The current generation Audi S3, which has been on the market for nearly four years, is due for a facelift. Audi showed the facelifted S3 in sedan and hatchback form with the familiar Audi Sport camouflage. Despite being a facelift, the S3 family also gets mechanical updates.
At the heart of the new Audi S3 is an updated version of the 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine. The four-cylinder TFSI engine produces 329 hp of maximum power and 420 Nm of maximum torque. This means an increase of 23 hp and 20 Nm of torque compared to the pre-makeover version. As a result, the S3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed limited to 250 km/h.
Improvements have also been made to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with which the updated engine is combined. Thanks to the gearshift times halved during full-throttle acceleration, the performance compact is more agile. More importantly, the facelift brings the rear torque vectoring system from the RS3 to the S3 family. Although there is no special drift mode, it is obvious that this system will make the S3 more fun.
As compensation for the increased power in the renewed Audi S3 model, larger brakes are used on the front wheels. The 357 mm discs are now 4 mm thicker than before. New dual-piston calipers are used on the 19-inch wheels surrounded by Falken’s 235/35 tires.
When we look at the exterior design of the facelifted S3, the overhauled front grille and repositioned logo stand out at first glance. At the rear of the model, which also features renewed LED headlights and a sporty front bumper, there are more angular reflectors, new taillights, an aggressive diffuser, and Akrapovic exhaust.
