Super saloon

AS a small performance sedan, the new Audi S3 Sedan occupies a unique niche with its all-wheel-drive power and compact four-door body.

The S3 Sportback is already well-known as a hot hatch but the S3 Sedan widens Audi's performance-oriented S line further.

Like the recently launched A3 Sedan, the S3 Sedan has the same well-proportioned saloon bodystyle. But while the A3 Sedan is front-wheel-drive, the S3 has quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

Powering all four wheels is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 280 hp and 380 Nm - the same as the one in the Volkswagen Golf R hatchback (Audi is part of the VW Group).

This souped-up unit with modified aluminium pistons and high-strength piston-rods is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A Haldex coupling delivers torque mostly to the front wheels but can also send nearly 100 per cent to the rear wheels if necessary.

This is the same powertrain as in the S3 Sportback but because of its boot, the S3 Sedan has a better 59:41 front/rear weight distribution.

The S3 Sedan has the same basic platform as the A3 Sedan with an almost identical 2,631 mm wheelbase but with overall length extended slightly to 4,469 mm due to its sportier bumpers and deeper front spoiler.

The S3 has the same MacPherson strut front suspension but with specifically tuned steel springs and fixed rate dampers (a magnetic ride damper control system is optional). At the rear, the multi-link suspension has been modified for the all-wheel-drive layout.

The S3 also rides 25 mm lower than the A3 with a purposeful stance. The 18-inch wheels fill out the wheel arches nicely but overall, the S3 Sedan's appearance remains understated. As with other S line models, it bears only subtle mods, such as restrained side skirts and a sliver of a boot lid spoiler.

And this has to be the most attractive aspect of the S3 Sedan - its boyracer performance without the boyracer look. Plus all that luxury.

The front sport seats are upholstered in Audi's highest-grade fine Napa leather with contrast stitching. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is beautifully made and features extra big steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The familiar Audi Drive Select suite of driving modes offers Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. As with all in-car functions, this is accessed using the Multi Media Interface.

The S3 also has what is called the Steering Wheel Button - with an asterisk symbol - that can be configured to select Individual or work other functions for the navigation or instrument cluster display, for example.

In Dynamic mode, when the engine responds more keenly to inputs from the accelerator, or when the gear lever is set to S, the S3 not only becomes more enthusiastic but the engine note becomes deeper and more aggressive with a pair of active exhaust flaps.

The richer sound complements the dynamism of the car. With so much torque to haul just 1,450 kg of car, the S3 is extremely responsive. It leaps forward effortlessly, while quattro stability enables sweeping curves to be carved out confidently. And because it is compact, it has great agility.

For track-day enthusiasts, the S3 also comes with a lap timer and oil temperature readout. Even though the suspension is firm enough for weekend racing, there is an underlying layer of cushioning so that the daily ride never gets harsh.

This is perhaps the appeal of the S3 Sedan - the breadth of its abilities. It is a performance sedan but when required, it can be driven smoothly and economically with a refined ride and luxurious cabin. For now, no other small sedan can do this as well.

samuelee@sph.com.sg

SPECS

Audi S3 Sedan

Engine 1,984cc turbocharged

Transmission 6-speed S tronic dual clutch

Max power 280 hp @ 5,500-6,200 rpm

Max torque 380 Nm @ 1,800-5,500 rpm

0-100 kmh 5.0 secs

Top speed 250 kmh

CO2 emissions 159 g/km

Average OMV $44,000

Price $251,500 (with COE)

Distributor Premium Automobiles

Tel 6566-1111