In an attempt to keep us busy until the convertible version will finally join the S3 lineup, Audi has unveiled the initial details on the Sportback version - a model set to make its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. What's the difference between this and the standard S3? Well, the number of doors of course: the new Sportback has four doors and offers increased space for families while maintaining its sporty nature.

Except for the extra doors, the new Sportback version will pretty much remain identical to its three-door brother, meaning that customers will continue to enjoy the same performance numbers. You'll have to consider that as the new Sportback is a little bit heavier, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will take 0.1 seconds longer.

Talking about weight, Audi->ke14 managed to shave an impressive 154 pounds from the car total weight - when compared to previous generation. This result has been achieved by using weight-saving materials like an ultra-high-strength steel passenger cell and light aluminum wings and bonnet.

Hit the jump to learn full details on the new Audi S3 Sportback.

2014 Audi S3 Sportback

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi S3 Sportback
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 5500
  • Torque: 280 @ 1800
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When compared to the standard A3 Sportback, the new S3 version will be distinguished by the S package you have seen on all the previously launched models. This means there will be an S-specific single-frame grille with an aluminum-look finish and matte platinum grey inserts. The same aluminum finish will also be applied to the horizontal double bars and also for the newly designed bumpers.

The S3 also received large air inlets with high-gloss black honeycomb inserts, and for improved engine cooling there is a set of additional air openings located close to the wheels.

Audi also installed new exterior mirrors in aluminum finish and even more pronounced side sills. For the rear, you will notice a redesigned bumper, and a new exhaust system with four oval tailpipes located in a platinum grey diffuser. In order to generate additional downforce, the model received a large roof spoiler.

As standard feature, Audi is offering xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps, but as an option customers can also get all-LED headlights.

The new Audi S3 Sportback can be ordered in any of 14 colors, including two specially developed for the S3: Panther Black and Estoril Blue.

Dimensions:

Height

1404 mm (55.27 inches)

Width

1966 mm (77.40 inches)

Length

4324 mm (170.23 inches)

Weight

1,445kg (3,185.68 lb)

Axle-load distribution

59% to 41%, front to rear

Luggage compartment

380 liters

Luggage compartment (maximum)

1,220 liters


Interior

The same sporty feeling of the exterior continues to the interior where you will notice the usual design elements seen in the S models. On the instrument panel, the dials are grey and the needles white, there is also a leather multifunction sport steering wheel, plus shift paddles in aluminum look for the models equipped with S tronic transmission.

The S3 will be offered with standard sports seats wrapped in a mix of Velvet leather and Fine Nappa or, as an alternative for no extra cost, Alcantara and leather. As an option, customers can also get S sport seats with integrated head restraints and diamond quilting.

The interior has been trimmed in black with contrasting stitching and numerous S logos to help you further differentiate the car from the pack. They have been placed on the door sill strips, the steering wheel, the gear-selector knob and the instruments.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, you will find the same engine as in the S3 three-door version: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers an impressive 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm.

The engine will be offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed S tronic will be offered as an option. Both transmissions will send the engine's power to all four wheels via Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

When combined with the S-tronic transmission, the S3 will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, and in 5.5 seconds with the manual transmission. Top speed will be limited to 155 mph, while fuel economy has been improved when compared to previous generation: 34 U.S. mpg when paired with the S tronic and 33 U.S. mpg with the manual transmission. This is an improvement of 1.5 liters per 100 km (roughly 6 mpg).

Engine

2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged

Horsepower

300 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm

Torque

280 pound-feet @ 1,800 to 5,500 rpm

0 to 60 mph}

5.0 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Fuel economy

34 U.S. mpg


Suspension and Brakes

The new Audi S3 Sportback will be offered with a standard S sport suspension which lowers the car's ride by 0.98 inches. The car sits on a standard set of 7.5-by18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/40-series tires. Audi also installed a pair of high-performance brakes with calipers with rotors measuring 13.39 inches in diameter up front. The calipers are offered in black as standard, but they can also be ordered in red.

Each unit will also be offered with standard Audi drive select, a system that handles characteristics of the electronic gas pedal, shift points of the optional S tronic and the steering ratio for progressive steering. It can be operated in four different modes: comfort, auto, dynamic or efficiency mode just by pressing a button.

Prices

The new Audi S3 Sportback will make its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Audi will start taking orders in April and first deliveries will be made in September. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competitors

With all the improvements it received, the new Audi S3 Sportback has just become a serious competitor on the sports hatchback market.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

We are still waiting to see the official details on the seventh generation Golf GTI. If rumors will turn out to be true, the new GTI will get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that will deliver up to 260 horsepower - a major increase over the current generation, but still not enough to overtake the S3.

Also, if you ask us, we will always opt for the S3 over the GTI, not because we consider it better looking, but simply because the latest three Golf generation brought no major design improvements.

Ford Focus ST

A model both the S3 and the GTI should fear is the new Ford Focus ST. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out a stout 247 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Despite being less powerful than both the Audi and Volkswagen models, the Focus ST has already become quite a hit on the market. Not to mention that Ford proved in the past few years that it can develop real competitors for any segment of the market.

Conclusion

The new Audi S3 Sportback has been specially designed for buyers who are looking for a more powerful model - not that we encourage you driving 100 mph while your kids are in the back seats. With its 300 horsepower, the S3 propelled itself on the top of the market, and we are pretty sure its competitors will have a lot to work to take it down from there.