Open for order on 15 May the new, hatch-bodied S3 Sportback will be priced at £46,925, while the Saloon commands a slightly higher list price at £47,490.
Among the S3’s upgrades include an increase in performance to 329bhp, and the addition of a torque splitter system, which has been taken from the latest Audi RS3 mega-hatch.
Both the four-door saloon and five-door hatchback versions of the performance model also receive several minor styling changes, in line with the recent facelift of the regular A3.
As standard, the S3 is equipped with all the features on the A3 Black Edition, including tri-zone climate control, a 10.1in touschreen, voice control and a digital cockpit. It also benefits from S sports suspenion, Quattro all-wheel drive, progressive steering and a head-up display.
The steering wheel and seats on the S3 are upholstered in Nappa leather, and a black styling pack adds sportier touches to the window surrounds, door mirrors, air inlets and Audi badge on the front of the car.
At the top of the range sits the S Vorsprung, which receives adaptive dampers, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, carbon fibre inlays and Audi’s powerful maxtrix LED headlights.