The new Audi RS3 pulls a very nice trick, offering supercar pace in a hatchback body.
UK magazine Auto Express had a first go in it, demonstrating how easy it is to extract its monstrous performance on a straight line; Audi claims that 0-62mph (100km/h) takes just 4.3 seconds and if you pay them a little more money, they will lift the 155mph (250km/h) limiter to allow your RS3 reach 174mph (280km/h) flat-out.
Helped by a turbocharged 5-cylinder 2.5-litre engine, the Audi RS3 sends 362hp and 343 lb-ft (465Nm) of torque from just 1,650rpm through a double-clutch gearbox to the tarmac via all four wheels, allowing it this way to score these insane acceleration figures.
But we are talking about steaming-hot hatchbacks here; the Audi RS3 is going against cars like the Mercedes A45 AMG and the eagerly-anticipated new Ford Focus RS, so the one thing remaining to find out is if it continues to offer any driving thrills when the straight meets the corner bits.
Head to the video and find out.