Audi S3 Sportback unveiled

By George Skentzos | April 24th, 2008

Audi’s A3 performance division has just become more versatile with the release of the new S3 Sportback.

The five-door S3 Sportback will join its three-door sibling in Australia by the end of 2008.

Both versions will feature a high-performance 2.0 TFSI engine with peak power of 188kW and 350Nm available constantly from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

The top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h and returns remarkable fuel efficiency for a car of its type with an average of just 8.5 litres per 100 km.

Performance is brisk, covering naught to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds in its three-door guise.

Coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, the standard quattro driveline and 18-inch wheels deliver a firm grip with the road.

Official Australian pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the release date.

Golfschwein

Yummy yummy!
Reckless1

…I’d like one under my bummy
http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

This will easily outsell the three-door variant. We said this last year when we reviewed the S3.
No Name

Yummy indeed. However the tyres are too wide and provide too much traction. Putting a slimmer profile tyre like the Aurion will assist in providing bad handling.
Oh and the interior too well built and plush I prefer the cheap clicky plastic switches in an Aurion.
Andrew M

does anyone know what sort of a price bracket this would fall into.
perhaps Tonyn might make a good guess
Duck

Yummy, yummy, yummy this is in my tummy!…………….Not really!
Jausho

Love the new headlight design!
Jimbo

Awesome
o

cool i wouldnt be suprised if this were cheaper than the 3 door and its has nice lights
http://www.ausringers.com/ Liam

O, given that the 3 door Volkswagen Golf GTIs and R32s are cheaper in the Volkswagen range, it’s difficult to see the 5 door S3 being cheaper than the existing 3 door.
jamison

love it!

but not exactly in the logical price range…

The VW Golf R32 as someone said, is a nice alternative. About 30K less…

But if priced the same, obviously no brainer.
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

Sorry guys but Audi’s all look to same and yes is cool looking but will age bad! Too predictable a look!
Jon

# Naughtyius Maximus Says:
April 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am

Sorry guys but Audi’s all look to same and yes is cool looking but will age bad! Too predictable a look!

Um classic styling never dates and when I see older Audis they look more in date than most other cars on the road so kinda funny how they age bad, considering Aussie cars are just starting to take a more European look. The trouble with the Japs they build quality cars but most are ugly and undesirable, Aussies build crap[ but are getting better]but they change models too often which devalues them too quickly. As far as the Euro`s are concerned I personally think Audi are leading the way, Beamers are ugly and mercedes Interiors are looking and feeling rather cheap these days. Some might say Audis are a little boring and clinical but they are definitely a classic look,its ashame they are expensive but I guess thats why you buy them second hand.
Adam

–QUOTE–
The VW Golf R32 as someone said, is a nice alternative. About 30K less…
———

say what? The Audi S3 is $65K and the R32 is $55K. $65K – $55k = $10k as far as I can see.
Chucky

The Audi A3 is such a ripoff. For the same price as the 1.8L TFSI model, you can have a VW Passat with the 2.0L TFSI, and it is about the size of a Camry. You may as well just stick to the Golf on which its based.
Golfschwein

very sensible, Chucky. But when there’s a want greater than a need…
jbot

I’m guessing you drive a Hyundai Excel then Chucky? Why can’t you understand that some people want luxury, so pay more for it? The A3 is a much nicer car than a Passat.
Joober

Looks good, but im not a fan of that broadway style leds over the headlights.. I can see the hairdressers and beauty therapists go wild on this.
jamison

65K?

Last time I checked S3 is around 75~80K. Hmmm, that was verbal quote.

The R32 I inquired about is around 62K, 55K RRP, but around 62~63K drive away.

All rough estimates of course.
http://web.mac.com/lbrinsmead/Neo_Utopia/Welcome.html Neo Utopia

I love most Audi designs, however i think the three door looks better (less stretched and more dynamic) and would be more of a modern classic due to it being more form than function, and that is exactly the genre of people who would buy an S3 or TT in the first place. However, i could be wrong and Audi have once again created another auto niche, which they are very good at mind you!

However, i think both the Audi RS4 Avant and Saloon look equally sublime.
John

Audi are on a winner with this one. I much prefer the 4 door over a 2 door hatch. Want a 2 door, buy a coupe, much nicer looking also. I’d also rather the Audi over the R32 even if it’s a 10K premium. With a simple tune and exhaust mods 240-250kW try get that out of an R32 without openning the engine. I was so ready to put my order in for the 3door S3 when I heard rumours of a 4 door version. Glad I waited.
John

Audi are on a winner with this one. I much prefer the 4 door over a 2 door hatch. Want a 2 door, buy a coupe, much nicer looking also. I’d also rather the Audi over the R32 even if it’s a 10K premium. With a simple tune (reprogramming of factory chip) 240-250kW try get that out of an R32 without opening the engine. I was ready to put my order in on a 3 door, but heard rumours of a 4 door version to be released. Glad I waited.
Liam

Current model prices:

Golf 3Door R32 DSG 4Motion – $57290 + onroads
Two more doors adds about $1500

Audi A3 Sportback 3.2 S-Tronic Quattro – $65800 + onroads
Audi S3 2.0TFSI Manual Quattro – $65900 + onroads

VW has higher resale value (63 plays 58) and consistently trumps the A3 in driving comparisons.

But it’s the VW isn’t that much cheaper and the Audi badge is worth more so I wouldn’t consider the R32 a bargain in comparison.

The GTI, well that’s a different story.

My .02
Kristian

If only they would put in the S-Tronic gearbox as in the TTs. Then it would be so perfect!
Adam

I have been waiting till November this year to trade my car on a S3 and didn’t even hear the talk of a 4. Glad I have now heard so I can start saving. The 3 door S3 is still great but I have kids so this becomes even that more sensible.

Hang on, what about an RS3