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.