Audi S3 Quattro 225 PS Review

Overall Rating

Style
Performance
Reliability

Fussy gears
Insurance
High running costs

I'm just coming up to the end of my first year with my Audi S3 (225). It's simply been the best year driving, ever. This much fun should quite simply be illegal, and I'm sure if the Government knew they'd put a stop to it!

Since picking the car up in Germany last year it's not missed a beat. Covering an ample 19,000 miles as easily as treacle down your chin. The only problem I've had with the car (other than a piece of lorry tire on the motorway) was an over tightened screw holding the exhaust heat shield in place. Sounded like that guy from Goodfellas was in my boot every time I went over a speed bump, sheesh.

So, here's my review, start to finish so to speak:

STARTING:

After a series of 2-wheel drive cars there is nothing like a standing start along a dusty lane in a quattro.

Get the revs up, drop the clutch and after the traction control has decided your not about to reverse into your garage the engine's on the red line. Simply a spurt of dust, a damp groin, and so much traction you could put both hips back in ... your offski mate.

This kinda fun never dies, it just sometimes takes you a little longer to smile.

MOTORING:

Driving around it's a very smooth ride considering the wheels, tyres and suspension. It doesn't feel like it's ever having to try too hard to impress. Push it a bit more and of course you get a slap. But even that's delivered with a pat on the bum for being such a cheeky boy to even ask in the first place!

Sounds are excellent with the Bose system. Some clever tricks on the CD changer and Radio unit make for swift changes whilst on the move. But you'd probably want something with a bit more clout in the bass dept if your just gonna play Val Doonican all the time. The mini-sub in the boot is too damned quiet to really do justice to roll-top wearing Irishmen!

Whilst most of the surprises have been good, there have been two that weren't.

Number one, this engine don't really like unleaded so get to pay next years petrol prices today at the uber-pump! (Super Unleaded)

Number two, if you're into variable mileage servicing then be prepared to pay around 13 sheets / litre of oil. This gets added at about a litre every 4,000 miles or so. I've been reliably told this is just the way the engine works, burning your precious oil like some middle eastern dictator without portfolio!

STOPPING:

Stopping the car is quite simply the most frightening part, at least on the first occasion. Touching the breaks is like putting cake in front of a charging Oprah - it ain't gonna budge til it's done with the cake.

It's the most breaking power I've ever experienced, and fairly progressive once you're used to the severity. If your the kind of practical joker who enjoy's embarrassing his mates then buy the car for just the following manoeuvre. Encourage a mate to drive and then spook them into breaking suddenly! ( Don't forget to take a cloth to wipe their snot off of your windscreen. ) Gets a laugh every time, honest.

That's all folks...!