Order books are now open for the super-fast version of Audi’s A3.
Prices for the RS3 start at £44,300 for the hatch and £45,250 for the saloon version, with deliveries for both cars commencing next month.
Each generation of hot hatch becomes more powerful and the latest RS3 has the distinction of being the first car in its class to reach the 400hp mark. That’s 35hp up on the outgoing RS3.
Under the bonnet of both models lies a 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Its 400 horses can power the car from 0-62 in just 4.1 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor – and take it on to a limited top speed of 155mph.
Buyers who feel the need can pay for the car to be de-restricted, at which point it will push on to an astonishing 174mph.
An all-aluminium construction has alleviated the engine of 26kg of weight, further boosting performance and efficiency.
The engine is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
Also standard is the Audi drive select system with its Comfort, Dynamic, Auto and Individual modes.
This can be used to adjust when the car changes gears, and the proportion of torque directed rearwards, as well as the progressive steering, engine management and adjustable exhaust flaps.
The car sits on 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with ‘rotor’ or ‘blade’ designs specific to the Sportback and Saloon.
To further ensure people don’t mistake it for a standard A3, there are flared wheel arches, extended front and rear tracks.
A spoiler at the back and a pair of enormous oval tailpipes means it looks every bit the hyper hatchback from any angle.
The car also sits 25mm lower than the A3 to give its aerodynamic properties a boost.
On the inside you’ll find heated, RS-embossed and contrast-stitched front sport seats finished in black Fine Nappa leather and a leather and Alcantara flat-bottomed RS sport steering wheel.
Stainless steel pedals, titanium grey inlays and extensive use of aluminium trim elements also elevate the cabin above that of the regular A3.
As with other Audi’s the RS3 can be specced with the company’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display.
It replaces the standard analogue instruments, featuring a model specific RS setting with a central tachometer along with torque, g-force and tyre pressure gauges.
When the gearbox is switched to manual mode, the high-resolution display also prompts the driver to upshift with colour indicators.
Fast Audis have always done well and I expect the RS3 to be another winner from Audi.
I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk