Audi Sport has unveiled the new generation
S3 in Sportback (hatchback) and Sedan body styles, which will act as the
range-topping members of the lineup until the RS3 breaks cover. A turbocharged
2.0-liter gasoline engine sits at the heart of the two models, developing 306
HP and 400 Nm of torque. The TFSI unit is paired
to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system, a
setup that allows the cars to hit 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach an
electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The standard suspension features a
four-link rear axle and progressive steering, dropping the body by 15 mm over the standard A3. However, the S sport suspension with damper
control can be installed on request, enhancing both comfort and dynamism.
Stopping power is provided by the new electric brake booster and four
ventilated brake discs.
Dominating the front end is the
Singleframe grille with large rhombus pattern, three air intakes between the
bumper and hood, as well as generous openings beneath the headlamps. The back
end sports a four-fin diffuser with cutouts for the quad exhaust pipes and
darkened taillights. There are also new side skirts, blacked out emblems and
standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch wheels that accentuate the sporty looks of
the new S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan.
The driver-oriented cockpit is defined by
the newly developed sports seats, aluminum or carbon inlays, and flat-bottomed
steering wheel. The infotainment system and digital gauges can be supplemented
by the head-up display, which is an optional extra, alongside the ambient
lighting package and more. Audi connect key, which lets drivers lock and unlock
the doors and start the engine by using the Android smartphones, and Bang &
Olufsen premium sound system are also available.
A host of safety systems are on deck,
including lane departure warning, pre-sense front and swerve assist with turn assist,
with the lane change and exit warnings, cross-traffic and park assist systems
being optional.
Pre-sales will commence this month in
Europe, and the first cars will arrive at dealers in early October. In Germany,
pricing will start at € 46,302.53 (US$ 54,475) for the new S3 Sportback
and € 47,179.83 (US$ 55,505) for the S3 Sedan. An Edition One model will be
available for a limited time, in Python Yellow for the Sportback and Tango Red
for the Sedan, with 19-inch wheels, black accents and fine Nappa leather
upholstery. In the UK, the hot hatch starts at £ 37,900 (US$ 49,525) and the sporty
saloon at £ 38,465 (US$ 50,265).