Barely has the fourth-generation Audi A3 been on sale a couple of months, than already we've got our first hot version. This is the latest iteration of the long-serving Audi S3.
2.0-litre turbo once more
Available at first as a Sportback or a Saloon, with a Cabriolet almost certainly forthcoming once the regular A3 Cab is announced, the S3 Mk4 once again uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged TFSI petrol engine, delivering 310hp and 400Nm of torque. This means either version of the S3, be it a four- or five-door model, will hit 100km/h from rest in just 4.8 seconds, thanks to standard-fit quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and run on to a limited 250km/h maximum. Fast, but leaving plenty of headroom for a new RS 3 in the near future.
Like any self-respecting S-model Audi, the new S3 twins have a large Singleframe radiator grille and gaping air intakes, while the door mirrors have an aluminium-look effect. Throw in some large alloys (18s standard, 19s an option), a sizeable rear diffuser and quad-exit exhausts and voila, you've got a new S3. These 310hp versions also enjoy S-specific sport suspension with the option of damper control, if you want it, although the standard kit lowers the car by 15mm compared to regular A3 models.
Roomier within
Audi is also claiming that the interior is roomier on the new S3 Sportback and S3 Saloon cars, as the exterior of each is bigger in all directions. Greater shoulder- and elbow-room is available for all passengers, while the boot space is rated at 325 litres for the Sportback, rising to 1,145 litres with the rear seats folded down. Bizarrely, the Saloon once again has a bigger boot again, measuring 370 litres in capacity.
Obviously, not only is the interior more capacious and practical, but it also looks sporty, as befits an S3. The S tronic gearbox has a shorter shift lever, while aluminium or carbon inlays adorn the dash. A 10.25-inch digital infotainment screen is the standard specification for the S3 twins, although a full digital experience can be had with Virtual Cockpit and the 'Plus' infotainment, equipping twin 12.3-inch displays up front.