2013 Audi S3 Sportback revealed, arriving in Australia late-2013

Audi has revealed the new 2013 Audi S3 Sportback. The five-door hot-hatch will be going on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year. Sadly, the three-door version won’t make it here.

Powered by a new 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 221kW of power and 380Nm of torque, the S3 Sportsback will crack the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.0 seconds when matched with the 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch auto.

The manual version takes and extra 0.5 seconds to accomplish the same task. As with all previous S3’s, the 2013 model is also features Audi’s latest generation Haldex all-wheel drive system. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km for the S-tronic, and 7.0L/100km for the manual.

The Audi S3 rides on sports suspensions that are lowered by 25cm and features magnetic ride control. It runs on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40-series tyres. Stopping power comes courtesy of large 340mm disc brakes at the front.

Due to its lightweight construction, the 2013 Audi S3 Sportback is up to 70kg lighter than the previous model, tipping the scale at 1,445kg. The car’s front fenders and bonnet are made of aluminium.

Aesthetically, the S3 is set apart from garden variety A3 with a sporty body kit. There are also some ‘S-Line’ trademarks, like silver highlighted trimmings and side mirrors.

Inside, the heavily bolstered bucket seats can be had with diamond quilting, while the multifunction flat-bottomed sports steering wheel is optional. The tachometer gauge integrates a boost- pressure display.

Pricing and specification of the Australian bound Audi S3 Sportback will be announced closer to launch.