Update: The 2013 Audi S3 Reviewed

For the first time, Audi’s S3 hot hatch will be sold in the United States. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing the S3 in the sleek, Sportback body style (although the standard A3 and A3 e-tron will be hatches). Instead, we’re getting an S3 sedan, that will slot in below the S4, and do battle with the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. While we’d love to get the S3 Sportback, we suspect VW/Audi’s constant fear of cannibalizing GTI sales won’t allow it. Sad faces all around.

 

So, while we’re waiting for the new S3 sedan, we figured we’d have a look around at our European friends, who’ve had the pleasure of driving various generations of the S3. The most recent review comes from British magazine CAR.

 

With a 2013 S3, complete with the too-cool-for-North-America, three-door body style, CAR tested the 296-horsepower, 280-pound-foot S3. Those figures are subject to change for the North American market, but we’re hopeful they’ll stay at European levels. Audi’s American subsidiary still hasn’t announced what the S3’s 2.0-liter, turbocharged four will put out overe here. Tribute was paid to Audi’s excellent Drive Select system and Quattro all-wheel drive, with CAR calling the lack of torque steer in the S3 a “trump card” over other hot hatches, like the Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR.

 

Head on over to CAR’s website for the complete read, or head over to our Master Landing Page for more details about the car that’s coming to America.