Rounding out the A3 model line, the new 3-door Audi S3 is characterised by a potent 188 kW engine, quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, all combining to provide a compact luxury sports car with a dynamic personality.

Its sparkling performance and practical features make the new S3 – like all Audi S models – an ideal sports car for everyday use, according to Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.

“The S3 has proven a very popular vehicle in Australia, with sales of the previous model exceeding our expectations. Interest in the new model has also been strong from potential customers via the dealer network. We expect to sell at least 100 units per annum thanks to the very sporty yet luxurious nature of this new model,” Mr Hofmann added.

Priced at $65,500 (RRP), the S3 sprints to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h.

Aggressively hard-hitting, free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile, the powerful two-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder unit with FSI petrol direct injection proves to be a smooth, high-performance engine. Voted Engine of the Year three times in a row from 2005 to 2007, the 188 kW 2.0 TFSI engines offers handy fuel consumption of 9.2 litres per 100 km.

Despite this progressive engineering, the engine weighs just 152 kg, positively impacting on axle load distribution and making it ideal for transverse installation.

The engine’s power is transmitted by a close-ratio manual six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to the large 18-inch alloy wheels. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance, distributes the torque as needed – delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving safety. All the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque.

The new S sports suspension system on the S3 enables an extremely sporty driving style. Responding actively to steering movements, the S3 exhibits precise and safe handling characteristics and, thanks to quattro technology, enables maximum acceleration out of bends.

Dynamism is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled. There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.

Inside, materials of the highest quality have been crafted with painstaking care. Dominant elements include leather sports seats with prominent side sections, also available in a two tone finish, and the instrument cluster with its racing-style dials and needles. The red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims.

The new Audi S3 is larger than its predecessor. In comparison, the wheelbase has increased by 59 mm, the overall length by 55 mm and the width by 2 mm, however height is lowered by 16 mm to provide a sportier, coupe-like silhouette.

In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car, responding instantly to steering movements and achieving high cornering speeds. The innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined.

Springs and shock absorbers are stiffer, and the body sits 25 mm lower than an A3 with standard suspension. Aluminium pivot bearings and wishbones reduce the weight of the front suspension. Stiffer suspension mounts and a sportier characteristic for the electro-mechanical steering convey even greater dynamism and precision. A 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensures maximum deceleration and the black painted callipers bear S3 emblems.