The Audi S3 nameplate has enjoyed a successful history in the South African market having sold1944 units since its introduction in 2000. Now Audi has launched the third generation Audi S3 3-door which promises dynamic performance with excellent efficiency.

Lighter and more powerful

The Audi S3 3-door boasts a completely new 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged TSFI engine that weighs less than in the outgoing S3 model and outputs 206kW at 5500 rpm with maximum torque of 380Nm between 1800 and 5500 rpm.

The S3 3-door will be offered in South Africa with both six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmissions. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is completed in 4.8 seconds when equipped with the S tronic (5.2 seconds with the manual transmission).

With a reduced curb weight of 1395 kg, the new Audi S3 is 60 kg lighter than the outgoing version, an the front axle has been shifted forward 52 mm compared with the previous model – a result of the VW Group’s modular transverse platform, on which the new Audi S3 is based.

In addition, the S3 3-door has a top speed of 250 km/h and consumes on average just 6.9-litres/100 km of fuel with the S tronic or 7.0-litres/100 km with the manual transmission. CO2 emissions stand at 159 g/km for the S Tronic and 162 g/km for the manual.

The S Line package

Coming to design, the S3 3-door is equipped with the S Line package that features an S single-frame grille, a revised front bumper, Led daytime running lights, updated side skirts and aluminum-look mirror caps, along with quad tailpipes, roof spoiler and a different rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser. It has been fitted with 18-inch 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the athletic design of the exterior carries over into the interior. There are grey instrument dials with white needles, a boost pressure indicator, power-retractable on-board monitor, brushed aluminum pedals and footrest, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and a bunch of S logos.

Audi S3 3-door Price in South Africa

Audi S3 hatch 2.0T FSI quattro manual – R 457 500

Audi S3 hatch 2.0T FSI quattro S tronic – R 474 500

The new Audi S3 3-door is available with the standard 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.

Audi S3 3-door gallery