Audi S3 saloon 2.0 TFSI quattro 300PS
What is it?
This is Audi’s powerful new S3 saloon: a compact, high performance 300PS four-door which Audi bills as the first of its kind.
Audi already has the S3 in three-door hatchback and five-door Sportback forms. There’s also an S3 Cabriolet in the works. But this is the first time the suave and sporty ‘S’ treatment has combined with the new A3 saloon shape.
Power comes from an all-new 2.0-litre turbo TFSI petrol engine. Audi’s trademark quattro 4WD system is also on hand to help keep this ultra rapid S3 tied down on the road.
You next have a choice of 6-speed manual or S tronic transmission. Some may be surprised to learn that the S tronic is a touch faster off the line (0-62 mph in 4.9 secs, vs 5.3 secs) and has the slightly better eco/company car tax numbers: 159g/km vs 162g/km and 40.9mpg compared to 40.4mpg.
While there may not ultimately be too much in it, (the company car tax rates of 24-25% are virtually the same), Audi reckons 60% of sales will be S tronic. The retail/business split on this S3 saloon is also estimated to go 60/40.
Bear in mind, though, that with a P11D touching £35,000, this S3 quattro S tronic sits in rarified air right at the top of the new A3 saloon tree. As such, it’ll surely be a premium purchase for a business car manager.