Audi S3 Quattro

There's never  any confusion about the model designations in the Audi range. You get a letter of the alphabet and then a number, ranging from one to eight, depending on model. For more bang  for your buck, the number is preceded by the letter S. And for all out performance thrills,the designation becomes RS. Add the all wheel drive Quattro system and you have an unbeatable combination of power and handling.
However, for those not wanting that level of almost racing car experience, the S versions will more than suffice.
This is the S3, based on the popular VW Golf sized, Audi A3 Sportback. 
It really is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The few external signs this is a step above the standard A3, include brushed aluminium wing mirrors, silver highlights across the grille,a quad exhaust peeping out from below the rear bumper, a lower ride height, 18 inch alloys and large red brake calipers.

The interior is a very nice place to be. The test car had the benefit of an extra package that includes upmarket Bang and Olufsen sound, heated seats and adjustable suspension. 
The usual Audi refinements are all there.

Aluminium highlights on the console and instrument panel. a keyless, button ignition system, MMI ( Multi Media Interface) selector for navigation, audio and car setup, and an easy to use gearshift lever and steering wheel paddles for the six speed dual clutch manual gearbox.
The S3 has what it takes to deliver thrills aplenty, whether in a straight line or taking on challenging corners.
There are four modes for the transmission.Leave it in D, pull back on the console lever for automatic S mode, sideways for manual console shifting, or touch the paddles for full manual cog swapping control.The S3 is 70 kilos lighter than before, with many aluminium components.
The S3 slams  away from the line with furious urge, snapping through the lower gears in rapid succession, to reach 100 kmh in just five seconds. No torque steer at all, just sheer exciting  thrust, that will put a real grin on your face. 

Even in D, the S3 leaps ahead with enormous verve,  taking full advantage of its 2 litre turbo producing 206kw and 380nm. 
Leave the windows down while doing this and your senses will also take in the deep baritone  burble from the quad pipes and the turbo's wastegate pop on each upshift.
And you will stop just as quickly, with powerful brakes more than up to the task. 
The seats are quite firm, but on long trips give you all the support you need. 
The adjustable suspension allows for a few settings, from comfort to eco. 
I found the comfort setting quite good enough for everyday driving and it's also acceptable for spirited cornering. But if you want to play boy (or girl) racer, then the Sport setting ensures even better uncompromising grip. Steering control through the electromechanical system is superb, with plenty of feel through the flat bottomed wheel.

The S3 is a very easy car to live with, whether on daily commutes or those exhilarating weekend  blasts along your favourite winding road.
The S3 is also somewhat of a bargain in the premium small car segment, at just under 60K.
 If this one is not enough to slake your thirst for performance, there's an even more powerful RS3 waiting in the wings.Watch this space.
Peter Sellen