Audi S3 sedan from $62,900 plus on-roads
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 12th May 2014
The new range-topping A3 variant pairs the familiar turbocharged and quattro all-wheel-drive underpinnings of the Sportback hatch with a sleek three-box sedan body that offers an extra 45 litres of rear cargo space (425 litres compared with 385L) with the rear seats in use.
In fact, despite the family resemblance, the 1450kg sedan and 1430kg Sportback versions do not share a single body panel, according to Audi.
The newest S3 sits 25mm lower than the regular A3 sedan and features the same 206kW/380Nm EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine as the S3 hatch and Volkswagen Golf R. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 5.0 seconds, while fuel consumption is a claimed 6.9 litres per 100km.
While the sedan may command a premium over the Sportback, it is also cheaper than its closest on-paper rival, Mercedes’ $64,900, much less-powerful 155kW CLA250 Sport AWD.
Despite initial strong interest on the manual Sportback, Audi Australia will not offer a self-shifter on the sedan, even as a special-order proposition, at launch.
“Initial uptake of the manual on S3 Sportback was very strong, as you would expect with such a model, but it's now eased to around five percent of our mix,” said Audi Australia senior product communications executive Shaun Cleary.
“So we'll evaluate demand for the sedan, but manual isn't available initially.” Standard equipment includes bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights, “MMI Navigation plus” sat-nav, Park Assist with front and rear sensors and reversing camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels in a ‘five-parallel’ spoke design.
Adding to the sportier look is a subtle body kit, a revised exhaust system with quad tailpipes, and ‘S’ adjustable sports suspension. Inside are Nappa leather sports seats with electronic adjustment and heating (up front) and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
