The newly revamped Audi S3 has been unveiled. The product upgrade brings increased output, a torque splitter, and selectable daytime running light signatures and several other changes inside and out, making the facelifted 4th generation S3 a force to reckon with in its class.
Performance upgrades: More horses from 2.0T; 7-spd allows quicker take offs and borrowed torque splitter from superlative RS3
The new S3 is the most powerful yet. The uprated 2.0 TFSI motor produces an extra 21 hp and 20 Nm more torque over the pre-facelift model bringing the total to 329 hp and 420 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. While top speed remains at a restricted 250 km/h (155 mph). The 7-speed S tronic now enables a more spontaneous take off, thanks to higher starting torque and the now available torque splitter (pilfered from the RS3) allows fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels. Strengthened suspension bits that allow more negative wheel camber, optimized progressive steering, and the standard S sports suspension which drops the body by 15 mm, all help improve handling. While the larger 18-inch perforated steel brake discs provide stronger braking force. As standard, the S3 comes with 18-inch 225/40 tyres but two new 19-inch 235/35 tyres options are also available. The Audi drive select now also gets “dynamic plus”, a sixth mode which sends as much torque as possible to the rear axle.
Aesthetic upgrades: Wider visual stance, 4 signature DRL signatures and backlit, laser-cut interior trims
The revised Audi S3 has been endowed a sportier outlook. The new hexagonal, frameless Singleframe is flatter and wider and the L-shaped elements accentuate the large front grille and glossy black rear apron. The optional performance exhaust system, which features a titanium silencer, sends more decibels out the four tailpipes. The new lighting design is flatter now. It features 24-pixel LED DRLs arranged in three rows and for the first time it is possible to switch between light signatures. There’s also a new tail lamp design with staging for the home function. As for the exterior paint finishes, District Green, Ascari Blue, Progressive Red and Daytona Gray are now available.
The interior gets a revised shifter, air vents, decorative fabric inlays and new interior lighting. The piece de resistance however is the fabric panels in the front doors that have 300 laser-cut perforations and the backlit element creates a dynamic flow of light when locking/unlocking. In addition to Dinamica microfiber, a new technical textured fabric is available for the decorative inlays, as are aluminum and carbon fibre. The interior also features a 10.1-inch touch display, the Audi virtual cockpit, and an inductive smartphone charger and 4 USB C charging ports, all as standard.
The Audi S3 will be available at dealerships across the globally, in a sedan format which Audi calls limousine and as a hatchback which it calls Sportback in Q2 of 2024 with pricing starting from 55,600 euros or AED 216,750 approximately. Details for the GCC spec’ vehicle, pricing and warranty have yet to be announced.