AUDI S3 Sportback Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi facelifted the entire A3 lineup at the beginning of 2024, and it also refreshed the S3 versions, which were available as sedans and five-door hatchbacks.

The German car manufacturer introduced the first generation of the S3 in 1999. Then, the car boasted a 210 PS (207 hp) 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, and it was exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, it was offered only as a three-door hatchback. But then, customers started to ask for more. Those looking for a thoroughbred hot-hatch with an all-wheel drive system asked for more doors, so the automaker provided them with that. In 2020, Audi launched the fourth generation of the A3 and, along with it, the S3 versions (sedan and hatchback). It was the year of the pandemic, and customers had to wait quite a while before they could enjoy the 310 PS (306 hp) all-wheel-drive hatchback. But the automaker reserved a surprise for them when it launched the refreshed version of this nameplate. Besides the exterior and interior upgrades, it also increased the engine’s power by a healthy 23 PS (33 hp), almost reaching the same performance as the 2011 RS3.

At the front, the S3 featured new standard Matrix headlights. In addition, customers could opt for an upgraded package that allowed them to configure up to four DRL light signatures. Audi also upgraded the look of the main singleframe grille and adorned it with L-shaped chromed elements. On the lower side of the bumper, flanking the lower air intake, the car manufacturer placed large side scoops that grabbed air to cool the front brakes and form an air curtain to lower the car’s drag resistance.

From its profile, the standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels were wrapped in fat, 225/40 tires, but customers could opt for a 19-inch set that boasted even wider, 235/35 boots. To make the vehicle easier to recognize, Audi installed black door mirror caps, which added more character to the vehicle. Compared with its non-S siblings, another particular distinction of the car was its lower ground clearance. The car manufacturer offered the S3 with either a mechanical or an adaptive suspension. Finally, at the back, the S3 sported a new bumper with a large diffuser underneath, flanked by four large exhausts. Customers could order the car with titanium Akrapovic pipes for a more pleasant tune.

Inside, the automaker refreshed the cabin of the 2024 S3 Sportback and installed a new gear selector and air vents. Furthermore, Audi created new ambient lighting systems, including one that illuminated the storage compartment placed at the bottom of the center stack. In addition, the door cards featured illuminated fabric panels with 300 laser cuts in them to create a unique look for the vehicle. The S3’s Sedan interior was available in dark colors and a few aluminum accents. The artificial leather-covered center armrest and the dual-zone climate control were standard for the 2024 S3 range.

Under the hood, Audi placed the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine as before. But, unlike that, it provided 333 PS (328 hp), which was more potent than its non-facelifted sibling. It was just 7 PS (7 hp) shy of the mighty 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback, but thanks to the new gearbox and transmission, it almost matched its performance.

A new generation of the Audi A3 was unveiled online in 2020 during the pandemic. But the show had to go on, and the compact premium German car had to be changed.

The first generation of the A3 was unveiled in 1996, and it was an inspired decision. The customers who were looking for a premium car but small enough to fit in city traffic finally had an option. The BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback were released later.

From the outside, the 2020 A3 looked surprising with its muscular stance. The lower side of the car was wider with flared front and rear wheel arches. At the front, the grille was wider and smaller than the one installed on the previous generation. The fake air-intakes on the lower apron were smaller. In the back, Audi installed the biggest roof-spoiler on an A3. On the lower side, the car-maker decided to get rid of the fake exhausts and the pipes were completely hidden under the car.

Inside, the A3 took its inspiration from the Lamborghini Urus, with its vents surrounding the driver. A 10” TFT display was installed for the instrument cluster, with an option for a 12” panel on upper trim levels. Another 10” display was mounted on the center stack for the infotainment system, and under it, it featured the HVAC controls.

From the technical point of view, Audi offered a choice of diesel, gasoline, and hybrid versions. The front independent suspension was standard for the entire range. In the back, only the versions with over 150 hp would benefit from the independent suspension while the less-powered ones had to stick with a twisting-beam system.

Audi refreshed the S3 lineup along with the A3 range, and the Sportback version was the most balanced one between the three-door and the sedan.

The first generation of the S3 was a premium hot-hatch available exclusively as a three-door hatchback, but the customers asked for more of everything: power, gears, and doors. Then, the German carmaker answered their requests and produced the S3 in all shapes and sizes offered by the A3 lineup: three and five-door hatchback, sedan, and convertible.

At the front, Audi introduced new Matrix-LED headlights with an LED signature for the daytime running lights. Their sharp design with angular lines stood on the sides of the massive, singleframe grille. To distinguish itself from other A3 Sportback versions, the S3 featured silver door-mirrors caps and a specific roof-spoiler on top of the tailgate. In the back, the double, twin-exhausts with oval tips confirmed the car's special status. The carmaker installed standard 18" light-alloy wheels, with an option for 19".

Inside, the S3 Sportback featured a sporty design with high bolstered seats at the front. Audi installed the leather upholstery as standard and embroidered the S3 logo on the seats and on the flat-bottom steering wheel. As an option, the carmaker installed heated and ventilated sports seats. The carmaker introduced a new generation of its MMI infotainment system on the center stack, with a 7" pop-up screen.

Audi installed the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine from the rest of the S3 range under the hood. It provided plenty of power for the compact convertible, and its all-wheel-drive system was fitted as standard.

The Audi hot-hatch turned a lot of heads when it arrived on the market with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. The recipe remained the same over the years. But in 2013, the German carmaker from Ingolstadt showed the new S3 generation.

The premium-compact hatchback is based on the same Audi A3 platform, but it is better than its predecessor by any means. First, is the look. The front axle was moved forward, for a shorter front overhang. The bumper is more aggressive and the DRL is LED-equipped. The 225/40 R18 tires are fitted as standard on 7.5J x 18" light-alloy wheels. A roof-spoiler and the four exhausts are completing the image.

Inside, the sport bucket seats are bi-color, for a sportier, and nicer, look. The dashboard features an optional Audi MMI interface which raises from behind. When it is closed, it doesn't clutter the image and everything looks nice and clean.

For the drivetrain, there is a new multi-disc clutch system to transfer the torque between the front and rear wheels. It lost the beloved Torsen center differential for better fuel consumption, but the Audi engineers promised that they didn't spoil the fun. The standard version comes with a six-speed manual, but the optional six-speed S Tronic gearbox is better, and faster on the 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) sprint.

Audi introduced the second generation of the A3 in 2003, and its customers already knew that an S3 would follow, but there were actually two of them: the three-door and the five-door versions, the latter being called Sportback.

The German automaker understood its clients' needs and offered the A3 with rear doors for those seated in the back. Thus, suddenly, the premium compact hatchback had the edge over its main competitors, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, to make this lineup more profitable, the Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer added the sporty S3, which provided not just fun at the wheel but also enough room and doors for a family of four.

Since the car had to provide more room for those seated in the rear, the Sportback (5-door) version was 79 mm (2.75") longer than its three-door sibling but with the same wheelbase. Both vehicles shared the same front fascia with the singleframe grille. This sported seven vertical chromed slats and was flanked by new headlights with seven LEDs for the daytime running lights. As a design signature for S-models, the door mirrors sported an aluminum look.

Inside, the S3 boasted sports bucket seats with high-bolstered areas for better side support during high-speed cornering. The dashboard was typical for Audi, with two wide dials for the speedometer and tachometer and two smaller gauges mounted on the upper side of the instrument cluster. There was also a small TFT display for the onboard computer. In addition, inside the rev counter, the automaker placed the S3 logo. The same badge was also noticed on the steering wheel. Audi left enough room in the back for passengers, with better headroom than in the three-door version.

Under the hood, Audi installed a two-liter turbocharged engine with a direct-injected fuel system. It was paired as standard to a six-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) was on the options list.