Review: Audi 8P S3 and S3 Sportback (2007-12)

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• Responsive 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
• Competent dynamics
• High standard of interior fit and finish

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• Electric steering lacks feel
• Dull engine noise compared to six-cylinder rivals
• Poor rear visibility
• Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi , anyone?

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Review: Audi 8P.I S3 (2007-08)

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Overview

Released in June 2007, the Audi 8P Series I (8P.I) S3 was a small, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi 8P S3 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

2.0 TFSI engine

Compared to the 2.0 TFSI engine in the Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf GTi (engine codes: AXX, BWA and BPY ), changes for the Audi 8P S3’s BZC and CDLC engines included:

• A reinforced cylinder block at the main-bearing pedestals and main-bearing caps;
• A new high-flow cylinder head made from aluminium-silicon alloy for high temperature resistance;
• Long-duration camshafts and revised exhaust camshaft timing;
• Uprated piston (wrist) pins, piston rings and connecting rods with new bearings;
• Annular valve seats;
• A larger BorgWarner K04 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.2 bar (up from 0.9 bar);
• A larger intercooler and radiator cores; and,
• A lower compression ratio of 9.8:1 (compared to 10.5:1).

The Audi 8P S3 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Dimensions, suspension and steering

The 8P S3 was based on Volkswagen’s PQ35 platform which also underpinned the Audi 8P A3 and Mk.5 Golf . Compared to the Audi 8L S3 , the 8P S3 was 44 mm longer (at 4203 mm), 2 mm wider (1765 mm), 6 mm taller (1421 mm) and had a 58 mm longer wheelbase (2577 mm). The S3 had MacPherson strut front suspension with unequal length wishbones, four-link rear suspension and an electromechanical steering system.

Compared to the Audi 8P A3 , the S3 was distinguished by its 25 mm lower ride height and stiffer suspension tune, while visual cues included its chromed single-frame grille, front spoiler with large air inlets, restyled side sills and a rear diffuser.

quattro

The Audi S3 was fitted with a second generation Haldex all-wheel drive system which consisted of Haldex electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch, an open rear differential and an open front differential with an electronic differential lock. In normal conditions, 90 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the front axle, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels in the event that traction was lost.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi 8P S3 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Audi 8P S3 included 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, an eight speaker Bose stereo with six-stack CD player and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Nappa leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, xenon head lights, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Related links

• Technical data: Audi 8P S3 (June 2007)

Review: Audi 8P.II S3 and S3 Sportback (2008-12)

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Overview

Released in November 2008, the Audi 8P Series II (8P.II) S3 introduced a five-door Sportback model and an upgraded quattro system. The five-door S3 Sportback was powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but was available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed double clutch (‘S-Tronic’) transmission.

The Audi 8P.II S3 and S3 Sportback were fitted with a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system. Unlike its predecessors, fourth generation Haldex all-wheel drive systems could pro-actively engage the multi-plate clutch via a feeder pump when a loss of traction was anticipated. Previously, a difference in front and rear axle speeds – caused by wheelspin – was required to engage all-wheel drive.

Visually, the 8P.II S3 could be identified by its daytime running lights, modified grille, revised front and rear masks and LED indicators integrated into the side mirrors. The Sportback models were also distinguished by their chrome grille and fog light surrounds and body kit including bumper extensions and a grey rear diffuser. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Compared to its 8P.I predecessor, standard features were substantially the same although the S3 was fitted with a ten speaker Bose sound system. The S3 Sportback could also be optioned with ‘magnetic ride’ adaptive shock absorbers.

2011 Audi S3 Sportback Limited Edition

In December 2011, the S3 Sportback Limited Edition was released; compared to the standard S3 Sportback, the Limited Edition featured a satellite navigation system, front bucket seats and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel. Visually, the Limited Edition could be identified by its five-spoke titanium-look alloy wheels and black grille and window surrounds.

Related links

• Brochure: Audi 8P.II S3 (October 2008)
• Press Kit: Audi 8P.II S3 Sportback (May 2009)
• Specifications: Audi 8P.II S3 Sportback (May 2009)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi 8P S3