Following the release of official photographs and initial details, it is likely that the new Audi S3 will make its world debut at next month's
Paris Motor Show though it is thought that UK buyers will be able to place an order before the show for delivery in January 2007.
The new S3 is powered by a development of the turbocharged direct injection engine (T-FSI) found under the bonnet of the
VW Golf GTi and
SEAT Leon FR. In the S3, the 2-litre four-cylinder unit produces 261bhp thanks mainly to the adoption of a large turbocharger and a more efficient intercooler. Peak power is not this engine's only trick though; it also produces 258lb.ft of torque all the way from 2500rpm to 5000rpm.
As with all models in the Audi S range, the new S3 deploys its power using the quattro four-wheel drive system. Torque is distributed by means of a rear-mounted electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, though initial details don't make any reference to the normal torque split, so it is unclear at this stage if the S3 will exhibit the rear-drive handling characteristics we know and love in the
Audi RS4.
Though there appears to be a vacancy in the range now for an even harder-edged RS3, we are not so sure there are enough buyers for such a car and taking a look inside the new S3 shows that as much attention has been paid to the interior as to the subtly enhanced exterior. The instruments and material selection are unique to the S3 and there will be the option of a flat-bottomed steering wheel and figure-hugging sports bucket seats.
Audi UK estimates an on-the-road price of £27,000, which puts it into direct competition with the only other two high-powered hatches we can think of, the
VW Golf R32 and
BMW 130i. Watch our
Road Tests page for our thoughts early next year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 8 Aug 2006