New Models / 1 October 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Audi S3 launched in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

Audi has officially launched the new S3 Sportback and Sedan in South Africa.

The sporty nameplate has received a number of upgrades, from enhanced performance to an updated look and an expanded features list.

The S3 is now available to order, and prices start at R1,091,100.

Performance

Ths S3 splits the difference between the A3 and high-octane RS3 in terms of price and performance.

Both versions are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol (TFSI) engine, which develops a considerable 245kW and 420Nm.

This is 32kW and 20Nm more than the old version, giving the Audi a new 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds, while the top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.

Gear changes are handled by a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission, which sends power down to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi has also given the sports car a new torque splitter lifted from the RS3, which enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels.

“The torque splitter uses an electronically controlled multiple disk clutch on each drive shaft to optimally distribute the torque between the rear wheel on the inside and the outside of the curve – depending on the driving situation and the chosen Audi drive select mode,” said the company.

In addition to the existing Auto, Comfort, dynamic, Individual, and Efficiency driving profiles, the S3 has a new Dynamic Plus mode that optimizes the car to provide especially high driving dynamics.

This mode channels torque to the other rear wheel to generate a controlled oversteer effect, and the engine and transmission mapping is sharpened for better responsiveness.

The carmaker has also tinkered with the S Sport suspension, lowering the ride height by 15mm and improving the steering response to provide greater lateral grip when cornering.

Lastly, buyers can install optional adaptive dampers, which are tuned to work in harmony with the new torque splitter and Audi drive select modes.

Features

Visually, the S3 is rocking an updated hexagonal frameless Singleframe grille with a flatter and wider structure with L-shaped elements.

The side air intakes have been made more angular to create a sense of width, and there’s a new front spoiler with two vertical struts.

At the back, there’s a new rear bumper, and a glossy black rear apron positioned above the diffuser.

The S3 also has new vertical side reflectors – another element borrowed from the RS3.

Bringing the sporty theme together is a set of four tailpipes, which can be enhanced with an optional performance exhaust system with a titanium silencer.

There are three metallic paint finishes to choose from – District Green, Ascari Blue, and Progressive Red – and there’s a brand-new polar matt Daytona Grey finish as well.

Other standard fittings include 19-inch alloy wheels, and 24-pixel Matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights.

Inside, owners can look forward to a revamped cabin with ambient lighting, a new gearshift, laser-cut illuminated fabric door panels, black headlining, stainless steel pedals, illuminated door sills, and a flat-bottom leather steering wheel.

It also comes with Sport seats with integrated headrests, and there are new textured inlays in aluminium and carbon fibre for added personilisation.

The dashboard features the brand’s signature Audi virtual cockpit, comprising a digital driver display and a 10.1-inch infotainment system, which can be enhanced with an optional heads-up display.

Speaking of, there are three packages that buyers can select for added comfort.

The Comfort Package Pro adds electric heated side mirrors and electric front seats with memory settings.

There’s also a Climate Control Package, which adds three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.

Lastly, there’s the Infotainment Package Pro, which adds the aforementioned heads-up display and MMI satellite navigation.