Audi S3 Sportback Steps Out for Geneva Motor Show

In early March at the Geneva motor show, Audi had got out from the veil regarding the second generation S3 Sportback, which would probably provide the new performance as a hatchback. Before the public debut at the show, Audi released out a series of official photographs related to the new Sportback.

In 2014, the A3 sedan version will sell out in the U.S. market as decided by it. Because of the less elaboration with the spokesman in the U.S. other versions of the A3 will be considered for sales here in the later years. In order to fulfill the expectation of most of the customers, the five-door hatch version of Ingolstadt came up with the same gearbox and engine design. This was the combination, which made in its three-door sibling version that came to the market last September. Because of the design, the model gets the best overall efficiency along with high performance level.

In September, the S3 Sportback will go for sale across Europe according to the plan. But, when you consider about the premium performance-hatchback market, this model is in need to meet with heavy competition in the form of Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and the BMW M135i hatchback version. This model was designed with EA888 engine, which is the latest evolution of the Audi. It can provide the specific power output of 148 hp per liter because of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injection unit capable of offering 296 hp. Since it is available with the band of revs from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm, the torque would peak even at 280 lb-ft.

This new engine of Audi is treated as the most advanced four-cylinder production-car engine in the history of Audi since it was launched. When you consider about the efficient features of this engine, it would probably be included with twin-counter-balancing rotation shafts, 1.2 bars of turbocharger boost pressure and two-stage valve-lift system that would probably available with 60 degrees of adjustment on the exhaust side and 30 degrees on the inlet side. Apart from that, it is featured with a new injection system that could be able to deliver fuel to each cylinder depending on the 6,800 rpm redline and throttle load. It also designed in such a way to appeal the weight as 11 pounds less compared to the replaced engine.

Compared to the predecessor, the S3 Sportback version was designed with Haldex style multi-plate-clutch all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual gearbox in an efficient way. It is also available with the continuous option of remote steering wheel-mounted shift paddles along with the six-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox. Because of the extensively aluminum clothed body, this model was claimed to offer the less weight that would probably undercut the second generation model by 154 pounds impressively and resulted to come out at 3,186 pounds.

With the help of optional six-speed S-tronic gearbox, the Audi was quoted out with a 0-62 mph time of just 5 seconds that would probably include the launch-control system in order to limit the slip under hard acceleration. It requires up to 5.5 seconds in the case of standard six-speed manual. Compared to before, the top speed of both the engine was electrically limited to 155 mph as the same. On the European test cycle in S-tronic guise, the new S3 returns out with the official 34.1 mpg. Because of the reduction in fuel consumption, this model was ended up with the added performance. It has been rated at 33.6 mpg with the help of six-speed manual.

The new S3 Sportback model was designed with the new modular transverse platform of Volkswagen Group, which is also known as the MQB structure. In order to offer the improved weight distribution, the engine was tilted back by 12 degrees that too towards the bulkhead. Compared to the previous model, this model was developed with the front axle as moved further forward along with the new front-end architecture.

Up front of this model was a new MacPherson Strut suspension while the rear designed with the revised version of the four link suspension of its predecessor. The A3 Sportback came up with the reduced nominal ride height. It was available with the standard wheels as 18-inch in diameter along with the shod that could be able to offer 225/40 profile tires.

Standard equipment of this model included with the Audi Drive Select, which would probably enable the driver to make the shift points of the optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, alter the characteristics of the throttle and the steering ratio in an efficient way. There was a magnetic ride included in the option list, which would probably provide variable damper rates constantly because of its electromagnetic system.

Compared to the previous S3 Sportback models, this model has come out with the cautious appearance that would probably get rid of some of the touches of more flamboyant performance-car available with rival hot hatchbacks. The recently introduced second-generation A3 Sportback model was already previewed with many of the visual changes on the S-line styling package.

This model was featured with beefed-up grille that would probably offer the aluminum-look finish to the horizontal and frame elements, reshaped front bumper that would contain larger front air ducts along with the honeycomb-shaped inserts and roof rails. Apart from that there are also other features including, prominent spoiler atop the tailgate, aluminum-look exterior mirror housings, quartet of chromed oval tail pipes, widened sills, deeper rear bumper along with the prominent diffuser element and the roof rails. The grille and tailgate were also adorned by the discreet S3 badges.