Audi S3 saloon review – the saloon body only enhances the appeal - Interior and Tech

The 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.

>Read our Audi TT review

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.