The first generation Audi S3 was built on the same A platform as the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Audi TT, SEAT León, and Škoda Octavia. It is powered by a straight-4 20V 1.8L turbocharged petrol engine that initially produces 210 bhp and effortlessly provides a maximum of 280 N•m of torque from 2200-5500 rpm. The engine was later updated to a 225 bhp variant with variable valve timing. This is the first time a small four-cylinder engine has been used in an Audi S-series car.
Unlike other quattro systems, the S3 uses a Haldex coupling which adjusts the bias from the front to rear axle as grip changes - most of the time operating as a front-wheel drive. With its compact dimensions and wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments, the S3 provides comfortable, intense performance that rivals many other hot hatch vehicles.
The S3 was sold in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, but was not officially marketed in the United States. The S3 was facelifted in 2001, with improvements to the headlight/indicator units, front wings, rear light clusters, clock, audio packages, and interior trim.
Equipment
The S3 comes with a wide array of standard features, such as xenon HID headlamps with high-pressure washers, front fog lamps, 17-inch "Avus" alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tires, electrically adjustable Recaro leather seats, climate control, alarm, and electronic traction control/stability program. Optional features include a Bose sound system, boot/trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer, metallics paint, 18-inch 9-spoke RSTT wheels, a glass sunroof, centre arm rest, auto-dipping rear view mirror, parking assist, luggage net, heated front seats, cruise control, aluminium door mirror casings, and part leather/Alcantara (blue/silver/yellow) combination seat coverings.
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