As cars get bigger and more powerful without necessarily getting better, the Audi S3 has remained a refreshing antidote. Since first coming to America in 2014, the S3 has served a reminder of why we love sport sedans. It’s small, reasonably quick, and practical. Thankfully, Audi isn’t changing much for the new S3, which makes its debut today.
The all-new 2021 Audi A3 was revealed earlier this year with a bold new look, so it was only a matter of time before the sportier Audi S3 was renewed. Audi has lifted the wraps off the new 2021 S3 Sedan and its Sportback sibling, which have been upgraded with more power, sharper styling, and improved tech.
Dominating the front is Audi’s signature Singleframe grille flanked by larger air intakes than the standard A3, while the mirror exterior housings have an aluminum look. The new Audi S3 can be fitted with optional matrix LED headlights, while the daytime running lights feature 15 LEDs. A large diffuser and a quad exhaust system also contribute to the new Audi S3’s sporty look.
In terms of dimensions, the new Audi S3 Sedan is 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, while the new S3 Sportback is 1.2 inches longer. Both models are 1.2 inches wider than the outgoing models. The new S3 Sedan has a cargo capacity of 13.1 cu. ft., while the Sportback can hold between 11.5-40.4 cu. ft. depending on the position of the rear bench seat.
Under the hood, power is provided by Audi’s 2.0-liter TFSI engine producing 305 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque – that’s 17 more hp and 15 more lb-ft than the previous model. Power is sent to a Quattro all-wheel-drive system through a quick-shifting seven-speed S Tronic transmission. This setup enables both the S3 Sedan and S3 Sportback to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Standard safety assists include Audi’s pre sense front, swerve assist with turn assist, and lane departure warning. Additional assists such as lane change and exit warnings, cross-traffic, and park assist systems are available optionally. In Europe, deliveries of the new Audi S3 will start in October. Pricing for the new S3 Sportback starts at €46,302, while the S3 Sedan will start at €47,179.
A limited “Edition one” will also be available finished in Python Yellow for the Sportback and Tango Red for the Sedan with black accents, 19-inch wheels, and Nappa leather sport seats. US customers will likely have a much longer wait, as the regular Audi A3 isn’t expected to arrive until late 2021 and go on sale for the 2022 model year, so the new S3 may not be available in America until 2022. When it does eventually go on sale in the US, the Audi S3 will only be sold as a sedan.
