Derived from the Audi A3, the first Audi S3 was released some time in 1999 and it lasted four years before the second generation saw daylight. During that time, only a three-door body style was available for buyers.
It wasn't until the second generation, unveiled in mid 2006, when Audi announced a five-door body style for the hot hatch, which was known as the 'Sportback' model. Of course, many of you would have remembered that it was this generation of A3 Sportback that spawned the sizzling RS3 Sportback.
Although the lifespan of this hot hatch didn't last very long, the third and latest generation A3 Sportback arrived soon after, with the S3 Sportback that you see here following suit.
Exterior
By now, we're sure most of you have already concluded that the Audi S3 Sportback looks every bit cultured and couth. Comparing it to the predecessor, the car now appears sharper and sleeker.
It wasn't until the second generation, unveiled in mid 2006, when Audi announced a five-door body style for the hot hatch, which was known as the 'Sportback' model. Of course, many of you would have remembered that it was this generation of A3 Sportback that spawned the sizzling RS3 Sportback.
Although the lifespan of this hot hatch didn't last very long, the third and latest generation A3 Sportback arrived soon after, with the S3 Sportback that you see here following suit.
Exterior
By now, we're sure most of you have already concluded that the Audi S3 Sportback looks every bit cultured and couth. Comparing it to the predecessor, the car now appears sharper and sleeker.
Edges around the car have been tweaked to give it a more coherent and dynamic appearance while daytime running lights have been updated to ensure a trendier and a more upmarket feel.
What remains unchanged are the standard array of brushed aluminium bits on the mirror caps, aggressive body mods and the badass-looking quad exhaust outlets that signify the car's status.
In a way, the car has matured in its appearance and it won't look out of place when parked beside the BMW M135i. Measuring 4,254mm long, 1,777mm wide and 1,401mm tall, the S3 Sportback is a tad shorter but wider than the Bimmer.
What remains unchanged are the standard array of brushed aluminium bits on the mirror caps, aggressive body mods and the badass-looking quad exhaust outlets that signify the car's status.
In a way, the car has matured in its appearance and it won't look out of place when parked beside the BMW M135i. Measuring 4,254mm long, 1,777mm wide and 1,401mm tall, the S3 Sportback is a tad shorter but wider than the Bimmer.
Interior
Speed is usually the first thing that springs to mind when you mention hot hatch. As such the only reason why you would choose the Sportback over the three-door variant is because, despite your fast inclinations, you genuinely need the extra room and accessibility (pardon the pun, but you could be a fast father).
But let's be clear. Where most hot hatches such as the Renault Megane RS and the MINI JCW require buyers to choose between practicality and performance, the S3 Sportback, like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, is capable of giving you the best of both worlds. To put it in 'pub' terms, this car can sit five with comfort and still go like a mo'focker.
Speed is usually the first thing that springs to mind when you mention hot hatch. As such the only reason why you would choose the Sportback over the three-door variant is because, despite your fast inclinations, you genuinely need the extra room and accessibility (pardon the pun, but you could be a fast father).
But let's be clear. Where most hot hatches such as the Renault Megane RS and the MINI JCW require buyers to choose between practicality and performance, the S3 Sportback, like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, is capable of giving you the best of both worlds. To put it in 'pub' terms, this car can sit five with comfort and still go like a mo'focker.
Comparing the cabin to the M135i, the S3 Sportback isn't miles ahead but it's beautifully crafted, with an ergonomic design that's premium and minimalistic.
Our favourite feature has to be the circular air-con vents that rotate smoothly and precisely, reminding you that the S3 Sportback isn't just a fast car. It's the attention to details that gives the car the very edge over its peers in its segment.
Our favourite feature has to be the circular air-con vents that rotate smoothly and precisely, reminding you that the S3 Sportback isn't just a fast car. It's the attention to details that gives the car the very edge over its peers in its segment.
Drivetrain
Producing 280 strong horses and 380Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the hood here is an absolute cracker. While there is a slight lag, the power delivery is smooth and serious without apparent effort. You can work its broad power band however you like and it'll always deliver the goods with a sense of occasion.
The six-speed S-Tronic autobox deserves credit here, too. The gears change with staggering hunger and do so with such accuracy that you're never in the wrong gears. Mash the accelerator and it'll shift down and fire the car straight to the horizon with absolute gusto, enabling the hot hatch to clock a five-second century sprint timing, accompanied by an aural satisfaction that has a lovely hard edge to it.
The whole structure of the S3 Sportback feels stiff and agile even in the 'Comfort' setting but it's never harsh. Over road undulations, the suspension soaks up the rough part and isolates the cabin from harsh road imperfections, with none of the floating characteristics often associated with settings that aim to be the most comfortable.
Producing 280 strong horses and 380Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the hood here is an absolute cracker. While there is a slight lag, the power delivery is smooth and serious without apparent effort. You can work its broad power band however you like and it'll always deliver the goods with a sense of occasion.
The six-speed S-Tronic autobox deserves credit here, too. The gears change with staggering hunger and do so with such accuracy that you're never in the wrong gears. Mash the accelerator and it'll shift down and fire the car straight to the horizon with absolute gusto, enabling the hot hatch to clock a five-second century sprint timing, accompanied by an aural satisfaction that has a lovely hard edge to it.
The whole structure of the S3 Sportback feels stiff and agile even in the 'Comfort' setting but it's never harsh. Over road undulations, the suspension soaks up the rough part and isolates the cabin from harsh road imperfections, with none of the floating characteristics often associated with settings that aim to be the most comfortable.
We enjoyed the 'Dynamic' mode, too, although we reckoned it's the setting that should be reserved for racetracks instead of roadtracks.
Then there is the steering. While it isn't brilliant in every aspect, the steering wheel is well-weighted, accurate and sharp. It equips you with the confidence needed to slice through corners neatly and swiftly, almost egging you on to try and blaze through with more speed each time you hit a bend.
Conclusion
We'll be frank. The Audi S3 Sportback is one hot hatch we will like to have in our parking lot permanently. It's a car that doesn't just excel in performance figures and style, but also in the overall driving experience.
It may not be as quick and fun as the M135i or even the A 45 AMG, but it's a perfect blend of refinement and practicality and it's certainly desirable.
Then there is the steering. While it isn't brilliant in every aspect, the steering wheel is well-weighted, accurate and sharp. It equips you with the confidence needed to slice through corners neatly and swiftly, almost egging you on to try and blaze through with more speed each time you hit a bend.
Conclusion
We'll be frank. The Audi S3 Sportback is one hot hatch we will like to have in our parking lot permanently. It's a car that doesn't just excel in performance figures and style, but also in the overall driving experience.
It may not be as quick and fun as the M135i or even the A 45 AMG, but it's a perfect blend of refinement and practicality and it's certainly desirable.
