The S3 is the performance-tuned version of the all-new 2015 A3 sedan that arrived on North American shores earlier in 2014. Starting at a tick under $42,000 and rising up to about $49,945 as shown here, with the $5,900 Prestige package, $550 pearl red paint and $1,500 Performance package, the S3 isn’t exactly cheap, and it’s thousands of dollars more than comparably equipped A3s.

So what do you get for that extra outlay? Basically, an A3 that is considerably sportier in character and far more exciting to drive. Not that the A3 is dull in any respect, but the S3 is knife-sharp on the road, and dressy enough to look good next to any six-figure car you can park next to it.

The S3 may be small, but it has big presence, thanks to its many smart design tricks and exquisite details. The Audi face is instantly identifiable with its prominent, slightly hexagonal grille and scowling headlamps with its standard angular LED daytime eyebrows.