Audi South Africa has introduced the refreshed S3 model line-up to Mzansi. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and specs, about the updated model.
Although sporting several exterior revisions, the updates made to the S3 package ushers in much more than just a cosmetic nip and tuck to this Audi package. Indeed, it’s more than a facelift — the RS 3’s understudy has received choice mechanical upgrades … including a boost in power and torque.
Starting with the latter, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit has been handed an injection of 32 kW and 20 N.m — lifting peak power and twisting force to 245 kW and 420 N.m, figures matching that produced by the updated eighth-generation (Mk8.5) Volkswagen Golf R … and 10 kW/20 N.m more than the Mk8 Golf R that currently soldiers on in our market.
The German automaker claims the uprated power and torque figures allow the S3 to sprint to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, making it one-tenth of second quicker to the one-tonne than the outgoing 228 kW/400 N.m model. Though, as a reminder, the pre-facelifted S3 in this state of tune wasn’t available in our market. Indeed, in South Africa, the pre-updated S3’s 2.0-litre four-pot was tuned to produce a lesser 213 kW, which allowed for a still respectable 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. If you had access to an unrestricted stretch of road or an autobahn, the updated S3 will top out at an (electronically limited) 250 km/h.
In addition to the engine upgrades, Audi says it has refined the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission to provide sharper gear shifts. The revised S3 is also equipped with Audi’s S sport suspension as standard. A torque splitter, introduced with the RS 3, is also available.
How much does the updated Audi S3 cost in South Africa?
Available in Sportback and Sedan body styles, the S3 is priced from R1 091 100 for the former and R1 106 100 for the latter. Pricing includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a one-year/unlimited km warranty.