Audi has given us our first glimpse of its updated S3 in both sedan and hatchback form, featuring new technology, a bump in power, improved brakes and tyres, and more.
But before we dive under its skin, it’s worth pointing out that the mid-range model has also undergone a facelift, featuring a newly redesigned grille and air intakes up front, while a tweaked bumper and taillight signature can be found at the rear.
Overseas reports show that updates have also been made to the interior, but have yet to be revealed officially by Audi.
As for the changes you can’t see but rather feel, Audi has turned up the wick of the S3’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder from 228kW and 400Nm of torque in the current model to 245kW and 420Nm in the facelift.
Alterations have been made to the model’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox thanks to the “compressing the clutch pack of the respective clutch more strongly” which is said to improve acceleration and reduce shift time.
The time it takes to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h has been brought down to 4.7 seconds, while the top speed stays the same at an electronically limited 250km/h.
The S3 has adopted the ‘torque splitter’ feature from its more athletic RS 3 sibling too, which uses an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch on each rear driveshaft to optimally distribute drive between each rear wheel when cornering.
A new ‘dynamic plus’ driving mode can now be selected, increasing engine idle from 1100rpm to 1300rpm, improving throttle response, and decreasing shift times. It’ll also send more drive to the rear axle and the rear-most wheel on the outside of a bend.
Up front, the new S3 features double the amount of negative camber than the old car, now at negative 1.5 degrees. Stiffer wishbones also feature, alongside ‘progressive steering’ which sees the wheel become “more direct” the more the driver turns into a corner.
The front brake discs have been upgraded and are now 34mm thicker than they previously were while being clamped by two-piston calipers with larger pads. New performance tyres from Falken clad the updated S3’s set of 19-inch wheels too.
Tying it all together is a next-generation electronic stability control system (ESC).
Audi will fully reveal the new S3 later this year, with confirmation of local pricing and specification expected to follow in due course.
