Fantastic performance, a gorgeous interior and high levels of comfort make the Audi S3 Sportback a hugely-desirable car.

If there was one criticism – and it’s a strange one admittedly – it’s almost too smooth, efficient and mature in the way it goes about its business. As Audi has knocked off all the rough edges, you don’t feel like you have to stretch your driving talents to extract great performance levels.

But if the S3 is actually ‘too good’ in certain respects to fully engage the driver, then it’s not a bad chief fault to have!

With 306bhp on tap and a slick seven-speed S tronic transmission, the S3 eases its way from a standing start to 62mph in under five seconds.

Razor-sharp steering and great balance – mixed with the assurance of the superb Quattro system – mean the car gobbles up the trickiest of corners with the minimum of fuss.

Under the bonnet, the current S3 retains a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but it now develops a bit more power than its predecessor, with an increase of 10bhp and 20Nm of torque.

The engine sound is pleasing if unspectacular, with a hint of a raspy noise.

Wherever such brisk performance is on offer, you expect to see the petrol gauge going down quickly - but I was pleasantly surprised by the S3’s efficiency, with the official stats suggesting 35.3mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 183g/km.

S-specific suspension has been added to the S3, which is 15mm lower than its counterparts in the A3 line-up.

As such, the car feels beautifully planted when cornering, with a confidence-inspiring low centre of gravity.

Progressive steering means the car feel nimble at lower speeds and more stable at higher speeds.

In terms of looks, the S3 has plenty of emotional appeal, adopting a more sporty look than S-Line versions.

The slotted leading edge of the bonnet conjures up memories of the 1984 Audi Sport Quattro - something of a legend among motorsport fans.

The redesigned single frame grille has an eye-catching appearance, giving the S3’s mouth a wider and more aggressive look, while feisty-looking air intakes compliment the look.

Sharp creases in the bonnet and side panels create an interesting light/dark contrast when they catch the sun, showing off the vehicle’s muscular lines.

The wheels are 18 inch as standard, with 19 inch available as an option.

The rear end has intakes on each side of the diffuser, while the quad tailpipes show that the S3 really means business.

A number of vivid colourschemes are available, but my test car's Tango Red, metallic paintwork seemed to really suit the S3.

Once you step inside, the interior of the fourth-generation S3 has a classy feel, with high-quality materials and intricate design found throughout.

The sumptuous sports seats, with an 'S' embossed on them, are trimmed in steel grey fine Nappa leather and provide the right balance between support and comfort.

There are some eye-catching aluminum or carbon-fibre inlays.

Some of the info graphics are specific to the S3 on the standard 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel.

As an option, buyers can go for the larger and highly-impressive12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display.

The S3 Sportback TFSI 301PS S tronic starts from 36,805, with the test car costing £43,281 once options had been added, including the 1,405 driver assistance pack and the 1,055 panoramic glass sunroof.

So the S3 doesn't come cheap, but your money will buy you an excellent hot hatch with dynamic performance, great looks and an interior that both comfortable and classy.

Audi S3 Sportback TFSI S tronic

The Lowdown

PRICE: £43,281 as tested

ENGINE: 2.0-litre petrol inline 4-cylinder 306bhp

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed S tronic, quattro all-wheel drive system

EMISSIONS: 183g/km

ECONOMY: 35.3mpg

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 155mph