Audi pretty much invented the premium hot hatch with the first-generation Audi S3 back in 1999, effectively dropping in the running gear and engine from the Audi TT sports car into the A3.

Front-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission are standard, with all-wheel drive optional (it’s standard on the zestier 306-hp S3 version). If you want even more thrills from Audi ...

It always felt strange that the Volkswagen Golf R had more power than the fancier (and slightly pricier) Audi S3 ... and ...