Audi S3 Sedan/Sportback: A more dynamic facelift

The updated Audi A3, including the sporty S models, will arrive at dealers in the second quarter of 2024. As part of the model update, the second most powerful compact version after the RS will be further improved in terms of driving dynamics.

Audi S3 optics look more powerful

The new Audi S3 looks sportier and more present; What is particularly noticeable is the front of its single flat, wide and hexagonal frameless frame. L-shaped design accents feature a distinctive grille, as do generous, angular air intakes on the sides. An impressive front spoiler and two vertical struts unite these features and make the S3 look low.

The rear of the car takes the design of the front apron, the striking L-wings continue into the gloss black rear apron above the diffuser. The S-specific, two-part diffuser, supported by vertical side mirrors, reinforces the sporty feel. The powerful appearance is completed by four tailpipes, a characteristic feature of the S models. The optionally available performance exhaust system has titanium rear silencers.

New exterior colors such as metallic paint in district green, Ascari blue and continuous red as well as, for the first time, Daytona gray as a matt finish color are introduced.

In addition, the Audi S3 now offers up to four different daytime running light signatures that can be selected via the MMI. The 24-pixel elements of LED lights and LED Matrix are arranged in three lines on top. An individually designed home/exit lighting display for each signature can also be selected in the infotainment system. The taillights also offer a continuous taillight design and a new step for the upcoming work from home / leave home.

The interior has been improved in the S3

Audi has significantly changed the design of the interior, from the design of the gear lever and air vents to the decorative surfaces of the cloth and new interior lights.

The standard ambient lighting package Plus places special accents and lights in the storage area in front of the gearshift lever, on the doors and in the footwell. Along with the model update, this package was supplemented with contour lighting on the center console and illuminated cup holders. A special eye-catcher on the front doors is the fabric surface with laser cut 300, which is strongly illuminated in five areas of different sizes by the light source on the door panel. An effect that is also visible when locking and unlocking the car.

The interior features black with silver accents, enhanced by a black headliner, stainless steel pedals, illuminated door sills and aluminum inserts including the S logo and aluminum visible trim elements. Standard equipment includes leatherette armrests and dual-zone automatic climate control. The sports contour leather steering wheel with a pressed lower part in a three-tone design has multi-function buttons and newly developed chrome shift paddles. Sports seats with integrated headrests and open side bolsters provide better lateral support. In addition to the Dinamica microfiber material, a new fabric and technical design as well as options made of aluminum and carbon are available for decorative inserts.

More power and torque

Under the hood of the S3, the Ingolstadt company takes a two-liter four-cylinder turbo with the dimensions of the Golf R. The turbocharged four-cylinder produces 333 hp and has a maximum torque of 420 Nm between 2,100 and 5,500. rpm. The increase in performance compared to its predecessor is 23 hp and 20 Nm. Audi sets the time to run from zero to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds, and the maximum speed is much smaller to 250 km / h.

The car’s torque is distributed to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-gear transmission, which Audi has set for high starting torque and short shift times. New to the drivetrain is the torque divider on the rear axle familiar from the RS3. It relies on electronically controlled multi-plate clutches on both drive shafts, which allow active, fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Modified systems and improved braking

Their cooperation is managed through the Audi Drive Select mode. A total of six driving profiles are available in the new S3. What’s new is Dynamic Plus, which sends as much torque as possible to the rear axle and through a torque divider to the rear wheel out of corners, which tends to cause oversteer. The engine and transmission have been optimized specifically for Dynamic Plus mode. Compared to the Dynamic driving profile, the idle speed of the 2.0 TFSI engine was increased by 200 revolutions to 1,300 revolutions per minute to further improve starting performance. The response to the accelerator pedal is faster. In addition, the transmission contributes to increased sensitivity to changes through faster turn times, late changes and early drops. The front axle has been upgraded with stiffer bones, new support bearings and more than double the wheel bearing values. Continuous operation was fixed.

The S sports suspension is fitted as standard on S3 models, which lowers the vehicle’s height by 15 millimeters compared to the A3. This also applies to the S’s sports suspension and adaptive dampers, which are available as an option and are tailored to the torque divider and Audi’s Select Drive range.

Audi S3 price

To match the increased speed of driving dynamics, the braking system on the front axle is also improved. The ventilated steel discs grow to a diameter of 357 millimeters and are also 34 millimeters thicker than before. The two-piston brake calipers on the front axle are also new. The Audi S3 has 18-inch tires with a size of 225/40 as standard. A choice of two 19-inch tires in size 235/35 are available as an option, including a performance tire that provides improved dry handling and better braking performance. A sports tire from Falken is also new to the range.

The revised Audi S3 will arrive from April 2024. The old S3 Sportback finally cost 51,400 euros. New is available from at least 55,600 euros.

The first drive – S3 turns you into a drift expert

We were already able to find out what the new technology package brings in terms of driving dynamics and models that were still hidden by Audi development engineer Christian Obermeyer in the passenger seat on the Arabian Peninsula in Oman.

The S3’s dashboard is hidden under the mat, with only the central display and navigation peeking out. In fact, we only need the drive selector switch to test the dynamic mode, says Christian as we drive.

“Up there,” he says, pointing to the mountains that appear as shadows from the morning mist in the north, “are our streams.” Because we left the city behind us, we sped past a few dreamy road users and soon came to the part of the snake that was bothering Christian. When the wind blows from the sea towards the mountains, it creates pavement with white sand. It looks good and reduces the coefficient of friction.

The S3 thunders up through corners, can be turned precisely and guided around bends with short steering movements. The road is wide, as if running areas were included in the construction. Not bad either. Above, Christian switches to Dynamic Plus, which also means ESC to Sport. Downhill, gas, first bend, enter. “More gas,” suggests the passenger. The rear of the Audi sticks out a bit, the steering opens up a bit, and after two or three corners you’ll have it, even if you’re not a drift expert.

You become brave from corner to corner, also because the car inspires confidence and makes you feel like a hero in this movie. In reality, the ratio of faster on-board computers to the active difference in torque distribution is probably much higher.

It doesn’t matter, it sure is fun. Not least because S3 is still completely unbitchy. Looking forward to trying out the new undisguised S3.