Photo: Audi
We think Audi UK bosses have the hots for the new RS3 Sportback hyper hatch, because they've just announced official pricing information way before their German counterparts. Arriving in dealerships this March, the fastest car ever to sport a 2.5-liter turbo will set you set you back 50 quid under £40,000.
That's lot of money to pay for something based on the same platform as a VW Golf, but you do get a lot in return. And think of it another way, at £39,950, the RS3 is less than half the cost of an RS7, but offers comparable performance.
Speaking of which, we have to mention that Audi has stuck a 362bhp 2.5-liter turbo under the bonnet and coupled it wit a new Haldex-based AWD system and 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox. As a result of this, the machine is capable of 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 155mph or 174mph if you specify to have the limiter removed. That's only 0.4 of a second slower than the RS7!
Besides the obviously superior engine, the RS3 also comes with a lot of standard kit that the S3 doesn't. This includes the bucket leather seats, the 7-speed auto gearbox, 19-inch alloy wheels and an aggressive body kit. UK versions will also have standard LED headlights, which you have to pay about £2,000 extra for, normally.
Still, the near-£40,000 pricetag puts it almost £2,000 ahead of the A45 AMG, so the RS3 is a car for hot hatch fanatics who value the brand. There are also a couple of pricy options to consider here, like the magnetic ride suspension and the carbon-ceramic brakes, both of which we think will be crucial.
Considering the Golf R is £10k less and not exactly hugely slower and that BMW's rear-wheel drive M235i is so good, Audi's rocket may prove a tough sell in Britain.
Speaking of which, we have to mention that Audi has stuck a 362bhp 2.5-liter turbo under the bonnet and coupled it wit a new Haldex-based AWD system and 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox. As a result of this, the machine is capable of 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 155mph or 174mph if you specify to have the limiter removed. That's only 0.4 of a second slower than the RS7!
Besides the obviously superior engine, the RS3 also comes with a lot of standard kit that the S3 doesn't. This includes the bucket leather seats, the 7-speed auto gearbox, 19-inch alloy wheels and an aggressive body kit. UK versions will also have standard LED headlights, which you have to pay about £2,000 extra for, normally.
Still, the near-£40,000 pricetag puts it almost £2,000 ahead of the A45 AMG, so the RS3 is a car for hot hatch fanatics who value the brand. There are also a couple of pricy options to consider here, like the magnetic ride suspension and the carbon-ceramic brakes, both of which we think will be crucial.
Considering the Golf R is £10k less and not exactly hugely slower and that BMW's rear-wheel drive M235i is so good, Audi's rocket may prove a tough sell in Britain.
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