Audi Injects ‘S’ DNA Into New A3!

• The Audi S3 comes with a 310PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
• It does 0-100kmph in 4.8 seconds and maxes out at 250kmph.
• India will get the standard A3 early next year.

The car you see in these images is the 2021 Audi S3. Yup, Audi has injected the ‘S’ DNA in the fourth-gen A3 and it could be the choice if you want something faster and more characterful than the vanilla car. So without further ado, let’s get cracking.

Usually, we would have started talking about the S3’s engine before getting on to other details. But this time around, let’s talk about design, as the S3, with its upgraded design elements, looks gorgeous. Audi’s typical single-piece grille is present here and along with the aggressive air intakes, the S3 has a mean look. It sits lower than the standard model and coupled with those large alloy wheels and slick silhouette, the S3 has a sporty stance. Sharp LED tail lamps and a sportier bumper with quad exhausts round off the design.

 

Step inside the cabin and you’ll notice that the S3 retains the sporty dashboard found in the standard car. It gets quite a few ‘S’ specific upgrades too like a flat-bottom steering wheel and upgraded sports seats which come draped in upholstery made from recycled pet bottles. You also get Audi’s virtual cockpit and the latest iteration of its MMI infotainment system. 

Now to the exciting bit, the engine. The S3 comes with a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine that dishes out 310PS and 400Nm of force. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This helps the S3 to be mighty quick off the line. 0-100kmph is dispatched in 4.8 seconds while pushing on further results in a top speed of 250kmph. 

Complementing the performance are a whole host of upgrades beneath the skin. While it comes with a four-link rear axle and progressive steering, you can go the extra mile and fit it with Audi’s  sport suspension with damper control. That means you can stiffen or soften the suspension based on your needs. 

The S3 will be offered as a hatchback and sedan and deliveries are set to begin in international markets in October. Closer to home, Audi will launch the standard fourth-gen A3 sedan in the country early next year to go up against out the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.