If you like small cars with big power but hot hatchbacks aren’t really your thing, Audi has unveiled a new RS model at the Paris Motor Show which could be just what you’re looking for. The new Audi RS3 Sedan is an unassuming compact saloon with a 400 PS engine, a top speed of 174 mph, and such quality that would put Bentley to shame.

The beating heart of the Audi RS3 Sedan is the aging but still brilliant five-cylinder 2.5 liter turbo engine, tuned here at 400 PS and 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), but they can raise that to 174 mph (280 km/h) if you pay a little more.

One concern keen drivers always have about fast Audis is handling and the catastrophic understeer they usually suffer from. To make sure the RS3 doesn’t suffer from this affliction the manufacturer has fitted it with Audi drive select dynamic handling system for the Quattro management, Wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent software feature of the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) and optional RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control. So yes, the RS3 probably handles just fine, but all that electronics will inevitably affect the feel of the car.

As mentioned, the new Audi RS3 Sedan has a very conservative design, but there are RS cues here and there letting those who know what they’re looking at that it’s a special car. There is a spoiler at the back along with a diffuser, and those tailpipes are connected to a valved exhaust system. You also get large wheels RS-specific paint colors Nardo grey and Catalunya red and Black fine Nappa leather sport seats with RS logos and RS sport leather steering wheel with a flat bottom.