2022 Audi S3: Aussie pricing and specs

Audi Australia has revealed local pricing and specs for the fourth-generation 2022 Audi S3, which launches early next year with more power, fresh tech and a notably higher price tag.

Pricing is set at $69,900 for the S3 Sportback five-door hatch and $72,400 plus ORCs for the S3 sedan, marking an increase of $4100 and $6600 respectively over the outgoing versions of Audi Sport’s high-performance all-wheel drive small cars. 

As we’ve reported, the Australian-delivered Audi S3 models will get the same uprated engine outputs as European versions now that we’re no longer branded as a hot-climate market by the powers-that-be in Ingolstadt. (Apparently we’re just ‘moderate’.)

Powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as before, the new 2022 Aussie S3 duo will now produce 228kW of power (+15kW) and 400Nm of torque (+20Nm).

The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive layout carries over, with the whole box and dice continuing to send the S3 from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.2sec. Top speed is limited to 250km/h.

As you might expect, fuel consumption has increased to 7.4L/100km on the official combined cycle, compared to 6.6L/100km for the outgoing S3 sedan (Sportback: 6.7).

The current S3’s magnetic ride suspension has been replaced with new S sport suspension and adaptive dampers, which according to Audi “enables a wider range between precise, taut handling and comfortable cruising”.

Stopping power comes courtesy of 340mm brake discs up front and 312mm discs at the rear, housed within 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels finished in a matte titanium. Five-spoke black wheels can be optioned for $300.

Like the all-new Audi A3 range on which it’s based, the 2022 Audi S3 brings a fresh exterior design headlined by sharper features, a streamlined roofline, a more flowing coupe-style for the sedan and “heavily-inclined C-pillars” for the hatch that aim to give it a forward-thrust appearance.

Improved brake cooling is achieved with new three-dimensional air intakes, while the rear-end gets signature quad-oval exhaust tips and a big diffuser.

An optional black exterior styling package will be available for an extra $1500, bringing a blacked-out grille, front air inlet blades, side sill inserts, mirrors and diffuser frame.

Eight exterior colour options will be offered in Australia, two of which – Python Yellow and Turbo Blue – are new.

Matrix LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and dynamic front and rear indicators come standard.

Standard interior features on the 2022 Audi S3 twins include stainless-steel pedals, anthracite tones, dark aluminium spectrum inlays, S-embossed seats and ambient interior lighting.

There’s also a larger 10.1-inch central touch-screen that Audi says brings 10 times more computing power than the outgoing unit, featuring natural speech recognition and a more comprehensive 3D map display.

Audi connect plus also comes standard, as does a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now with virtual cockpit plus which brings an ‘S Performance design’ along with sport and dynamic display options.

Other standard features include a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, digital radio and smartphone interface for Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Meanwhile, Audi’s suite of driver assistance aids includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection for the first time, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic jam assist, tyre pressure monitoring and more.

Cargo space is down to 325 litres (or 1145L with the rear seats folded) for the S3 Sportback, compared to the outgoing model’s 340/1180L capacity. The sedan has also cut back in the boot, from 390L to 325L.

How much does the 2022 Audi S3 cost?
Sportback – $69,900
Sedan – $72,400
* Prices exclude on-road costs