The 2014 Audi S3 Sportback Is More Hot Hatch Forbidden Fruit

My first question is whether you would not buy this, or not buy the A 45 AMG? You got my drift, since the 2014 Audi S3 Sportback is not coming to the 'States either...

Being an S3 rather than an RS3, this new Audi is less hardcore than its AMG colleague. 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque comes out of the 2-litre TFSI direct injected turbo. Weight is down by 154 pounds to 3185 lb compared to the previous model, which means a 0-62 mph of 5 seconds (with the S tronic transmission), and the promise of 40.9mpg.

The engine is not only 11 pounds lighter than before, but smarter too. It's using both direct and indirect injection and has the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head for faster warm-up, while two balancer shafts rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft get rid of the vibrations.

The newest version of the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and wider front and rear tracks help put all 300 horses to the ground, while Audi's clever magnetic ride suspension remains an optional extra, just like the full LED headlamps.

The 1.37 inch increase in length over the three-door S3 means more space for passengers, while the trunk capacity is 360 liters, expandable to 1,220 with the seats folded down. The UK spec cars have an interior covered in Fine Nappa leather, with Alcantara being a no cost option. Sounds good to me.

Photo credit: Audi AG