No more need for a BMW: With the updated Audi S3 you can now also ski

Since time immemorial, the Audi S3 has done what you’d expect from it: being a capable little Audi that’s more luxurious than the A3 and a little faster, but still a little lower than the RS 3. Audi is changing this formula a bit. and this generation. The updated S3 moves a little closer to its RS sibling thanks to a torque converter. This allows the Audi S3 to slide suddenly.

The ‘torque split’ ensures ‘fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels’ thanks to an ‘electronically controlled multi-plate clutch on each drive axle to distribute torque efficiently between the rear wheel in and out of bends’. In common human language, it means that the new S3 is easy to throw around. You know this technology from the Audi RS 3.

Details of the new Audi S3

Audi offers the 2.0-liter four-cylinder an additional 23 hp and 20 Nm of torque for a total of 333 hp and 420 Nm. This makes this S3 the most powerful ever. Going from 0 to 100 km / h is a tenth of a second faster (4.7 seconds) and the top speed is still limited to 250 km / h. The engine and seven-speed automatic transmission are tuned for more performance so you can get off the ground quickly and shift gears in half the time.

The S3 is of course slightly lower than the A3 – 15 millimeters to be exact. 18-inch wheels are standard, and 19-inch wheels are optional. Additionally, there are stiffer bushings on the wishbones and the brakes are slightly bigger than before. In Power+ mode, the idle speed is slightly higher at best launch it.

The new S3 is less subtle

On the outside, the Audi S3 is a little wilder than before; look, for example, at the new ‘Singleframe’ grille, larger air intakes in the bumper and more aggressive spoiler work. The interior also gets some tweaks like new air vents, new fabric inserts for some trim pieces and new interior lighting. The black head once again looks chic.

The new Audi S3 can now be ordered as a Sportback (the gray one) and as a Limousine (the blue one). They will be available at Dutch Audi dealers next summer. It is not yet known what you will pay for the two S3s. Before the facelift you paid 79,333 euros for the S3 Sportback and at least 80,382 euros for the S3 Limousine.