RACING car performance coupled with 40mpg-plus fuel economy - all packaged into a slick compact saloon car - that was the 2014 S3 from Audi.

The German premium car maker introduced this new superfast four-door S3 quattro saloon model to add to its already highly-successful three-door S3 hatchback and five-door S3 Sportback model range.

At the heart of the 155mph flying machine pumped a brand new 295bhp turbocharged long-stroke two-litre TFSI engine which could propel the car from standing to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds when coupled to the marque's S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. The "slower" manual version took 5.3 seconds to complete the sprint.

Peak power came in at 5,500 revs and peak torque from between 1,800 and 5,500 revs, but in spite of all this grunt available on tap, both automatic and manual versions returned combined fuel economy of more than 40mpg.

The then new engine was brimming with new technology, which included both direct and indirect injection, the integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head and the use of thermal management for faster warm-up.

Power was fed to all four wheels via the latest version of Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and the S3 also featured sports suspension as standard, making it stable and well planted on the black stuff no matter what speed it was travelling.

The newcomer had all the hallmarks typical of an Audi S model, with a mix of aluminium and steel construction to help keep the weight down.

Alloy-look mirrors, chunky side sills and four chrome-tipped exhaust tailpipes add their individual touch to the exterior, while on the inside, S3 badging, Recaro-style sports seats and grey instrument dials with white needles carried on the S tradition.

A flat-bottomed leather-clad multifunction sports steering wheel, with alloy-look shift paddles on the S tronic version, helped complete the overall package.

Out on the road, the S3 gave an extremely polished ride, thanks to Audi's drive select, which allowed a driver to change the set up of the car from comfort to sport to suit his or her own individual taste.

Agile yet grippy in the extreme, the car delivered masses of power in a smooth, controlled manner, while a deep throaty tone from the exhaust system helped complete the S3 experience.

As to be expected, the sporty Audi came with a massive list of safety equipment and comfort features fitted as standard.

However, the option list for the S3 saloon included all the latest in mobile infontainment and driver assistance solutions, including in-car internet-based services delivered via superfast 4G and on-board connectivity to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

A 2014 S3 saloon S tronic on an 63-plate will have a price tag of between £19,725 and £25,005 depending on condition and mileage. Manual versions will be slightly cheaper at between £18,820 and £23,855.

Move on a year and prices range from £22,075 to £27,495 for the S tronic, while a manual will set you back anything between £21,080 and £26,250.