THE Audi A3 has just picked up the World Car of the Year accolade and having sampled the latest very hot incarnation of this car it's little surprise.
In the new S3 Saloon there's racing car performance coupled with 40-plus mpg fuel economy - astonishing.
The German premium car maker has just introduced the superfast four-door saloon adding to the highly-successful three-door S3 hatchback and five-door S3 Sportback model range.
At the heart of the 155mph flying machine pumps a brand new 295bhp turbocharged long-stroke two-litre TFSI engine which can 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 takes 5.3 seconds to complete the sprint.
Peak power comes in at 5,500 revs and peak torque from between 1,800 and 5,500 revs, but in spite of all this grunt being available on tap, both auto and manual versions return combined fuel economy of more than 40mpg.
The engine is loaded with new technology, which includes 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 is fed to all four wheels via the latest version of Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and the S3 also features S-sports suspension as standard.
The newcomer bears all the hallmarks typical of an Audi S model. Alloy-look mirrors, chunky side sills and four chrome-tipped exhaust tailpipes add their individual touch to the exterior, while on the inside, grey instrument dials with white needles carry on the S tradition.
A flat-bottomed leather-clad multifunction sports steering wheel, with alloy-look shift paddles on the S tronic version, help complete the overall package.
Out on the road, the S3 gives an extremely polished ride, thanks to Audi's drive select, which allows a driver to change the set up of the car to suit his or her own individual taste.
Agile yet grippy in the extreme, the engine delivers masses of power in a smooth, controlled manner, while a deep throaty tone from the exhaust system helps complete the S3 experience.
As to be expected, the option list for the S3 Saloon includes all the latest in mobile infontainment and driver assistance solutions, including in-car internet-based services delivered via superfast 4G connection where available.