Underneath the metal physique (seen right here in saloon type, though an S3 Sportback additionally exists) lies the standard mechanical association. The Volkswagen Group’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is reprised – although now with energy boosted from 306bhp to 329bhp and torque from 295lb to 310lb ft. 

Directly downstream of the engine sits the S-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox beforehand provided, though it may now decouple and permit the automotive to freewheel when the motive force lifts off the throttle. It’s additionally value noting that the S3 isn’t out there with a guide.

There appears to be some divergence in opinion about ‘performance’. Some of us crave ever-lower acceleration occasions and rejoice within the absurdity of all of it, whereas others way back accepted that something lower than 5 seconds from 0-62mph was greater than fast sufficient for something road-legal.

Whichever manner you see it, the S3’s 0-60mph time of 4.7sec is objectively very fast and comfortably extra so than even essentially the most rabid front-driven options’, reminiscent of the Honda Civic Type R.

But thrilling? Not a lot. The method wherein the two.0-litre turbo engine reliably pumps out these figures is healthier recognized to highway testers than most, the Volkswagen Group (however Audi-designed) EA888 unit having appeared in varied types throughout the Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen manufacturers for properly over a decade now.

The idle velocity has been turned up by 200rpm and the turbo is pre-loaded from s decrease increase pressue, so there is a heightened sense of urgency in full-bore launches. But thereafter the uniform supply of energy and torque feels endlessly broad and massively efficient, however lacks a lot in the best way of form or crescendo. The gearbox is reliably slick however, once more, not particularly participating, its paddles specifically missing tactility.

Sub-R8 quick Audis have all the time leant into the model’s rallying heritage notably properly, and whereas it requires a sure suspension of disbelief, the S3 does the entire ‘WRC refugee’ factor reasonably properly. The turbo’s sonorous whooshing, sucking and exhaling – extra pervasive now that it’s pre-loaded at a decrease increase stress – would give Michèle Mouton one thing to smile about, and the keener ear will detect one thing of a five-cylinder-esque chirrup from the titanium-tipped Akrapovic sports activities exhaust – although I’d pay additional to do with out the anti-social pops and bangs on overrun.