Hot 2020 Audi S3 Sportback and sedan debut

Audi has launched two new flagship performance versions of its latest A3 range: the 2021 Audi S3 Sportback and S3 sedan.

Created to compete head-to-head with the closely related next-gen Volkswagen Golf R and new competition like the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and BMW M135i hot hatches, the Audi S3 Sportback will be followed by an even more powerful RS 3 hyper-hatch – but that car isn’t due until 2021.

While the next Audi RS 3 will get a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder punching out more than 300kW, the S3 nails its hot hatch brief using an uprated version of the previous model’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder.

For 2020, outputs have been turned up to 228kW and 400Nm – an increase of 15kW and 20Nm over the current-generation Audi S3.

Against the clock, the extra power and torque hasn’t exactly translated into any more performance, with the new Audi S3 claimed to hit 100km/h in 4.8 seconds before topping out at a limited 250km/h – the same as the last car.

Despite being no quicker on paper, Audi says the S3’s added performance is felt with stronger in-gear acceleration that will deliver faster overtakes.

As before, a manual transmission will not be an option for the new Audi S3, which will again come standard with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Fuel consumption and emissions figures for Audi's latest hot hatch and sedan are based on the stricter WLTP testing regime, with the S3 capable of averaging 7.2L/100km and 165g/km of CO2.

Featuring a bespoke suspension tune as standard, the S3 rides 15mm lower than the regular A3 – but buyers can opt for a sportier-still S sport suspension that adds adaptive dampers.

Externally, the new Audi S3 gets its own bodykit that adds gloss-black design elements for the bold grille and large rear diffuser.

The S3 also keeps its trademark brushed aluminium mirror caps and gets dual twin exhaust outlets, full LED headlights and 18-inch alloy rims that can be up-sized to 19s.

Inside, the latest S3 differentiates itself from the A3 with nappa leather sport seats, red pinstripe detailing on the dash and doors, the option of either aluminium or carbon-fibre dash inlays and a standard 10.1-inch infotainment system, which is combined with a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster.

Fresh tech for the Audi S3 includes new driver assistance systems including swerve assist, turn assist and lane centring.

There’s no word yet on delivery dates for the new Audi S3 Sportback or sedan in Australia, but given the new Audi A3 hatch is due here late this year and the new A3 sedan will follow in early 2021, expect both S3 models here by early next year.

As for pricing, a slight increase over the $65,800 (plus on-roads) Audi Australia currently charges for the outgoing S3 Sportback is probably realistic.