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Audi RS3

We get an exclusive first drive of Audi's ultimate hot-hatch, the storming 335bhp RS3.

Audi RS3 cornering

By Matt Davis

January 2011

  • Rating:
Meet the baby with some serious bite! The RS3 is the smallest model ever to wear Audi’s revered RS badge, but thanks to a rip-snorting engine and other mechanical and cosmetic tweaks, it’s got enough firepower to punch well above its weight. And Auto Express was first to try it.

 

At the heart of Audi’s new range-topper is the same 335bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine fitted to the TT RS. As with the TT, the cylinder count is designed to evoke memories of the much-loved Quattro from the Eighties. Power is channelled through a seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic gearbox, and transferred to the tarmac via four-wheel drive.

It can’t match the TT RS in a 0-62mph sprint, taking 4.6 seconds instead of 4.3 – but that’s still 1.3 seconds faster than a Ford Focus RS, six-tenths quicker than the four-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza WRX STi and a tenth faster than a manual Porsche 911 Carrera S – not bad for five-door hatchback with up to 1,100-litres of boot space.

It’s relatively economical, too, returning 31mpg on the combined cycle and only emitting 212g/km of CO2. Efficiency gains are made thanks to the latest direct-injection technology, an oil pump that’s only on when it’s needed and brake energy regeneration. 

Weight-saving measures include strong but light vermicular graphite iron for the engine block and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic for the flared front wings – but at 1,575kg, the RS3 is still 60kg heavier than the S3.

However, go for one full-throttle run, and you’ll forget about the kerbweight. The RS3 accelerates ferociously between 2,500 and 5,500rpm, yet refinement is in a class above the Focus RS and Renaultsport Megané.

The suspension has been lowered by 10mm compared to the normal A3, but comfort levels are more than adequate for everyday useability. In corners, it grips incredibly hard, but predictably for Audi it lacks the steering feel and involvement of its rivals.
 
We drove the RS3 on icy roads in Canada. The four-wheel-drive system, along with winter tyres and a sport differential shuffling up to 100 per cent of the power to each axle, proved unflappable. 

It’s the sound that leaves a lasting impression, though. Squeeze the accelerator and the cabin fills with a rich, bassy tone that will leave you blipping the throttle at the traffic lights, just for the fun of it. And there’s a Sport button that not only turns up the exhaust volume, but sharpens throttle response, too.

Visually, there are a number of subtle enhancements that add to the RS3’s appeal. A deeper apron with larger air intakes, plus xenon headlights with integrated LEDs, mark out the front end, while matt aluminium wing mirrors, flared wheelarches housing 19-inch alloys and deep side sills distinguish the profile. At the rear, there is a gloss black diffuser and twin tailpipes.

Inside, sports seats in fine Nappa leather look and smell gorgeous, and provide plenty of support. Build quality, as you’d expect, is second to none.

Rival: 1-Series M Coupé
BMW’s two-door coupé body differs from the RS3’s five-door hatchback silhouette, but in terms of price, performance and potential customers, BMW’s spiritual successor to the original E30 M3 is a direct rival. 

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8 Comments

No thanks...

Firstly 40K...? No way will this Audi be 40K by the time its purchaser drives off from the fleecing operation of Audi.

It will be a 50K plus car!

Secondly it looks like an A3 with a degree of added gangster thrown into it, and the present A3 does not look like an upto date design, and it certainly sure does not look like a 45-50k car bracketed car.

Thanks but no thanks!

Rather buy a RS / Megane and a Clio RenaultSport instead... For the price value of the two combined will be likely the same as this one Audi, once the cheque has been actually signed!

It dont float my boat...

By LegioIXHispana on 12 January, 2011, 9:32pm

Too Heavy and Too Luxurious

Take the same hardware, strip out all luxurious items (along with 300 lb of weight) and put that into a Golf. That would be very tempting. People should learn "less is more", especially with today's economy.

By patricklaw7 on 13 January, 2011, 8:07am

Another RS brand dilution

Lets be clear on this - the RS brand for Audi is now just the next level in the sequence from Sportline, S and now RS. The original RS2 took an Audi 80 Avant, was re-engineered by Porsche and was unique. The first RS4 was unique in being the only bi-turbo V6, then the first RS6 was the only bi turbo V8 Avant. This takes the same engine from TT RS and adds an optional A3 model - where is the RS differentiator?

Pricewise it will indeed hit 50k by any punter daft enough to buy it new (see www.pistonheads.com) and using the Audi configurator (read 'adding the bits back in that should be standard for this price')

Wait 2 years and you will get one for 20-25k and still include Audi warranty and a year to go before MOT. And another car for Audi Service Centres to mess up and charge you through the nose to service...

As mentioned above, less is more - and 212 g/kg isnt great for this torque (see BMWs CO2 v torque figures for its diesels) ie a March 2010 635d will give you 590 Nm for 185 g/Kg CO2 with a combined cycle of >40mpg and a shed more car for the money.

By reddo on 13 January, 2011, 8:58am

Doesn't look that much different to an S3 Sportback!

It'll have to be very special to be at least another £10k more than a standard S3 Sportback.

Also - Audi are charging £40k for an RS3 where they can't even get the RS3 badge on straight?! (See pic 2 of 6)

By Jools on 13 January, 2011, 10:31am

YAWN......YAWN!!!!

What was more interesting about this week AE Newsletter was reading about the new Ford Kuga, it was looking great and i hope that all those design detailing carry through..... Oh my-bad! I actually forgot this comment post was suppose to be for this RS3. You know what, there's nothing to say really except that the Audi especially the A3-S3 bleddy lack imagination. The only thing i can say i like about this car is the red/black stitching it works nicely......only if it was a different car. Even if i could afford the 40K i would so not spend it on this car. My guess is that this is the kind of car you might enjoy sitting in it but hate looking at it....Catch 22.

Call me again when Ford realeses a better looking MK4 Focus & Audi thinks outside the box, i'm not even gonna get started on the VW Golfs. They making so much crap these days such that i'm starting to be drawn towards cars like Citreon & Alfa Romeo.

By kevolution1 on 13 January, 2011, 1:34pm

On behalf of James May!

It's and Audi, therefore cocks will buy it.

By fastpep1 on 13 January, 2011, 10:10pm

I guess it is another one for the cocks. I was really looking forward to this car until they said no 3 door model.

By hotredman on 23 January, 2011, 11:57pm

Yes Please

There are so many negative views....I had to comment, it won't cost 50K even with all the extras you need, it comes with leather, satnav, electric mirrors 19" wheels and much more - go onto the Audi website and check, it has a stunning performance and it will handle great as do most other Audi cars, I've just ordered one and I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

By rookjc on 14 February, 2011, 12:14am

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Pictures

Audi RS3 sttc
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Audi RS3 interior
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FIRST OPINION

    Levels of grip, performance and noise are phenomenal in the RS3. Unlike its rivals though, it serves up incredible straight-line pace and cornering ability with refinement and build quality that make you want to drive it every day. If your priority is driver involvement and thrills, buy a BMW, but if outright pace and hatchback practicality are your thing, the RS3 is for you. A price tag of nearly £40,000 might sound expensive for an A3, but it’s worth every penny for the exhaust sound alone.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £39,900
    Engine: 2.5-litre five-cyl turbo
    Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, four-wheel drive
    Power: 335bhp
    Torque: 450Nm
    0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
    Top speed: 155mph (limited)
    Economy: 31.0mpg
    CO2: 212g/km
    Equipment: Rear parking sensors, climate control, sat-nav, 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, leather upholstery
    On sale: Now
     
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