Highlights

Unmodified and factory spec
Increasingly rare and sought after 'hot hatch'
ASI certified
Revisione to April 2026
Turbocharged engine
Haldex AWD drivetrain

The Appeal

In the late 90s and early 00s, hot hatches were undergoing some revolutionary changes. Turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive systems were becoming more commonplace in hatchbacks, and the level of performance on offer increased year on year.

One of the heroes of the era was the first generation Audi S3. With a beefy 20-valve, 1.8-litre, turbocharged engine driving all four wheels, its performance was way ahead of many contemporary rivals.

Here we have an example that has been carefully returned to factory specification, presenting in unmodified condition. With good, original examples of these becoming very hard to find, this is a great opportunity to acquire this very usable, powerful retro classic.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in December 2000
Five owners from new
Current owner since February 2020
Italian registration documents
Revisione to April 2026
ASI certified
167,371Km
Original owner’s handbooks included

The Interior

Black leather upholstery is generally in good order, with some light signs of use to the Recaro branded sports seats, and a small patch of more significant wear to the passenger seat outer squab
The vendor tells us that they have had the headlining replaced, as well as having the fabric sections of the door cards retrimmed
Grey carpets and matched floor mats present well, with no staining or damage we could see
Electric windows and door mirrors
Original Audi ‘Concert’ radio/cassette system
Heated front seats
Air conditioning
The trim and switchgear is generally in good condition, with some light signs of wear
The boot is very tidy, and contains a spacesaver spare wheel
We’re informed by the vendor that all of the cabin’s features function as they should, with no issues reported

The Exterior

Smart black paintwork is in nice condition, with some areas having received fresh paint as needed to keep the vehicle looking its best
There are a few minor marks and blemishes to the paint
The vendor reports a small dent to the driver’s side rear quarter
New LED headlights have been installed
We noted a scuff to the driver’s side of the front bumper, next to the number plate, as well as a chip to the passenger side fog light surround
The trim and badging all appears to be intact and in reasonably good order, with some fading and wear showing on some of the badging
Underneath, the car looks very clean indeed, with no corrosion or damage we could discern
The wheels are the factory option 14-soke, 17-inch items and present very well, with some small kerb marks to the rims of a couple of the wheels
A matched set of new Vredestein tyres was fitted in May 2022

The Mechanics

20-valve, 1.8-litre, turbocharged engine offering up 210hp
Six-speed manual transmission
Haldex all-wheel-drive system
Unmodified, factory specification
We’re informed that much work has been carried out in the last two years, including: new OEM turbo new brake discs and pads all round, new dampers, new piston rings, cambelt and water pump
The vendor assures us that the car runs perfectly, handling well and with no leaks, smoke or other mechanical problems

Summary

To find an early S3 in such good condition, especially for it to be unmodified too, is very unusual.

Which makes this handsome performance car quite a special thing. This could well be a future classic, and we think it could well be a very fine purchase indeed.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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