Fresh look for more potent S3

Power boost and torque splitter upgrade for Audi's hot hatchback and saloon pair

- JAMES ATTWOOD

The Audi S3 has received a major upgrade, with an increase in output to 329bhp and the addition of a torque splitter system, which has been taken from the latest RS3 mega-hatch.

Both the four-door saloon and five-door hatchback versions of the performance model also receive a number of minor styling changes, in line with the recent facelift of the regular A3. The revisions are intended to boost the performance and handling of the S3 to help it keep pace with the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35.

The S3 retains the Volkswagen Group's EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, but its peak power has been boosted by 25bhp and its peak torque raised from 295 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft. Additionally, the seven-speed automatic gearbox now has a more heavily compressed clutch plate, which enables it to handle higher torque loads from rest and is said to halve shift times under full load. That all results in a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec, trimmed by 0.1sec. Top speed remains 155mph.

Audi has also retuned the turbo. During part-throttle acceleration, it will preload to constant revs, which reduces lag when it's called upon.