Audi has released the first official photos of its new S3 ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show.
The new S3 is Audi's attempt to take a sledgehammer to the VW Golf R, the BMW M135i and the new Mercedes A45 AMG, and features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot engine which sends 296bhp to all four wheels via an optional DSG gearbox.
The performance figures are impressive: With the DSG gearbox, the S3 will get from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, and on to an electronically-governed top speed if 155mph. Despite this, however, it should return 40.9mpg on the combined cycle.
Audi has achieved these impressive economy and performance figures partly through judicious weight saving -- although the new S3 is larger than the car it replaces, it's a full 60kg lighter.
Looks-wise, Audi has decided to keep the S3 subtle. You get LED daytime-running lights as standard, larger front air intakes, four oval exhausts and a roof spoiler; however, even with these additions, the S3 looks remarkably like the standard A3.
Inside, you get Audi's flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports seats and a turbocharger boot gauge.
The S3 will go on sale in early 2013, with prices expected to start from a smidge over £30,000.
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