THERE’S LITTLE QUESTION that a tougher market forces car companies to sharpen their pencils and offer better value to entice reluctant buyers.
Audi has suffered more than most over recent months which is hard to understand, given that the brand offers distinctive and attractive styling and competitive pricing. The S models in particular look great and appeal to motorists with a sporting bent.
But the market can be a hard taskmaster, so Audi has moved to shore up sales of the S model performance range with significant equipment upgrades.
The upgrades across the Audi S3, S4 and S5 models deliver stronger offer across their segments, with innovative technology and bolder design elements now coming standard.
“The Australian affinity for high-performance vehicles is stronger than ever,” said Shawn Ticehurst, Product Planning and Pricing Director at Audi Australia.
“We’ve used insights from our customers to create an even stronger S model line-up that highlights the sleek exterior of these vehicles, while carrying through on that promise with beautiful interiors that are now packed with even more innovative technology.
“This is consistent with our recent SQ5 and TTS upgrades, and signifies how serious we are about defining an even more successful territory for the Audi S model range.”
Highlights of standard features that are now aligned across the S3, S4 and S5 range include exterior enhancements like large Audi Sport alloy wheels in dynamic designs and metallic paint finish. Interior highlights include S sports front seats in fine Nappa leather upholstery, Audi phone box light wireless smartphone charging, high-end Bang & Olufsen surround sound systems, as well as driver assistance systems like Audi active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function.
Individually, the Audi S3 gets almost $9000 in upgraded equipment (Audi’s figures), at no additional cost. It is now complemented by larger 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, metallic paint and red brake calipers. Inside, the S3 gains S sports seats in fine Nappa leather and auto-folding mirrors with kerb view. Additional technology highlights include the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, Audi phone box light wireless smartphone charging and Audi magnetic ride. Audi active lane assist, high-beam assist and Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go join the list of standard safety systems.
The Audi S4 gains metallic paint, as well as S sports seats with fine Nappa leather upholstery (with pneumatic lumbar support and massage function) and the extended upholstery package. Additional technology items include the Head-up display, Audi phone box light with wireless smartphone charging, Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound system and 2x rear USB charging points.
The Audi S5 now features a bolder exterior design aesthetic with larger 20-inch Audi Sport wheels and metallic paint. Inside, the S5 models also gain also the Head-up display and Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound system.
As with all Audi vehicles, the S model range is available with pre-paid service plans. The S3 plan costs $1,850 or $2,380 for three or five years respectively, while for the same timeframes, the S4/S5 models cost $1,920 or $2,930. The upgraded Audi S model range is available in showrooms now.
Pricing (all prices plus on road costs)
| Audi S3 Sportback | 213kW | $64,200 |
| Audi S3 Sedan | 213kW | $65,800 |
| Audi S3 Cabriolet | 213kW | $73,400 |
| Audi S4 Sedan | 260kW | $99,900 |
| Audi S4 Avant | 260kW | $102,900 |
| Audi S5 Coupe/Sportback | 260kW | $105,400 |
| Audi S5 Cabriolet | 260kW | $118,940 |