The 4th-gen Audi S3 models have received their mid-cycle refresh and are scheduled to go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2024 with prices starting at €55,600. The new models boast styling, tech and power upgrades.
Let’s start with the styling updates then, shall we? Audi calls this a “progressive design”. In simpler terms, I guess it means “not a whole lot”. The changes come in the form of new headlight internals; the upper DRLs are arranged in three rows, and the driver can choose from 4 light signatures via the MMI display. At the rear, the taillight internals are also new and they offer coming home/leaving home functions. And of course, there are new front and rear bumpers with the latter proudly displaying the titanium tailpipes of the optional Akrapovič exhaust system. For reasons beyond our understanding, the Singleframe grille features L-shaped design elements, and the same can be found on the rear bumper as well.
The new Audi S3 rolls off the assembly line with 18-inch 225/40 tires as standard. Two 19-inch 235/35 tires are available as an option, including performance tires with optimized dry handling and improved braking behavior. The other option is sports tires from Falken. Brakes have been upgraded as well. The 18-inch steel brake now measures 357 mm in diameter and, at 34 mm, is 4 mm thicker than before; the two-piston calipers at the front are new too.
New metallic paint finishes are available, including District Green, Ascari Blue, and Progressive Red. For the first time, Daytona Gray is also available in a matte finish.
Inside, things look pretty much the same, but there are some changes such as the design of the shifter on the centre console and some minor revisions on the air vents. The optional ambient lighting is also new here.
In addition to DAB+ digital radio and the 10.1-inch touch display, the Audi virtual cockpit, and a wireless smartphone charger all come standard. In addition to the two front USB-C charging ports in the center console, there are two additional ports in the rear as standard. The MMI navigation plus system is optional and comes with the voice command function and select pre-installed apps.
As for other upgrades, Audi says that wishbones with stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings allow more negative wheel camber, ensuring an improved steering response and increased lateral control. The progressive steering has also been optimized. The S sports suspension comes standard in the S3 models; it lowers the body by 15 mm compared with the A3. The optional S sport suspension with adaptive dampers has been specially tuned for the torque splitter and the respective Audi drive select modes.
Moving on to the juicy bits of the story, the 2.0L TFSI engine now offers 245 kW (333 metric hp) between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm. There are 23 metric hp and 20 Nm more this time. The 7-speed S tronic transmission has received a more sporty tuning. The official 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time is 4.7 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker, while the top speed remains limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Following the RS 3, the torque splitter is now also available in the S3.
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