The new Audi S3 will arrive in Australia in early 2022, bringing with it a host of new features to attract a fresh set of Aussie buyers.
Prices are up from the 2020 model, with the five-door Sportback now starting at $69,900 (+$5700), while the sedan jumps $6600 to a new price of $72,400.
That said, the S3 is more powerful and better kitted as standard, somewhat justifying the increased costs.
Audi’s new S3 has been refreshed inside and out.
Supply of the new S3 is expected to be good when the sporty hatch and sedan arrive in Australia, with Audi corporate communications manager Shaun Cleary telling Chasing Cars that the German’s brand’s semiconductor chip supply remains fairly solid.
More power for the EA888 turbo four
The ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbo four pot found in a range of other VW models has been given a power boost for the 2022 S3 and now produces 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque – increases of 15kW and 20Nm from the old model.
That means that the new S3 finally matches outputs from Europe following a decision to redesignate Australia as a medium-hot country within the Volkswagen Group’s climate-rating framework.
The S3 now comes fitted with a petrol particulate filter (PPF) which will likely impact exhaust sound but is an increasingly common emissions control feature on European models.
Audi’s new SQ2 sports SUV was also nabbed for Australia due to the coup around temperature redesignation, and the SQ2 also has a PPF fitted.
Both hatchback and sedan variants are available for 2022.
The 228kW/400Nm outputs are fed to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The S3’s quattro all-wheel drive system features a hydraulic multi-plate clutch and fully variable torque distribution.
The new S3 will be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and will push itself to a top speed of 250km/h. On paper, the new S3 is no quicker to 100km/h than the car it replaces, despite appearing to be 40kg lighter on a kerb weight measurement.
Adaptive dampers come standard on the new S3, bringing a lowered ride height of 15mm when compared to a standard A3.
Audi Drive Select allows drivers to configure their preference of drive modes, which range from efficiency to dynamic. Throttle response, exhaust sound, quattro all-wheel drive and steering are all adjustable to the needs of the driver.
The S3 features 340mm brake rotors at the front end with 312mm discs at the rear. A new electric brake booster provides what Audi says is “impressive rapid braking response”.
Audi S3 shows off its guns with new look
On the exterior, both sportback and sedan variants have received a facelift and now look more muscular than ever thanks to a larger front grille and broader haunches. Effort has been made to improve aero with larger front air ducts which help direct airflow not just to the engine but the brakes as well.
Now standard are matrix LED headlights which feature dynamic indicators and daytime running lights. An optional $1500 black pack is available which darkens elements such as the front air inlet blades, side sill inserts, exterior mirror housings and the diffuser frame.
Added to the S3 slate shortly after the car’s early 2022 arrival will be a Premium Plus package ($3990) that adds a panoramic sunroof, heads up display, 360 degree camera, an electric memory driver seat and heated electric side mirrors. Audi Australia says this option is due to arrive shortly after the S3 is launched.
The stubby gear selector is a new addition to the interior, along with a now standard virtual cockpit display.
Inside the cabin, the interior has been refreshed, with most Audi fans sure to notice the new 10.1-inch MMI touch display – a system which has 10 times more computing power than its predecessor. A 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit is included as standard for the first time.
Audi has taken clear inspiration from the likes of Porsche, fitting a stubby gear selector in place of the older, traditional automatic gear stick.
Electric seats are now standard fitment and are covered in fine nappa leather.
A Bang and Olufsen sound system with 15 loudspeakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are all standard fitments.
Safety tech has been updated, too, with several features now available including collision avoidance assistance, lane departure warning, cross traffic assist, autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection.