Audi S3 Sportback: sportiness and exclusivity in the family body style

Audi this week shows us the new Audi S3 Sportback, which will undoubtedly be one of the major novelties the brand will bring to the next Geneva Motor Show, which starts in just three weeks. If this version arrived in September in the three-door body style, now it is the turn of the family body style of the compact from the brand of the four rings.

The new Audi S3 Sportback comes with a renewed exterior design that gains a greater sporty and dynamic character which, combined with an interior where aluminium and leather predominate, becomes a genuine alternative for those seeking an extra dose of exclusivity.

Starting with its dimensions, the S3 Sportback measures 4,324 mm in length, 1,785 mm in width and 1,404 mm in height, and its front stands out for its sporty grille typical of the S models with an aluminium design and matt grey inserts. The mirror housings, also in grey, together with the pronounced side skirts give a more sporty look to the side profile of the new S3 Sportback. At the rear we find a redesigned bumper with four oval, chrome-finished exhaust tips. In addition, the exterior design can be completed with light units using LED technology or up to 14 body colours, with the crystal effect standing out for the Panther Black and Estoril Blue colours.

The 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 225/40 low rolling resistance tyres. The brake calipers reach 340 mm in diameter at the front axle and are painted black, optionally red, and decorated with the “S” logo.

Moving to the interior of the Audi S3 Sportback, we find good materials and a much more customisable design. Thus the pedals and footrest are in aluminium, and the optional sports steering wheel is trimmed in leather. In addition, the instrument cluster is in dark grey contrasting with white indicators. We also find a characteristic detail of sports models, the turbocharger boost pressure gauge. Naturally, the sports seats bear the “S” monogram on their backrests. As optional equipment, the MMI plus navigation system stands out, which allows an internet connection, as well as adaptive cruise control that enables the A3 Sportback to brake or accelerate automatically depending on traffic.

Now we move on to one of the most important aspects of the new Audi S3 Sportback, its powerful 2.0 TFSI engine with 300 CV and 380 Nm of maximum torque. Equipped with the optional S tronic gearbox of six speeds, it needs only 5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. As for fuel consumption, the 2.0 TFSI requires 6.9 litres per 100 km when coupled to the S tronic gearbox, and 7 litres if the transmission is manual.

The new Audi S3 Sportback will be available from next July. The price of the version with manual gearbox is 44,320 euros, and the Audi S3 Sportback with S tronic gearbox is priced at 44,860 euros.

Source | Audi