Audi just keeps pushing more power out from its 2.0 TFSI engine. In the new 2014 Audi S3, the four cylinder engine delivers whopping 221 kW (300 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque. Actually, this 2.0 TFSI in the new Audi S3 isn’t the same power source as used before, but a completely new engine which have been developed specifically for the new Audi S3. Only thing it shares with its predecessor is the displacement of 1,984cc. The new 2.0 TFSI engine is nicely compact with the dimensions of 603 mm (23.74 in) long, 678 mm (26.29 in) wide and 664 mm (26.14 in) high. With the total weight of the 148 kg, this new version is more than five kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
With this much power, the car is unbelievably quick. The 2014 Audi S3 comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. With the manual, the Audi S3 Sportback can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds. With the optional six-speed S tronic the car is even faster. The sprint to hundred takes just 4,9 seconds. The lower gears of the S tronic are shorter to provide better performance, while the tall sixth gear helps with the efficiency. The S tronic offers D and S drive modes, where the D is more comfortable and economical and the S mode is much sportier. Driver can also change gears in the manual mode using the gear lever or the optional shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Manual gearbox would require more driver involvement and would therefore be a better choice for a small performance car like S3. However, with the S tronic the car’s performance is so easily accessible and the acceleration is so marvelous, that I have a bit mixed feelings with one would I choose for my own car. With the S tronic, the average fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100km (34.09 US mpg), and 7.0 l/100km (33.60 US mpg) with the manual. But don’t even think that you can get anywhere close to these numbers unless you can strictly control your right foot on the gas pedal.
The performance of the Audi S3 is delivered together with an impressive soundtrack. In normal mode, the sounds are very civilized. But when a sportier sounds are desired, the driver can choose them using the Audi drive select. The exhaust system includes a sound flap that opens at certain engine speed ranges to give the S3 a sportily sonorous sound. Audi S3 also has an electromechanical sound actuator which delivers enhanced engine sounds to the cabin.
The new Audi S3 isn’t just fast in the straight line, it drives also through corners almost as quickly. In addition to the S sport suspension, which lowers the body by 25 millimeters (0.98 in), the car is also equipped with the new, progressive steering. The new S3 comes standard with Audi drive select, which handles characteristics of the electronic gas pedal, shift points of the S tronic and the steering ratio for progressive steering. Driver can choose comfort, dynamic or efficiency mode at the push of a button.
The engine’s power is delivered to all four wheels through the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system so there is always enough traction. The axle-load distribution is 59 per cent to front and 41 per cent to rear. The large brake discs up front measure 340 millimeters (13.39 in) in diameter. The brake calipers are painted black and bear S logo.
In addition to this five-door Sportback version, the Audi S3 is also available as a Compact Coupe and Sedan, while the S3 Cabriolet joins the lineup little later.
Specification
Engine
- Petrol
- 4-cylinder
- 1984cc
- Turbo
Power
- 221 kW (300 hp) / 5500-6200rpm
Torque
- 380 Nm / 1800-5500rpm
Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- AWD
0-100km/h / 0-62mph
- 4.9 seconds
Top speed
- 250 km/h
Fuel consumption
- 6.9 l/100km
CO2 emissions
- 159 g/km
