Well, I like EVO so much, I'm actually a subscriber. The S3's rating is typical of EVO - they've never been fans of the S3 concept so why expect anything to change? Besides - John Barker did the review and he's one mean task master to try and impress. The S3's rating isn't shameful - it's just that the benchmark in powerful all-wheel drive cars is set so high with cars like the R32 (a brilliant car that deserves every accolade) and STI's and EVOs... that I expect that S3 comes across as a little underwhelming.

The interesting points in the driving impression are that the S3 is punchy, rapid and a fine handling machine. Perhaps its competence is its ultimate undoing? Nevertheless, I expect it to post class-leading lap times at Bedford and it will no doubt grow in stature with familiarity. Let's keep an open mind and watch this space...

With the new generation of Haldex-based quattro (someone recently thought fit to call it rubbish or such like in another thread tsk tsk) I think the new S3 will show its true merit in a full-on performance test.

By the way... the new S3 (in right hand drive guise for the South African market) has been shown at Auto Africa over the past fortnight. I spend quite some time pouring over the car's interior, styling and vital stats. It's seriously lovely - it'd be my hyper hatch choice in a heartbeat. Interestingly, because of our lousy 95 octane petrol, the S3 has been de-rated to a scant 188 kW and 330 Nm! On paper absolutely bugger-all over a 3.2 quattro! Of course, I'm certain that it'll be worth every cent more despite...