New £46,925 Audi S3 gets performance boost and RS technology

A revamped plug-in hybrid is among the other engine options that will be launched later this year.

The Audi A3 follows its Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia platformmates in receiving a wide-reaching refresh for 2024, with a modernised interior, trick new lights and a more powerful S3 among the headlines.

The focus of a relatively subtle exterior makeover has been to make the car look more dynamic. There is a revamped, wider hexagonal grille at the front, with the Audi rings now protruding from the top rather than being integrated into the middle. 

The front also features new side air intakes and a reshaped spoiler, designed to make the car appear lower. 

At the back, there is a new bumper and diffuser unit, which is inspired by that on the legendary RS2 Avant, says Audi.

The daytime running lights now feature four different ‘signatures’ that users can switch between to individualise their car’s appearance.

Each signature has its own distinctive graphic when the car is locked or unlocked. Inside, there has been a focus on adding extra standard kit and digital technology.

All trim levels now feature Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display and a three-spoke steering wheel. The redesigned centre console now includes an armrest as standard and a smaller gear selector for the automatic ’box.

The design of the air vents has also been revamped. In addition, Audi has revised the standard interior lighting, including backlit doors and contour lights in the centre console and cupholders.

There is a new optional stereo system too, with a Sonos unit replacing the B&O system previously featured.

The revamped A3 also features a new version of Audi’s infotainment system, running on the 10.1in central display.

The Audi S3 has received a major upgrade and a boost in power for 2024, with the German car maker pricing the potent model against the likes of the Honda Civic Type R. 

Open for order on 15 May the new, hatch-bodied S3 Sportback will be priced at £46,925, while the Saloon commands a slightly higher list price at £47,490. 

Among the S3’s upgrades include an increase in performance to 329bhp, and the addition of a torque splitter system, which has been taken from the latest Audi RS3 mega-hatch.

Both the four-door saloon and five-door hatchback versions of the performance model also receive several minor styling changes, in line with the recent facelift of the regular A3.

As standard, the S3 is equipped with all the features on the A3 Black Edition, including tri-zone climate control, a 10.1in touschreen, voice control and a digital cockpit. It also benefits from S sports suspenion, Quattro all-wheel drive, progressive steering and a head-up display. 

The steering wheel and seats on the S3 are upholstered in Nappa leather, and a black styling pack adds sportier touches to the window surrounds, door mirrors, air inlets and Audi badge on the front of the car.  

At the top of the range sits the S Vorsprung, which receives adaptive dampers, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, carbon fibre inlays and Audi’s powerful maxtrix LED headlights. 

The revisions are intended to boost the performance and handling of the S3, which we tested last year in prototype form, to help it keep pace with the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35.

The S3 retains the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its peak power has been boosted by 25bhp and its peak torque raised from 295lb ft to 310lb ft.

Additionally, the seven-speed automatic gearbox now has a more heavily compressed clutch plate, which enables it to handle higher torque loads from rest and is said to halve shift times under full load. That all results in a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec, trimmed by 0.1sec. Top speed remains 155mph.

Audi has also retuned the turbo. During part-throttle acceleration, it will preload to constant revs, which reduces lag when it’s called upon. 

The main mechanical change, however, is the addition of the RS3’s torque splitter, which allows for fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Audi has also added a new Dynamic Plus driving mode, which uses the torque splitter to send as much power as possible to the rear axle and then to the rear wheel on the outside of a corner, making the car more prone to oversteer.

Other changes include larger brakes, tweaks to the progressive steering system and new suspension wishbones with stiffer pivot bearings that allow for more negative wheel camber.