The minimalist design and pleasingly low button count never detract from the driving experience. © 2010-2020 CarBuzz Inc. All Rights Reserved

Specifying the Technology Package includes the fitment of Audi's 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display ahead of the driver, along with navigation and the Bang & Olufsen audio system. Subscribe to the Roadshow newsletter, receive notifications and see related stories on CNET.

For enhanced safety, the Side and Rear Cross Traffic Assist package is optional and adds Audi side assist, rear cross-traffic assist, and Audi's parking system plus.The retractable MMI center information display screen measures seven inches and can be operated with the controller on the center console. The Premium Plus trim is now the top-line S3 trim (the Prestige held that honor previously but falls away for the 2020 model year) and includes high beam assist, along with side mirrors that are heated, power-folding, and auto-dimming.

Quantum Gray has additionally been added to the existing color palette.Other than the addition of the new color option, Quantum Gray, the S3 goes into 2020 with few exterior changes. Audi's pioneering and tech-rich virtual cockpit is optional and sports a 12.3-inch display screen ahead of the driver - this system is a worthwhile upgrade that gives the interior a welcome lift.Certain S3 models manufactured between 2015 and 2016 were recalled due to a malfunctioning connector as part of the passenger occupant detection system. Key outputs are 288 hp and 280-lb-ft, which is plenty in the fairly lithe S3's body. Although the traditional three-box sedan shape may promise more practicality than in There have been a few changes to the available trims for the S3 sedan. HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, an SDXC card slot with 32 GB of storage, SiriusXM with a 90-day trial subscription, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and auxiliary audio input are all standard. We delete comments that violate The 0-60 mph run comes up in only 4.6-seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The steering responds eagerly to the slightest of inputs and, despite electric assistance, there is a reasonable degree of feedback to keep the driver involved.Ride comfort is average, the S3's firm setup preventing it from cushioning occupants from sharp surface imperfections.

While the central screen atop the dashboard looks a bit outdated when the trend is to move towards more integrated displays, the available virtual cockpit still looks as fantastic as it did when first introduced. That's a very good thing. This price excludes taxes, licensing registration, and a $995 destination fee. The S Sport Seat Package costs $1,450 and boasts sports seats in fine Nappa leather and armrests and kneepads trimmed in leatherette. From its 2.0-liter capacity, the engine produces a solid 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Dynamically, it does exactly what it says on the tin, providing a perfect balance between the cheaper A3 sedan and the fire-breathing RS3. The Audi S3 Sportback and Sedan are on sale throughout Europe now for approximately $54,600 USD and $55,700 USD, respectively. Well, the Golf R remains the cheaper option by just under $2,000, so immediately gets out to an advantage. An available S Sport Seat Package includes door armrests and kneepads trimmed in leatherette.Although the presence of a traditional trunk promises decent cargo capacity, the S3's trunk is even smaller than the regular A3's due to the quattro system - there's a miserly ten cubic feet of space back there and the opening isn't the biggest. The new Audi S3 Sportback and Saloon have now been officially revealed, although recent spy shots pretty much showed us what was coming. Although not as emotive as the RS3's five-cylinder, the S3 does elicit a pleasingly sporty growl when pushed.Sharing the same engine with the Volkswagen Golf R, the 2.0-liter TFSI inline-four is as effective here as it is in VW's potent hatchback.