Audi launches its own intepretation of the hot hatch, the S3

With the recently launched Audi A3, the four-ringed brand has made it clear it means business in the premium compact class. Now that performance oriented BMW has entered the fray with a 1 Series, it is only right that Audi fights back with a 265bhp 2 litre inline 4 powered hot hatch equipped with the famous quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The new variant of the A3 will bear the hallmark of the 'S' name which is to Audi what the letter 'M' is for BMW. The powerful engine will vault the S3 from 0-100 km/h within 5.7 seconds and lets the car accelerate to a top speed of 250 km/h. A 6-speed gearbox coupled with S Sports suspension and 18 inch rims adds to the sporty stance of the S3. Needless to say, the car also features exterior enhancements like chrome tailpipes, aluminium look wing mirrors, roof spoiler and a larger air intake


Inside the car, owners can option the dashboard trims to be covered with aluminium inlays, grey fine grain birch wood or black piano finish. The seats will be available in 2 tone leather arrangements and the steering wheel is unique to the 'S' lineage with special 'S3' logos. Overall the car looks exciting enough and starts at EUR 35,150 in Germany.