Audi S3 Sportback revealed

The higher performance version of the five-door A3 hatchback will go on sale in September, priced from around £34,000.

A 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the new S3 Sportback, making it 35bhp more powerful than its predecessor.

The S3 is only available with four-wheel drive, but buyers can choose from six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearboxes.

The new S3 Sportback accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds when fitted with the manual gearbox, or 5.0 seconds when equipped with the S tronic gearbox, which incorporates a launch control function. Top speed for both cars is electronically limited to 155mph.

The S tronic gearbox also gives slightly better claimed fuel economy, returning 40.9mpg compared to the manual's 40.4mpg.

The S3 Sportback comes as standard with sports suspension, which lowers the car’s body by 15mm compared to the standard A3 Sportback. It also gets 18-inch alloy wheels.

Larger brakes are also standard, along with Audi’s Drive Select system, which gives the driver a choice of comfort, auto, dynamic or efficiency modes that alter the car’s driving characteristics accordingly.

An additional driving mode, called individual, is included on S3 Sportbacks that have the optional MMI radio fitted. This gives the driver greater flexibility to tailor the way the car drives to their personal preference.

Also on the options list is Audi’s magnetic ride system, which gives the driver further control of how the S3 Sportback’s suspension responds, and full LED headlights.

Inside, the S3 will feature sports seats with S badges. Despite being slightly larger than the car it replaces, the new S3 Sportback weighs 1,445kg – making it 70kg lighter than the previous model.

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