Audi RS3 Australian pricing revealed

Audi has announced today that its forthcoming RS3 hyper-hatch will cost from $78,900.

That's $3100 more than its closest rival, the current Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, though pricing has not been confirmed for the updated A45, due late-2015/early-2016.

Until AMG's pocket rocket arrives, the RS3, which we drove at the international launch in April, will hold the title of Australia's most powerful hatchback, its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder producing 270kW/465Nm.

This is sufficient to power it from 0-100km/h in just 4.3sec and on to a 250km/h top speed, though that can be optionally raised to 280km/h.

Also on the options list are race-style bucket seats and carbon-ceramic brakes, the first time such an option has been offered on a hatchback, though thankfully the sports exhaust system is standard, allowing owrers to play out all their Group B quattro fantasties.

The RS3 is due for a local launch in October.

Get your free weekly report from the world of fast cars - subscribe to the MOTOR newsletter!