Audi is again with a brand new version of one of many nation’s favorite compact efficiency vehicles.
Listed here are 5 issues you should know in regards to the Audi S3.
IT’S GOT PLENTY OF FANS
Aussies love their efficiency vehicles and the Audi S3 has been a red-hot success. Greater than 50,000 examples of the previous model discovered a house Down Beneath.
Followers of the earlier model received’t discover a lot to complain about, as the brand new automotive brings sharp seems to be, extra energy and has a bountiful record of normal tools.
Consumers also can select between a hatchback or sedan physique kind.
Costs begin at about $80,000 drive-away for the Sportback model and the sedan is about $82,000.
A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
To the informal observer the S3 doesn’t look very completely different from the usual A3.
It has barely extra aggressive styling, flashier wheels and a discreet S3 badge however there are few different clues as to what lurks beneath conservative sheet steel.
The S3 is powered by a model of the Volkswagen Group’s acquainted 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s utilized in numerous machines.
It’s been tuned to pump out 228kW and 400Nm, which is nice sufficient to propel the S3 to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds on the way in which to a prime pace of 250km/h.
It comes with a quick shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that makes the a lot of the feisty engine’s deep energy reserves.
All-wheel drive grip gives confidence in all situations and its sharp, fast steering makes mild work of a twisting strip of tarmac.
SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT
The S3 shares its mechanical underpinnings with the brand new Volkswagen Golf R, however the Audi feels extra grown up, with well-rounded luxurious enchantment.
The VW is healthier suited to those that need further efficiency on the observe.
The place the VW has extra energy, larger brakes and a torque vectoring differential for drifting, the Audi is filled with luxurious package to justify a $5000 premium.
A CLASSY PACKAGE
A number of driving modes means the S3 is a automotive for all events, delivering real driving thrills whereas working beautifully as a every day driver.
The S3’s nicely sorted suspension irons out imperfections on pockmarked metropolis streets and street noise is stored to a minimal.
The cabin is impeccably completed in top-notch supplies, with leather-based seats which might be heated and electronically adjustable within the entrance. Ambient lighting with 30 completely different colors elevates the cabin at evening time.
Some Audis have a protracted record of pricy choices, together with tech and creature comforts which might be commonplace on cheaper, mainstream fashions, however the S3 is generously outfitted.
The one optionally available extras package deal features a panoramic sunroof, driver-seat reminiscence perform and head-up show.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
Audi has stored loads in reserve for its range-topping RS3.
This potent observe weapon turns the dial all the way in which up with a five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making a whopping 294kW and 500Nm.
The additional energy lowers its 0-100km/h dash time to three.8 seconds and raises its prime pace to 290km/h.
It additionally provides a variety of efficiency gear together with a drift mode, sticky tyres and greater brakes. The commerce off is a price ticket that sneaks into six figures.
Initially printed as 2022 Audi S3 Sportback new automotive overview