Compact firepower

The new next-generation Audi S3 Sportback has been unveiled ahead of its international launch. 

Featuring a seven-speed S tronic transmission, signature quattro drive with intelligent control and a S-specific sport suspension with damper control, the new S3 Sportback is designed for dynamic performance and underlines the distinct characteristics of the premium compact sportscar which Audi introduced over 20 years ago with the first S3. 

“We’re looking forward to having the new S3 available in New Zealand,” says Audi New Zealand General Manager, Dean Sheed. 

“It has been several years since we have had a fresh look for the S3 Sportback. This model is the perfect compact vehicle and with quattro technology and an impressive engine it is sure to impress. Presales for the model will be available later this year with the model due to arrive in quarter one, 2021.”  

The new S3 displays dynamic character from the very first glance. The front is dominated by its Singleframe grille with large rhombus-patterning and impressive air inlets, while the housings of the exterior mirrors have a gleaming aluminium look.  

With 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque, the new S3 is powered by the 2.0 TFSI engine and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. High-tech features like the Audi valve lift system (AVS) adjusts the lift of the intake valves as required meaning the combustion chambers are well filled, while thermal management helps to ensure high efficiency.  

The compact model’s seven-speed S tronic gearbox offers lightning-fast gear shifts, while Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system delivers torque to the road in every circumstance. The hydraulic multi-plate clutch in front of the rear axle is fully variable and moves between the front and the back as required, combining dynamic performance with stability, and efficiency with driving pleasure. It is managed by the modular dynamic handling control, a new system that links the quattro drive to the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) and the controlled dampers.  

Compared with its predecessor, the new S3 has grown by 3cm in length and width. The car’s interior offers greater shoulder room and elbow room, while the S3 Sportback’s luggage compartment holds between 325 and 1,145-litres depending on the position of the rear seat. 

The sporty design of the new S3 continues on the inside, with a cockpit focused on the driver. A 10.25-inch digital display is offered. Alternatively, the Audi virtual cockpit and its “plus” version can be selected. Both have a 12.3-inch diagonal, with the latter also offering three different screens. The optional ambient lighting package plus delivers targeted lighting effects in the dark. The sport seats have been newly developed, and their standard series upholstery is largely made from recycled PET bottles, accentuated by stylish contrasting stitching.  

In the middle of the instrument panel is a 10.1-inch touch display embedded in a large black panel. It recognises 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. Audi also supplies a head-up display as an option.  

The MMI operating concept of the new S3 is powered by the third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3). Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor. Navigation offers predictions on the development of the traffic situation, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth, and information about the traffic flow. Individual settings, such as frequently selected destinations or air conditioning preferences, can be stored in up to six user profiles.