Experience the new Audi S3: revolutionary performance upgrades for Sportback and Sedan models

Audi South Africa has significantly updated their S3 Sportback hatch and Sedan with styling cues, an increase in power and mechanical revisions that give the pair a true hot hatch and sedan flavour.

All about performance

Two key changes make these vehicles game-changers in the segment.

The first is under the bonnet with the familiar 2.0 TFSI engine upgraded to 245kW and 420Nm, an increase of 32kW and 20Nm. It provides smoother and stronger acceleration and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds for both versions and a limited top speed of 250km/h.

The seven-speed S tronic transmission has been tweaked for sharper take-off and quicker shifts, while the turbocharger has been enhanced with pre-loading and optimised throttle response.

The most significant change, especially for those who appreciate pinpoint handling at speed and in corners, is the inclusion of a torque splitter taken from the performance RS 3. It allows an electronically controlled multiple disk clutch on each drive shaft to distribute the torque between the rear wheel on the inside and the outside of the curve.  

The suspension has been refined using wishbones with stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings that allow for increased negative wheel camber.

The overall result is improved steering response, better stability and a far less chance of understeer.

Coupled with a new dynamic plus mode that sends power primarily to the outer rear wheel, the S3 is heaps of fun to drive around the track or on the skidpan. 

All the power and technology means that stopping power needs to be enhanced.

The front gets larger 18-inch perforated ventilated steel discs measuring 357mm in diameter and, at 34mm, is four millimeters thicker than before.

Oh, and if you're in the market, the Akrapovic performance exhaust is a must tick option.

Exterior

The traditional hexagonal frameless Singleframe grille now features a flatter and wider structure with L-shaped design elements, there are large angular air intakes and a front spoiler with two vertical struts inspired by motorsport.

The 19-inch alloys are wrapped in low-profile tyres.

A distinctive touch is the four different daytime running light options selected via the MMI system, which include unique coming-home and leaving-home animations.

The rear bumper has been redesigned, and four tailpipes clearly show the car’s intent.

Colours include District Green, Ascari Blue and Progressive Red, and for the first time, a polar matt Daytona Grey finish is available.

Interior

Inside, both models echo Audi’s premium quality and, in the RS3’s case, sportiness.

The gear-shifter has been redesigned, while the stainless steel pedals, illuminated door sills, laser-cut illuminated fabric panels in the doors, black headlining and flat-bottomed leather steering wheel add a touch of class to the experience.

As you would expect, there’s Audi’s virtual cockpit and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s easy to use with crisp and clear graphics.

The sports seats with integrated headrests provide ample support, especially when you’re doing hot laps around Redstar Raceway or drifting on the skidpan.

Driving

Redstar Raceway in Delmas was originally designed as a motorcycle track and, as a result, has a plethora of corners and bends that proved a perfect testing ground for the S3.

The previous generation preferred a straight line, and the moment it became twisty, it would protest loudly with loads of understeer.

From the first corner of many hot laps, you can feel the car is a lot more engaging, and it rotates superbly. There’s still some understeer when pushed hard, as you would expect, but it’s a lot easier to counter and control it.

The steering is meaty and direct, just as it should be, and while you can use the gear paddles, the auto box is simply outstanding.

The sedan was probably slightly more dynamic thanks to more weight on the rear axle, but unless you’re a purist, there’s little difference between that and the hatch

The skidpan allowed us more freedom to test the systems without ploughing into the dirt at high speed.

Jerk the steering wheel, and it induces a delightful powerslide as you throttle and turn between the cones with a wonderful sound emitted from the exhaust.

Dial it back to normal, and on the highway, it becomes an engaging and comfortable everyday runabout returning consumption figures of 6.8l/100km on a 40-kilometre drive back to OR Tambo.

Verdict

The S3 Sportback hatch and Sedan could just be the ideal sleeper cars with nothing too obvious to give away the oodles of power and superb handling.

The upgraded power and torque splitter is a game-changer that will give you many pleasurable memories on the track and then take you back home with the family.

The choice between the sedan and hatchback is a personal one, but for me, the sedan, with its sleek looks, takes it.

Long may the hot hatch and especially the sedan live. 

The pair come with a five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.

Pricing

• Audi S3 Sportback TFSI 245 kW quattro S tronic: R1,091,100.
• Audi S3 Sedan TFSI 245 kW quattro S tronic: R1,106,100.