Should you buy one?

Yes, if you’re looking for a fast family hatchback or small saloon that’s capable in all weathers won’t give you tinnitus on long motorway journeys. It’s true that the Audi S3 lacks the sparkle of a Toyota GR Yaris, but it’s just as quick and capable and doesn’t make a drama about it. Would we choose one over a BMW 135i or Mercedes-AMG A35? Now that’s a different matter.

The S3’s interior is good, but its infotainment is shaded by that offered in the Mercedes-AMG A35 and BMW M135i, but otherwise it’s the pick of the bunch inside. In terms of performance, there’s little in it, although the Audi’s four-square handling and strong brakes give the driver supreme confidence.

However, we’d probably take the Volkswagen Golf R because it blends all of its talents a little more successfully, is usually available for a lower monthly cost, and it’s even more discrete than the S3.