What's all this about?
Audi is trying to batter the likes of the BMW M135i and Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG into submission with the new RS 3 Sportback - now capable of 174mph.
Good grief, really?!
Yes, if you opt for the increased speed limiter package. It'll also do 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds, all while returning (supposedly) 34.9mpg and emitting 189g/km CO2.
How does it achieve this?
It uses the most powerful five-cylinder turbocharged engine yet made by quattro GmbH, here delivering 367hp, alongside peak torque of 465Nm from 1,625- to 5,550rpm. It puts this power to the ground through a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission sending drive to all four corners. Audi claims you can execute power slides in the RS 3 on low friction surfaces, thanks to torque vectoring. This hints at a more involving drivers' car than the old one, which was also crazy fast, but perhaps a bit numb.
Any other stats you want to fire my way?
It is 55kg lighter than the old RS 3 at 1,520kg, equating to a power-to-weight ratio of 241hp-per-tonne, while it also makes 148hp-per-litre. As a Sportback, it's a five-door only and it utilises the sort of subtle but muscular styling treatment inside and out that we've grown to love on RS Audis past. Standard equipment levels should be high, with options including a carbon fibre engine cover, large carbon ceramic brakes on the front and carbon-shelled bucket seats inside that save 7kg over the standard items. Tick this last box if you're buying, please.
On that point, when can I buy?
The RS 3 Sportback will swell the Audi RS fleet to seven models when it goes on sale in summer next year. We can't wait to try it out.
Matt Robinson - 13 Dec 2014