THE big numbers just keep totting up - with the investment to match.

Audi has been on a roll for some years and the bandwagon shows no sign of slowing down.

With 51 models covering just about every area of the new car market, a figure that will hit 60 in the next 12 months, the German brand has pledged to invest a whopping 22 billion euros between now and 2018.

Most of it will be focused on new products and sustainable technologies with a long-term goal of CO2-neutral mobility.

Latest model to emerge from the premium brand's fast expanding stable is the first ever Audi S model in the compact cabriolet class.

Costing from £38,910, the fiery new S3 Cabriolet will hit the streets next month.

With a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine beneath the bonnet, the convertible is capable of scorching from 0-62 in 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

At the same time it boasts a Combined fuel consumption figure of 39.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 165g/km.

The brand's quattro permanent all-wheel drive plus six-speed S tronic transmission is standard and the top opens or closes in 18 seconds at speeds up to 31mph.

A hot bright day, the smell of freshly trimmed hedgerows and magnificent English countryside can certainly help sway opinion, but in any currency the S3 Cabrio is cracker.

While the engine note has just the right level of snarl, an insulating foam layer in the roof reduces cabin noise when you have the lid up.

And there's also Audi's magnetic ride system, with its combination of physics and alchemy, to ensure a supple driving experience with bags of grip and assured handling - and when you put the boot in the response is instant.

Three roof colours are available, S3 badges adorn the front and rear and an active rollover system protects passengers in the event of an accident.

Compared with the Audi A3 Cabriolet, the body is 25 millimetres lower due to the S Sport chassis and the large brake discs have black - or optionally red - callipers emblazoned with S3 logos.

Two passengers can fit in the rear seats and access is aided by an easy entry feature, and those needing more luggage space can fold down the rear seat backs, creating a reasonable load space.

The S sports seats have backrests embossed with S3 logos, the upholstery is finished in Nappa leather with S embossing and contrast stitching while a leather multifunction sport steering wheel is standard with a flat-bottomed rim and shift paddles.

Other standard features are brushed stainless-steel pedals, the aluminium door sills bear S3 logos and you also get heated front seats and Xenon plus headlights.