Audi’s new S3 Sportback will be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but the good people of Ingolstadt have revealed a series of official photos and some specs ahead of the show.
The three-door A3, based on VW Group’s new MQB platform, was introduced last September.The new S3 is significantly lighter than its predecessor and it features the latest downsized turbo engines from VW stables. The flagship S3 Sportback is just more of the same, with a bit of flare.
It is powered by the 2.0-liter TFSI engine used in the three-door S3, capable of delivering 300 BHP at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm. The S3 Sportback will ship with a choice of two gearboxes, a 6-gear manual and a 6-speed S Tronic. With the latter, it will do 0-62 in just five seconds. What’s more, it’s economical, too. It gets 40.8 miles to the gallon, quite an impressive feat for a 300 BHP sports hatch and significantly less than the old Sportback.
So how was Audi able to deliver such performance? Well, the new MQB platform has a lot to do with it. The S3 Sportback is leaner and meaner than its predecessor, tipping the scales at 3,185 lbs, 154 lbs less than the old one.
The new Sportback features 18-inch alloys covered by low-resistance 225/40 tyres. Needless to say, it features Audi’s Quattro permanent all-drive system and the S line sport suspension lowers the ride height by 25 mm.
It might not look as aggressive as the three-door, but it is 90mm longer and quite a bit more practical. As for the looks, Audi tends to be somewhat conservative, which is not a bad thing and the new S3 still manages to look classy, in spite of the huge alloys and a dash of chrome.
The S3 Sportback is going on sale in September, but there is still no word on pricing. Don’t expect it to come cheap.
