Latest news with #AudiS3


Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Police issue urgent appeal after masked robbery in city
Police issue urgent appeal after masked robbery in city The four men were dressed in all black wearing masks A van was broken into in Reevesland Industrial Estate by four men dressed in all black wearing masks Police officers in Newport have issued an urgent appeal after four masked men broke into a van parked in the Spytty area of the city. The men arrived at Reevesland Industrial Estate in a blue Audi S3 before committing the robbery. This car was later found abandoned nearby in Lysaght Village. Officers investigating the incident want to establish the movements of the car, and the four men, and they are asking for the public's help. Never miss a Newport story by subscribing to our newsletter here. Police are trying to establish the movements of this vehicle A spokesman for Gwent Police said: "Did you see this car in Newport on Monday, June 2? "Officers investigating a report of a robbery from a van parked near Caswell Way in the Reevesland Industrial Estate in Newport are appealing for witnesses. Article continues below "The four men arrived and left the scene in a blue Audi S3 – licence plate MH16 00A – which was later found abandoned in Lysaght Village, Newport. "All four men wore face coverings and were dressed all in black – black trousers, hooded tops, and trainers. "We're trying to establish the movements of the car, and the four men, before and after the report of the robbery and are asking for people, businesses, and residents in the Reevesland Industrial Estate, Lysaght Village, and the surrounding areas to check their CCTV or dashcam footage to help with our investigation. Article continues below "Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage can send footage via the Major Incident Public Portal here. "You can also contact us on 101, by sending a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2500173933. Or report anonymously through Crimestoppers." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Police are looking into an industrial estate robbery in Caswell Way
On Monday June 2 four unknown men reportedly took a significant amount of cash from a parked van in the Reevesland Industrial Estate Caswell Way at around 3.20pm The men arrived and left the scene in a Blue Audi S3 - licence plate MH16 00A. Police are appealing for witnesses and want to establish the movements of the car, before and after the report of the robbery. All four men wore face coverings and were dressed all in black – black trousers, hooded tops, and trainers. The car was later found abandoned in Lysaght Village, Newport and it is believed that the men left the area in a different vehicle. Two men, aged 34 and 38, from Bristol were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody. Senior investigating officer, DCI David Morris said: 'We're trying to establish the movements of the car, and the four men, before and after the report of the robbery. 'We're asking for businesses and motorists who were in the Reevesland Industrial Estate between 2pm and 3.30pm on Monday 2 June to check their CCTV and dashcam footage. 'We'd also ask that residents of Lysaght Village and the surrounding areas also check their CCTV and come forward if they have seen anything suspicious over the last few days to help with our investigation.' Police are trying to find this car in connection with a van robbery (Image: Gwent Police) Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage, can send footage via the Major Incident Public Portal: Police can also be contacted via 101, or by sending a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2500173933. Alternatively, you can also get in touch anonymously through Crimestoppers.


Belfast Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Man arrested after leading police on 100mph motorbike chase along A1
Specialist officers from the Roads policing interceptors spotted a red Suzuki motorbike being driven at excess speed on the A1 on Saturday evening. After some checks, police discovered the motorcycle did not have an insurance policy in force and signalled for the bike to stop. The rider decided to make off, and a pursuit ensued with officers in a high-powered Audi S3 giving chase. A spokesperson in the Roads policing unit said: 'The rider rode dangerously and hit speeds in excess of 100 mph on B class roads before being brought to a stop in Rathfriland.' Inside the former army base at Bessbrook Mill in County Armagh 'The rider a 37 year old male was arrested for the offences of failing to stop, dangerous driving and no insurance, he'll now have a day in Court where he'll be able to explain his choices to a local magistrate.'


NZ Autocar
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Audi S3 Sportback TFSI
Let's be honest, Auckland traffic is hardly the proving ground for a hot hatch. But that's exactly where my week with the 2025 Audi S3 began. Predictably, it was smooth, composed, and… well, a bit uneventful. In the gridlocked sprawl of everyday commuting, the S3 felt more like a quietly competent A3 than a fire-breathing member of Audi's S division. Comfortable? Absolutely. Fuss-free? Completely. Exciting? Not so much. But then the traffic cleared. The roads opened up. And the drizzle started falling. That's when the S3 quietly flexed its muscles… and, well, earned my respect. The moment I hit Auckland's twistier outskirts, the car transformed. It was grip city. Even in damp conditions, the S3 felt absolutely planted through tight 35 and 45km/h bends. I threw everything I had at it; late turn-ins, mid-corner throttle, quick transitions — and it just held on, clawing its way through corners like it was riding on rails. Understeer? Non-existent. The quattro all-wheel drive system remains Audi's secret sauce and, in this iteration, it feels even more sure-footed and balanced than ever. Confidence-inspiring doesn't even cover it. It's not just fast, it's usable fast. Accessible fast. And that's something not all hot hatches can claim. Credit here goes in part to two standout features now standard on the facelifted S3: progressive steering and the S sport suspension with damper control. The former makes the steering feel fluid and precise at speed, yet relaxed around town. The latter transforms the ride depending on the mode, giving the S3 a genuine dual character. Under the bonnet, the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder returns, pumping out 245kW and 420Nm. A decent bump up from its predecessor. That's good for a claimed 0–100km/h time of 4.7 seconds, which still puts the S3 in serious territory. It's quick off the line and doesn't let up until well into licence-losing speeds. Braking is equally sharp. Strong, progressive, and drama-free, even under heavy load. But if there's one thing I found myself wishing for more of, it's sound. The S3's exhaust note feels noticeably dialled back compared with previous generations. There's a hint of sporty pop, but not quite the personality you'd expect from an S-badged Audi. Maybe that's the RS 3's job now. But if I'm spending over $100k, I want to feel and hear every cent of it. That's not to say the car isn't fun because it is. It's just not theatrical. It's sharp and fast, but in a very German, very tidy way. Think more scalpel, less flamethrower. For all its backroad talent, the S3 also proved itself a genuinely liveable daily driver. Boot space was adequate for errands and the random odd gear, and my 193cm brother had no complaints riding shotgun, which is saying something. The ride in Dynamic mode did feel a little harsh on Auckland's pothole-prone roads, but dial it back to Comfort, and it became a smooth cruiser. It's refined, easy-going, even after long motorway stints. I spent most of my time in Individual mode, fine-tuning it to suit my needs — softening the dampers while keeping throttle response and steering sharp. That ability to customise is what gives Audis that extra touch. One car, multiple personalities. Fuel economy? Honestly, I was too busy enjoying the drive to notice, but you can expect to see high sevens hit the dash on the litreage per 100kms. Audi interiors have long been a benchmark, and the S3 doesn't disappoint. For me, it starts with the steering wheel; still the best in the business. It's elegant, sporty, and comfortable, which matters when it's the one thing you're always in contact with. Every time I slid into the driver's seat, it felt like home. The seats themselves deserve praise too. I appreciated the adjustability, especially the extendable lower cushion, which makes a massive difference for shorter drivers like me. The cabin as a whole oozes quality with clean lines, solid materials and just enough flair to remind you this isn't your average A3. The updated infotainment system continues Audi's tradition of intuitive tech. It's classic Volkswagen Group: logical, familiar, and seamless. I've lived with Audi systems for years, and not much has changed which is a good thing. Apple CarPlay fills the entire screen (unlike my current Hyundai Santa Fe), and haptic touch adds a bit of premium flair, even if some might prefer to disable it. Bonus points for the customisable ambient lighting; it's a small detail but it adds personality. The only real interior miss? The plastic-feeling buttons on the lower centre console that control climate and drive modes. They felt a little cheap, like an afterthought on an otherwise premium layout. Here's a surprise: I didn't hate the lane assist. Normally, it's the first thing I switch off in any new car. But in the S3, it was gentle and unobtrusive, more co-driver than overzealous chaperone. That speaks to Audi's attention to detail in calibrating its adaptive features. It helps but it doesn't interfere. The virtual cockpit remains a highlight, and while you can configure it in multiple layouts, I found myself gravitating back to the classic tachometer and speedo set-up. Sometimes, simplicity wins. Let's talk about the elephant in the driveway: the S3's appearance. Put bluntly, it doesn't look special enough. The face-lifted styling changes are subtle to a fault. The removal of the front S badge dulls its identity and with the Black Optics package cloaking the rear badge, the car borders on anonymous. That might appeal to stealth enthusiasts, but as someone who likes a bit of visual theatre, it left me wanting more. It's not that it looks bad; the lines are clean, the stance is tidy and it still has that Audi class, but it doesn't stir much emotion when you walk up to it. It's only once you open it up through a winding stretch of tarmac that it reminds you what it's truly capable of. The 2025 Audi S3 is not a car that shouts. It doesn't beg for attention at the lights or bombard you with noise and fury. But it is a car that delivers. It grips. It goes. It communicates. It's poised and planted, fast and refined, and totally useable as a daily. Would I buy one? If I were after a subtle sleeper with real capability and premium polish, absolutely. But as a self-confessed hothead with a soft spot for drama and character, I'd still save a bit more and opt for the RS 3. You just can't beat that five-cylinder fury. Still, for the driver who wants the best of both worlds (weekday civility and weekend fun) the S3 might just be the ultimate compromise. Or, if you're less emotional about your cars and more into intelligent engineering, it might just be the perfect fit. Audi S3 Sportback TFSI$103,990 / 8.6L/100km / 197g/km 0-100 km/h 4.7s Engine 1984cc / IL4 / T / DI Max power 245kW@5600-6500rpm Max torque 420Nm@2100-5500rpm Drivetrain 7-speed twin-clutch / on demand AWD Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar Turning circle 11.1m (2.2 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Ventilated discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size 235/35R19 Wheelbase 2635mm L/W/H 4352 / 1816 / 1441mm Track f-1554mm r-1525mm Fuel capacity 55L Luggage capacity 325-1145L Tow rating Not rated to tow Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Scheduled servicing 3yrs / 100,000km Warranty 5yrs / 150,000 km ANCAP rating Not yet rated Weight (claimed) 1535kg
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't Call Me Baby: 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe Tested
Since its arrival for the 2020 model year, the 2-series sedan has served as BMW's starter series. The 2-series four-door ("Gran Coupe") uses an unusual-for-BMW transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive-based layout. That's in contrast to the 2-series two-door ("actual coupe") that retains a traditional longitudinal-engine, rear-wheel-drive-based format. For this reason, some brand loyalists have questioned the BMW credentials of the 2-series Gran Coupe, which shares its architecture with Mini. The fact that the two-door 2-series is available as a full-fledged M2 model while the four-door tops out in this M235 spec suggests that this thinking isn't entirely foreign within BMW. M-Adjacent Performance Be that as it may, the M235 has the stats to match up against small, sporty four-door rivals such as the Acura Integra Type S and the Audi S3. Like them, it uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive mirror the S3's hardware (there's no manual here as there is in the Integra). Michael Simari - Car and Driver This is a fizzy, potent powertrain. The dual-clutch transmission snaps off downshifts, and the high-strung engine whooshes the car forward on a turbo-fed wave of torque. The turbocharged 2.0-liter makes 312 horsepower, an increase of 11 horses over 2024 and a big jump up from the lesser 228 model's 241 horsepower. There's 295 pound-feet of torque on tap from 2000 to 4500 rpm, which is down from 332 pound-feet last year—not that you'd notice. At our test track, it ripped from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, matching the previous-generation model's effort, and it vanquished the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. The frenetic powertrain isn't always smooth, though. The dual-clutch gearbox—replacing last year's eight-speed torque-converter unit—can hiccup when you're pulling away from a rolling stop, and that behavior is exacerbated by jumpy throttle response in Sport Plus mode. You're unlikely to drive around in that mode, however. Better to pull the left shift paddle for a second or more to trigger M Sport Boost, which briefly puts the drivetrain and chassis modes into their sportiest settings. Michael Simari - Car and Driver Outside of the paddles, gear selection takes place via a flipper switch instead of the previous shift lever. There's no Park position—the transmission puts itself into Park when the engine is switched off, or the driver can engage the parking brake. The M235 has been given a chassis makeover this year, but our assessments from a previous test of the 2020 model still ring true. The M235 changes direction eagerly, with super-sharp steering that weights up decently. Wearing sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport summer tires, the M235 managed 0.94 g of grip on the skidpad. But when equipped with the stiffer tuning of our car's M Performance package, we found the Adaptive M Suspension to be unforgiving, kicking up over bumps and doing little to cushion broken pavement. You'll wince when an unavoidable pothole appears in front of you. Michael Simari - Car and Driver The M235 also includes an M Sport brake system that includes larger front discs and four-piston front calipers. Our car was further equipped with M Compound brakes, bringing 15.2-inch drilled front rotors squeezed by four-piston calipers and 13.0-inch rear discs. They are not hard to modulate, and they haul the M235 to a stop from 70 mph in a tidy 154 feet and from 100 mph in 307 feet. The 2-series comes with a pretty standard suite of driver-assistance features including blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist is a $500 upgrade. The Driving Assistance Professional package ($1700) allows for hands-free driving, but only on certain roadways and up to 40 mph. Michael Simari - Car and Driver Screen Scenes The M235's interior is modern looking and has M-themed red and blue accents splashed about the cabin, including in the backlit trim on the dash. Still, there's no denying that most of the surfaces are hard plastic. Our car had the optional M Sport seats with fixed headrests and a light-up M logo; they, too, were extremely firm, but they are well shaped. The back seat is tolerable, save for headroom under the sloping roofline—passengers should be under six feet. A 10.3-inch display serves as the instrument cluster, while a 10.7-inch screen that's canted toward the driver handles infotainment, plus most climate-control functions. We'd prefer physical controls for more functions—adjusting the fan speed, for instance, is a multiple screen-tap process. The look of the screens can be customized, including Expressive and Digital Art modes that each call up swirly designs that are splashed across both screens, relegating the speedometer readout to the bottom corner. When the car is parked, the center display can also function as a gaming screen via the AirConsole platform (your smartphone acts as the controller). Unfortunately, in the M235 we had in California for testing, we experienced a couple frustrating days looking at a completely blank center screen, locking us out of climate-control access. Michael Simari - Car and Driver Other tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with a wireless charging pad and phone-as-key functionality. An available high-res camera system that can show multiple views at once is part of the Technology package, which also includes augmented reality for the navigation system, a head-up display, and automated parking. Outside, the M235's design hasn't much changed. An outgrowth of the 2-series Gran Coupe's front-wheel-drive architecture is that doesn't look like its 3-, 5-, and 7-series siblings. An illuminated grille is a new option for 2025, and a gloss black roof can be had, but neither of these flourishes, nor this year's other design revisions, disguise the economy-car proportions. Michael Simari - Car and Driver The M235's combo of performance and tech doesn't come cheap. Pricing starts at $50,675— versus $42,775 for the lesser 228 xDrive—which is wandering into 3-series territory. (A 330i xDrive is $47,125 or $49,125 with xDrive.) With a raft-load of options, our test car's bottom line ballooned to $59,175, putting it within spitting distance of an M340i ($61,375). Granted, our M235 carried a miles-long list of features, but really, there's no comparison. For an extra $2K, the M340i would deliver similarly sporting performance in a far more satisfying package. You Might Also Like