The Audi A3 Sedan was launched to the South African market in January 2014 and was the third instalment to the highly successful Audi A3 range. Since its launch, Audi South Africa has delivered 680 A3 Sedan’s to the South African consumer. The addition of the Audi S3 Sedan to the current range allows the brand to extend its offering in the highly competitive A-segment of the market, and will further enhance this offering with the launch of the new Audi A3 Cabriolet later this month, followed by the S3 Cabriolet later in the year.
The four-cylinder engine in the S3 Sedan is shared with its S3 hatch and Sportback siblings. Its rated output of 206 kW is available at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 380 Nm is constantly available from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. The high-performance engine responds immediately to the driver’s wishes due to the standard Audi drive select system. Audi drive select incorporates the characteristics of the electronic accelerator, the boost of the progressive steering and the shift points of the
S tronic gearbox. The driver determines with the push of a button whether these systems operate in comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual mode.
The 2.0 TFSI provides power and exemplary efficiency alike by relying on many new technologies, ranging from dual injection through the Audi valvelift system, to innovative thermal management. The Audi S3 Sedan will only be available as a six-speed S tronic. The S3 Sedan will sprint from 0 – 100km/h in 5.0 seconds, with its top speed governed to 250km/h. The 2.0 TFSI consumes just 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres on average when paired with the S tronic, with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 162 g/km.
The heart of the quattro drive system is an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. In the interest of balance axle load distribution, it is located at the end of the prop shaft, in front of the rear axle differential. During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases, the clutch can transfer torque seamlessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds.
The new Audi S3 has a firm and sporty road stance with each element of its design precise and distinctive. The athletic sculpture with the low engine hood, the characteristic tornado line below the windows and the sharply sloped C-pillars stretch the body visually. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are offered as standard, while the flat rear lights, into which the adaptive brake light is integrated, are also fitted with light-emitting diodes.
A first in the premium compact class are the optional LED headlights, which previously have only been available in luxury models. The low beams are generated in two free-form reflectors with a total of nine high-performance LED chips. Ten high-performance LEDs in the matt aluminium trim provide the high beams.
The Audi S3 Sedan sports the S-specific single-frame grille as a symbol of uncompromised sportiness. The frame has an aluminium-look finish, and the insert is matt platinum grey. The horizontal double bars also shine in an aluminium-look finish. The newly designed bumper features aluminium-look double ribs integrated into the lateral air inlets. Pronounced edges frame the large air inlets with the high-gloss black honeycomb inserts.
When viewed from the side, the aluminium-look exterior mirrors and the pronounced side sills are immediately noticeable. The rear bumper has also been redesigned with the platinum grey diffuser housing the exhaust system’s four oval tailpipes, which sport chrome tips.
The athletic design of the exterior carries over into the interior. A distinct arch encircles the instrument panel which appears to float on the centre console. Large, round air vents, the elegant control panel for the air conditioning and the decorative inlays in matt brushed aluminium or a black 3D look provide exquisite accents. The controls are clear and intuitive, as in every Audi. The quality is unsurpassed with a generous amount of space comprising of a 390 litre luggage capacity.
The new Audi S3 Sedan is now available in South Africa at the following pricing, inclusive of all taxes and the standard 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan, available to extend to 7 years/200 000km.
- Audi S3 Sedan 2.0T FSI quattro S tronic: R 529,500
The Audi S3 will be available with the following standard specification:
- 18” 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels
- Audi drive select
- Xenon Plus headlights
- S sports suspension
- Progressive Steering system with dynamic ratio
- Cruise control
- Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
- Brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts
- Sport seats in Trophy Cloth/ leather combination
- S3 logo embossed on the front seat backs
- S3 instrumentation in grey with turbo-boost indicator
- S3 welcome screen for the Driver Information System
- Sports steering wheel with large shift paddles
- Four rear tailpipes with adjustable sound via Audi Drive Select.
