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Despite the extra cost for an six-speed S-tronic dual-wet-clutch transmission, which will arrive in the Audi S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI people are happy to pay for it. Photo Gallery
Can automatic transmissions kill of manual ones?
It’s starting to look that way with the spread of blink-fast double-clutch automatic systems.
And people are apparently happy to pay more for them.
For example, the six-speed S-tronic dual-wet-clutch transmission arrives in the Audi S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI for an extra $2700, bringing the list price to $71,010.
Audi, which debuted the transmission in the TT 3.2 quattro in 2003, claims the S-tronic reduces the 0-100km/h acceleration time by 0.2 seconds to 5.6 while economy is improved to 8.4 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 195g/km.
The S-tronic is a perfect partner for the turbocharged engine, swapping cogs so quickly the blower doesn't get a chance to drop revs, thus keeping the power on.
Audi Australia product planning manager John Roberts believes the S-tronic model will not only become the top-selling S3, but will also lift volumes.
Currently the S3 Sportback ($68,310) is the top seller with 62 per cent of S3 sales.
However, Roberts claims the S-tronic will reach 65 per cent, dropping the Sportback to 20 per cent and the three-door manual ($66,403) to 15 per cent. He says the S-tronic will target younger buyers and sell about 200 a year.
