What's the news?
Due to high demand Audi has brought back the RS 3 Sportback for a limited production run. There are 250 build slots remaining for the £39,930, 340hp hatchback.
Exterior
At the front the RS 3 comes with a deeper front apron incorporating enlarged air intakes. The anthracite grille sits between Xenon headlamps. Flared wheel arches cover 19-inch alloy wheels and there are sill extensions and a gloss black diffuser in the rear bumper.
Interior
Sports seats upholstered in Nappa leather are fitted along with an RS flat-bottomed steering wheel and RS specific instruments. The Driver's Information System is also unique to this model providing information on boost pressure, oil temperature and acting as a lap timer.
Mechanicals
Under the bonnet there is a turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine. To save fuel Audi has fitted an on-demand oil pump and an energy regeneration system. Drive goes through a seven-speed S tronic transmission to all four wheels.
Anything else?
Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds and a 155mph top speed. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 31mpg. Drivers wanting to personalise their RS 3 Sportback can choose to add matt aluminium-look roof rails, black or matt aluminium styling packages and an 'unlimited' selection of custom paint finishes in addition to the five standard colours.
John Lambert - 19 Jul 2012