Reviews
Gallery1
PLUS
- It’s available! The first Audi RS3 failed to reach Australian Audi showrooms as it couldn’t comply with local vehicle regulations.
- At $78,900, this is Audi’s most attainable RS model.
- No hot-hatch is currently quicker from standstill to 100km/h – 4.3 seconds. (Mercedes-Benz, however, is claiming 4.2sec for its updated A45 AMG due here in early 2016 or a touch earlier.)
- Stunningly quick on the move, too, courtesy of huge torque (465Nm) available across a large chunk of the engine’s rev range.
- Turbocharged five-cylinder engine sounds fantastic with its distinctive warble, while the exhaust crackles and pops when in Dynamic mode.
- All-wheel-drive traction, high levels of tyre grip, strong brakes, and accurate, quick steering provide the driver with plenty of confidence on twisty roads.
- Rides comfortably (with optional adaptive suspension we tested).
- Interior a stand-out for aesthetics and materials.
MINUS
- Steering could provide more information to the driver’s hands about how the front tyres are interacting with the road surface.
- More than $80,000 (once on-road costs are added) is a high price for a five-door hatchback.
- Could look faster. In profile especially, RS3 design rather restrained for a performance model.
- Not exactly light at 1520kg.
- Adaptive suspension could perhaps be standard considering starting price (costs $6490 as part of an RS Performance package that also includes a Bang & Olufsen audio and some other extras).
Click here to find out more about the Audi RS3.
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