(Restyling) Audi S3 has not said its last word!

With a revised design and new technical features, the Audi S3 makes a strong return to the sports compact category: increased power, torque converter and other technological innovations promise high performance and excellent handling.

After the recent facelift of the A3 range, the Audi S3 joins the movement to showcase a more dynamic style. Designed around the new headlights, the triangular, frameless Singleframe grille has a new, flatter and wider design. L-shaped design elements emphasize its appearance, while the large angular side air intakes already indicate additional power under the hood. At the back, the new shield stands out by replacing the fake honeycomb with an L-shaped design that is mirrored in the glossy black rear skirt above the diffuser. The power output is completed by four round pipes, characteristic of S models. The optional louder exhaust has a titanium silencer. Attractive new colors accompany this facelifted S3, including District Green, Ascari Blue and Progressive Red. For the first time, Daytona Gray is also available in a matte finish.

To match the more attractive exterior, the cabin has also been significantly improved. The changes are many, from the design of the gear lever and air vents to the introduction of decorative fabric and new ambient lighting. The fabric panel on the front doors, laser cut 300 times, is an interesting new design feature. Its five sections are backlit by a light source located on the door panel. The different sizes of the elements create a powerful flow of light, which is also visible when locking and unlocking the car. The sports steering wheel has new chrome paddles. Sports seats with integrated headrests and articulated side bolsters provide excellent lateral support. In addition to Dinamica microfiber, a new technical texture fabric is available for decorative inlays, as well as aluminum and carbon fiber.

Now with 333 hp and 420 Nm of torque, the Audi S3 is more powerful than ever. Inheriting the mechanics of the Volkswagen Golf R that was discontinued 20 years ago (see our test), the Audi S3 now goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Maximum torque is available in the range of 2,100 to 5,500 rpm. The seven-speed S tronic now offers faster starts thanks to higher starting torque. These results are achieved thanks to the control pressure of the most powerful bonds. Additionally, the shift time at full load has been halved and the engine speed has been increased at part load when the gearbox is set to D, providing better response.

After the Audi RS 3, torque split is now also available on the Audi S3, thus simultaneously improving its agility and stability. In addition to the XDS differential that works on the front axle, this technology allows a different distribution of torque between the rear wheels. The torque split uses an electronically controlled multi-plate plate on each axle to distribute torque optimally between the rear wheels – depending on the driving conditions and the selected Audi drivetrain. In addition to the usual profile (automatic, comfort, power, individuality and efficiency), the update of the Audi S3 includes a new power mode that, as the name suggests, ensures high driving dynamics and extreme behavior. The engine and transmission have also been specially developed for more powerful conditions. Apart from higher idle, throttle response is more direct. In addition to short gear changes, the transmission also contributes to improving dynamics.

In terms of ground contact, rigid bearing packages and new pivot bearings allow more negative wheel camber and ensure better steering response as well as increased lateral control, which translates into better grip and more flexibility in turns. The improved continuous steering helps the Audi S3 take curves more precisely. Especially in the middle position, the steering, which has a variable-pitch rack, is more precise, which improves handling. Standard on Audi S3 models, the S sports suspension lowers the car by 15 mm compared to the Audi A3. The S’s optional sports suspension and adaptive dampers have also been specially developed for the new torque converter and Audi’s respective drive modes. The Audi S3 comes standard with 18-inch tires but optional 19-inch 235/35 tires are available as an option with more attractive Falken sports tires. Beware of the penalty, however, with these wider tires (+10 mm)… Finally, the 2024 version of the Audi S3 is equipped with large front ventilation discs (+4 mm) in the same way as the pads. providing a large friction surface.

The Audi S3 will be available in France in the second quarter of 2024 from €63,000 for the Audi S3 Sportback and €63,565 for the Audi S3 Sedan.

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