Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Used Car Review Audi S3 Supreme performance in the compact class
The Basic Concept
The Audi S Philosophy
The distinctive "S" abbreviation stands for a very special definition of sports performance and style: power in abundance but also visual restraint. This is performance that offers the driver maximum control, dynamic performance and, above all, driving pleasure. Performance in which effortless poise and control count for more than mere maximum power.
The S3 is another milestone in the history of Audis S-type models. It represents a continuation of the companys strategy of having a top-of-the-range model offering superior performance in every class, including now the compact class. Another example of a unique but typically Audi combination of advanced technical solutions for a memorable driving experience and a high level of safety. The Audi A3 impresses with its combination of an extremely high-torque turbocharged engine and the superior drive concept, quattro.
A glimpse at the history of the S models, which goes back as far as the 1981 rallying season, will be enough to show the potential of this combination. That was when Audi first caused a stir with its concentrated turbo power and permanent four-wheel drive. In 1985 the "S" name first began to attract attention, when the Audi Sport quattro S1 driven by Michиle Mouton stormed to victory in the Pikes Peak Race in Colorado U.S.A. 1986 saw Bobby Unser take first place on the victory rostrum and in 1987 Walter Röhrl set a new track record. The equal superiority of powerful turbocharged engines combined with the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system on fast asphalt roads was demonstrated in the TransAm Championship of 1988. At the first attempt, the Audi 200 quattro TransAm won eight races, the drivers title, the constructors title and the admiration of its competitors.
Not long after the launch of the first S-Series model in 1990, the abbreviation "S" was already a synonym for sporting road cars with impressive performance figures and a distinctive appearance. But technology was never an end in itself; what counted were the advantages it conferred, especially for the keen driver. For example, the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. In combination with the continuously available turbo power, it offers maximum acceleration and hence active safety. Top-class straight-line stability, agile handling, a high level of directional stability on corners and large safety margins at the limits under all road conditions are among its most impressive characteristics.
Audi S3 drivers are people with an enthusiasm for technology.
The LooksDesign
A characteristic of all Audis S models is their distinctive and sporty yet restrained styling. The differences cater for the wishes of the relevant target groups. Taking the Audi A3s prize-winning design as their starting point, the designers of the S3 have used bold lines to create something completely original and very sporting in character.
The first thing that will strike the admirer is the cars muscular appearance. The strongly profiled wheel arches increase the Audi A3s width to 1,763 mm. The cars powerful aura at the front is further emphasised by the large air intakes in the specially shaped body-coloured bumpers.
It is only at the second glance that you notice the discreet S emblem on the radiator grille. The same distinguishing mark is used at the rear of all S models. The grey-look radiator grille is differentiated by additional vertical bars. Its typical shape and the four chrome-coloured rings are an important part of the brand image, making the S3 immediately recognisable as an Audi.
A particularly striking detail of the Audi A3 are the xenon headlights - fitted as standard - with their clear glass covers. They are complemented by the compulsory headlight washing system and automatic headlight range control, and by fog lights integrated into the front skirt. The bluish light from the xenon headlights corresponds in its colour spectrum to that of daylight and thus ensures safe driving without fatigue even on long journeys at night.
The side view of the Audi A3, which is available only as a two-door version, has impressively clean lines and compact proportions. In addition to the narrow panel gaps and new door handles, the body-coloured sill panels with their clearly defined anthracite grey skirts also serve to strengthen this impression.
A closer look at the car from the side will reveal why designers prefer large wheels in their sketches. Because they fill out the wheel arches, the 17-inch Avus wheels give the car a highly unified appearance in side view and suggest the Audi A3s performance potential even when its stationary. The 225/45 R 17 W tyres give the car an appearance worthy of the designation "S" in every way and in combination with the quattro drive system ensure outstanding traction and agile handling.
The distinctive character of the Audi S3 is also evident at the rear. The roof spoiler, which blends smoothly into the cars outlines, sets a sporty tone and optimises air flow at higher speeds.
The carefully configured aerodynamics of the Audi S3 with its excellent cD value of 0.335 improve the cars performance, lower fuel consumption and reduce interior noise at high speed.
With its sports suspension, the slight lowering of the body in comparison with the A3, and its large wheels, the Audi S3 with an overall height of 1,415 millimetres has a low-slung look on the road.
All this is rounded off by the striking tail pipes, which are made from high-grade stainless steel and are another clear visual indication of the S3s performance potential.
As a new colour for the S3 at no extra charge there is Absolute red, a colour that really lives up to its name. In addition to the familiar choice of colours for the Audi A3 there is also Imola yellow, a colour familiar from the S4, available at extra charge.
The FeelingInterior
When the doors are opened, the first thing that meets the eye are the aluminium sills with their S3 logo, forming the threshold to the exclusive interior.
There is a choice of three different materials: Jacquard Satin, fitted as standard, the optional combination of Alcantara and silk nappa leather or, for the same price, silk nappa leather alone. Common to all three options is their elegant appearance and pleasant feel. Perfect workmanship goes without saying.
There is a further choice of five colours for the interior - onyx and silver in combination with Jacquard Satin or silk nappa leather or the combinations blue/onyx, silver/onyx and yellow/onyx with the Alcantara/silk nappa leather option. Silver is a bright alternative to the familiar onyx and has a mineral effect. Blue has a more forceful character, corresponding to the blue used on the Audi RS2, and yellow is the perfect match for the exterior colour Imola yellow. In addition, each colour option can be combined with a lighter or darker shade of grey for the headliner.
Body-hugging Recaro sports seats are fitted as standard and provide the driver and front-seat passenger with optimum lateral support, to ensure they arrive fresh at their destination, even after a long journey. Both front seats are electrically adjustable for height, backrest angle and lumbar support. The thigh support can be extended manually.
In combination with the height- and rake-adjustable steering wheel, an optimum seat position can be obtained by people of almost any size.
Once the seat has been adjusted to the right position, the eye falls naturally on the high-gloss appliquй trim. This has a new and unique visual fascination. But it calls for accurate and skilled workmanship: only perfectly flat surfaces which are perfectly painted achieve such an appearance. Even the slightest irregularity would spoil the overall effect.
Together with the ergonomic, 3-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel and the high-gloss appliquй trim, the grey dials of the instrument panel give the interior a special ambience. The non-proportional speedometer dial allows the driver to read off his speed with particularly high accuracy in the 0 to 100 km/h range, a sensible aid to responsible driving given the performance potential of the Audi S3 with its impressive acceleration figures.
The driver information system FIS in conjunction with Auto-Check Control of the most important functions, and the exterior temperature display are part of standard equipment. The integral on-board computer shows the cars average speed, journey time, instantaneous and average fuel consumption and theoretical range on a display in the centre of the drivers field of view. An anti-theft alarm which monitors the interior and the latest generation of electronic immobiliser help to make sure that the Audi S3s charms dont encourage too much unwelcome attention. A pocket-friendly folding key with an inner-track locking system and the standard remote central locking system raise the standard of luxury, as do the two illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors.
High-quality optional extras include automatic air conditioning which takes account of the position of the sun, an electric slide/tilt sunroof with glass panel, which for convenient closing is integrated into the central locking system, and the three radio systems chorus, concert and concert BOSE with the facility for controlling the 6-CD changer in the boot. The list also includes mobile or hands-free car phone systems, cruise control and a navigation system that issues acoustic and optical instructions from the central display in the cockpit.
The Heart
Turbocharged 1.8-litre engine with five valves per cylinder developing 210 bhp
Audi engineers have been using advanced turbocharging systems on diesel and petrol engines for many years to achieve an overall package that regularly impresses the experts. A striking example of this is the 2.2-litre engine with five valves per cylinder, which ensured superior performance for the Audi 200, developing 162 kW (220 bhp), and later for the S6 and S2 Coupй, where its power output was 169 kW (230 bhp). In the Avant RS2 in particular, with an output of 232 kW (315 bhp), it revolutionised the reputation of turbocharged engines.
But there are also many more recent examples, such as the 81 kW (110 bhp) 1.9 litre TDI, the 110 kW (150 bhp) V6 TDI or the new, 2.7 litre V6 twin turbo in the Audi S4. This shows the enormous potential of turbocharged engines, a potential that is also used to good effect on the Audi S3 to provide the driver with exceptional performance.
The maximum torque of 270 Nm, which is available from just 2,100 rpm, provides the Audi S3 with sustained forward thrust. It is maintained right up to 5,000 rpm and allows powerful acceleration and top-class flexibility in all situations. The Audi S3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds and, in fifth gear, needs just 11.5 seconds to accelerate from 60 to 120 km/h. The car always has plenty of power in reserve, making driving a relaxed and pleasurable experience however long the journey.
Power is delivered smoothly even at low engine speeds. The free-revving four-cylinder turbocharged unit reaches its maximum output of 154 kW (210 bhp) at just 5,800 rpm and continues unabated up to 6,800 rpm, when it is gently limited by the engine management system.
Given the performance available, fuel consumption is modest, at just 9.1 litres/100 km (overall figure according to 93/116/EU), and the positive overall impression in this respect is rounded off by the cars compliance with the exhaust emission limits of EU III D.
Right from the start, the driver will be accompanied by the sonorous music of the engine. Though unobtrusive, it emphatically underlines the capabilities of the turbocharged engine: a full-bodied sound that perfectly matches the performance and design of the Audi S3.
The five valves per cylinder of the 1.8 litre turbocharged engine make an important contribution to the cars high performance. The number and arrangement of the valves and the geometry of the combustion chamber are a measure of the engines charge-cycle efficiency. The main factor here is the flow cross-section through the valves. The larger this figure, the more freely the engine can breathe. The advantages for the customer are an increase in torque and power and hence in driving pleasure, and the increase in efficiency also reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. With five valves it is possible to achieve the maximum flow cross-section, which is calculated from the valve lift and the sum of the valve areas.
As on the powerful Audi TT with its power output of 165 kW, a Type K04 turbocharger produces a high boost pressure even at low engine speeds, giving spontaneous and agile performance. Since air density is greatest when it is cold, and more oxygen in the combustion chamber improves efficiency, there are two intercoolers to cool the combustion air. Before it enters the engine, the air compressed and thus heated by the turbocharger is efficiently cooled down, with the result that even at top speed it is only about 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding air. This is an important requirement if maximum power is to be achieved with the lowest possible fuel consumption.
The intake ports are shaped so that the air entering the combustion chamber produces a tumbling effect. By increasing the speed of combustion, this tumble enhances the quality of the entire combustion process and its efficiency. The customer benefits from an increase in the performance and efficiency of the engine combined with low exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.
The throttle is controlled electronically by a state-of-the-art digital engine management system. The drivers torque requirement at any time is determined from the position of the accelerator and its rate of change.
Using information taken from other microprocessors on the vehicle, the control unit calculates the fastest and most economical way of meeting the drivers requirements and adjusts the boost pressure, ignition timing, quantity of fuel and the throttle angle accordingly: an important contribution to the agility and spontaneity that marks out the Audi S3 at all times.
Thanks to the management systems ability to "learn", the engine operating characteristics can be adjusted to match the grade of fuel in the tank in order to obtain the most favourable compromise between boost pressure, throttle angle, amount of fuel injected, ignition point and torque requirement.
The 6-speed gearbox fitted as standard to the Audi S3 allows the driver to make optimum use of its turbocharged engines power. Gear lever travel is short and precise: a positive invitation to make fast gear changes. The gearbox uses the three-shaft design familiar from the Audi TT quattro. The third shaft is used for 5th and 6th gear and reverse and has a higher final drive ratio. The gearbox is compact, has an ultra-light magnesium casing and can transmit high torques at low engine speeds. The gears are selected by cable to prevent troublesome vibration from being transmitted to the gear lever or the cars interior.
The extremely direct, short-travel clutch provides the sports car feel so typical of Audi S series. The diameter of the clutch plate is a generous 240 mm to allow for the high power of the engine.
The End ResultDynamic Performance and Safety
Thanks to quattro, sports suspension and very accurate, direct and responsive steering, the Audi S3 offers exceptional agility and excellent feedback from the road. Drivers will be particularly impressed by its vital handling characteristics, superb road holding and convincing tracking on fast corners, even at high speeds.
source :audiworld.com
