Audi S3 Sportback subtly styled

THE 2021 Audi S3 Sportback is just a marvel. Not many performance-cars appeal to executives and petrol heads. This one does because of the way it was styled. I recently witnessed this beauty's performance. Let me express my opinions on this hot hatch.

Audi released a number of high-performance models and variants into the Southern African market in 2021. I frequently bemoan the absence of an Audi dealership in Zimbabwe.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of test-driving Audis curtesy of family friends and my South African network. My most recent delivery was the 2021 Audi S3 Sportback.

This A3 model served as the performance pinnacle up until the four-and five-door RS3 was released. My test vehicle was completed in a striking shade of lemon yellow with dual-tone alloy wheels, which received many remarks.

Subtly styled

In my opinion, Audi has nailed the design of this model S3, especially when painted a vivid lemon yellow like my test vehicle. With its honeycomb pattern, the front bumper gives off a sporty, aggressive appearance while yet allowing for a large grille to be visible without taking over the car's face.

Perhaps the relatively simple, all-in-one front light units assist to soften it. Is there a subtle allusion to the Sport Quattro's three bonnet vents in that vent under the hood?

With the addition of the small boot spoiler, the side view is fairly uncluttered and simple. The 19" stock wheels are attractive, but whoever specified this car made a wise decision by selecting the optional diamondturned black and silver 19s. They give the automobile a more aggressive appearance and nicely complete it.

Even if the lighting and little S3 emblem at the back are very sparse, the two pairs of big, chromed exhaust tips on the hatchback that just passed you indicate that it has some real power.

The tips are real and useful, at least on this Audi. You can show off to your friends the animated if you want to brag at night.

Modern appearance

The interior of the vehicle features typical polished, if somewhat somber, Audi materials and styling. It has that part fighter jet, part Audi interior that is appealing and refined.

The transmission has been fitted with a new, short shifter. The console and facia have inlays made of either aluminum or carbon. Even the dashboard of my test vehicle featured striking yellow and grey stitching, drawing the attention of front-seat occupants.

I am a big fan of the Virtual Cockpit display — it can be set up in various ways, from minimal speed and revs, to full-colour, full-screen maps, and various other stages in between. Definition and clarity are excellent in all conditions.

The S3 comes equipped with an Audi 10,25-inch digital instrument panel as standard equipment. Interestingly, a material derived from recycled PET bottles is used to cover the form-fitting athletic seats. The infotainment system's interface, a 10,1inch touchscreen with voice control, is located in the centre of the dashboard.

Fortunately, the infotainment system isnot nearly as difficult to use as the system in the most recent GTI and includes a row of fast access controls on a ledge below.

Turbo power

Under the hood lies a 2,0-litre turbocharged engine, a mainstay of the VW Group. Audi SA strangely sells the vehicle locally with fewer horsepower (213 kW vs. 228) than the identical type in other regions, especially considering the Audi TTS has 228 kW.

Like many performance Audis, the engine is only linked to a dual-clutch transmission with seven forward gears.

The Audi S3 Sportback's engine feels entirely naturally aspirated as a result of years of development and perfecting its power delivery. There is only a steady surge of torque from low in the engine speed range; there is no turbocharged boostiness.

Consequently, Audi claims that the S3 Sportback will accelerate to 100 km/h from a stop in 4,9 seconds when the launch control option is used.

The drive

The 19-inch alloy wheels that were an option on this Audi S3 Sportback were installed. I anticipated that the ride quality would deteriorate as a result, but my impromptu, subjective test did not support my first assumptions. In its comfort mode, the S3 does indeed provide a very comfortable ride.

Drivers can select from a variety of choices on the Audi driving selector. Notably, this influences the settings for the drivetrain, steering, suspension, and sound.

The sound system in the automobile does indeed amplify the engine noise. Each level results in a smoother ride, heavier steering, and a louder engine tone.

The latter almost sounds like the eccentric five-pot that we are familiar with from previous Audi performance cars when it is in "dynamic" mode. When you abruptly shut off the gas, there is also a well-timed pop or bang from the engine.

In fact, you can mix and match your preferred features in an "individual" mode if you donot like Audi's presets.

Nimble

A Quattro system that distributes power to all four wheels manages torque for Audi, as it does for all performance vehicles. This is taken care of with an electronically regulated multi-plate clutch in the case of the most recent Audi S3 Sportback.

Additionally, the system controls the fore-and-aft supply of power, and each wheel braking aids in rotating the vehicle about its vertical axis.

Practically speaking, it indicates that the S3 Sportback is a highly rapid vehicle over virtually any type of asphalt. Ample driver confidence is also provided by the carefully measured power delivery and exceptional levels of turn grip. The levels of confidence will also enable you to drive the S3 at speeds that you might not dare in other vehicles. Unless you are incredibly stupid, it is very difficult to "overcook" it in the S3. It is just nimble.

My decision

Historically, the Audi S3 has been a neglected option. Despite being practically identical, the Golf R has a much more devoted and passionate fan base. What was a wellpolished and capable machine has been overshadowed by more overt and potent hatches, not least of which is the RS3.

The Audi S3 has always had a trick up its sleeve with its versatility. In the hustle and bustle of the city, it can be an executive hatch with good manners, but when the situation calls for it, it can really pick up the pace with tonnes of grip and blistering point-to-point speed. As a result, the S3 simply goes about its business with no fanfare or drama. Last but not least, it is perfect for individuals who enjoy the drama, if not the pace, of fast driving.

Specifications

Model: Audi S3 Sportback

0-100 km/h: 4,9 sec

Engine: 2,0-litre inline four, turbocharged Fuel consumption: 8,0 L/100 km

Max power: 213 kW

Max torque: 400 Nm

Top speed: 250 km/h

Transmission: seven-speed

AWD automatic,