By Staff Reporter

Local Audi A3 fans can barely wait for the new Audi A3 and whilst the wait continues, Ingolstadt has wasted no time taking covers off the new Audi S3  

Looks

Compared to the normal Audi A3, the S3 is lowered by 15 milimeters whilst the front is dominated by a large singleframe grille and air inlets with a rhombus-pattern. The new S3 Sportback and the S3 Sedan can be fitted with matrix LED headlights as an option. Their digital daytime running lights consist of a pixel array made up of 15 LED segments, ten of which form two vertical lines. At the rear end, the large diffuser and the four exhaust tailpipes highlight the sporty look.

In terms of practicality, the luggage compartment of the S3 Sportback holds between 325 and 1,145 liters depending on the position of the rear bench seat, while the Sedan has a capacity of 370 liters.

Interior

A 10.25-inch digital display is offered as standard. Alternatively, a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and its “plus” version can be selected.

In the middle of the instrument panel is a 10.1-inch touch display embedded in a large black panel. It recognizes letters entered by hand and provides acoustic feedback. As an additional operating level, the infotainment can also be voice-controlled using natural language as standard.

 The MMI operating concept of the new S3 models is powered by the third generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3). Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor, it performs all tasks relating to connectivity with LTE Advanced speed, and it has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

Engine

The new S3 models are powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine with 213 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. Both models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. The engines is paired with a seven-speed S tronic which sends power to all wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

Local availability

Presales of the new compact S3 models start in many European countries in August 2020, with the first vehicles being delivered to dealers from beginning of October. In Europe, the market launch is accompanied by the limited “Edition one.” It comes in Python Yellow (Sportback) or Tango Red (Sedan) paint finishes with black accents and has 19-inch wheels, and fine Nappa leather sport seats.

Local availability is yet to be announced.