AUDI S3 HATCH IN MZANSI WITHIN WEEKS

Audi South Africa has confirmed that the new S3 hatchback will be in the country’s dealerships within a matter of weeks. It will then be followed by its 5-door S3 Sportback brother in November. Although no price was confirmed, we believe it will range between R450 000 and R500 000 a pop.

To recap as to what kind of rocket we are dealing with here, the S3 is using a 2.0-litre turbo engine that is more powerful than its predecessor’s 188kW. And as with said predecessor, South Africa will get a detuned version of this motor. So, instead of delivering 221kW as it does in Europe, we will have to make do with “only” 206kW. However, the torque figure will remain at 380Nm.

The European S3 hatch is said to sprint from 0 – 100km/h in 5.1 seconds when fitted with the S tronic gearbox, and 5.4 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Of course quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard and Audi has found a way to slash some 60kg off the car’s total weight.