The new Audi S3 Sportback and Saloon are now available to order in the UK order, with first deliveries in the autumn.
Both cars get a powerful 2.0 TFSI engine with 310PS and torque boost to 400Nm linked to seven-speed S tronic transmission.
This powerplant allows either model to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and balances this performance with an achievable 39mpg fuel consumption. Both newcomers benefit from updated S-specific sport suspension and quattro drive with even more intelligent control
Characteristic design and lighting
The new S3 models stage an impressive show of force from the first glance. The front is dominated by the Singleframe and is embellished by LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, or upgraded Matrix LED units in S3 Vorsprung models. Aluminium door mirror surrounds confirm membership of the S Series, and four trademark exhaust tailpipes ensure the S3 always makes a suitably impressive exit.
Powerful drive
High-tech features like the Audi valvelift system (AVS), which adjusts the lift of the intake valves as required to ensure optimum combustion chamber filling, and comprehensive thermal management measures, help to strike this impressive balance between ebullience and efficiency, as does the seven-speed S tronic with its lightning-fast gear shifts and economy-conscious freewheeling function.
Dynamic suspension
Lowered by 15mm, equipped with a four-link rear axle and complemented by progressive steering, the standard S-specific suspension is a great all-rounder, and provides excellent foundations for the S suspension with damper control which is a standard feature of UK S3 Vorsprung models. Here, valves control the oil flow in the dampers so that they adapt to the driving situation and condition of the road in a few thousandths of a second.
Purposeful interior
The high-tech look of the new S3 models sets the stage for their interiors with their newly developed sport seats finished in Fine Nappa leather and their crisply defined, driver-oriented dashboards that discreetly integrate the new MMI operating concept with its 10.1-inch black panel touch-screen display.
Helpful driver assist systems
All S3 models leave the factory with an armoury of assistance systems. Audi pre sense front, swerve assist with turn assist and lane departure warning all have the potential to prevent accidents. S3 Vorsprung models expand on this list with features such as lane change and exit warnings, the rear cross-traffic and park assist systems and adaptive cruise assist, which maintains the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and assists with lane guidance by means of gentle interventions in the steering.