5 minute read
Audi RS 3
The RS 3 brings mechanical advancements over its predecessor but is it more fun to drive? Jack Evans took to the wheel to find out.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Audi RS 3 Launch Edition
Price (as tested): £60,460
Engine: 2.5-litre
turbocharged petrol
Power:
394bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Max speed:
174mph
O-60mph:
3.6 seconds
MPG (combined):
31.4
Emissions:
205g/km CO2
Under the bonnet
The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine pumps out 394bhp and can fling the RS 3 from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds.
WHAT IS IT?
The third-generation RS 3 hit the scene with what appeared to be relatively minimal changes. But as we discovered on our first drive in Athens in October, it was clear to see that Audi had changed the RS 3 in such a way as to dramatically improve the formula. But we’re in the UK with the RS 3, so can it deliver a winning experience over the pock-marked roads we live with?
WHAT’S NEW?
You’ll find a tweaked chassis as well as a new torque splitter at the back, which allows power to be shifted between the rear wheels, giving better mid-corner adjustability and added agility overall. In the UK, all RS 3 models sit on adjustable dampers, while uprated brakes should help to bring it to a more effective halt – although you can specify carbonceramic versions should you want even more stopping performance.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Although the 394bhp output might mirror that of its predecessor, the new car now kicks out 500Nm of torque as opposed to 480Nm previously. That power is also delivered lower down in the rev range for more purposeful acceleration.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The ride is just pliable enough – although it struggles with larger road imperfections – while the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and easily when left to its own devices. There’s an almost bewildering number of settings and modes, but get it dialled in and the RS 3 is seriously impressive. It’s ludicrously fast, too, but deploys its power with very little fuss or drama. Cornering grip is sublime as well, and it doesn’t feel like you have to fight the car to get the best from it. The exhaust – even in its most raucous setting – is curiously muted, mind you, and that does dull some of the overall experience. We wouldn’t be surprised if tighter emissions regulations played a part in this.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Although the RS 3 is available as a saloon again, ‘our’ test car came in the ever-popular hatchback form. It feels like a tried-and-tested shape, in fairness, blending practicality and compact size to create a car in which to take the kids to school or tear down a country road.
The new front-end styling gives the car some serious presence, too, while the air intakes behind the front arches add some theatre. The previous-generation RS 3 was definitely more of an understated affair, so if you’re looking for a car with the same undercover characteristics, you might be a little disappointed. But we doubt that many people will fail to enjoy this RS 3’s newfound flamboyance.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Audi is on a roll with its interiors of late, and the RS 3 just feels like an extension of this. You’ve got quality materials aplenty throughout the cabin, while the steering wheel’s shape is well judged and feels good to use – although we wish the gear change paddles were a little more tactile. There are physical controls for the heating and ventilation (a refreshing touch in today’s screen-heavy offerings) and although the area around the gear shifter feels a little muddled, it’s a good layout overall.
There’s a reasonable amount of space in the back, but taller passengers might feel a touch cramped. In terms of boot volume, you’ve got 282 litres to play with, or 1,104 litres with the rear seats folded down. That’s nearly 100 litres down on the regular A3, owing to the inclusion of the all-wheel-drive system.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Our test car came in Launch Edition specification and was accompanied by a £60,460 price tag which, in anyone’s money, is quite a lot. It’s £6,000 more than the base car and sits above Carbon Edition but below top-rung Vorsprung. Around 100 cars will be delivered to the UK in this specification. You get a full Bang & Olufsen sound system, as well as darkened matrix LED headlights. Matt-black 19-inch alloy wheels are included too, as is a high-gloss black front splitter and a full sports exhaust system. It also includes a lift for the speed limiter, boosting the car’s top speed from 155mph to 174mph. So if you’re planning on frequenting the German autobahn, this is probably the spec for you.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Autocar said: ‘Audi mega-hatch takes sizeable strides on handling balance and driver engagement but remains every bit as outlandish for its price as its stonking performance.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The little changes to this RS 3 add up to a big difference. The added agility is a real welcome trait, as is the car’s ability to settle down and chew through the miles much like a regular A3. We’d prefer a more stripped-back number of settings, although pre-programming the RS shortcut buttons on the steering wheel is one way of circumnavigating this. The only other issue we have with the RS 3 is the relatively dulled exhaust note, which dampens the overall experience. However, as a way of getting from A to B very quickly and with minimal fuss, the RS 3 remains one of the best.
Inside
The cabin is beautifully built with quality materials used throughout. Taller rear-seat passengers may feel a little cramped, though.
Style
The RS styling gives the car some serious presence, and the air intakes behind the front wheel arches add flair.
TARGET BUYERS:
The RS 3 is the performance car for all occasions – and all weathers, too.
THE RIVALS:
BMW M240i Mercedes-AMG A45S Volkswagen Golf
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Huge performance. 2.Useable practicality. 3.Solid build quality
