Audi South Africa has officially launched the facelifted S3 in both Sportback and sedan versions, with pricing now confirmed. The updated model promises sharper performance, refreshed styling, and upgraded technology, all aimed at keeping it competitive with the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 R.

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Power and Performance Boost

Described by Audi as “more than a product update,” the facelifted S3 receives a notable power increase up front. Its 2.0 TFSI engine now delivers 245 kW and 420 Nm, matching the Golf 8.5 R. This marks an increase of 17 kW and 20 Nm over the previous model, allowing the S3 to reach 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

The turbocharger has been upgraded for quicker spool-up, providing a broader torque range from 2 100 to 5 500 rpm. Additionally, the seven-speed S tronic transmission has been sharpened, and the quattro all-wheel-drive system now features a torque-splitting setup for optimized power distribution between front and rear axles.

Audi has also improved handling with a 15 mm lower ride height, courtesy of the standard adaptive S suspension, stiffer wishbones, sharper steering, upgraded brakes, and a new Dynamic Plus mode in the Audi Drive Select system, which channels more power to the rear wheels. Traditional modes such as Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual are retained.

Refreshed Exterior Design

The facelift S3 continues Audi’s sporty aesthetic with:

19-inch alloy wheels
Frameless Singleframe grille
S-specific bumpers and quad exhaust outlets
Black rear apron and faux diffuser
Lip spoiler at the front bumper

Additional options include a titanium performance exhaust. Standard Matrix LED headlights are complemented by new colour choices: Daytona Grey Matte, Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and District Green.

Upgraded Interior

Inside, the S3 mirrors the A3’s latest revisions, featuring:

10.1-inch MMI Plus infotainment
12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit
Restyled centre console with S tronic toggle
Black roofliner, S alloy pedals, wireless charging, four USB-C ports
Illuminated S door sills, alloy or carbon decorative inserts
S steering wheel and sport seats in imitation leather
Panoramic sunroof and Sonos sound system

Optional upgrades include integrated satellite navigation, Head-Up Display, and bundled packages:

Comfort Pro: Electric front seats with memory and folding mirrors
Infotainment Pro: Head-Up Display, navigation, Audi Phone Box connect
Climate Control: Heated front seats and tri-zone climate system

Audi S3 Pricing in South Africa

All S3 models include a five-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway maintenance plan.

Model	Price (ZAR)
S3 Sportback	1 091 100
S3 Sedan	1 106 100
RS3 Sportback	1 498 200
RS3 Sportback Carbon	1 591 900
RS3 Sedan	1 528 200
RS3 Sedan Carbon	1 610 700

The facelifted S3 strengthens Audi’s position in the premium hot hatch segment, offering a compelling mix of power, style, and technology to compete with rivals like the Golf 8.5 R.