The German automaker will launch next year the more practical 2013 Audi S3 Sportback five-door to Australia next year, after the three-door version goes on sale in the second half of 2013.

The model is expected to be more expensive than the current Audi S3 with price start at 71,200 AUD, while base price of €38,90 in its home country of Germany.

The new  2013 Audi S3 is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged TFSI engine that produces 296 hp (220 kw) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. This means that the hot hatch has 22 kW and 30 Nm of torque more powerful than the previous generation.

The car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds, a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). When fitted with the manual, the 2013 Audi S3 Sportback returns 6.9-liter per 100 km.

Power is sent to all four wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional dual clutch S tronic gearbox.

The new Audi S3 Sportback will go head to competition with the BMW M135i and Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG in next year.

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The 2013 Audi S3 three-door hatchback has officially unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. The new Audi S3 will go on sale across Europe early next year, while base price of €38,90 in its home country of Germany.

Looking rather conservative, the 2013 Audi S3 is distinguished by modified bumpers; an air diffuser that is flanked by four chrome exhaust tips; a model-specific grille and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the styling features S-specific brings a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, alloy pedals, sport seats, matte aluminum trim, a black 3D look and S logos used throughout the cabin.

The new 2013 Audi S3 is powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI turbo four-cylinder, variable valve timing and an integrated exhaust manifold. The engine produces 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via Audi 's famed quattro system. Backed up by an S tronic transmission, can acceleration 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

[alert style="green"] 2013 Audi S3 photos [/alert]

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Following yesterday’s reveal of the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback, the 2013 Audi S3 Hatchback is scheduled to greet the public for the first time at the 2012 Paris Auto Show before going on sale at the beginning of next year in Europe. It will carry a base price of €38,900 ($50,500) in its home country of Germany.

With a curb weight of 3,075 lbs (1,395 kg), the Audi S3 Hatchback around 132 pounds less than the outgoing model. Overall dimensions are a length of 14 feet; a height of 4.7 feet; a wheelbase stretching 8.5 feet and a width of 5.8 feet.

The 2013 Audi S3 equipped a model-specific grille, a revised front bumper, 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, updated side skirts, a different rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser, LED DRLs and aluminum-look mirror caps.

Inside the cabin there are gray instrument dials with white needles; sports seats; the rear seats are folded; round air vents; clear and intuitive controls and storage capacity of up to 39 cubic-feet.

Under the 2013 Audi S3's hood lies a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine that features a turbocharger and direct injection, four delivering 296 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. The S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, can run from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

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[alert style="green"] 2013 Audi S3 photos [/alert]

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