SPY PICS: Audi S3 sharpens up
Subtle cosmetic tweaks coming Audi’s all-wheel drive VW Golf R rivalOur spy photographers have snapped a mildly facelifted version of the Audi S3 undergoing winter testing in the northern hemisphere ahead of its anticipated reveal either later this year or early in 2024.
The car is predictably wearing line-warping camouflage but though the black and white wrap we can see a few tweaks that have been made to the front bumper’s air intakes and the rear bumper, while the camo along the flanks of the prototype suggest there’ll be some matching changes to the side skirts.
It’s also safe to assume the alloy wheel design will be updated.
Being the penultimate variant within the global Audi A3 line-up, the S3 has long donned a more aggressive aesthetic than the garden-variety offerings with a unique body kit featuring an exclusive mesh grille.
The cosmetic upgrades are designed to advertise the extra muscle on offer from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that currently churns out 228kW/400Nm – and drives all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Our sources in Europe aren’t yet sure whether the updated S3 (and regular A3) will receive any powertrain upgrades as part of their upcoming facelift, but you can be sure there’ll be some cabin and technology tweaks at the very least.
A facelifted RS 3 flagship will inevitably surface at some stage as well.
Given the current-generation Audi A3 (and S3) launched in Australia less than 12 months ago, it’s unlikely we’ll see this facelifted version in local showrooms before mid-2024 at the earliest.
But with the all-electric next-generation A3 due for global release in 2027, Audi won’t want to bide its time for too long.
The updated A3 range is also anticipated to bring a high-riding ‘Allstreet’ version Down Under for the first time, based on trademark applications filed by the brand’s local division last year.
Related: Audi S3 Sportback 2023 Review
Related: 2022 Audi S3: Aussie pricing and specs
Related: New Audi S3 to get power boost
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