Exterior design
The new Audi S3 has a firm and sporty road stance. Each element of the design is precise and distinctive. The athletic sculpture with the low engine hood, the characteristic tornado line below the windows and the sharply sloped C-pillars stretch the body visually. Audi supplies xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard. The flat rear lights, into which the adaptive brake light is integrated, are also fitted with light-emitting diodes.
The xenon-based Audi adaptive light swivels into curves. It is also linked to the navigation system and can be upgraded with special lighting functions of urban, interurban and highway driving, as well as for intersections and tourist attractions. When combined with the front-facing camera, the light-dark boundary of the headlights is automatically and steplessly adjusted for substantially improved visibility and safety.
A true first in the premium compact class are the optional LED headlights, which previously have only been available in full-size models. The low beams are generated in two free-form reflectors with a total of nine high-performance LED chips. Ten high-performance LEDs in the matt aluminum trim provide the high beams. Depending on the features chosen, the high beams are switched on automatically and LED cornering lights illuminate tight corners. Interurban, highway and tourist attraction lighting round out the lighting convenience functions. The all-weather lights enhance safety in fog or snow.
The Audi S3 sports the S-specific single-frame grille as a symbol of uncompromised sportiness. The frame has an aluminum-look finish, and the insert is matt platinum gray. The horizontal double bars also shine in an aluminum-look finish. The newly designed bumper features aluminum-look double ribs integrated into the lateral air inlets. Pronounced edges frame the large air inlets with the high-gloss black honeycomb inserts. Additional implied air openings are found toward the wheels.
When viewed from the side, the aluminum-look exterior mirrors and the pronounced side sills catch the eye. The rear bumper has also been redesigned. The platinum gray diffuser houses the exhaust system’s four oval tailpipes, which sport chrome tips. A large roof spoiler generates downforce on the rear axle.
S badges adorn the rear and the single-frame grille. Highlights among the 14 colors available for the Audi S3 are the exclusive crystal-effect finishes Panther Black and Estoril Blue.
Interior
The athletic design of the exterior carries over into the interior. A distinct arch encircles the instrument panel; slim and low, the instrument panel appears to float on the center console. Large, round air vents, the elegant control panel for the air conditioning and the decorative inlays in matt brushed aluminum or a black 3D look provide exquisite accents. The controls are clear and intuitive, as in every Audi. The quality is unsurpassed and there is a generous amount of room. Luggage capacity is 365 liters (12.89 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,100 liters (38.85 cu ft) by folding down the rear seats.
The instrument dials are gray, the needles white. Another S-specific feature can be found on the tachometer, which now includes a boost pressure indicator. The driver information system with rest recommendation is standard; the power-retractable on-board monitor (standard with the MMI radio and above) powers up to display a special S3 screen when the ignition is turned. The optional leather multifunction sport steering wheel has been redesigned with the flat-bottomed rim. In models equipped with S tronic, it also has aluminum-look shift paddles. The pedals and footrest are made of brushed aluminum.
The sport seats with the pull-out seat cushions are also a new development. The seat coverings are one of three variants: In the first, the large side bolsters are covered in Pearl Nappa leather while the seat center sections are covered in cloth. The second is a combination of perforated Alcantara and Pearl Nappa leather. The third variant is a mix of Velvet leather with Fine Nappa leather. Audi also offers optional S sport seats with integrated head restraints and diamond quilting.
The interior of the S3, including the headlining, is in black with contrasting stitching. The two-color Audi design selection in black/parade red is available as an option.
S logos adorn the door sill strips, the steering wheel, the gear/selector lever knob and the instruments. The two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning and the storage package are standard in the Audi S3.
Equipment
If desired, Audi equips the new S3 with all of the groundbreaking mobile infotainment and driver assistance solutions available for the model series. Audi connect is the name for a broad range of tailored online services that network drivers with their surroundings and rapidly supply them with key information in an easy-to-comprehend format.
Audi has designed a variety of infotainment elements for using the new services, topped by MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. The high-end system boasts a super-flat, power-retractable, seven-inch monitor and a new operating concept in which MMI touch is integrated into the rotary pushbutton. The Audi Phone Box connects cell phones to the vehicle in a convenient way, and the sound system from Bang & Olufsen offers pure hi-fi enjoyment, with LED light guides accentuating the woofers in the doors.
The assistance systems in the S3 come directly from the full-size class. The range begins with adaptive cruise control, which when combined with the safety system Audi pre sense front brings the car to a stop autonomously from speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), and continues through Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist and camera-based traffic sign recognition to the park assist system. There are also a number of sporty and convenient options, including adaptive light (also with variable headlight range control), the convenience key and the panoramic glass roof.
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