Audi S3 saloon review – the saloon body only enhances the appeal - Interior and Tech
Kinder on the eye, the saloon ultimately delivers the same competent driving experience as the hatch.
Interior and techThe S3’s cabin is largely similar to that of the regular A3 saloon. That might be a disappointment for some, though the A3’s interior is hardly a bad starting point for a sportier variation – the Audi TT-styled ringed vents, simple cabin architecture and clear instrumentation is pleasant enough for day-to-day duties.
Details that separate the S3 from standard A3s are subtle. The Nappa leather-trimmed, bolstered seats are the most apparent alteration. There’s also a flat-bottomed steering wheel with S3 badging, grey dials (again bearing the S3 script, as well as a light-up boost gauge) and a smattering of brushed aluminium and stainless steel.
All will appreciate Audi’s attention to build quality however, and the cabin is a paragon of ergonomic design – wheel, pedals and seat align perfectly and there’s enough adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat to find the ideal driving position. Noise levels in the cabin are also low – the wide tyres do intrude slightly, but engine noise is low and there’s barely a whisper of wind noise at higher speeds.
All S3s feature an electrically retracting infotainment display, through which audio and navigation functions can be observed. Audi’s MMI interface, with a scroll wheel and touchpad, makes accessing the car’s functions easy.
