Audi has released some details of its forthcoming A3/S3 compact hatchback.

In what’s fast becoming the norm, car makers are releasing their own spy shots to the public. These are often accompanied by some nice nuggets of info, giving everyone some decent insight into what’s to come. What you see here is the soon-to-be-launched 4th generation Audi A3 and S3. The car is very lightly disguised, hiding some of the finer styling cues, but the majority of the details are there, such as the headlightand tail lamp design.

Audi used the technical roads of the Azores rally to showcase its quattro all-wheel drive, ESC and steering setup. The quattro technology has formed the backbone of Audi’s products and the system is renowned for high levels of grip and stability. The quattro system has received some updates and is now capable of sending 100% of power to the rear axle.Also receiving an upgrade is the electronic stabilisation control (ESC), which cleverly brakes the two wheels on the inside of the bend for improved agility.

The new Audi A3 will also feature progressive steering which is said to solve the conflict between comfort and directness. Audi claims that ‘when the steering wheel is turned quickly during faster driving, it is smaller and the steering is very direct. This decreases the steering effort in urban traffic and while manoeuvring and increases the level of comfort considerably."

As far as engines go, Audi has confirmed that the 4th generation S3 will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor delivering 228 kW and 400 Nm.All that shove goes to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch ‘box and we reckon it should be fractionally quicker. The outgoing model is claimed at 4.6seconds, so we're guessing the new one will sprint to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds.

The 4th generation Audi A3 and S3 will be revealed at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show.

4th Generation Audi S3 Prototype Video

Further Reading

Spy Shots: 2020 Audi A3

Audi A3 2.0T Sportback Auto (2017) Review

Facelift Audi A3 (2016) First Drive