I'd just add, that my last car was a MY13 Jaguar XF 3.0S Portfolio with all the options less TV. That was £54k (bought outright with a critical illness payout on my life insurance). It was a bigger car yes, and was fantastic on motorways. SWBMO wouldn't drive it as it was so big. I had it remapped and full spires exhaust. It was a wonderful car - but it was a lot of car for the money.
My S3 was substantially cheaper than the XF, for which I got just £22k after 2 years in PX. But I enjoy driving it much more than i ever did the XF, and I know the money I am paying for my RS3 will make that driving experience even better.