Just less than a month after the debut of the facelifted Audi A3, the performance-oriented Audi S3 facelift has just been introduced to the world. Offered in both sedan and Sportback form, the new Audi S3 not only sports upgrades in the form of aesthetics but also performance.
Like the Audi A3 facelift, the new S3 sports new exterior design details like a flatter and wider Singleframe front grille, along with daytime running lights (DRLs) that come with up to four digital signatures. The Audi S3 is also fitted with four tailpipes. Equipped with the facelifted Audi S3 are standard 18-inch wheels. Two new 19-inch wheels are also available as an option.
Beyond just aesthetics, Audi has given its updated S3 larger ventilated brake disks on the front axle, which are perforated to provide a visual highlight. The 18-inch steel brake now measures 357 mm in diameter and, at 34 mm thick, is 4 mm thicker than before.
The two-pistons calipers at the front are new too. They further improve braking performance, as do larger pads and larger friction surfaces of the disks, which have a significantly higher thermal and thus also a higher load capacity.
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Powering the Audi S3 is the brand’s 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which now produces 333 hp (metric) and 420 Nm. This is 23 hp (metric) and 20 Nm more torque than before. Audi also mentioned that the engine can now deliver maximum torque at a wider rev range, between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm.
Paired with the German carmaker’s 7-speed S Tronic gearbox, power is sent to all four wheels via the Quattro all-wheel drive system. This enables the Audi S3 to perform the century sprint in just 4.7 seconds.
The gearbox’s shift time under full load is said to have been halved. Engine speeds have also been increased under partial load when the transmission is set to D, resulting in enhanced responsiveness.
The Audi S3 now gets the torque splitter available in the even more aggressive RS3. This technology enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, which translates to increased agility and stability. The S3 also gets the brand’s S sports suspension as standard, which lowers its body by 15 mm compared to the regular A3.
Audi’s Drive Select now comes with six modes in the updated S3. This includes auto, comfort, dynamic, individual, and efficiency, and a new dynamic plus mode.
Inside, the facelifted Audi S3 is equipped with a new gear selector that has been made flatter compared to the outgoing model. The standard ambient light package plus in the S3 adds accents in the storage compartment in front of the shifter, on the doors, and in the footwell. There is also a new design element, featuring the fabric panel in the front doors that has been laser-cut 300 times. These are design elements seen on the Audi A3 facelift.
Sporty design bits found in the updated Audi S3 include an interior that features dark colours with some silver accents, stainless steel pedals, and illuminated door sills with aluminium inserts featuring the S logo. The sports seats feature integrated headrests and pronounced side bolsters, providing enhanced lateral support.
Other interior equipment in the Audi S3 include the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument display, a 10.1-inch touch display, and a smartphone wireless charger. Also included are two additional ports in the rear.
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