WHEN Audi turns up the heat it is normally into the white-hot zone.
High performance models are the German marque's virtuoso and its RS models deliver supercar performance in a variety of conventional car shapes. Then there are the Audi S models which are almost as hot.
Now Audi has hit on the idea of full-bloodied performance with the option of sporty trim to broaden its appeal. They are called the S-Line models and they deliver all you want at a fraction of the price.
In the baby of the current Audi line up the effect is a car with superlative credentials for around £25,000.
S-Line specification and trim adds some £2,000 to the £24,110 basic price of the Audi A3 Sportback 3.2-litre Quattro Sport - but it is worth every penny.
There is a lot of "sport" in the name of this A3 and that is exactly what it is about. Blisteringly quick performance and handling to match make the A3 flagship a driver's dream.
It is in the same super hot hatch league as the soon-to-arrive VW Golf R32 and the Vauxhall Astra VXR.
The Audi costs a bit more than the VW and some £7,000 more than the Vauxhall - but that has not got the benefit of four wheel drive.
Top speed of the A3 S-Line is an electronically restricted 155mph and its straight-line performance is awesome.
From standstill to 62mph takes 6.5 seconds and even though it is a five-door hatchback it is quicker than the most potent version of the Audi TT sports car.
The A3 shares its engine with the TT and it pumps out 250bhp thanks to turbo charging.
Under any circumstances it is a muscle machine and while the A3 is sharp and responsive, its uprated suspension can make for a slightly bumpy ride for passengers.
The driver does not necessarily notice that, being consumed in the wonders of the car but there is little doubt that the S-Line has been set up for the ultra-smooth German roads and not ours.
That is the only possible quibble about this amazing car and the rest of the S-Line package is near faultless - albeit a bit thirsty.
Audi claims it will average 26.2mpg but I could not better more than 23.1 overall according to the onboard computer.
With sports trim enhancing the A3's handsome lines it looks the part and the extras include smart alloy wheels and special S-Line kickplates on the sills.
Twin exhausts and understated S-Line motifs on the body are the only other clues to the A3's might from the outside but inside it is slightly more lavish with S-Line seats and steering wheel which are special to the model.
Climate control, electronic stability programmes and a full set of airbags are all part of the package. This particular car also has a top quality Bose sound system and electrically adjustable driver's seat which were £855 extras.
Xenon headlamps are also an option at £590.
In the cockpit there is more than enough room front and back. The new A3 is bigger than its predecessor and that goes for luggage capacity as well.
The car is aimed at the young executive and it has that image down to a tee. It is sensibly sized, looks as potent as it is and speaks volumes about who is behind the wheel.
On the road, image making does not come much better than this. The S-Line may not cost a million dollars but it makes you feel as good as if it did.
FAST FACTS
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro Sport S-Line
Price: £25,890
Mechanical: 250bhp, 3,189cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 26.2
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 259g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust