Available in either ‘sportback’ or saloon guises, the Audi RS 3 has been upgraded and is better than ever and that’s saying something. It’s not often this writer expresses a personal viewpoint but if I may be allowed; I have enjoyed extensive use with a version of this car and it was and remains a favourite. Audi do great work with all their premium grade cars regarding fit and finish but they still excel, thank goodness, when it comes to performance driving, the famous R8 sports car (there’s a prime example featured here) and the late lamented TT models spring to mind.
On The Outside
This prestige German brand always give good design and this car is no exception. It makes for a great small family car, is practical and of course, when the road opens up, takes off like a rocket. The dominant feature of the assertive front end is the hexagonal ‘Singleframe’ grille with a striking border. Flatter and considerably broader than before, it emphasizes the dynamics of this compact sporting car with its rhombus-pattern. The same goes for the two functional side air intakes, accentuated by vertical black blades, and the three apertures above the front splitter, which now spans the entire vehicle breadth and lets the RS 3 sit even lower.
With redesigned daytime running lights, the headlights also accentuate the car’s performance. The digital signature, which displays a chequered flag in both versions of the RS 3, comprises 24 elements. Furthermore, in combination with the matrix LED headlights (standard on ‘Carbon Black’ and ‘Carbon Vorsprung’ trim levels), drivers can choose between three additional daytime running light designs in the multi-media interface (MMI) touch screen for the first time.
The rear of the Audi RS 3 also features references to motor sport and has a much stronger presence than before. Vertical side reflectors continue the design theme of the air intakes at the front. The large functional ‘RS-specific’ diffuser incorporates a red reflector in its centre and, on its sides, the two oval tailpipe trims of the RS exhaust system, which look even larger in their black frames. Like the headlights, the tail-lights also feature a new graphic: Arrows that dynamically light up from inside to out with the coming home/ leaving home function embody the progressive rear light design. The revised exterior is accentuated by the ‘RS-specific’ exterior colours ‘Kyalami Green’ and ‘Kemora Grey’ as featured in our images, plus new metallic paints ‘Ascari Blue’ and ‘Progressive Red’, and, for the first time, Daytona Grey in a matt finish.
Continuing this theme, the RS 3 comes with matt-black 19 inch aluminium cast wheels in a 5-Y-spoke design as standard. On ‘Carbon Black’ and ‘Carbon Vorsprung’ models, the rims are a motor sport-inspired design, with 10 striking cross spokes, either in matt dark grey or in glossy metallic black in bi-colour design. Even more individuality is offered by the carbon and high-gloss black detailing on ‘Carbon Black’ and ‘Carbon Vorsprung’ models, which adorn the front air intakes, the side skirts, and the blade above the diffuser.
On The Inside
It’s business as usual for Audi with their customary premium interior which is dominated by dark colour tones with everything geared for performance, including the new steering wheel, RS sport seats, and screen displays. Flattened above and below, the perforated leather steering wheel has a substantially sportier look. Meanwhile, the RS sport seats give even better support. The seat centre panel with RS honeycomb stitching is made of fine Nappa leather, with ‘Dinamica’ microfibre accents and contrasting stitching.
The 12.3 inch Audi ‘virtual cockpit plus’ with Sport, Performance, and Runway views was already standard but is highlighted here. In Runway mode, speed is visualized in reverse order, with the highest revs in the foreground and idling speed in the background. These features are now joined by the new rev counter, which prominently displays the revolutions per minute in the centre of the instrument cluster. In addition, there are displays for power output, torque, g-forces, acceleration, and lap times.
In manual transmission mode, the ‘RS-specific’ blinking shift indicator changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, motor sports-style, to indicate the ideal time to change gears. On top of this, the temperature ranges of coolant, torque splitter, brakes, engine oil and transmission oil are shown in colour on the 10.1 inch touch display in the instrument panel. Furthermore, the RS 3 now features an app store with many applications that can be used directly on the vehicle display. The selected contents are installed on the RS 3 infotainment system independently of the smartphone. The technology and safety aspects are as ever the very latest.
On The Road
The Audi RS 3 is powered by the now-legendary 2.5 litre TFSI engine from Audi Sport with 394bhp (400PS) and a maximum torque value of 500Nm. This means the RS 3 accelerates from 0-62mph in a very brisk 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155mph. On ‘Carbon Vorsprung’ models, the top speed is increased to 174mph. This award-winning five-cylinder engine is one of the most evocative at Audi and make driving the RS 3 a truly incomparable experience.
Part of this automotive worship is due to the car’s unique sound, which apparently is based on the signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. Adjacent and non-adjacent cylinders fire alternately providing a forceful rhythm and character, suitably orchestrated by the twin RS exhaust system with variable flap control. Press the red-ringed engine start/stop button, and the throaty sound of the five-cylinder engine rings out, more voluminous and even more distinctive in the Audi drive select modes ‘Dynamic’, ‘RS Performance’, and ‘RS Torque Rear’. In addition, the exhaust flap control was optimized in the rpm range between 2,200 and 3,500rpm. In this way, the five-cylinder generates a consistent and fuller-bodied sound no matter which mode is selected. Audi Sport thus enhances the emotional driving experience in the top model of the A3 family. There’s an optional sports exhaust system available too.
Yes, this car is fast in a straight line but, as it should be, it handles like a true sports car as well. Depending on the chosen ‘drive select mode’, the agility of the RS 3 can now be deployed earlier and with greater control. This operates by means of finely calibrated brake interventions at the inside wheels on corners aided by the electronic stabilization control, the torque splitter and the adaptive dampers; all decisive components. Thus the RS 3 now delivers higher performance in corners, avoids understeer right from the entry into the bend, and turns more readily. The compact sports car follows the curve radius more precisely than before meaning the vehicle is earlier to accelerate and steer around corners at higher speeds.
Audi & MHH International
As is widely known, Audi offer a wide range of vehicles, from blistering sports machines like this one, to sedate saloons and sport utility vehicles (SUV). It’s also widely known that MHH International offer a tried and tested export service from the UK to far-flung destinations including but not exclusive to, Kenya, Ireland, the Caribbean and New Zealand.
Get in touch to find out how your next Audi can be ordered and feel free to browse our current stock lists.
