There's a new Audi S3 joining the A3 hatchback and saloon line-ups, with a more aggressive look and extra tech under the skin that's designed to get the 333hp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to the tarmac.
Rear torque splitter
Power is up by 23hp over the outgoing S3, while torque is up by 20Nm to 420Nm in total, with maximum torque available from 2,100-5,500rpm. Combined with Audi's traditional quattro four-wheel drive and standard-fit seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox, this gives the S3 a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds, while the car's top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
The drivetrain has been enhanced with shorter shifts for the S tronic gearbox, while the car's electronics 'pre-load' the turbocharger when under partial load to improve response. At the rear, the quattro system is now fitted with a torque spitter that was first seen on the more powerful five-cylinder Audi RS 3. This offers fully-variable torque distribution between the back wheels, which is adjusted between the inside or outside rear wheel in a corner depending on the driving situation.
More driving modes
A new Dynamic Plus driving mode has been added to the existing Drive Select settings found in the standard A3 (which are Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Individual and Efficiency). Dynamic Plus sends more torque to the rear axle, and further sends it to the outer rear wheel to encourage oversteer, while the electronic stability control offers more relaxed settings, depending on road conditions.
Throttle response is also enhanced in the Dynamic Plus setting, there's a higher idle speed for better acceleration from a standing start, gear changes are quicker and the transmission shifts up later and down earlier.
Lowered suspension by 15mm over the standard A3 improves handling, while stiffer bearings for the wishbones and new pivot bearings enhance steering response. Adaptive dampers are available as an option, and these have been retuned to deliver an improved range of ability.
There are 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres as standard, while 19-inch 235/35 tyres are available as an option. As well as standard road tyres, the S3 will be offered with sports tyres from Falken, which are designed for dry road use. Bigger brakes are also fitted, with perforated discs up front measuring 357mm in diameter and featuring redesigned two-piston calipers that can work at higher loads.
Exterior revamp
The visual upgrades for the new Audi S3 - which will be available in Sportback hatch and four-door saloon guises as before - includes a new grille with L-shaped highlights, larger air intakes for the front bumper and a new splitter. Also included are new LED daytime running lights comprising 24 pixels that can be programmed with four different signatures for when driving and when the car is locked or unlocked.
At the back, the quad exhausts exit beneath a new rear bumper featuring a gloss-black apron using a design that emulates the S3's front end. A titanium exhaust is available as part of the optional performance exhaust system that enhances the car's sound.
As well as a new design, there are new paint options. Metallics include District Green, Ascari Blue and Progressive Red, while Audi's Daytona Gray is available in a matte finish for the first time on the S3.
Cabin enhancements
Finishing off the S3's update is a revamped interior with a new drive selector on the centre console, less silver trim for the dashboard and the addition of more fabric. The seats feature part leather and Dinamica suede-effect upholstery, and the latter has been added to the dashboard and door cards, too. The LED ambient lighting gets an upgrade, with a new design for the dashboard and around the centre console, while new lighting is added to the doors, as well.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen sits in the middle of the dashboard, and it comes with a host of connected services. Apps can be added via the MyAudi app without having to use your smartphone connection. Voice control is also included.
The new Audi S3 goes on sale in Q2 of 2024, though Irish prices and specifications have yet to be announced.