The Audi S3 sedan has been revealed ahead of the flagship's unveiling at today's New York auto show.
Taking pride of place atop the all-new Audi A3 sedan range, due to arrive in Australia in early 2014, the Audi S3 sedan gives the small car's first foray into the compact sedan market a performance twist.
Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine delivering 221kW and 380Nm and mated to the German manufacturer's six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Audi S3 sedan will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds – 5.3 seconds in six-speed manual guise – and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Despite the extra 33kW, 50Nm and 0.7-second performance increase over the current Audi S3 Sportback –?to be replaced later this year –?the all-paw S3 sedan can achieve a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.9 litres per 100km (7.0L/100km manual) and equivalent CO2 emissions of 159 grams per kilometre (162g/km manual). An improvement over the existing Sportback of 1.4L/100km and 39g/km.
The Audi S3 sedan sits 25mm lower than its A3 sedan kin and benefits from 340mm brake discs up front that sit inside standard 18-inch wheels.
Electrically assisted steering works in conjunction with Audi's drive select vehicle dynamics system as standard, while the option to add Audi's magnetic ride damper control system is also available.
The S3 differentiates itself from the rest of the Audi A3 sedan range with unique front and rear bumpers and side skirts, a single-frame grille, modified air intakes, brushed aluminium exterior mirror housings, a model-specific rear spoiler and a chrome-tipped quad-exhaust system that highlights a black rear diffuser.
Inside sees white-stitched leather sport seats, a flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel and grey instrument dials.
The all-new Audi S3 sedan will arrive in Australia only a few months after the launch of the new sedan range in the first quarter of 2014, at a cost premium above the soon-to-arrive Audi S3 Sportback.
