2016 AUDI S3 VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Audi S3 VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

 

It’s easy to forget how much fun driving can be until you get behind the wheel of something small and fast. Audi’s prescription for curing the driving blues is the S3; a turbocharged, all-wheel drive subcompact with fun in its DNA.

The reborn A3 arrived a couple of years ago with a new sedan bodystyle and now encompasses a 2-door cabriolet, a plug-in hybrid hatchback and this sassier S3. My impressions of the A3 2.0T quattro I first drove bordered on apathy. But the performance upgrades made to this car definitely make the S3 an E-ticket ride. Priced from $43,425 this is the priciest A3 variant but the letter S repays your investment in spades.

Under the hood of the S3 is the same 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in other A3 models, but here output has been ratcheted up to 292-horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

With an upgraded turbocharger working through the same 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as in other A3 quattro models, the S3 erases over 1 second from the A3’s 0-to-60mph time. A launch control feature gets that done in 4.7 seconds. The S3 is a front-drive car by nature and as such sends power almost exclusively to the front wheels until the driver turns aggressively into a corner. That’s when the rear wheels begin their involvement with the added step of torque vectoring – a process of brief applications of the brakes of the inside wheels ensuring the car turns easily into a corner. Original equipment tires are from Continental – your choice of max performance summer or grand touring all-season rubber. Mine however comes with a set of Pilot Alpin PA4s – a performance winter/snow tire wrapping the standard 18” wheels. 19s are optional.

Drive Select is one of my favorite features in Audi performance models. Consider it a personality switch that toggles through stages from comfort to dynamic…whichever matches your mood. Even on these winter Michelins, the S3 displays superb, neutral handling from its taut suspension. The engine is full of punch from its turbo boost and the S Tronic transmission delivers manual characteristics without the awkwardness. It’s truly a pleasure to drive whether you’re out with the family or out here by yourself.

The way this car drives very much reminds me of the BMW M235i; it’s small, comparatively lightweight and makes the driver feel like the star of the show. And when you’re in Dynamic mode, the powertrain goes racy, the steering becomes even more accurate and the engine acoustics are pumped up. The sounds are convincing too, giving this small turbo big engine sound. In Sport mode, the S TRONIC can do the shifting or you can via paddle shifters – both are firm and quick in their delivery. The S3 has that high-confidence, glued-to-the-road feeling driver’s love with a touch of safe, predictable understeer felt in high speed corners. In other modes, the S3 calms down for smooth, quiet motoring. Without the optional magnetic ride control shocks, the S model-specific sport suspension is a little less forgiving so patches of rough road will grab your attention. The brakes feel fabulous, with a firm pedal and new for 2016, optional red brake calipers.

The $2,600 Technology Package steals the show inside, highlighted by the MMI Touch Navigation system with its pop up screen, 4G fueled Audi Connect online services and the use of Google-earth mapping – a mesmerizing feature. Google search for POI inputs is also a big winner.   The ‘touch’ part of its name stems from the fact you can write with your finger for easy entries. Switchgear is fairly intuitive and the computer’s processing speed is noticeably faster. Move over to the information display in front of the driver, and though it’s rudimentary looking, navi, radio and other key info can be toggled through here. As is the company’s hallmark, forward visibility is excellent.

These optional S Sport seats look great but they’re going to cost you plus the multiple manual adjustments are cumbersome.

Full power adjustments trump these levers, dials and switches any day. The quilted pattern and deep side bolsters though are brilliant.

Even though it’s a little smaller inside than its German rivals, I find the rear seats to be just fine and with the mesh screen pulled back, it feels open and airy in the cabin. And the sunroof is very quiet when open even at highway speeds.

Out the door, this S3 Premium Plus stickers for $48,540 which seems like a lot until you start pricing out its competitors. I love it for its balance and practicality…even rated at 26mpg in combined driving on premium.  Until the even mightier RS3 arrives, enjoy one of Audi’s best driver’s cars.