The first production version of the new RS3 Sportback is being showcased for all the Audi fans to enjoy at the Geneva Motor Show 2015. A coupe of details regarding the pricing are still missing, but overall, it's the most exciting hot hatch right now.
Ignoring the downsizing trend, Audi decided to keep using a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. It sounds fantastic and crucially, there's a lot less turbo lag than on the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. Output has risen from 340 PS with the 2013 models to 367 PS and with the help of a competent 7-speed dual-clutch box, 0 to 100 km/h sprints take 4.3 seconds.
It's amazing how much Audi has done with the same MQB platform that underpins your average Golf 1.6 TDI. If you pay for a special package, the top speed of the RS3 can be as high as 280 km/h (174mph), in which case you can race Porsches on the highway.
While it's easy to call the car desirable, beautiful is a stretch. Compared to the S3, the front bumper is a big difference, with its lower blade painted in silver. Wider tracks, bigger brakes and slightly lower suspension are all fitted as standard. Carbon ceramics are also available for the first time.
Production should start with a month and prices in Germany will begin at €56,600, a lot more than a regular S3, which starts below €40,000. That's a lot of money, especially when you consider that Ford also introduced the new Ford Focus RS with all-wheel drive in Geneva.
Essentially, the RS3 is as relevant as a gold-plated remote control. But people who want the best compact car in the world should look no further than their local Audi dealership.
It's amazing how much Audi has done with the same MQB platform that underpins your average Golf 1.6 TDI. If you pay for a special package, the top speed of the RS3 can be as high as 280 km/h (174mph), in which case you can race Porsches on the highway.
While it's easy to call the car desirable, beautiful is a stretch. Compared to the S3, the front bumper is a big difference, with its lower blade painted in silver. Wider tracks, bigger brakes and slightly lower suspension are all fitted as standard. Carbon ceramics are also available for the first time.
Production should start with a month and prices in Germany will begin at €56,600, a lot more than a regular S3, which starts below €40,000. That's a lot of money, especially when you consider that Ford also introduced the new Ford Focus RS with all-wheel drive in Geneva.
Essentially, the RS3 is as relevant as a gold-plated remote control. But people who want the best compact car in the world should look no further than their local Audi dealership.