Audi's RS3 storms in

Sizzling hot hatch that’s as fast as an R8 but less than half the price is set to rip up the road

 

It's the ultimate hot hatchback! After years of snatched spy shots and hushed rumours, Audi has at last taken the covers off this – the RS3. 

A final farewell to the A3, which will soon be replaced, and a rival to the upcoming BMW 1-Series M Coupé, this turbocharged, four-wheel-drive sports car is designed to mix the essence of the original Quattro with the practicality of a five-door Sportback body. 

And it boasts some real punch. Behind the deep front air intakes lies a 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol turbo engine, borrowed from the mighty TT RS. Producing 335bhp and 450Nm of torque from only 1,600rpm, it features quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic double-clutch ’box, complete with steering wheel paddles. 

The RS3 uses a sophisticated launch-control system to race from 0-62mph in an incredible 4.6 seconds – making it just as fast as Audi’s V8-engined R8 supercar – and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The characterful engine – which harks back to the original 1984 Quattro coupé – should sound as good as it runs. As with the TT RS, the RS3 gets a Sport button; this not only sharpens throttle response further, but opens a flap in the exhaust to intensify the engine’s trademark offbeat note.

However, the RS3 is not just about straight-line speed. It has an extra-long seventh gear for relaxed motorway cruising, an oil pump that works only when required and brake energy recovery, allowing it to return 31mpg combined – impressive for such a powerful machine.

It should be very good at cornering, too. Audi’s expert ride and handling engineers have spent many months fine-tuning the super hatch at the challenging Nürburgring circuit in Germany. They have widened the tracks in order to increase stability, while the front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension set-ups have been strengthened and given lowering springs to drop the ride height by 25mm.

Engineers have also added 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres at the front and 225/35 rubber at the rear. 

Using the same Haldex-equipped quattro drivetrain as the TT RS, the RS3 doesn’t get a rearward torque bias like the R8, unfortunately. Instead, power is split 50:50, although the system can 

apportion muscle to the wheel with the most grip. Uprated brakes – 370mm discs at the front, 310mm at the rear with four-piston calipers – and a traction-control system that can be totally switched off, complete the dynamic package.

Visually, the RS3 certainly stands out – but it still has that classic muscular yet subtle look, with highlights including widened arches, deep air intakes in the modified front splitter and a rear roof spoiler. Inside, the RS3 gets sports seats in black leather, a flat-bottomed wheel and extra dials for turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer.

Standard equipment is generous: each car comes with a rear parking camera, climate control and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, while options include bucket seats. The RS3 will be available for order from mid-December with a price tag of around £40,000.

Meanwhile, Audi has also confirmed that it will launch an RS4 version of the latest A4, which will be available only as an Avant estate.

 

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