Review: Audi 8L S3 (1999-04)

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• Supportive Recaro front seats
• Impressive dynamics
• High quality interior fit and finish

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• Mild turbo lag
• Tyre direction follows road surface undulations (‘tram lining’)

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Review: Audi 8L.I S3 (1999-00)

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Overview

Released in November 1999, the Audi 8L Series I (8L.I) S3 was a small, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi 8L S3 was powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The S3 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Dimensions and suspension

The Audi S3 was based on Volkswagen’s PQ34 platform which was shared with the closely-related Audi 8L A3 and Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf . Compared to the 8L A3 , the S3 was 7 mm longer (at 4159 mm), 28 mm wider (at 1763 mm due to its wheel arches), 8 mm lower (1415 mm) and had a 7 mm longer wheelbase (2519 mm). Furthermore, the Audi S3 had MacPherson strut front suspension with triangular lower wishbones and independent rear suspension with single trailing arms and double wishbones.

quattro and electronic differential lock

The Audi S3’s quattro system utilised a first generation Haldex electro-hydraulic limited-slip coupler (LSC) which consisted of a wet multi-plate clutch, a hydraulic pump and an electronically-controlled throttle valve. In normal conditions, 90 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the front wheels. If traction was lost, however, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels.

The Audi S3 was also fitted with a front electronic differential lock which could brake a spinning wheel to transfer torque to the opposing front wheel (i.e. cross axle torque transfer). As such, the inside front wheel could be braked when cornering to reduce understeer.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi 8L S3 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Audi 8L S3 included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 W tyres, a six speaker Bose sound system with a ten-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable Recaro front seats, cruise control, xenon headlights, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Audi 8L.II S3 (2000-04)

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Overview

Released in November 2000, the Audi 8L Series II (8L.II) S3 introduced a subtle facelift and revised suspension settings for improved ride quality. In March 2002, the Audi S3 underwent a further update, with an upgraded engine and additional safety equipment.

Visually, the 8L.II S3 could be identified by its new grille, tail-lights, redesigned door mirrors and a flush-fitted tailgate handle with soft-touch action. Inside, there were new interior trims and fabrics, reshaped seats, air conditioning controls, illuminated air vents and a grain/texture pattern on the instrument panel. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

From March 2002, the Audi S3 was fitted with electronic stability control, traction control and ventilated rear discs brakes as standard.

Related links

• Press Kit: Audi 8L S3 (February 1999)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi 8L S3