Audi’s excellent dual-clutch transmission is now available in the S3 Sportback, to make a perfect match with the powerful and lightweight four-cylinder 2.0-litre TFSI engine.
Introduced in the TT 3.2 quattro in 2003, this gearbox combines all the advantages of a compact six-speed manual with the qualities of a clutchless automatic transmission. The absence of a power-sapping torque converter spells more performance and even better fuel economy. This ultra-compact unit with its twin-plate clutch can simultaneously pre-select two gears. It then shifts electro-hydraulically from one to the next in the proverbial split second.
The driver revels in seamless gearchanges with no perceptible interruption in the performance. The merits of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine have been recognised in four “Engine of the Year” awards. It delivers 188 kW of power and the maximum torque of 330 Nm is on tap from just 2500 right through to 5,000 rpm. Remarkably, this engine weighs just 152 kilograms.
The combination of brilliant engine and state of the art dual-clutch transmission is notable in the compact luxury sporting sector.
The new S3 Sportback with S tronic dual clutch transmission is priced at $71,010 rrp for Australian buyers.
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.
