There’s a new ruling mega-hatch in the form of the all-new Audi RS3 Sportback. Emerging from the skunkworks of the newly christened Audi Sport GmbH, the car builds upon the previous RS3 Sportback as well as the newer facelifted version RS3 sedan that was revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
This brings both body styles of the RS-fettled A3 up to date with the third-generation version’s 2017 update. The headliner in this hyper hatch’s story is, naturally, that engine. The 2.5-litre turbocharged inline 5-cylinder motor, the sound of which when it’s fully lit can so readily evoke memories of Group B rallying.
Here it’s been massaged to generate a more power and torque over the outgoing car, roughly 24kW more power to a total of 294(kW) and 480Nm of peak torque that’s served up just above idle (1,700rpm) and sustained to 5,850rpm - basically it tapers off only when approaching the redline. Impressive.
The new RS3 Sportback's revised powertrain alone accounts for a 26kg weight reduction thanks to, among other things, a new aluminium crankcase. It also produces less carbon emissions and is slightly more frugal with its fuel reserves. That’s all well and good, but the power gains and added lightness contributes to a 4.1 second century sprint time (0.2 seconds quicker).
Power, as always with RS cars, is delivered via the signature quattro all-wheel drive system with the S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission ensuring lighting quick shifts up and down the ratios. The 19-inch alloys wear 235-section tyres and encompass 310mm (front and rear) brakes that should be more than enough to stop the new RS3 Sportback from either its limited 250km/h top speed or it’s raised ceiling of 280km/h.
The newer car is also wider than before by 20mm, lower too by 25mm. To quell the criticisms of less than sharp handling through long bends, Audi has optimised its progressive steering rack, torque vectoring system, and four-link rear suspension for a more neutral chassis response.
Inside we have sports seats draped in Nappa leather. Naturally, there are plenty of RS badging to be found, and the indicative flat-bottomed steering wheel to be in no doubt that you’re in a fast Audi. The innovative flat Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster isn’t standard, however, though the latest version of their MMI infotainment system is, replete with a 705W Bang & Olufsen speaker array.
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