Audi S3 Sportback: $59,900 hot-hatch here in December

The all-new Audi S3 Sportback will arrive in local showrooms in December priced from $59,900, more than $11K cheaper than the model it replaces.

The new pricing sees the third-generation� Audi S3� undercut its key premium hot-hatch rivals, the� $64,900� 235kW/450Nm BMW M135i� and the� $74,900� 265kW/450Nm Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, the latter due to launch locally in September.

Powered by the same new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine seen in the three-door S3 unveiled at the 2012 Paris motor show, the local Audi S3 Sportback�??s engine has been de-tuned from 221kW to 206kW due to Australia�??s �??hot climate�?? classification. Torque remains unchanged at 380Nm.

Audi�??s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system teams with the six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission to help the fastest Audi A3 Sportback variant reach 100km/h in a claimed 5.0 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 litres per 100km.

Both figures are increased slightly when the no-cost option of the six-speed manual transmission is fitted, with 5.4 seconds and 7.0L/100km the respective results. Top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h.

Regardless of gearbox selection, the 1445kg five-door S3 has the edge over its 188kW/330Nm, 70kg heavier, $71,200 predecessor rated at 5.6sec and 8.3L/100km (auto).

Standard equipment includes xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights and tail-lights, park assist, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

While the exterior gets an �??S�??-specific body kit, 25mm lower sports suspension, quad-tipped exhaust and 18-inch wheels, inside gains Nappa leather sport seats (heated front) and a leather-wrapped multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel.

Audi�??s MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch is also included as is the Audi Music Interface with Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming.

An optional S performance package, priced at $4990, is also available for the S3 Sportback, adding LED headlights, Audi magnetic ride, Bang & Olufsen sound system and diamond-stitched Nappa leather �??S�?? sports seats. Alternate 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers complete the pack.