[Mr Buck]

Some good reviews from Evo & Car Magazine from what I have read. The second premium hot hatch to actually provide a rival to the M135i. Still the A45 AMG, Focus RS and Golf R to come.

It will be interesting to see what comes out on top when they are all released. At present it doesn't really show the true quality of the M135i as a hatch, because the only real competition from reviews have come from actual sports cars like Porsche and other more pricey cars.

In terms of the Audi S3 stacked up against the BMW

Pros

More visually appealing externally (BMW is a bit or a marmite car).
Better cabin, in terms of visual appeal and build quality.
4WD standard, certainly will appeal to a lot of UK buyers given BMW haven't released and Xdrive M135i in the UK.
On paper 0-60 from the Auto is quicker at 4.8 than the 4.9 BMW's Auto, thanks to launch control feature and traction from 4WD.

Cons

Not as involving to drive.
Steering feedback not as good as the BMW.
Not as quick throughout the gears (personal opinion as it has not yet been proven) I just don't see how a 4 pot 2.0l engine with less power and torque will make it more powerful across the midrange as the BMW.