MOTORING NEWS - The all-new Audi RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback are at the top of their class thanks to high-tech suspension, a new five-cylinder engine with best-in-class performance and a sharper look.
The upgrade to RS specifications in the interior and the exciting sound of the 2,5 TFSI engine will add up to a thrilling experience.
The Audi RS 3 Sedan is now available in South Africa, with the RS 3 Sportback following in November.
Five-cylinder engines are a tradition at Audi. In the 1980s they made a decisive contribution to furthering the success of the brand both in motor sports and on the road. They made a comeback in 2009 when the 2,5 TFSI was fitted in the Audi TT RS. In 2011, the first generation of the RS 3 Sportback followed, in 2013 the RS Q3 and in 2015 the second edition of the RS 3 Sportback.
It is now joined by the new RS 3 Sedan - the first compact Audi sedan to bear the RS label and the first to feature a transversely-mounted five-cylinder engine. The pioneer of this design was the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept study from 2014.
"The five-cylinder engine with 294 kW will take up pole position worldwide - in the RS 3 Sportback and the RS 3 Sedan," says Stephan Winkelmann, managing director of Audi Sport GmbH.
ENGINE
Since 2010, the 2,5 TFSI has been voted "International Engine of the Year" in its class every year. Now, Audi presents a new version of the power unit - the turbo engine which drives the new RS 3 Sedan and Sportback is the most powerful production five-cylinder engine on the world market.
An output of 294kW results in an increase of 24kW over the previous model. With a displacement of 2 480cm³, maximum torque of 480Nm is available from a low 1 700r/m and remains constant up to 5 850r/m. The five cylinder engine catapults both models from
0 to 100km in 4,1 seconds. On request, Audi can increase the electronically limited top speed from 250km to 280km.
The engine is 26kg lighter than its prede-cessor, which is an advantage with regard to the axle load distribution and gross weight. The curb weight of the RS 3 Sedan is 1 515kg, while the RS 3 Sportback weighs in at 1 510kg.
The start-stop and recuperation systems also contribute towards improving efficiency. In the NEDC cycle, both models showed official fuel consumption figures of 8,3 litres per 100km.
The seven-speed S tronic is standard on both RS 3 models. The lower gears of the compact dual-clutch transmission are short whilst the seventh gear has a long ratio to reduce fuel consumption. The driver can let the seven-speed S tronic operate automatically or can change gear themselves using the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles. There is also a choice of two driving programmes in automatic mode. In D mode, the engine is optimised for everyday traffic. In S mode, the engine is designed for more agility.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive combines grip and stability. Its central component is the electronically controlled, hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch, which is mounted at the rear axle. The multi-plate clutch uses software that is tailored to the RS 3. It distributes the drive torque quickly to the front and rear axle as required.
EXTERIOR
The sporty character of both models is visible on the front, sides and rear with new design details. There is a black gloss, three-dimensional honeycomb grille with a quattro logo on the lower segment. A frame with a matt aluminium look further emphasises the grille. The new blade in the bumper is also noticeable. It turns up at the ends, forming narrow, upright funnels at the same height as the side air inlets, which also feature a honeycomb structure that makes the front appear wider.
The headlights have a striking new design. LED units are standard and Audi also offers precision-controlled Matrix LED headlights. Based on information from the camera mounted on the interior mirror, the control unit switches the LEDs on and off individually and can also dim them in 64 stages, as necessary.
At the rear, the RS 3 Sedan demonstrates power with a distinctive diffuser insert divided by vertically running struts. The sculpted rear of the Sedan is characterised by the RS spoiler lip on the trunk lid, which improves the air flow.
Both models are available in eight colours, including the RS-specific tones Nardo Grey and Catalunya Red.
INTERIOR
Distinctive lines, clear ergonomics and high-quality craftsmanship in the dark-toned interior add up to a cultured atmosphere. It welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing the RS 3 logos. The sedan is equipped with sport seats in black Fine Nappa leather, with contrast stitching in gray or red creating a visual highlight. Alternatively, RS sport seats with sharply contoured side bolsters and integrated head restraints are also available. Their covers are quilted in a diamond pattern and colour-perforated.
Also available on the RS 3 is the optional Audi virtual cockpit, optimised to the RS model by shifting the rev counter to the centre. The optional RS design package emphasises air vents with red accent rings and creates visual contrast through neat stitching. The door trim inserts are made of Alcantara whilst the pedals and footrest are in stainless steel.
Optionally available in combination with MMI Navigation Plus is the Audi smartphone interface, which integrates selected apps into the car using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This includes applications for telephone and streaming services, which appear in a separate menu.
Attractive supplementary components complete the infotainment line-up. The Audi phone box links the smartphone to the vehicle's antenna, guaranteeing optimum reception. The Bang & Olufsen sound system has 14 loudspeakers.
DETAILS
The Audi RS 3 range is offered with a five year or 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan. The prices are: Audi RS 3 Sedan 2,5 TFSI quattro S tronic - R925 500 and Audi RS 3 Sportback 2,5 TFSI quattro S tronic - R895 500.
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