Due to make its debut at the Palexpo in Geneva next month (March 7 to 17) before opening for UK ordering in April and reaching its first UK customers in September, the latest S3 Sportback derives its 300 hp and 380Nm from a brand new long-stroke 2.0-litre TFSI engine which shares only its 1,984cc displacement with its predecessor.
Peak power is available at 5,500rpm, and peak torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm, and when linked to the S tronic twin-clutch transmission the S3 Sportback can use these to deliver a 5.0-second sprint to 62mph on the way to a governed 155mph top speed (5.5 seconds with the manual transmission). Combined fuel economy stands at 40.9mpg (manual 40.4mpg).
Despite its complexity and high output, the new 2.0 TFSI weighs just 148 kilograms – more than five kilograms less than the previous engine. This is just one example of the many steps taken to shave a total of 70kg from the kerb weight of the previous S3 Sportback, taking the total to 1,445kg.
As is customary for ‘S’ models the S3 Sportback is quattro permanent all-wheel drive-equipped. The latest incarnation of the system, with redesigned multi-plate clutch, enables the sophisticated S sports suspension with its McPherson-based front and four-link rear configuration and wider front and rear tracks to discharge 300 hp.
As an option which breaks new ground in the compact class, an upgrade to LED headlights will also be offered. Previously only available in full-size models, their low beams are generated in two free-form reflectors with a total of nine high-performance LED chips. Ten high-performance LEDs in the matt aluminum trim provide the high beams.
Into the interior, there is an even more generous supply of passenger space, helped by the 35mm increase in length over the three-door S3 between the front and rear axles. The luggage compartment offers 380 litres of capacity in the basic configuration, 15 litres more than the S3. This expands to 1,220 litres with the seats folded down.
