New Audi S3 revealed: Likely to arrive in 2021

The German brand makes some of the world’s most desirable cars and its latest sporty twins only makes that point more obvious.

Audi has shown off its feisty new performance duo.

The new S3 comes in both sedan and hatch, or “sportback” body styles.

Audi’s sporty twins provide a stepping stone between the regular A3 models and the ballistic RS 3.

The Audi S3 shares a lot of its underpinnings with the VW Golf R.

The S3 shares a lot of its DNA with the Volkswagen Golf R hot hatch, including its engine.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering 228kW and 400Nm, a bump of 15kW and 20Nm over the current version.

The new S3 gets more power and torque.

A seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive help get that power to the ground.

The extra power hasn’t improved the 0-100km/h time, with both versions making the sprint in 4.8 seconds on the way to a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.

Multi-mode suspension allows for drivers to sharpen the vehicle’s driving characteristics on request for back road blasts or soften them for everyday driving.

The S3 also comes in a sedan body style.

Fuel use is rated at about 7.4L/100km for both.

Passengers should benefit from a roomier cabin with both vehicles expanding slightly in all directions.

One of Audi’s strong points is its interior and the S3 is no different.

A massive 12.3-inch digital instrument display is matched to a large 10.25-inch central screen that controls the infotainment features.

Audi is known for its classy interiors.

It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Audi’s own infotainment tech.

Snug sports seats are wrapped in faux leather made out of mostly recycled plastic bottles. Leather seats are an option.

The centre console is streamlined with an electric park brake and the usual long gear shifter replaced with a stubby control.

A new stubby gear shifter has replaced the more conventional mechanism.

The new S3 duo is set to arrive down under next year with prices and final specification announced closer to the launch date. But expect the new S3 to cost more than the current version priced from about $72,000 drive-away.