Design Audi S3

Design Audi S3

The Audi S3 Sportback, Mercedes A45 AMG and BMW M135i. With the right options, all of these five-door hatches can do 0-62mph in under five seconds.

But while we love the Mercedes’ brutal acceleration and the BMW’s superb handling, this is the first time we’ve been able to find out exactly what the S3 Sportback brings to the party.

Our review Audi S3 Sportback specs boast a 296bhp 2.0-litre turbo, quattro four-wheel drive and an S tronic six-speed dual-clutch box, although a six-speed manual is fitted as standard.

Interior Audi S3

Acceleration is explosive, both off the line and when you hit the throttle at anything up to 60mph. Because peak torque kicks in between 1,800rpm and 5,500rpm, a relentless wave of acceleration launches you from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.

There’s a mature growl in the cabin, and a special flap in the exhaust system helps make the Audi S3 Sportback 2013 sound fantastic from the outside as well.

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 196bhp

Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch auto, four-wheel drive

0-62mph: 4.9 seconds

Top speed: 155mph

Economy: 40.9mpg

CO2: 159g/km

Equipment: Climate control, 18-inch alloys, Bluetooth, electric windows all-round