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.

The original S3, which ran from 1999 to 2003 and represented Audi’s initial foray into the hot hatch market, came with a 221bhp version of VAG’s faithful 1.8-litre turbo four-pot. It was neat ...