- Audi S3 Sportback and Audi SQ5 TDI now available in South Africa.
- Audi S3 Sedan now available to order.
- Limited number of Audi TTS Special Edition vehicles now available to order.
Powerful performance, subtle understatement, luxurious equipment and considerable practicality – all these strengths come together with Audi S models. Each model applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, offering a unique driving experience and ultimate everyday usability.
Audi South Africa will by the end of 2014 offer an S model in the majority of its model range with a total of thirteen S models to choose from. The range is currently being injected with two new and highly-anticipated S models – the Audi S3 Sportback and the Audi S Q5, which are now available at Audi Dealers in South Africa.
Also available to order is the popular S3 variant in Sedan guise. The Audi S3 Sedan is due to be introduced to South Africa in May 2014, completing the A3 Sedan range offering.
The second quarter will also see the launch of the 200kW Audi TTS Special Edition, of which South Africa will be receiving 25 units of the 500 units available globally. The exclusive edition Audi TTS will only be available in a choice of Imola Yellow or Nimbus Grey, with the Impulse leather package decorating the interior in grey leather with Imola Yellow stitching. Customers may now visit their nearest Audi Dealer and reserve one of these highly exclusive models.
Launching soon after will be the newly improved Audi S8, followed by the potent Audi S1 in the second half of the year, and finally the S3 Cabriolet added to the drop-top family for the first time.
Audi S3 Sportback:
The third-generation Audi S3 Sportback made its first official South African debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in 2013. The new lightweight premium compact model combines its dynamic performance with impressive efficiency.
The four-cylinder engine in the S3 Sportback has been completely overhauled with the only thing in common with its predecessor is its displacement of 1,984 cc. 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 S3 Sportback will only be available in S tronic transmission in South Africa.
The high-performance four-cylinder engine responds immediately to the driver’s wishes and boasts a sporty sound. 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 and an exhaust manifold integrated within the cylinder head, to innovative thermal management.
When equipped with the six-speed S tronic gearbox, the S3 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. Launch Control delivers the engine’s power to the road with defined tyre slip. The 2.0 TFSI consumes just 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres on average in the combined cycle matched to a CO2 emissions figure of 159 g/km, therefore reducing the fuel consumption by 1.5 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the previous generation S3 Sportback.
The lower gears of both transmissions are tightly spaced for sporty performance while the tall sixth gear reduces fuel consumption. The dual-clutch transmission can be controlled via optional shift paddles on the steering wheel and offers the automatic modes D and S in addition to manual mode.
Equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a redesigned multi-plate clutch, the S3 Sportback can accelerate quicker and safer when exiting a corner, making it dynamic and stable in all conditions.
The 2.0 TFSI is more than five kilograms lighter than the previous engine and is tilted backward by 12 degrees. In addition to a sophisticated suspension and the S sport suspension, which lowers the body by 25 millimetres, the axle-load distribution (59 percent to 41 percent, front to rear) and new, progressive steering contribute significantly to sporty handling. The key to progressive steering is that steering movements determine the steering ratio. This results in stable and virtually neutral steering characteristics for outstanding precision during sporty driving and easier steering while parking.
Lightweight construction also contributes significantly to the very dynamic performance of the Audi S3 Sportback. This five-door car has a curb weight of 1,445 kilograms – 70 kilograms less than its predecessor. Most of this reduction in weight is on account of the body. A large amount of ultra-high-strength steel was used for the passenger cell. The front fenders and the bonnet are made of aluminium.
Moreover, the exterior design clearly underscores the dynamics of new Audi S3 Sportback. This top-of-the-line model is 4,324 millimetres long, 1,785 millimetres wide and 1,404 millimetres tall. The S-specific grille sports aluminium-look, double horizontal bars and the insert is matt Platinum Grey. The bumper has integrated air inlets with aluminium-look double ribs. As an alternative to standard xenon plus headlights, Audi also offers all-LED headlights, unique in this segment.
Aluminium-look exterior mirror housings and special sill strips accentuate the side view. The rear bumper has been redesigned. The Platinum Grey diffuser with an aluminium-look double bar houses the exhaust system’s four oval tailpipes, which sport chrome tips. LED technology is also used in the tail lights. The S3 roof spoiler in body colour visually extends the roof.
The standard multifunction sport steering wheel, covered in leather, features a flat-bottomed rim, while pedals and footrests are made of brushed aluminium. Instrument gauges are dark grey and the indicators white. The tachometer’s gauge integrates a boost-pressure display. The driver information system, featuring a colour screen and rest-recommendation alerts, is standard. The on-board monitor extends electronically and greets the driver with an S logo on the screen when the ignition is turned on.
Colour-contrasting seams accentuate the otherwise black interior of the new Audi S3 Sportback. Topping the range of infotainment modules is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch which is offered as an option.
The following equipment is offered as standard on the S3 Sportback:
- 18” 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels
- Xenon Plus headlights
- S sports suspension
- Progressive Steering system with dynamic ratio
- Cruise control
- Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
- Bluetooth with audio streaming and voice control
- Brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts
- S3 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
- S3 multifunction sports steering wheel with large shift paddles
- S3 badging on the steering wheel
- S3 badging on the door-sill trim
- S3 welcome screen for the MMI radio LCD screen
- S3 badging on the rear boot lid
The Audi S3 Sportback is now available in South Africa at the following price, inclusive of all taxes and the standard five-year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan:
- Audi S3 Sportback quattro S tronic: R 500,500
