Audi unveiled the new A3 sedan a few months ago, which may be the brand’s best-looking car. Like clockwork, the brand has just unveiled the sportier S3 sedan and sportback (hatchback) versions. The two vehicles will slot between the A3 and the soon-to-be-released update to the high-performance RS3 model.
The cars are sticking with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but it will get bumps in horsepower, 306 hp from 288 hp, and torque, 295 lb-ft from 280 lb-ft. That engine will mate with a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission, and the car will get Audi’s patented Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The cars will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 mph.
AudiThe S3 will have a standard suspension that is 0.6 inches lower than the A3. Buyers can opt for an S sport suspension with damper controls to further customize the driving experience. The S3 also gets new sport seats and an update to Audi’s new virtual cockpit and infotainment setup with standard 10.25-inch and optional 12.3-inch screens.
Audi has put the car on sale now in Europe, with German deliveries set to begin in October. Pricing starts at the equivalent of around $54,500 for the sportback and $55,500 for the sedan. No announcement has been made about U.S. availability yet. Though we would guess the S3 arrives a little after the A3 next year as a 2022 model, likely without the sportback option. And the U.S. pricing may be a little bit cheaper; the current S3 begins at $43,000.
If you are craving a hot hatchback, expect the new Volkswagen Golf R, which should be unveiled soon, to arrive in the U.S. around the same time; the two cars did share a powertrain last time around and may do so again.