just got it today, what a machine !! very quick and lovely interior.its the 225bhp version but has revo serial port switch that takes it to 265 bhp.
i would definately recommend one of these cars, it corners like its on rails

Fantastic motoring from day one... handling and rapid response if needed at the lights... good on fuel.
Services are just terrible. They wanted £550 for a service with the plugs being changed... I ' m keeping my Audi S3 for many a year to come so take it to a trusted garage and only pay a third for the service using all genuine Audi parts... lastly... much better than the golf r32, I ' ve had one.
Much more sexy looking than the new shape s3.... the germans aint all that bad after all.

Where do I start? Well performance wise it uses the same 1.8 turbo 225bhp found in its cheaper cousin the Seat Leon Cupra R, but the Audi has the quattro system and therefore a far better grip in the dry but even better in the rain. It's quicker than the Cupra R - 0-60 for the cupra is 6.8sec and the s3 is 6.4sec, even though the Audi is slightly smaller it's a heavier car than the Cupra R - this puts the S3 with cars like the Astra VXR. The VXR has 15bhp more than the S3 evan though it uses a 2.0 turbo compared to the 1.8 turbo in the S3, but it's still not a faster car and the vxr is outclassed by the sheer quality of the S3. You can also tune the S3 past its standard 225bhp very easilyy and depending on the chip fitted you can bring it up to 260bhp and if you want to really start modifying for serious performance you can get 380+bhp maybe more. There are two S3 models - the early models have 210bhp and do 0-60 in 6.6sec as opposed to the 225s 6.4sec and the top speed on the 210 S3 is about 5mph slower than the 225 S3. Audi also made slight changes to the suspension on the 225 S3 so it handles better than the 210 S3 as well as a few other small changes. This shouldn't put you off the 210 S3 model as it's still as good but you will have to pay more for the 225 S3 as they are the later model cars and most will have lower milage compared to the 210 S3. I recommend the S3 as it's a better option to go for in the A3 range than say the 1.8 T Sport Quattro 180 as the S3 has more power, is faster and looks better thanks to the exclusive flared arches, S3 bodykit and excellent sport seats. One more thing the S3 is not easily replaced like the Golf R32 as you can not go into an Audi dealership and just buy an S3 bumper or skirts without a logbook showing you own a s3. There are maybe some dealers that let you but I was told none do and I'm glad because there's no need to have a fake when the genuine thing is 10 times better.

The Audi S3 Quattro 225 PS is a generally well put together car. I had the BHP increased to 290BHP at 25,000 miles and have currently covered 65,000 miles. Fuel consumption is very good as I don't use the power very often so I tend to get 35-39MPG.
Would I buy another Audi - yes - but for now I'm quite happy.

I used to drive my ex girlfriend's S3 all the time which is one of the reasons why I've just bought one myself. I have driven a lot of quick cars but the S3 is different. It goes quickly but gives you confidence that it knows what its doing. I have taken this car to 140 and my ex had it to 150 on the way back from France one time.

I love everything about this car. The interior, the exterior, the performance, what else do you need? It's fairly reliable. You get a hell of a lot of car for your money and the mpg isn't too bad considering.

I am not flush with money but I have done all I can to purchase this car and get insurance. I am 23 and now own one of my dream cars.

HAD MY SILVER Audi S3 NOW FOR 8 MONTHS,I ENJOY EVERY MOMENT DRIVING IT,THE HANDLING IS GREAT,PERFECT INTERIOR,LOW PROFILE LOOKS BUT TO THOSE THAT NO A REAL BEAST!100% SATISFIED,BUT FEEL SERVICING COSTS ARE OVER PRICED AS YOU HAVE TO USE AUDI GARAGES TO KEEP YOUR WARANTY.

Interesting that Which have just voted the Audi TT as one of the most un-reliable cars around. It gave it a 1 in 4 chance of breaking down based on readers surveys. The AudiS3 has the same running gear.

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...!

I have covered over 17,000 miles in 10 months using the Audi S3 coupe and have enjoyed every moment. The car is very well equipped and is comfortable to drive. The appearance is understated but very butch in design. Having previously owned a Porsche Boxster, I was surprised to discover that the handling characteristics are materially better in the S3, providing a smoother ride at speed giving you more confidence to go faster in high speed turns. The brakes are a little snappy although this is tolerable. The service indicator is showing that the car needs servicing in 1,700 miles. This is its 1st service!