastic bottles. Base models are equipped with a 10.25-inch virtual dashboard. Also, the new S3 features a sensor information and entertainment platform of the 3rd generation with Wi-Fi access point and traffic forecasting technology. Another special feature of new models is the Audi Connect key that helps close, open, and start the car using a smartphone.
