THE Audi A3 quattro Sport is not a model that turns heads.
To the initial glance it looks standard A3 fare; a sensibly designed and attractive premium hatchback.
Sure, there are alloy wheels and twin tailpipes, but unless you get close enough to spot the discreet 3.2 quattro badge on the rear tailgate you are unlikely to appreciate that this is no ordinary car.
With 250PS on tap and a limited maximum speed of 155mph, this V6-engined rocket ship is both the most powerful and quickest A3 ever.
And it sounds it too. Quiet at tick-over, apply even a touch of the 'heavy manners' and it snarls like some demon woken from slumber.
But unlike other offerings that can feel skittish under hard acceleration, the Audi harnesses its kick exceptionally well. In short it's a wonderful motor car.
Buyers have a choice of the test car's six-speed manual gearbox or the new double clutch direct shift system, initially brought in for the TT 3.2 quattro.
The short throw manual works a treat, enabling the driver to make maximum use of the amazing torque - the A3 actually delivers identical figures to the TT - and the resulting mid-range performance.
Of course it helps to be reassured that the car can cope with its power. In this case the permanent four-wheel drive of the quattro system, along with the relatively firm spring settings of the A3's new suspension, make for a smooth power delivery plus fine handling stability and control.
On the negative side, if you concentrate hard enough you may even see the fuel gauge arrow moving in that right-left direction as you cruise along the motorway.
You'd do well to match the claimed figure of an average 26.7 miles per gallon, while the lofty CO2 emissions level means a less than generous tax hit for company car drivers.
At £23,665 the 3.2 quattro Sport isn't cheap, especially as the likes of leather upholstery at £1,060 and a BOSE 'symphony' sound system upgrade for another £620, bumps up the price still further.
What you are getting though is the benefit of the latest A3, the entire range of which only arrived last summer, near matchless build quality and a shedload of standard equipment.
That includes front, side and head airbags, sports suspension and seats, driver's info system, electronic climate control, electric front windows and a sun blind in the rear parcel shelf, to name but a few.
The new A3's slightly longer wheelbase has meant extra room inside, and while space in the back is hardly generous, it's certainly adequate.
Sculpting the front seat backs to allow for knees is also a help.
Sadly for fans of this car, its position as flagship model of the A3 range will be limited, as a V8-engined S3 is due for launch later this year. It sounds a monster.
FAST FACTS
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro Sport
Price: £23,665
Mechanical: 250bhp,3,189cc V6 petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 26.7
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 254g/km
BiK rating: 34%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint