Restyled from `2016`, the `S3 Sportback 8V` becomes for many the best version of the formula: more modern presentation, a cleaner overall feel and later `310 hp`. Against a BMW 3 Series, it stays more compact, denser and very easy to live with every day. On the used market it is often the best target in the range, provided the history is genuinely clean.
The technical base mainly revolves around the `2.0 TFSI EA888` in `CJXG` and `DJHA` form, with a manual gearbox or more often `S tronic`, plus `Haldex`-type all-wheel drive. The package is mature, but you should not trivialise oil servicing, gearbox care, turbo health or cars that have already been remapped. A good `S3 Sportback 8V facelift` should start cleanly, warm up normally, stay stable on four coherent tyres and shift without hesitation.