Audi S3 Sportback from under $60K

Audi’s new S3 Sportback will go on sale in Australia this week priced from $59,990 (plus on-road costs). The list prices sees the prestige hot hatch undercut its German rivals significantly, with the BMW M135i retailing from $64,900 (plus ORCs) and the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG from $74,900 (plus ORCs).

The accessible pricing provides potential buyers with what Audi says are “extraordinary dynamics” and an “exceptional quality of finish”, though we suspect the S3 Sportback’s performance figures might be of greater interest.

Those figures see the S3 Sportback endowed with a 2.0 TFSI engine developing 206kW and 380Nm. It is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmissions (identically priced), both of which feature quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The hefty figures are enough to propel the 70kg lighter new S3 Sportback from standstill to 100km/h in just five seconds (when fitted with the S tronic transmission). Manual versions are four-tenths of a second slower.

Equally impressive is the S3 Sportback’s fuel consumption, which is rated at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle for the S tronic-equipped model and 7.0L/100km for the manual. CO2 emissions are rated at 159 and 162g/km respectively.

The S3 Sportback might be a faction slower than the M135i and A 45 AMG, but the Audi benefits from quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a significantly cheaper list price.

Priced about $5000 higher, the M135i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine developing 235kW and 450Nm. It races from standstill to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, consumes a claimed 7.5L/100km and emits 175g/km of CO2.

Another $10,000 dearer is the slightly more potent Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering no less than 265kW and 450Nm. The athletic A-Class sprints to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, uses 6.9L/100km and emits 161g/km of CO2.

However, Audi is set to top both its German rivals with the RS 3 Sportback, which is slated for production by 2015. Audi has told motoring.com.au previously that the even sportier A3’s performance figures will be an “improvement” over those of the previous RS 3, which boasted 250kW and 450Nm. At this stage, the final decision on a powerplant is unknown.

As standard, the new Audi S3 Sportback includes a generous list of standard equipment. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights are fitted, as is Audi’s MMI Navigation plus system with MMI touch, parking system plus with front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.

The S3 Sportback also sports 18-inch alloy wheels in a five parallel-spoke design, and ‘S’ specific body kit, S-specific exhaust with quad tailpipes and S sport suspension.

The interior is equally athletic with sports seats in fine Nappa leather featuring electric adjustment and heating for the front seats. A leather-wrapped multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel provides access to the Audi Music Interface with Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming. A convenience key and dual-zone climate-control are also included as standard.

Optionally, the new S3 Sportback can be fitted with the S performance package for $4990. It adds LED headlights, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, Audi magnetic ride (adaptive damping), S sports seats in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching, 18-inch alloy wheels in a parallel-spoke ‘star’ design and red-painted brake callipers.

A driver assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, Audi lane assist, Audi pre sense, Audi side assist and high-beam assist, is further available for $1800. Metallic paint attracts a $1050 surcharge.

“The new S3 Sportback sets a benchmark for compact premium performance – it is a sensational package,” said Audi Australia Managing Director Andrew Doyle.

“Not only does the new S3 Sportback deliver exceptional performance, but it is equipped with all the sophisticated features expected in a luxury vehicle.

“This car will change the way enthusiasts view the premium ‘hot hatch’ market. Our positioning for this third-generation S3 Sportback makes progressive performance more accessible than ever before,” concluded Doyle.

The S3 Sportback is now officially on sale in Australia. Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our local launch review.

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