The interior of the Audi S3 is spartan but tastefully sporty.
The Basics
› Model: 2017 Audi S3 Quattro› Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbo› Fuel economy: 31 mpg highway, 23 mpg city› Local dealer: Audi Chattanooga, 6001 International Drive› Price: MSRP $49,900
View other columns by Mark Kennedy
The Audi S3 Quattro sedan is an unpretentious little bullet.
But for a S3 tail badge and an fancy wheel package, you might mistake the S3 for the more pedestrian Audi A3 compact sedan, the German car-maker's entry-level vehicle.
Any mechanical similarity with the A3 is quickly dispelled when you put your right foot into the high-performance S3, unleashing a swarm of bees under the hood and propelling the car from zero-to-60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. This blistering performance is secured through tubocharging and the S3's standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
With a base price of $42,900, and an "as tested" bottom line of $49,900 in top Prestige trim, the S3 is a bit pricey for the segment, which includes the Subaru WRX STI and the S3's corporate cousin, the Volkswagen Golf R. But few performance compacts have as much technology per square inch as the S3. Plus you get the cache of owning an Audi, one of the fastest growing luxury brands in the world.
Audi products prioritize performance over design. The S3 has classically conservative body lines that mask its racing intentions. During our time in the S3 on Chattanooga roads several drivers seemed to notice the car's throaty exhaust note and took it as a challenge. We are happy to report that none prevailed in these brief challenges.
* Just the facts: The Audi S3 is a four-passenger compact sedan with an advanced degree in fun. Its turbocharged, four-cylinder engine makes 292 horsepower. Fuel economy, meanwhile, is 31 miles per gallon highway, 23 mpg city. Pinpoint handling derives from sharp steering and a performance-tuned suspension. Our tester, in Prestige trim, includes a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, 4G LTE wifi and navigation.
* Worthwhile option: The Performance Package upgrade bundles 19-inch wheels, sports seats, premium diamond-stitched leather upholstery and all-season tires for better all-weather performance.
* It's good for Chattanooga buyers because: Few small sedans are more fun to pilot up Chattanooga's twisty mountain roads than the S3. If you are a local doctor looking for a mountain goat to get you to your hospital rounds and back, the unassuming Audi S3 is half-Porsche, half-Subaru.
* How much? Our top-of-the-line Audi S3 Prestige tester has a price of $49,900 before options. The base S3 Premium Plus model starts at $42,900.
* Cool stuff: Scribble your destination on the rotary controller mounted on the center stack and the navigation system will read your handwriting and direct you there.
* We could do without: The confusing-to-us seat adjustment controls.
* We wish for: A bit more rear-seat leg room, and a slightly bigger trunk. That said, our oldest son was able to get a collapsible soccer net and a bag of 10 soccer balls in the trunk with room to spare.
* While you are looking: Check out the Volkswagen Golf R and the Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645.