Audi Antes Up To The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG With 2014 300HP S3 Sportback

 Following the reveal of the 2014 S3 hatchback last September, Audi has now introduced the five-door Sportback variant with 300 horsepower and a 5-second 0-62 time.

Audi has joined Mercedes at the new high-performance hot-hatch party, revealing its new S3 Sportback the same day its German counterpart takes the lid off the A45 AMG. Clearly there's no comparison when it comes to performance - the RS3 will be the A45's true rival - but the overhauled four-pot in the S3 Sportback is no slouch.

Audi has tuned the 2.0-liter TFSI to deliver 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the addition of new tech such as dual injection and Audi's valvelift system results in impressive efficiency.







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CarCrazedinCali - 2/13/2013 12:44:33 PM

+4 Boost

hate to say it but this ain't got nothing on the A45... it looks boring too, especially in comparison...

AlleVier - 2/13/2013 4:47:50 PM

-3 Boost

Relatively, yes. I've got my quibbles with some of the individual design elements (some of the chrome, for example), but overall I find it understated. Is the beak of an Acura real? Does it crack nuts or spear fish?

AlleVier - 2/13/2013 4:49:01 PM

-3 Boost

Sorry, posted under wrong comment.

AlleVier - 2/13/2013 3:10:01 PM

+2 Boost

Typical understated (if boring to some) Audi design. It's good that some auto manufacturers understand that less is more, especially in this segment. The desire to make design "exciting" with creases, nooks, vents, and bulges--as if to try to entice a bored, younger audience to something they couldn't afford anyway--has the unwanted effect of drawing comparisons to economy offerings and looking a little fussy and overwrought. Thank goodness Audi still grasps and values the Q-car aesthetic. It's not for everyone, but it has time-honored appeal.

AlleVier - 2/13/2013 4:48:36 PM

-3 Boost

Relatively, yes. I've got my quibbles with some of the individual design elements (some of the chrome, for example), but overall I find it understated. Is the beak of an Acura real? Does it crack nuts or spear fish?

GermanNut - 2/13/2013 4:14:38 PM

-2 Boost

With a 0-62 mph time of 5.0 seconds for the Audi S3 with S-Tronic dual-clutch auto, the even faster RS3 will be fully capable of hanging with the A45 AMG, which has a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds.

mclaren428 - 2/13/2013 7:37:08 PM

+4 Boost

The grill looks ugly.

commander104 - 2/14/2013 8:26:12 AM

0 Boost

I love the sleeper look! If you want to look fast, buy a STi.

lmariorod - 2/15/2013 10:41:05 AM

-2 Boost

Audi, every day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Go Audi!

PQ40 - 2/15/2013 11:53:33 PM

+2 Boost

A transverse mounted engine hooked up to FWD biased AWD system equals under steer all day long. This is not a performance car its a dressed up golf for badge whores/ poser "enthusiasts".