2024 Audi S3 is a different beast

The significantly upgraded 2024 Audi S3 has made its global debut, pairing a sleek new look with an uprated powertrain and a couple of key components from the Audi RS 3 hot hatch.

Following on from last month’s reveal of the facelifted mainstream Audi A3 range, the new S3 is sleeker and more subdued than its predecessor thanks to new front and rear bumpers, fewer hard edges and classier wheels.

What’s going on beneath the skin, however, is the total reverse: the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is now rated at 245kW/420Nm (up from 228kW/400Nm) and dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 4.7 seconds before pushing on to 250km/h.

As before, the uprated mill is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which itself brings more aggressive shift logic to deliver faster shifts courtesy of a new TCU tune – matching the angrier ECU mapping and complementary hardware of the engine.

Harnessing all this newfound aggression is an updated quattro all-wheel drive system, which works alongside a revised suspension geometry, reworked power steering system, next-generation electronic stability control and, crucially, the RS 3’s ‘torque splitter’ rear differential.

Most of these enhancements are managed by a new ‘Dynamic Plus’ drive mode that sets everything to maximum attack, including the optional adaptive dampers.

An all-new (read: beefier) braking package is on hand to counteract the powertrain’s extra muscle, headlined by 357x34mm front rotors, two-piston callipers and enlarged pads.

All this new athleticism and understated attitude is underlined by a redesigned interior that predictably draws inspiration from the standard A3, albeit with sports seats, Audi Sport graphics and displays, a flat-bottom steering wheel and black headliner.

Changes compared to the outgoing model include an all-new gear shifter, air-vents, decorative inlays and ambient light routing.

Other headline standard features comprise a 10.1-inch infotainment interface, smartphone induction, digital instrument cluster, digital radio, multiple USB-C ports, dual-zone climate control, stainless pedals, leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels,

“With a host of new features, the Audi S3 is more than just a product upgrade: Increased output, a torque splitter, and other technology highlights ensure strong performance and agile handling,” Audi said.

“Visually, the compact model reflects its increased dynamics with an expressive front design, a sporty diffuser, and a four-pipe performance exhaust system.”

The familiar choice of sedan and Sportback (hatch) body styles will be offered in all markets. European pricing starts from €55,600 – the equivalent of $A91,603 – with first deliveries starting shortly.

The current model starts from $77,500 plus on-road costs Down Under, which means local buyers could be in for a major price jump when the new version arrives in the closing stages of 2024 or early 2025.

Audi Australia is yet to confirm an official timeline but has confirmed the S3 is headed our way.

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