S3 sedan helps to form all-new Audi S series quartet

S3 sedan helps to form all-new Audi S series quartet

Three-box version of S3 joins more familiar S3 and S3 Sportback variants as final S3 Cabriolet model waits in the wings

• 2.0 TFSI engine with turbocharging and direct injection
• Ample power and minimal consumption: 206kW and 380 Nm
• 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, governed 250km/h top speed, CO2 159g/km (with S tronic transmission)
• S sports suspension and Audi magnetic ride as standard

Opportunities to savour 206kW in a compact, quattro all-wheel-driven Audi will soon be fourfold as the new S3 Sedan joins its three-door and five-door Sportback counterparts and the new S3 Cabriolet waits in the wings. The latest ‘three-box’ version of the sub-five-second-sprinting, 250km/h addition to the Audi S quattro Series is due for local introduction in mid-2014. Further details on pricing and specification of this model will be released closer to its introduction.

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 to100km/h on the way to a governed 250km/h top speed (5.3 seconds with the manual transmission).

The powerful four-cylinder engine bristles with new technologies which help to push the S3’s boundaries in terms of both output and economy. These include the use of both direct and indirect injection, the integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head and the use of innovative thermal management for faster warm-up. Two balancer shafts rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft optimize refinement, but thanks to an electromechanical actuator in the bulkhead the cabin is filled with just the right amount of sound, with just the right sporting tone. The exhaust system also includes a sound flap that opens at certain engine speed ranges to give this even greater depth.

Weight watched
Despite its complexity and high output, the new 2.0 TFSI weighs just 148 kilograms – 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 subframe, helps to pare weight back to as little as 1 430kg (manual version, without driver), considerably less than premium sector competitors.

Thanks to the modular transverse platform (MQB) which underpins the all-new A3 and S3 ranges, the front axle has shifted forward 52 millimetres compared with the previous model. This works in favour of axle load distribution, which at 59%25 to 41%25 front-to-rear promotes impressive handling balance.

Agility and composure are of course also aided by sophisticated MacPherson-based front and four-link rear S sports suspension, by the latest incarnation of the multi-plate clutch-based quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and by standard fit Audi magnetic ride. This electromagnetic damper control system uses pistons in which synthetic hydrocarbon oil containing microscopically small magnetic particles circulates. A coil constantly applies a voltage to these particles, but when the three-mode system is in its Sport setting this voltage is increased, forcing the particles to align perpendicular to the direction of flow of the oil, impeding its flow through the channels in the pistons and noticeably tightening cornering attitude.

New variable ratio progressive steering also delivers improved weighting and feedback in all situations, and helps to improve efficiency by demanding no power from the alternator in the straight-ahead position. The brakes with their S3-branded black front calipers also enhance the driving experience by delivering the firm but progressive pedal feel expected of an S model.

Standard Audi drive select adaptive dynamics
Audi drive select is also standard in the new Audi S3 Saloon. It allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the throttle pedal response, the boost of the progressive steering, the shift points of the optional S tronic transmission and the configuration of the magnetic ride system at the touch of a button. A choice of comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual modes is available, and in the latter, drivers can compose their own preferred profile within certain limits.

In efficiency mode, the function of the standard dual-zone climate control, the cruise control, the adaptive cruise control and the adaptive light is adjusted for optimal fuel consumption. In this case, the S tronic transmission switches to coasting mode when the driver takes his or her foot off the throttle pedal.

The capabilities of the new S3 Saloon are subtly conveyed by its body through time-honoured S model hallmarks such as the S-specific single-frame grille and front bumper, aluminium-look exterior mirrors, pronounced side sills and a redesigned rear bumper incorporating a platinum grey diffuser and cut-outs for the exhaust system’s four oval tailpipes, which feature chrome tips.

The standard xenon plus headlights with their LED daytime running lamps can be upgraded with adaptive swivelling cornering lights for improved corner illumination, or replaced by optional LED headlights, which were previously only available in full-size models. Their low beams are generated in two free-form reflectors with a total of nine high-performance LED chips, and their high beams by ten LEDs in the matt aluminium trim.

More passenger and luggage space
The exterior’s sporting overtones are of course carried over into the interior. Its controls are clear and intuitive, as in every Audi, and quality is exceptional. There is a generous supply of passenger space achieved with the help of the 35mm longer A3 Sportback wheelbase, and the boot’s carrying capacity amounts to 390 litres with the seats up – 50 litres more than the Sportback. This capacity can be increased by folding down the split rear seat backs. The boot lid automatically swings upward when the release button on the key or the touch pad on the lid is pressed.

The instrument dials are grey and the needles white in time-honoured S quattro fashion. The rev counter includes a boost pressure indicator, and between the dials a driver’s information system with rest recommendation supplements the 5.8-inch power-retractable on-board colour monitor with its special S3 welcome screen.

A flat-bottomed leather multifunction sports steering wheel with S3 logo and aluminium-look shift paddles in S tronic-equipped models 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.

Audi has designed a variety of infotainment elements for using the new services, topped by MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. The high-end system boasts a super-flat, power-retractable, seven-inch monitor and a touch sensitive pad integrated into the rotary pushbutton. The Audi Phone Box connects mobile phones to the vehicle in a convenient way, and the sound system from Bang & Olufsen offers exceptional sound reproduction, with LED light guides accentuating the woofers in the doors.

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 31 km/h, and continues through Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist and camera-based traffic sign recognition to the park assist system.

In 2012 Audi achieved best ever worldwide sales of 1 455 100 cars, an 11.7 per cent improvement over 2011. To remain true to its Vorsprung durch Technik philosophy, the brand plans to invest a total of €11 billion, mainly in product development, between now and 2015. The current portfolio extends to 47 models, boosted by recent additions including the all-new A3 Saloon, the RS Q3 and the RS 7 Sportback. On the race circuit, Audi has competed in the Le Mans 24 Hour sportscar endurance race 15 times since 1999, achieving a podium finish on all of these occasions as well as outright victory 12 times. After making history at Le Mans in 2012 by winning with the R18 e-tron quattro using pioneering hybrid diesel technology, Audi underscored this remarkable achievement by again winning under hybrid power in 2013.

[ source : Audi ]
[Auto Trader News and Reviews brought to you by duoporta vehicle information specialists]