AUDI'S new scorcher is the latest in a long line of successors to the original quattro supercar from the 1980s.

The new S3, launched at the Paris Motor Show, combines a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing no less than 300bhp with quattro four wheel drive and should give road rippling performance along with reasonable emissions and economy.

The company claims it comes with all the high technology it has to offer in every way that makes a car better.

The S3 will launch early next year with either a manual six-speed gearbox or the Audi/VW twin clutch system that gives quicker changes than any manual can manage.

The marvellous sounding new engine has twin balancer shafts for improved smoothness and, with that much power, should be capable of the zero to 60mph sprint in about five seconds - true supercar territory.

But the company claims emissions of just 162 grammes per kilometre and possible economy of 40mpg

Expect rally-type seats and leather as standard.

Good interior space should combine with a decent sized boot and folding back seats to give a very practical supercar.