The Sportback ride is exceptional, even over the harsh R511 potholes, the comfort and vibration levels are minimal. Steering inputs see an immediate response and I reckon Audi now challenge the best in the feel ranks.

More often than not Kyalami brings out the bad in a braking system. The S3 Sportback impressed in straight-line 120, 100 and 80km/h to zero race but on track the disc/calliper temperature soared within two laps. On the third lap smoke could be seen in the wheel region and the pedal feel went for a ball.

Cooked brakes or not, the S3 Sportback turned in a very respectable lap time only 0.7 seconds behind a normal S3.

Sure, it understeered if not turned in with confidence but the bottom line is that it?s a serious performer both on track and on road. It might not be the quickest from standstill but it all comes together brilliantly to nail a lap time.

This Sportback will hold more luggage than most of its peers and it also trumps in the more mature appearance contest. Those who have outgrown their boy-racer-looking CTI, GTI and S3 can now look exec and still thump the racers when the better half isn?t looking.

The S3 Sportback is all grown up with everywhere to play.

WE LIKE
Five-door practicality, sport and class all rolled into one, quality finish
WE DON'T
Not a wagon but not a hatch, the grey suit appearance.

SAFETY
Airbags: Front and side plus head airbags front and rear
Safety Equipment: ABS, ESP, EBD, ISOFIX

WE SAY
"Though all the ingredients for outrageous fun on the road and track still reside beneath the skin of this more practical S3, looking at it leaves me a bit cold. I loved the styling of the three-door S3, but the Sportback looks too Estate-like for my liking, and it doesn?t even offer wagon practicality. Would still be a tempting buy though, if I needed a family car." -Jason Woosey
"Pity about the price. With road manners to impress even the most ardent petrol-heads, the S3 is still a hard act to beat. And with the Sportback kit you get the best of both worlds ? superlative performance and style. Not that bad on Kyalami either." -Mario Lupini

AT A GLANCE
Engine: Plenty of smooth poke = 8
Drivetrain: AWD for years now = 9
Chassis: Top of the pile = 9
Safety: Does the job = 8
Cabin: Plain Jane Classic = 7
Styling: Not aggro, not wagon = 6
Value: Expensive commute, decent performer = 6
Economy: It?s hard to tickle the pedal = 6
Performance: See that lap time = 9
Fun Factor: Debatable = 7

Total: 75

VERDICT
The ultimate sleeper for the suit and tie brigade who can?t shake their boy-racer.