Audi's RS3 storms in

It's the ultimate hot hatchback! After years of snatched spy shots and hushed rumours, Audi has at last taken the covers off this – the RS3.

A final farewell to the A3, which will soon be replaced, and a rival to the upcoming BMW 1-Series M Coupé, this turbocharged, four-wheel-drive sports car is designed to mix the essence of the original Quattro with the practicality of a five-door Sportback body. 

And it boasts some real punch. Behind the deep front air intakes lies a 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol turbo engine, borrowed from the mighty TT RS. Producing 335bhp and 450Nm of torque from only 1,600rpm, it features quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic double-clutch ’box, complete with steering wheel paddles. 

The RS3 uses a sophisticated launch-control system to race from 0-62mph in an incredible 4.6 seconds – making it just as fast as Audi’s V8-engined R8 supercar – and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The characterful engine – which harks back to the original 1984 Quattro coupé – should sound as good as it runs. As with the TT RS, the RS3 gets a Sport button; this not only sharpens throttle response further, but opens a flap in the exhaust to intensify the engine’s trademark offbeat note.

However, the RS3 is not just about straight-line speed. It has an extra-long seventh gear for relaxed motorway cruising, an oil pump that works only when required and brake energy recovery, allowing it to return 31mpg combined – impressive for such a powerful machine.

It should be very good at cornering, too. Audi’s expert ride and handling engineers have spent many months fine-tuning the super hatch at the challenging Nürburgring circuit in Germany. They have widened the tracks in order to increase stability, while the front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension set-ups have been strengthened and given lowering springs to drop the ride height by 25mm.

Engineers have also added 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres at the front and 225/35 rubber at the rear. 

Using the same Haldex-equipped quattro drivetrain as the TT RS, the RS3 doesn’t get a rearward torque bias like the R8, unfortunately. Instead, power is split 50:50, although the system can 

apportion muscle to the wheel with the most grip. Uprated brakes – 370mm discs at the front, 310mm at the rear with four-piston calipers – and a traction-control system that can be totally switched off, complete the dynamic package.

Visually, the RS3 certainly stands out – but it still has that classic muscular yet subtle look, with highlights including widened arches, deep air intakes in the modified front splitter and a rear roof spoiler. Inside, the RS3 gets sports seats in black leather, a flat-bottomed wheel and extra dials for turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer.

Standard equipment is generous: each car comes with a rear parking camera, climate control and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, while options include bucket seats. The RS3 will be available for order from mid-December with a price tag of around £40,000.

Meanwhile, Audi has also confirmed that it will launch an RS4 version of the latest A4, which will be available only as an Avant estate.

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