Thursday 24th April 2008

Audi S3 Sportback

Audi adds S3 Sportback to updated A3 range

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Sportback - too posh for a hatchback?

Audi has unveiled an S3 Sportback as part of an update to the A3 range.

The front of the standard S3 has been freshened up with the now run-of-the-mill LED running lights.

There is a different tailgate which uses fibre optic rods to make it look all fancy.

The standard A3 also gets a new front and inside there are new fabrics for the seats, and the ICE controls have been given a new look.

S3XY back?

The diesel versions of the A3 have been reworked to include an updated fuel injection system and all engines are now available with the S tronic transmission.

The 1.6, 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engines can be paired with a newly developed seven-speed version.

The A3 can also now be specced with Audi’s clever adaptive-action shock absorber control (Audi magnetic ride) and the driver can choose between 'Normal' and 'Sport' programs by flipping a switch.

New A3

A magneto-rheological (uh?) fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes its flow properties within milliseconds when a voltage is applied; changing the damping characteristics.

No word yet on pricing.

[chunkymonkey71]

I've always really liked the S3... but never quite got the "sportback". It just looks too big for a hatchback. Anyone else agree?

[Skinner.Daddy]

chunkymonkey71 said:

I've always really liked the S3... but never quite got the "sportback". It just looks too big for a hatchback. Anyone else agree?

Yeah the 5 door looks like an estate

[nightfever]

What are fibre optic roads?

[leaderb]

Does anyone else think that the Audi daytime running lights look naff, or is it just me?

[Neomagic]

Nice A4 Avant, oh sorry S3.

[beergibbon]

S3 has always been a bit of a poor relation to the bigger S's in my book - not quite the supercar that the others are, just a hot hatch. Does anyone else agree?

[Neomagic]

beergibbon said:

S3 has always been a bit of a poor relation to the bigger S's in my book - not quite the supercar that the others are, just a hot hatch. Does anyone else agree?

Yes but surely that's the point?

where as this whilst it's nice just looks like an A4 Avant lol.

[bp1]

leaderb said:

Does anyone else think that the Audi daytime running lights look naff, or is it just me?

Absolutley. Looks like someone has stuck a bunch of spare christmas treelights to the front of the car.

[stevethegreek]

leaderb said:

Does anyone else think that the Audi daytime running lights look naff, or is it just me?

Agreed, always thought the running lights a bit to 'bling-bling look at me'....prefer subtle imo.

[wab172uk]

leaderb said:

Does anyone else think that the Audi daytime running lights look naff, or is it just me?

On the R8 they look cool, and should have stayed with the R8.
Just like every other Audi you see now, is running around with RS4 Alloys on.
On my street alone, 2 TT's, 1 A4 Avant, and 1 A8 all wearing RS4 Alloys.

Diluting the exclusivity of owning something special in the range.

[ar0u2211]

[quote=Pistonheads]No word yet on pricing [quote]

About a million-zillion pounds?

[Neomagic]

Expect DRL(L.E.D's)on a Corsa B near you in as about as much time as it took for Angel Eye's and Lexus Lights to be ripped by the chav market.

[nrayner]

I'm unfamiliar with Audi nomenclature.

So this is an A3 hatchback right ? Or does sportback infer some performancy stuff like an RS type thingumy?

[corcoran]

nrayner said:

I'm unfamiliar with Audi nomenclature.

So this is an A3 hatchback right ? Or does sportback infer some performancy stuff like an RS type thingumy?

the sportback is their "5 door" version of the hatchback - it's for people who need extra space for their sporting goods (read young children AND golfclubs)

[nrayner]

aha, thanks for the enlightenment Corcoran

Though I've always had a problem equating golf with sport .

[Mr Whippy]

Neomagic said:

beergibbon said:

S3 has always been a bit of a poor relation to the bigger S's in my book - not quite the supercar that the others are, just a hot hatch. Does anyone else agree?

Yes but surely that's the point?

where as this whilst it's nice just looks like an A4 Avant lol.

Yep, would rather get a nice 2.7TT RS4...

Dave

[flattotheboards]

The problem with Audi's imo is that you have to have big wheels to look good, but they ruin the ride. Why cant they just design it to look good on smaller wheels.

[Crimp a Length!]

Skinner.Daddy said:

chunkymonkey71 said:

I've always really liked the S3... but never quite got the "sportback". It just looks too big for a hatchback. Anyone else agree?

Yeah the 5 door looks like an estate

yup great

[Crimp a Length!]

flattotheboards said:

The problem with Audi's imo is that you have to have big wheels to look good, but they ruin the ride. Why cant they just design it to look good on smaller wheels.

What so..........a standard 3 series looks good then?
They run on 16's and they look shoite.
Not all Audi's have 18's and 19's the warmer hatch sport versions runs 17's.
Firm ride due to sports suspension set up.
If you want a smooth ride you opt for the SE horses for courses really

[clubsport]

Quite possibly my perfect real world daily driver, all I need to do is wait for a couple of years for the depreciation to do it's worse before finding a nice example