Still, the S3 remains really quite likeable for the almost blasé manner in which it makes such short work of what you’d normally consider to be fairly hard driving. That said, it does leave you wondering just where Audi Sport will go with the next RS3.
Aside from that mad-dog five-cylinder engine, some more material plushness about the cabin and a fraction more grit about its overall dynamic character wouldn’t go amiss.
Audi adds a new member to the A3 family: the A3 Sportback 30 g-tron. Operation with natural gas or biomethane makes the compact model particularly economical and climate-friendly with very low emissions. Like all variants of the new A3 model series, it boasts a sporty design, a digital operating concept and generous standard equipment. Sales in Germany begin in fall 2020 at a base price of €30,705.88.
The first A3 Sportback g-tron introduced by Audi in 2014 already featured a sophisticated technology concept. The successor builds on that. Its 1.5 TFSI engine produces 96 kW (131 PS) and generates 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm.Its turbocharger with variable turbine geometry makes optimal use of the exhaust gas energy for early and harmonious torque development. The Miller combustion process provides tremendous consumption advantages during normal driving. With its abbreviated compression phase and long expansion phase, it was designed specifically for operation at partial load.
Operation with the knock-resistant fuel CNG enables a higher 12.5:1 compression ratio compared with the conventional combustion process of the 1.5 TFSI 110 kW (150 PS) and also improves efficiency. The cylinder head, injection system, turbocharger and catalytic converter were modified accordingly for the CNG engine. Before the gas reaches the injector valves, an electronic pressure regulator reduces the pressure from as much as 200 bar, which can prevail in the tanks, to between 5 and 9 bar.
Three CNG tanks arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel are located in the rear of the Audi A3 Sportback 30 g-tron. A narrow steel cylinder...
Audi S3 Sportback (2021) International Launch Review
Audi's new S3 packs 228 kW and is spoiling for a fight with the BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic. Our international correspondent, Simon Davis, gets to grips with the all-wheel-drive newcomer, which will arrive in South Africa next year.
Final thoughts
Still, the Audi S3 remains really quite likeable for the almost blasé manner in which it makes such short work of what you’d normally consider to be fairly hard driving. That said, it does leave you wondering just where Audi Sport will go with the next iteration of the RS3... Aside from that mad-dog 5-cylinder engine, some more material plushness about the cabin and a fraction more grit about its overall dynamic character wouldn’t go amiss.
Audi's new S3 packs 228 kW and is spoiling for a fight with the BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic. Our international correspondent, Simon Davis, gets to grips with the all-wheel-drive newcomer, which will arrive in South Africa next year. Back in 1999, the bright folks over at (what...
The first prototypes of the all-new Audi RS3 sedan have been spotted on public roads. Here's what we know so far about the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45's nemesis.
The Audi RS3 is a rival to the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, but in sedan guise, it's fair to compare like-for-like and the CLA 45 S becomes the real opponent. Audi revealed its 4th-generation A3 Sportback and while there's considerable interest in the mainstream consumer models, petrolheads are chomping at the bit for news regarding the S3 and particularly, the fearsome RS3.
The first prototypes of the all-new Audi RS3 sedan have been spotted on public roads. Here's what we know so far about the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45's nemesis. Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them. Updated: Chasing...
A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe is first of two plug-in hybrid powertrains for new hatch; offers 48 miles of electric running
The first plug-in hybrid version of the recently launched new AudiA3 Sportback will go on sale later this year, offering 48 miles of electric-only running.
A dramatically overhauled new A3 went on sale earlier this year with a range of mild-hybrid, petrol and diesel engines. The line-up will be joined later this year by the A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe plug-in hybrid, with a higher-performance version due to follow soon after.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the 40 TFSIe features a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 147bhp and 184lb ft of torque. That is mated to an electric motor housed within the six-speed gearbox that produces 107bhp and 258lb ft. When combined, the units have a maximum system output of 201bhp and 258lb ft.
The system can propel the A3 Sportback from 0-62mph in 7.6sec, with a top speed of 141mph. The NEDC-rated fuel economy is 188-202mpg and CO2 emissions are 34-34g/km. The power for the electric motor is stored in a 13.0kWh battery located underneath the rear seats.
This very much depends on your usage pattern and criteria. The S3 Saloon stacks up admirably against its German challengers. But if out-and-out thrills and the odd weekend track day are the overriding priority, there remain far more satisfying hatchback alternatives, and most of them are front-wheel drive.
We suspect there’s even greater dynamic range to be had with the adaptive dampers and wish there was a more engaging soundtrack. But if you’re one of (given the S3’s sales success) many who want one car that can take the kids to school without embarrassing them, crush long distances with a relaxing gait and offer all-weather, all-scenario potency, the Audi is one of the best bets.
Audi continues its electrification campaign in the compact class. The brand with the four rings is complementing the A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e with a sporty model that has more power and more extensive equipment. Its plug-in hybrid drive has a system output of 180 kW (245 PS) and 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of system torque.
Like its sister model, the new Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e is equipped with a 1.4-liter combustion engine. It outputs 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque. The electric drive is powered by a permanently excited synchronous machine that outputs 80 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque.
Control software generates the extra 30 kW (41 PS) of system output and 50 Nm (36.9 lb-ft) of torque as compared to the A3 40 TFSI e. It regulates the optimum interplay between the two drives under maximum power requirements. The electric motor complements the combustion engine in the corresponding engine speed ranges. The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the six-speed S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. A package consisting of 96 prismatic cells in the lithium-ion battery stores 13.0 kWh of energy. The Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e charges with a maximum of 2.9 kW. An empty battery can be recharged in around five hours from a conventional domestic power socket.
Audi A3 line-up expanded with 242bhp plug-in hybrid option
Second PHEV variant of Audi's hatchback brings performance boost and bespoke styling
The new Audi A3 45 TFSIe has gone on sale in Germany as the most powerful plug-in hybrid version of the premium hatchback.
Priced from €41,440 (£37,830), the new addition offers a power and performance hike over the existing 40 TFSIe for a premium that will translate to around £3500 when the model arrives in the UK early next year.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain, as in the lower-powered A3, marries a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to a 107bhp electric motor in the gearbox for combined system outputs of 242bhp and 295lb ft. This is the same as in the A3 45 TFSIe's Cupra Leon e-Hybrid sibling.
Boosts of 41bhp and 37lb ft enable the top-rung A3 hybrid to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.8sec - a 0.8sec improvement over the 40 TFSIe - and achieve a top speed of 144mph.
Almost an RS3? New Audi S3 Sportback handed extra oomph by ABT
ABT Sportsline has handed the new Audi S3 Sportback more power and a fresh set of wheels, with a louder exhaust system in development, too.
The German tuner has installed its engine control unit on the VW Group's EA888 turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine, which pushes the standard peak outputs of 228 kW and 400 N.m of torque to 272 kW and 450 N.m. ABT says a stainless-steel exhaust system, meanwhile, will be available from the second quarter of 2021.
So much is right with this A3. The design of the interior is spot on (leaving aside any gripes around a touchscreen) and the quality is as good as ever. Quite how Audi keeps turning out interiors like this is beyond comprehension.
The way the plug-in hybrid integrates with the petrol engine is largely flawless as well, adding a useful element to an already impressive line-up of A3s. If only the ride and road noise could be improved: they’re too harsh for what is otherwise a relaxing car.