THE sight of an S or RS badge on an Audi model suggests that there's something a bit special under the skin.

And in the case of the S1, the prestige brand's smallest offering, were talking a real wolf in sheep's clothing.

Better still though, the car comes with price tag - from just over £25,000 - that brings serious Audi punch within the range of a lot more performance fans.

That's not all. You get quattro all-wheel drive as standard while the dynamics are also boosted by Audi's drive select set-up with variable settings for handling and throttle response to suit your personal taste.

Beneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing a hefty 231bhp and capable of ensuring the compact hatchback is a genuine pocket rocket.

The headline figures are 0-62 in 5.8 seconds with the potential for an electronically limited 155mph top speed, delivered via six-speed manual transmission.

A more aggressive look to the front allied to a pair of twin tailpipes behind are the only real hints that this understated car is such a trailblazer.

Get behind the wheel though and you have a model of outstanding merit - well balanced ride, rock solid stability at speed and limpet-like handling.

Inside there's a classic Audi interior design but with discreet red elements in amongst the predominantly black and alloy look.

That means a red ring around the top of the gearstick, another circling the Start/Stop button and also highlighting both the S1 steering wheel badge and the car's kickplates.

High quality touches include the leather flat-bottomed steering wheel, soft leather sports seats with the S1 logo embossed into the seat backs and a top notch BOSE sound system.

Not only is the S1 a strictly four-seater but rear space is very tight if the front seats are slid back, and while the shallow boot is small the rear seats do at least split/fold 60-40.