New RS 3 models inbound

Audi’s giant-killing RS 3 models are set to touch down in Australia in a matter of weeks, ready to write the next chapter in the performance model’s impressive history. With pricing starting from $104,800* for the RS 3 Sportback and $107,800* for the RS 3 Sedan, the top model in the A3 range once again represents one of the most potent performance vehicles on the market pound for pound, with its celebrated 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine producing an impressive 294kW of power between 5600rpm and 7000rpm and 500Nm of torque from 2250 to 5600rpm.

With its seven-speed S tronic transmission and power down to the road through quattro all-wheel drive, the new RS 3 sees off the sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a blindingly fast 3.8 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 250km/h, while its handling package of RS sport suspension with damper control and its torque splitter differential further elevates the driving experience on both road and track.

Visually the RS 3 in Sportback and Sedan guise is familiar but with more defined styling particularly the front grille treatment as well as new front and rear bumpers with an integrated rear diffuser. 

The black exterior styling package plus sees key design elements finished in black, which adds to the aggressive overall look of the car. The darkened matrix LED headlights feature new RS-specific daytime running lights with a unique checkered light signature that is a nod to Audi’s motorsport heritage, appropriately backed up by the distinctive growl of the five-cylinder powerplant that proved so successful for the brand in motor racing. This too is further enhanced with the addition off an RS sports exhaust system as standard.

The RS 3 rides on standard 19-inch Audi Sport wheels with a five-spoke ‘Y’ pattern, but customers will also be able to option a 10-cross-spoke design in black gloss finish or a 10-cross-spoke wheel with a silk matt grey finish, both measuring 19-inches.

These do little to conceal the large brake calipers finished in red, complete with the RS logo, while those looking to build on the already impressive stopping power will also be able to option an RS ceramic brake system with either anthracite, blue or red brake calipers.

In terms of body colours, customers will also be able to choose from eight options as well as the distinctive Daytona grey in a matt finish finish, which is offered for the first time on RS 3. 

Once again the look of the RS 3 in both body shapes is purposeful to say the least, but without the need for giant wings or over-the-top body kits. The considered combination of the car’s muscular flanks flaring out over the wheel arches and the very aggressive front and rear ends do a perfect job of making a strong statement out on the road. Add to that the bark of the five-cylinder’s unique firing pattern – 1-2-4-5-3 – and there is no mistaking that the RS 3 is a car that means business.

Inside too the sporting bent is very much evident with the newly designed sports seats covered in rich Nappa leather with the distinctive honeycomb stitching embossed RS logo. There is an obvious driver focus in the cabin, with screens and controls all designed to allow the driver ease of operation and checking vehicle systems at a glance. A new multi-function wheel also makes its first appearance in this new RS 3, with flat top and bottom, placing key vehicle functions right at the driver’s finger tips, including the RS Performance modes which allow preprogrammed suspension and transmission settings to be activated at the press of a button.

There is a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit which features RS specific displays as well as a 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus touchscreen also conveniently situated for ease of use and quick scans of information. 

The enormous panoramic sunroof with electric sun blind is now a standard feature on RS 3, bathing the interior in natural light during the day, while the colour ambient lighting package allows you to tailor the interior feel after dark. That includes the hundreds of back-lit, laser-cut rhombus shapes in the door panels which are the perfect counterpoint to the carbon atlas inlays framed in fine volcano grey paint.

Other interior highlights include a 680W Sonos 3D sound system with 15 speakers should you ever tire of the exhaust note, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, three-zone climate control, head-up display and stainless steel pedals.

On top of the impressive standard equipment, Audi will also offer additional packages to allow customers to further enhance various elements of their car. The RS design package plus will be available for $2150 in either red or green, adding a dynamic microfibre steering wheel rim with either Express Red or Micrommata Green stitching, seat belts with red or green edging, floor mats with stitching and RS logo in the desired colour as well as the seat shoulders and the centre bar on the air vents likewise finished in either the red or the green.

The Carbon package ($7400) sees the front bumper side blades and side sill inlays finished in gloss carbon along with the wing mirror caps, rear diffuser inlay and the respective spoilers (roof edge for the Sportback and boot lip for the Sedan) all finished in the gloss carbon.

Additionally, customers can option a selection of individual items including the aforementioned Audi Sport wheels with the 10-spoke design in black metallic ($1200) and silk matt grey ($1400), as well as the ceramic brake system with the choice of caliper colour finishes ($10,800).

Of course the RS 3 will also boast a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety equipment as standard, including Audi pre sense front with Autonomous Emergency Braking, distraction and fatigue warning system, Adaptive cruise assist with adaptive cruise control and predictive control, active lane assist and emergency assist, side assist with exit warning and rear cross-traffic assist as well as the likes of park assist, 360-degree cameras and tyre pressure monitoring.

The new RS 3 will also touch down with Audi’s five-year warranty and 12 year manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles.

Five-year service plans are available for both models and customers can also purchase Audi Advantage, an Audi-exclusive program that allows owners to purchase two-year packages to extend their servicing, warranty and roadside assistance. New vehicle customers can purchase two-year programs back-to-back at the time of purchase, or at a later date with their vehicle up to eight years old, to extend the current manufacturer warranty beyond the current five-year period, effectively creating a full factory warranty for up to nine years, which is transferable to future owners of their vehicle. 

Performance enthusiasts won’t have long to wait to try the new RS 3 models for themselves, with the first cars arriving in Audi showrooms from the middle of the year. Once again the ‘baby’ of the RS ranks is set to impress, building on a significant enthusiast base of those who swear by the car’s dual personality and this new model is sure to win a host of newcomers to the performance fold.

Learn more or book a test drive to experience the new RS 3 Sportback or RS 3 Sedan in the metal.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

NB: The vehicles pictured are overseas models and may not reflect the specification for Australian delivered RS 3 models.