Say hello to the all-new Audi S3

As with design and proportions, the new S3’s power and performance stray little from the successful S3 path, with the car providing a stepping stone between regular A3 models and the inevitable ultra-sporty RS3 due later.

Audi says performance and handling gains have been achieved without harming long-haul comfort and efficiency, while for those who want their sporty Audi with a luxury flavour there’s to be a new Vorsprung top-of-the-range version.

Familiar mechanicals comprise the 310PS 2.0-litre TFSI engine with 400Nm (295 lb ft) torque, seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive. Efficiency boosts result in up to 39.2mpg on the WLTP cycle and CO2 of 178g/km.

S-specific suspension lowers the body 15mm compared to other A3s. It works with a new modular dynamic handling control system that links the quattro drive to the stability control more closely for what Audi says is attacking handling with no loss of comfort or composure. The Vorsprung version gets adaptive dampers along with 19-inch alloys; regular S3s run on 18s.

The wheels aren’t the only part of the new S3 that looks good: the singleframe grille with rhombus pattern mesh, chunky air inlets and, as always with an Audi, advanced and distinctive lighting all combine to deliver a sporty aesthetic with typically precise Audi execution. Alloy door mirrors and four-pipe exhaust are familiar S trademarks.

Only slightly larger than its predecessor, the new S3 delivers its performance flair with practicality in the form of a 370-litre boot in the saloon and, in the Sportback, 325 litres of luggage room that can be extended to 1,145 litres with the back seats down. Nappa leather, sports seats, the all-digital operating system and dashboard with 10.1-inch black panel touch-screen display are highlights inside. Vorsprung versions get a widescreen display. Audi says the infotainment platform (MIB 3) is 10 times more powerful than the previous system.

All very Audi then, and as the firm says of the entire A3 family, all completely redesigned, yet immediately recognisable. The same goes for the S3 – but with the promise of more resolved handling and poise. We’ll find out if that is the case when first cars are delivered in the autumn.