The new Audi RS3 Sportback is here, based on the latest generation MQB platform Audi A3. The Audi RS3 Sportback is a ‘super hatch’ positioned against the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG and the M135i, and sits above the Audi S3 in Audi’s C-segment line-up.
It’s got the biggest and most powerful engine in the segment – a 2.5 litre TFSI turbo five-cylinder that does 367 PS and 465 Nm of torque. This takes away the power throne from the A 45 AMG, which does 360 PS and 450 Nm, but not by much, and it does have a big 500cc advantage in displacement.
Like the AMG, it sends power to all four wheels via a dual clutch gearbox – in Audi’s case, a seven-speed wet clutch S tronic transmission paired with Audi’s famous quattro permanent all wheel drive system.
The 100 km/h sprint is done in 4.3 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. Other than the higher power, the new RS3 is also 55 kg lighter than the model it replaces, so it all adds up. Rated fuel consumption is 8.1 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 189 g/km.
This might be the last time we see the 2.5 litre five-cylinder in use, which is a shame because five-cylinders inherently sound better than four potters.
The Volkswagen Group is working on an even more powerful version of the 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine in the Golf R and Audi S3, bringing up power from 300 PS and 380 Nm to 400 PS and 450 Nm, as previewed in the Golf R 400 concept.
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5 cylinders….I only knew audi, volvo and fiat uses that. Anymore I miss?
5 cylinders have that nice bubbly noise.
Stupid car companies, increase the bhp. Car companies should reduce the prices instead of wasting time increasing bhp
Why would you want a car with weak HP?
Honda produced the G series five-cylinder engine beginning in 1989 and used it in the Vigor, Inspire, Ascot, Rafaga, and Acura TL.
Volkswagen has used straight-five engines in their Eurovan and a different straight-five engine in the Jetta, Passat, Golf, Rabbit, and New Beetle in North America.
No replacement for displacement…and just add a piggyback chip and it’ll go faster.
Not so long ago a ferrari 360 modena was released to the public and does the century sprint in 4.2 seconds…
This audi hatchback does that 0.1 slower ,
with quattro all wheel drive, in the real world, might prove to be even faster in the right pair of hands…
Audi, Porsche, and many other German companies normally underrate their performance. Wait till car reviews comes out and you’ll see that this car can easily be 0.1-0.3 seconds faster than the claimed 4.3s.
I loved the old RS3. And the engine sound was magnificent. The only slight downside was the slightly front biased AWD, which can’t be helped as the car was based on an FWD platform. So, the RS3 was prone to slight understeer. But still a fun car to drive.
Meh,I will still wait For Proton R3 next year!!!!!!!!!
#ProtonR3Wannabe
Audi no resale value in Malaysia. Stupid car.
if you can afford a audi, you won’t care much about resale value.
Bigger engine, more horsepower, more torque than the A45 AMG, but less quick to 100 in 4.3 VS 4.1. Most probably because it’s a heavier car, but hats off to the 5 cylinder, now bring us the real M to the 1 series BMW.
A45 amg does the 100 sprint in 4.6 sec, not 4.1 sec.
I rather take an Audi than overrated and overhyped Merc anyday.
I rather get the new Tesla Model S P85D making 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and achieving near 90MPG(e) making it affordable to use the 691 horsepower. In the life of the RS3 Sportback, expect some serious competition for upcoming EV cars kicking the butt of this car.
Nice series from Audi. I may not able to afford it today, but I do appreciate the technology involved. The race for the hot hatch will go on. And it makes carmakers to compete to make better a car all round. This RS segment is for those who can afford such motoring privilege. Thumbs up to those can afford to purchase this and drive it 9 and 10 around a track nearby.
Design look normal , rs3 should design like new rs7 2015
Hence there’s the RS7
Available in Malaysia?
available as of today through grey importer