Everything the A3 does, plus 135 extra kilowatts and all-wheel drive. The S3 is the rare fast car that makes no compromise on the ordinary stuff — same boot, same back seat, same fuel range, and 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
Overview
The hot hatch formula works because it doesn't ask you to give anything up. The S3 is the current high point of it. The engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four producing 245kW and 420Nm — up 17kW and 20Nm on the previous model — driving all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch. It reaches 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, which puts it in the same conversation as cars costing considerably more. What separates it from a rear-drive sports car is the quattro system. All-wheel drive with a rear torque splitter means traction in conditions where a Mustang would be working hard — a wet Perth winter morning, a greasy roundabout, an on-ramp in the rain. It's fast in a way you can actually use rather than admire. Then it goes back to being an A3. Five seats, the same practical hatchback boot, 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle and a 55-litre tank for a range near 700km. You can drive it to Margaret River and back, or use it for a week of meetings, and it never becomes tiring or impractical. Inside it gets quilted Nappa leather sports seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate and a fifteen-speaker Sonos sound system. Two practical notes. The S Sport suspension sits 15mm lower than an A3's and the car runs 19-inch wheels with very low-profile tyres — take care on speed humps, driveways and car park ramps, because kerbed rims on this car are expensive. And it drinks premium unleaded. Track, circuit and competitive driving are excluded under the rental agreement, and it's sealed roads only. WA's anti-hoon laws apply, and police can impound a vehicle on the spot. Best for: a weekend that's about the drive, the run down south, anyone who wants speed without a two-seat compromise, drivers who'd rather have all-wheel drive than drama.
Benefits of choosing Suzuki
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Premium Damage Waiver ($500 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $3,500 to $500. Available for drivers aged 21+.
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STANDARD Young Driver Damage Waiver ($1,000 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $3,500 to $1,000. Compulsory for drivers aged 18-20.
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PRESTIGE Premium Damage Waiver ($1,500 Excess)
Reduces your damage liability from $5,000 to $1,500. Available for drivers aged 25+.
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STANDARD Compact SUV Tyre, Rims & Glass Cover
Reduces your liability to $0 for damage to the windscreen, windows, rims and tyres.
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PRESTIGE Tyre, Rims & Glass Cover
Reduces your liability to $0 for damage to the windscreen, windows, rims and tyres.
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125kms/Day Free
125km included free per day. Extra kilometres charged at $0.50 per km.
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Unlimited Kilometres
Unlimited kilometres within a 500km radius of Perth CBD only. $12/day standard, $20/day MU-X, $30/day Prestige vehicles.
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Extended Area of Use
Required for travel into regional WA including Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Exmouth.
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Additional Driver Fee
Add an extra approved driver. Capped at $50 per driver.
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Child Seat
Various sizes available - choose on collection. Capped at $100 per seat.