The Audi S3 hatchback is now available to order with an entry level price of €45,260 on-the-road.
The long-stroke 2.0 TFSI in the Audi S3 is new from the ground up. The only thing it has in common with its predecessor, which was named Engine of the Year in its category five times in a row from 2005 to 2009, is its displacement of 1,984cc (bore x stroke 82.5 x 92.8mm ). The four-cylinder unit delivers a constant 380Nm of torque to the crankshaft between 1,800 and 5,50 rpm. Rated power at 5,50 rpm is 300HP, and the engine redlines at 6,800rpm.
The S3 delivers impressive performance. The sprint from zero to 100kph is completed in 5.1 seconds when equipped with the S-Tronic transmission (5.4 seconds with the manual transmission ), and top speed is electronically governed at 250kph. Combined fuel economy stands at 6.9l/100km (manual 7.0l/100km ). This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 159g/km (162g/km in the manual version ).
Despite its complexity and high output, the new 2.0 TFSI weighs just 148 kilograms - more than five kilograms less than the previous engine. Its dimensions are compact: 603 millimetres long, 678 millimetres wide, and 664 millimetres high.
The new Audi S3 is equipped as standard with a manual six-speed transmission with a lightweight magnesium case. The optional S-Tronic transmission boasts high efficiency and a tall sixth gear. The lower gears are short in the interest of dynamics, as is also the case with the manual transmission.
Quattro permanent all-wheel drive is an integral component of the powertrain. It gives the new top model in the A3 series a decisive edge over its two-wheel-drive competition. The Audi S3 can accelerate earlier and more safely when exiting a corner and remains stable and composed under all conditions, particularly in the rain and snow.
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.
Another innovation in the Audi S3 is progressive steering. The steering rack is geared in such a way that the ratio varies. It is somewhat more indirect around the centre and very direct when steered sharply. The result is a pleasantly smooth character when driving straight ahead and fittingly rapid response in tight corners.
