New Audi S3 revealed: more power for posh hot hatch

• New Audi S3 revealed
• Tweaked design in line with the new A3 range
• 333hp from 2.0-litre engine
• Suspension and chassis upgrades
• Standard A3 also updated
• On sale later this year

The Audi S3 has been given a nip and tuck makeover for 2024, keeping it looking fresh against alternatives like the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35.

You also get a touch more power to go along with the new face, and the standard A3 range has been updated as well.

New Audi S3 design

The updated Audi A3 was revealed a few weeks ago, and the S3 gets a similar range of styling tweaks.

The main change up front is the new grille. It’s slightly wider and more imposing than the outgoing car’s, and there’s a new Audi logo mounted slightly higher up. The lower bumper also features some larger, more aggressive-looking air intakes.

The S3’s side profile is pretty much unchanged, although there are some new alloy wheel designs to choose from. The rear end features some new tail lights and a revised bumper, and you can still choose between hatchback or saloon body styles.

New Audi S3 engine and performance

You’ll still find a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new Audi S3, however it’s been tuned for a bit more power.

It now has 333hp and 420Nm of torque, which is exactly the same output as the limited edition Volkswagen Golf R 333. Not a huge surprise seeing as both cars share the same engine, and it’s a 23hp and 20Nm increase over the outgoing S3.

So what does that added power do for performance? Well the new S3 will do 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds, which is just 0.1 of a second quicker than the old car. It’s also exactly the same as the Mercedes-AMG A35.

New Audi S3 suspension and chassis

The performance gains may be pretty minimal, but the new Audi S3 has a few tricks up its sleeve to make it more agile through the corners. It’s now available with the same torque splitter as the flagship Audi RS3, meaning the car can distribute power between the rear wheels for optimum grip.

You also get a new Dynamic Plus mode for the traction control, which sends as much power to the rear wheels as possible to encourage oversteer for some sideways action on the track. The suspension is also slightly stiffer than before for added responsiveness, and the brakes have been upgraded as well.

New Audi A3 also revealed

As well as the hot S3, the standard Audi A3 has also been given an update for 2024.

Changes to the exterior are pretty subtle but bring the A3 range closer in line with Audi’s latest models. The ‘singleframe’ grille gets a new mesh design, and is wider, while the Audi badge is integrated into the top edge rather than floating in the middle. It’s also been totally de-chromed.

It’s flanked by wide, jowly air intakes, as well as updated headlights with clever daytime running lights that feature four different patterns, allowing you to customise the appearance of your A3. They each have their own welcome and goodbye animations when you lock or unlock the car, too.

The rear also gains a new bumper and diffuser, inspired by Audi’s more sporting S and RS models. Finishing off the exterior makeover are two new metallic paint shades – District Green and Progressive Red.

Audi A3: interior and technology

The interior makeover is rather less distinctive. There’s a new, smaller gear selector, in line with Audi’s other models, and all trim levels now get the brand’s 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display as standard.

New air vents and a gloss black centre console also feature, as does revamped interior mood lighting with illuminated cupholders and door panels.

Interior tech has been given a once-over. The optional premium sound system was previously a B&O setup, but is now provided by Sonos. A wireless smartphone charger is now standard equipment, as is navigation.

The 10.1-inch centre touchscreen has new software, with a variety of third-party apps available and built-in Amazon Alexa to help with music streaming or controlling smart home devices.

You’ll also be able to buy a wide range of functions through Audi’s web store, rather than having to choose them when you order. Kit such as adaptive cruise control and high-beam assistant can be either be permanently purchased or rented for a short period. Audi suggests scenarios like booking adaptive cruise control before a long driving holiday, for example.

Audi A3: engines

Two engines will be offered in the facelifted A3 at launch – a 1.5-litre petrol (named the 35 TFSI) or a 2.0-litre diesel (35 TDI). Both come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and produce 150hp, though a manual gearbox will be made available for the petrol.

Performance figures haven’t been revealed, but we’d be surprised if they changed much from the outgoing car – meaning 0-62mph in around 8.4 seconds for both models.

A plug-in hybrid powertrain will arrive later in the year, likely proving the pick of the range for company car drivers.

When can I buy a new Audi A3?

UK pricing has yet to be finalised for the A3 range. The 35 TFSI costs from €35,650 (£30,500) in Germany for the Sportback variant, or an extra €800 (£690) for the saloon. Expect order books to open within a couple of months, bringing pricing and specification details with them.

As for the sporty S3, expect to see a price hike over the outgoing model. A figure of around £50,000 is likely.

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