5 Minutes
MTM's S3 Sportback steals the spotlight in the Alps
The Audi S3 Sportback may not dominate headlines the way its louder sibling, the RS 3, does, but MTM's latest Clubsport conversion proves this compact Audi still packs serious punch. Photographed by Instagram user @auditography in a snow-dusted Kitzbühel, Austria, the heavily upgraded hot hatch looks every bit at home using the Alps as its runway.
Why tune an S3 instead of buying an RS 3?
For many buyers the S3 is a premium alternative to the Volkswagen Golf R: it blends everyday refinement with plenty of performance. Tuners like MTM show that, with the right hardware and software, the S3 platform can be pushed beyond factory RS 3 numbers — at least on paper. MTM's multi-stage program gives owners the choice between usable upgrades or an all-out super-hatch conversion.
MTM performance stages at a glance
- Stage 1: 360 PS (approx 355 bhp / 265 kW)
- Stage 2: 380 PS (approx 375 bhp / 279 kW)
- Stage 3: 430 PS (approx 424 bhp / 316 kW)
- Stage 4: 480 PS (approx 473 bhp / 353 kW)
Those figures turn the 2.0-liter turbo four into a legitimate rival for mega-hatches. MTM quotes a 0-62 mph time of around 3.2 seconds for Stage 4, and 10.7 seconds from 0-124 mph (200 kph) — blistering numbers for a car that still looks compact on the outside.
How the MTM S3 compares to rivals
Stock, the 2026 Audi S3 (sold in many markets as a sedan) produces roughly 333 PS (about 328 bhp / 245 kW) and around 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. That setup, linked to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, covers 0-62 mph in about 4.5 seconds.
By comparison:
- Mercedes-AMG A45 S: roughly 421 PS (310 kW / circa 415 bhp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft), 0-62 mph in about 3.9 s.
- Audi RS 3 (Sportback and Sedan): around 400 PS (294 kW / 394 bhp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft), 0-62 mph in about 3.8 s.
With MTM's Stage 3 and Stage 4 upgrades, the tuned S3 can eclipse the A45 S and close in on or surpass RS 3 figures, depending on how you measure power and real-world performance.
Design and cabin: track-focused and unapologetic
The MTM Clubsport shown in the Alps wears an attention-grabbing exterior: bright yellow paint offset by neon green accents on aero parts and wheel highlights. The 19-inch wheels are predominantly black with green touches, matching the car's bold exterior theme.
Inside, the conversion is more functional than plush. Racing-style seats and a rear roll bar turn the hatch into a semi-competition machine rather than a refined commuter. These changes are clearly aimed at buyers who value lap-time capability and safety over daily comfort.
Notable upgrades observed
- Prominent exterior attachments and aero pieces
- Custom 19-inch wheels with color accents
- Racing seats and interior roll bar for safety
- MTM performance hardware and software packages
What about Audi Sport and the next RS 3?
While MTM is extracting massive power from the S3, Audi Sport is quietly developing a more extreme RS 3 variant. Recent testing at the Nurburgring revealed a prototype with upgraded brakes and refreshed styling cues. Rumors call it the RS 3 GT, a candidate to challenge the A45 S and potentially outpace the current RS 3, possibly arriving as early as 2026.
That raises an interesting market dynamic: manufacturers and tuners pushing each other, and customers deciding whether to buy factory peak performance or opt for tuned alternatives that can offer higher numbers and bespoke styling.
Takeaways for enthusiasts
MTM's Clubsport build is a reminder that the S3 platform still has a lot of potential. If you want a compact hot hatch that stands out on the mountain roads and at the track, a tuned S3 can be a compelling package — provided you accept trade-offs like firmer seats and a less plush cabin.
Highlights:
- MTM upgrades turn the S3 into a sub-3.3-second 0-62 mph machine at peak tune
- Stages let owners balance daily usability and outright performance
- Styling and safety mods suggest this build is aimed at weekend track use
Final thoughts
The MTM Audi S3 Sportback Clubsport photographed in Kitzbühel is not for everyone, but it is a vivid statement of how far tuners can push a compact premium hatch. Whether you prefer the factory RS 3 or an MTM-converted S3 comes down to taste, budget, and intended use. For those who want raw numbers and a unique look, MTM's four-stage program offers an enticing alternative to buying the most powerful factory model.
What do you think: is this wild MTM S3 a dream tuner car or too extreme for daily life? Share your thoughts.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
atomwave
Nice numbers, but feels overhyped. Too track focused, sacrifices daily comfort and civility. Stages are cool, still wouldnt want that for grocery runs tho
v8rider
Holy crap, that MTM S3 looks insane in the snow! Sub-3.3s in a hatch?? if that's real then sign me up, but those race seats... ouch for daily use
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