Good article from the Brunnei Times on A3 2.0T versus BMW 130i:
Concerning the A3: "Tap on the accelerator and the engine tries to launch you into orbit." also regarding A3 interior "The quality of materials is top notch and everything looks like they were put together by military technicians taking part in a skills contest.

 

Another article with a picture of the competition coming to USA, I hope the S3 arrives soon!

 

Visually, at least, I find both A3 and GTI more appealing.