OFFICIAL: Audi S3 Sportback priced from $59,900

As we predicted a bit over a week ago the all-new Audi S3 Sportback will be priced from $59,900 when it goes on sale in Australia this December. That’s more than $11,000 cheaper than the list price of the model it replaces.

Audi’s hand has been forced somewhat by the introduction of more powerful competition from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, both of which were well priced against the old 8P S3 Sportback. In order to compete Audi has had to cut its asking price while still packing the standard car with plenty of equipment:

Audi S3 Sportback – standard equipment for the Australian market

• Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights
• MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
• Audi parking system plus: park assist, front & rear sensors with rear view camera
• 18-inch alloy wheels in 5-parallel spoke design
• ‘S’ specific body kit
• ‘S’ exhaust system with quad tailpipes
• ‘S’ sports suspension
• Sport seats in fine Nappa leather and heating for front seats
• Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth interface with music streaming
• Dual-zone climate control with digital display and rear air vents
• Leather-wrapped, multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel

The Australian spec 8V S3 Sportback will also come standard with a 6-speed S tronic transmission and offers 206kW/380Nm from its 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. Coupled to a Haldex GenV-based quattro all-wheel drive system it can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds, while a frugal right foot can yield fuel consumption as low as 6.9l/100km.

Audi Australia will also offer an “S performance package” for an additional $4,990 which includes items such as LED headlights, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi magnetic ride and ‘S’ sports seats in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching.

You can get the full detail from Audi after the break.

UPDATE: Audi Australia has confirmed with us that a 6-speed manual transmission will be available as a no cost option, but it will cost you 0.4s to 100km/h and a few extra bucks at the fuel pump.

The All-New Audi S3 Sportback sets a Blistering Pace at a Blistering Price of $59,900

• Sophisticated performance at an exceptional price
  
• S3 Sportback with 206kW/380Nm reaches 100km/h in 5.0 sec
  
• Available to order now, first deliveries in December 2013

Australia, 24 July 2013: Never before has this kind of dynamism been available to Australian premium sports car buyers at such an affordable price. Audi’s all-new S3 Sportback sets a new benchmark for performance and price and is due for market introduction in December 2013, with an MLP* of $59,900.

Powered by a new 2.0 TFSI engine that develops a formidable 206kW and 380Nm, the new S3 Sportback will leap from rest to 100km/h in just 5.0sec. This kind of acceleration approaches supercar-like performance, and is typical of an Audi S model. Another characteristic is outstanding fuel efficiency, at just 6.9 litres per 100km.

The sporty six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system combine to offer enthusiasts an incredible drive. Compared to its popular predecessor, this latest generation S3 Sportback is 70kg lighter – a direct result of Audi ultra lightweight technology.

“The new S3 Sportback sets a benchmark for compact premium performance – it is a sensational package,” said Audi Australia’s Managing Director Andrew Doyle.

“Not only does the new S3 Sportback deliver exceptional performance, but it is equipped with all the sophisticated features expected in a luxury vehicle. This car will change the way enthusiasts view the premium ‘hot hatch’ market. Our positioning for this third-generation S3 Sportback makes progressive performance more accessible than ever before.”

Despite the lean price tag, the Audi S3 Sportback features a hefty list of standard equipment, including:

• Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights
  
• MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
  
• Audi parking system plus: park assist, front & rear sensors with rear view camera
  
• 18-inch alloy wheels in 5-parallel spoke design
  
• ‘S’ specific body kit
  
• ‘S’ exhaust system with quad tailpipes
  
• ‘S’ sports suspension
  
• Sport seats in fine Nappa leather and heating for front seats
  
• Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth interface with music streaming
  
• Dual-zone climate control with digital display and rear air vents
  
• Leather-wrapped, multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel

Also available for the new S3 Sportback is the S performance package, for $4,990, which combines a host of highly desirable features for drivers who want the maximum from their vehicle. The package includes:

• LED headlights
  
• Bang & Olufsen sound system
  
• Audi magnetic ride
  
• ‘S’ sports seats in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching
  
• 18-inch alloy wheels in parallel-spoke ‘star’ design
  
• Front and rear brake calipers in S design red

The S3 Sportback will arrive in Australia at the end of the year, ready for a market introduction in December.

*Manufacturer List Pricing (MLP) excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges.