Audi S3 sedan 2014 Review

We’ve raced its five-door sibling down the quarter-mile, sampled it topless in the nipping-cold of Östersund in Sweden and even dashed across the damp centre of Tasmania at the hatch variant’s local launch.

Now, it’s time to sample the three-box version of Audi’s S3 performance model at Australia’s premier motorsport circuit, Phillip Island in Victoria.

Priced at $62,200 (plus on-road costs), the S3 sedan commands a $2300 premium over its five-door sibling, but in doing so still manages to undercut its ‘nearest’ competitors – including the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport ($64,900 plus ORCs) and BMW's slightly larger 328i M Sport ($72,740 plus ORCs).

Of course, if you’re not a badge snob and want to pocket some change, the Subaru WRX STI sedan is available for $49,990 (plus ORCs)... But we digress.

The S3 sedan arrives powered by the same thrilling under-square 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine as its five-door sibling, and likewise develops 206kW (down from 221kW in Europe) between 5500-6200rpm and 380Nm of torque from 1800-5500rpm.

The output is such that the six-speed S tronic-equipped S3 sedan is capable of hitting 100km/h in five seconds flat – and pushes all the way through to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

Like the S3 Sportback (hatch), the sedan variant rides 25mm lower than the A3 upon which it's based. At 425 litres, it also offers more boot space than the hatch (+45 litres), but because of its larger proportions and different rear end, is 20kg heavier at 1450kg.

The S3 Sportback and sedan don’t share a single body panel, but visually remain quite similar. Under the skin, they share the Volkswagen group's latest MQB traverse modular chassis architecture, which also underpins models like the VW Golf and Skoda Octavia, to name a few.

The S3 sedan is near-identically equipped too, featuring the same high-end tech toys, driver assistance aids and go-fast extras typical to Audi’s S-enhanced variants.

On the list are heated and leather-trimmed seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with launch control, MMI Navigation, dual-zone climate-control, parking sensors fore and aft and, of course, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming.

Like any Audi, there’s also a packet of options to be had. But realistically, the car is equipped well enough from the get-go to make adding many options unnecessary.

If, however, a little decadence is on the agenda, Audi also offers an electric tilt/slide sunroof ($1950), privacy glass ($700), black exterior styling package ($850) and auto dipping/folding wing mirrors ($850). Metallic paint attracts an $1150 surcharge.

A bundled upgrade package dubbed ‘S performance’ is also available, comprising 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, S design red brake callipers, S sports seats, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and Audi magnetic ride adaptive dampers ($4990).

There's also an Assistance package comprising adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-sense, side assist and high-beam assist ($1800).

We took the Red Rhombus-badged Audi for a crack around the Phillip Island circuit – and the surrounding hills – and discovered the sedan is every bit as agile and explosive as its Sportback sibling.

There’s the slightest hint of lag from the turbocharger, dual-clutch tranny and all-wheel drive system as they decide how much thrust you want, and then you’re off.

Charging up the speedo onto Gardner Straight accompanied only by a few rogue seabirds, there's also the characteristic upshift ‘burp’ for which VW brands are renowned.

The S3 sedan feels sure of itself as we whip through the long, fast Southern Loop that leads into Stoner Corner and down into the Honda hairpin, the nose tucking back into line as I modulate the throttle in response to a hint of understeer. It’s a characteristic not uncommon in quattro-equipped models, but one that is entirely predictable and expected given the car’s 59/41 front/rear weight ratio.

Braking hard into Honda corner, the S3 sedan remains impressively flat, its 340mm front stoppers washing off speed rapidly for the track’s slowest corner. It’s here you notice the S tronic transmission's protective nature, disallowing downshifts until later than you’d expect, and, until you’re used to it, limiting the pace at which you could have exited from the corner.

It’s a very small character blemish in what is otherwise sterling performance, and when driven on the road the same day it proved of little significance. The Bass Hills’ patchwork surfaces, uneven crowns and undulating curves proved no challenge to the S3’s drivetrain or suspension and showed how well the adaptive dampers work to quell harsh bumps, settling the car quickly over challenging sections of road.

Unlike many sports orientated cars, the S3’s suspension compliance makes the ride quite relaxed, almost belying the amount of grip it seems to find on uneven – and at times damp – surfaces.

OK so the steering isn’t the last word in feedback (even if it is quite direct) and there is a little road noise from the optional 19-inch rubber. But as a sedan boasting near-identical proportions to those of the B5-series (1994-2001) A4 and more generous rear headroom than the Mercedes-Benz CLA, they're compromises we’re prepared to live with.

The first ever S3 sedan is a fitting addition to the Audi Sport line-up and is sure to find buyers keen to avoid the hot hatch label. And if the S3 hatch and sedan don’t blow your whistle, the good news is Audi will offer a cabriolet variant from September.