Verdict
The Audi RS 3 takes the concept of the hot hatch to a new level. With 340bhp and a £40k price tag its only real competitor is the upcoming BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

Expert rating: 4.0

Pros
• Stonking engine
• Massive cornering grip
• Desirable

Cons
• Expensive
• Interior can't match price tag
• Four-star EuroNCAP rating

1. Exterior: 4/5
Wider front wheelarches made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, 19-inch alloy wheels, big front air intakes, a rear bumper with a diffuser and twin exhausts give the RS 3 a potent look. Optional matte black alloys with red detailing further set the car apart, but won't appeal to everyone.

2. Interior: 4/5
The cabin differs only slightly from a standard Audi A3 with its flat-bottomed steering wheel, RS instrument gauges, leather seats and metallic interior trim plus lots of RS badging. The seats are comfortable, but don't offer quite enough support, so the optional bucket seats are better. Audi Exclusive will try to create any accessory you like, as long as it's technically possible and doesn't affect safety.

3. Practicality: 3/5
With five doors, good rear legroom, five seatbelts and a boot offering between 302 and 1,032 (with the rear seats folded) litres of space, practicality is strong. The upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe has a 370-litre boot, while the Subaru WRX STI Hatch has 301 litres.

4. Ride and handling: 5/5
A wider track gives more grip and even with lowered suspension the RS 3 doesn't lose all its composure over bumps. Understeer is never an issue on dry roads thanks to quattro four-wheel drive.

5. Performance: 5/5
The five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo petrol has 340bhp, with a standard seven-speed S tronic gearbox that allows manual shifts with paddles behind the steering wheel or fully automatic changes. Acceleration to 62mph takes 4.6 seconds, comprehensively seeing off competitors with the 1 Series M Coupe taking 4.9, the WRX STI 5.2 and Volkswagen Golf R 5.5 seconds.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
Used car valuation experts CAP reckon the RS 3 will retain more of its value than any car on sale in the UK. Average fuel consumption is officially 31mpg while CO2 emissions are 212g/km - the WRX STI emits 243g/km despite having 40bhp less.

7. Reliability: 4/5
Robust construction should keep the RS 3 out of workshops. Many components have been uprated, with a very high standard of engineering evident throughout.

8. Safety: 5/5
The A3 Sportback has just a four-star EuroNCAP rating but there are all the airbags you'd expect, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability programme (ESP). Enormous brakes are fitted too.

9. Equipment: 3/5
The RS 3 has xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, leather steering wheel, two-zone air-con, parking sensors and tinted rear windows.

10. Why buy? 5/5
Some will doubt the humble A3 Sportback could ever be worth £39,900, but the RS 3 is no normal hatchback. Its engine is special and it feels as quick along a twisting road as many sports cars costing twice as much.