Audi launches S3 Sportback S tronic

Last year Audi broadened the appeal of its pocket rocket S3 by adding a five door Sportback model. This appeal has been widened further with the addition of the Sportback S tronic. This is a 6 speed double clutch transmission, as first introduced to Australia in the Mk5 Golf GTI.

Gear changes are lightning quick in the S tronic and in manual mode the driver can choose to change gears using the gear shift or the metal steering wheel mounted paddles.

The regular S3 is quoted as covering the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds. S tronic reduces that, by two-tenths of a second, to 5.6 seconds. Fuel consumption also reduces slightly and is rated under 8.5l/100km. Also impressive for a car of this class and performance is the CO2 emissions figure of 195g/km.

Base model pricing for the Sportback is $68,310 and the S tronic options is $2700, which brings the base price up to $71,010.

At this stage Audi Australia has no plans to introduce the S tronic on the 3 door Coupé.

More pics, technical data and Audi’s press release after the jump.

Audi S3 Sportback, Now With S tronic Gearbox

• Efficient, fast dual-clutch transmission for the S3 Sportback
• Quicker acceleration paired with even higher fuel efficiency
• Particularly sporty combination in the compact class

A milestone in transmission technology is now available in the Audi S3 Sportback model in Australia.

The S tronic dual clutch transmission unites the powerful two-litre TFSI engine with the road in a manner that is both sporty and efficient. This ensures quicker acceleration, high agility and ride comfort along with improved fuel efficiency.

A genuine marvel of engineering, the revolutionary S tronic dual-clutch transmission has been a sensation ever since it debuted in the Audi TT 3.2 quattro in spring 2003. It combines the advantages of a compact six speed manual transmission with the qualities of a modern automatic.

The driver benefits from enormous agility and driving pleasure with acceleration that is both harmonious and dynamic, without any perceptible interruption in the power flow. This is coupled with good economy thanks to low fuel consumption, and convenient operation.

The ultra-compact S tronic with twin multi-plate clutch can simultaneously preselect two gears. With its ingenious electro-hydraulic operation, it shifts from one gear to the next in a split second.

The new S3 Sportback with S tronic dual clutch transmission is priced at $71,010 rrp for Australian buyers.

The powerhouse engine in the S3 is an ideal partner for this new generation gearbox.

The 2.0 TFSI has already won the “Engine of the Year Award” four times. It supplies 188 kW and its maximum torque of 330 Nm remains constant from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

Weighing just 152 kilograms, this turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine propels the Audi S3 Sportback into the exclusive class of compact sports cars.

The S tronic makes the dynamic spearhead of the A3 family even speedier. It further reduces, by two-tenths of a second, the time required to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h to 5.6 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption has improved to 8.4 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of just 195 g/km.

The S3 Sportback S tronic features exterior design cues including a chrome-plated radiator grille, vertical double bars, and a front bumper with powerful spoiler lip. Chrome rings border the fog lamps. A platinum grey diffuser and two large oval exhaust tailpipes sharpen up the rear as do the redesigned tail light clusters. S-specific exterior mirrors with indicators round out the design. Fitted as standard are new S design 18” alloy wheels and Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Inside, embossed Silk Nappa leather sport seats, S design multi-function leather sports steering wheel, BOSE speaker system and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation are amongst some of the many standard features. From the Audi exclusive quattro GmbH range, a new flat-bottom design multi-function leather sports steering wheel is also available as an option. Aluminium-look pedals and S3 door sill strips come as standard to enhance the sporty appeal of this new model.

Safety is not compromised as the new S3 Sportback comes standard with an Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP incorporating ABS, Traction Control ASR, and an Electronic Differential Lock EDL. SIDEGUARD head and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, together with side and front airbags round out the passive safety package.

Audi S3 model range

• Audi S3 2.0 TFSI quattro manual – $66,403 rrp
• Audi S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro manual – $68,310 rrp
• Audi S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic – $71,010 rrp

S3 Sportback S tronic technical data (24kb PDF)