29 Sep 06 14:00
Our road-tester thought it looked great when he drove it earlier this summer, and though the S3 is on display in Paris near the stunning R8 supercar, it's still looking good on Audi's show stand. Check out the 18" rims, the muscular front spoiler, subtle rear valance and wing.
When the S3 goes on sale in the UK early in the New Year, Audi will be asking £26,995. What you're really buying is the 2.0-litre turbo engine from the Golf GTI, boosted up from its already high 197bhp to a frankly stratospheric 265bhp. The Haldex four-wheel drive system used by the Golf R32 ensures that all this power finds its way to the tarmac with a minimum of fuss, while stiffened springs and re-rated dampers aim to provide the S3 with the sporting feel of the original 210bhp S3. No DSG gearbox, though, and our road-tester prefers the Golf R32.
Road Test: Audi S3
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