S3 Saloon Helps To Form All-New Audi S Series Quartet

The chances of enjoying 300PS in a compact, Quattro all-wheel driven Audi will soon be fourfold as the new S3 Saloon joins its three-door and five-door Sportback counterparts and the new S3 Cabriolet is still in the making. A brand new long-stroke 2.0-litre TFSI engine which shares only its 1,984cc displacement with its predecessor is at the heart of the new S3 Saloon. Peak power is available at 5,500rpm, and peak torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm, and when linked to the S-tronic twin-clutch transmission the S3 Saloon can use these to deliver a 4.9-second sprint to 62mph and reaches a governed 155mph (5.3 seconds with the manual transmission). Combined fuel economy stands at 40.9mpg (manual 40.4mpg).

OneShift Editorial Team

11 Dec 2013

Despite its complexity and high output, the new 2.0 TFSI weighs just 148kg - more than five kilograms less than the previous engine. This reduction, combined with the trim body with its ultra-high-strength steel passenger cell and light aluminium bonnet, wings and front suspension sub-frame, helps to pare weight back to as little as 1,430kg (manual version, without driver), considerably less than premium sector competitors.

The interior features a flat-bottomed leather multifunction sports steering wheel with S3 logo and aluminium-look shift paddles in S tronic-equipped models which continues the theme, as do the aluminium pedals and footrest and the heated, fine Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats. Super sports seats with integrated head restraints and diamond quilting are also available from the options list. It should go without saying that features such as dual-zone electronic climate control, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, DAB digital radio, a Bluetooth phone interface and preparation for SD card-based satellite navigation are standard.

The optional assistance systems in the S3 Saloon have been adopted from larger Audi models. The range begins with adaptive cruise control, which when combined with the safety system Audi pre-sense front brings the car to a stop autonomously from speeds below 19mph, and continues through Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist and camera-based traffic sign recognition to the park assist system.

Credits: Oneshift News Team