0-62mph in 4.1sec: the RS3 will be rapid

Note the Quattro lettering at the foot of the RS3's grille

See the Audi RS3 Sportback at the 2017 Geneva motor show

► New Audi RS3 Sportback unveiled

► Freshly updated for 2017 facelift

► 400 horsepower, 4.1sec 0-62mph

Audi’s fresh RS3 Sportback model is on sale now in the UK, after its reveal at the 2017 Geneva motor show.

The polished hyper hatch is now one of the most powerful pocket rockets out there, and you can now get your hands on one from £44,300.

That price bags you a Sportback hatch, but if you’re after the RS3 Saloon, prepare to stump up £45,350. We really should include ‘at least’ somewhere in the previous sentence, as Audi’s famously long and expensive options list is sure to add a few Ks.

With regards to the Sportback, that £44k asking price is roughly £4k more than a Mercedes-AMG A45, £10k more than a Ford Focus RS and £11k more than a VW Golf R.

What’s new on the 2017 Audi RS3 Sportback?

Thirty-three horsepower more, for starters. Peak output now hits 400 ponies - that’s 395bhp in good old imperial strength - from its charismatic 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI.

Combined with a 26kg crash diet and 354lb ft of twist (available across a sweeping plateau from just 1700-5850rpm), that’s enough for some pretty impressive performance figures:

0-62mph 4.1sec

4.1sec Top speed 155mph (limited), 174mph (derestricted)

155mph (limited), 174mph (derestricted) CO2 emissions 189g/km

189g/km Combined fuel consumption 34mpg

A seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission is standard, as is Quattro all-wheel drive to tame all that ballistic, turbocharged thrust.

Still a practical hot hatch?

You got it, although the Saloon offers more boot space.

Drivers can tweak the car’s behaviour by picking Comfort, Auto and Dynamic modes, depending on how thrusting and pushy they’re feeling.

And the RS3 now allows greater posing powers, by picking the Quattro script across the front grille, while 310mm-diameter ceramic brake discs are also available as an optional extra.

Tech galore

In line with the rest of the A3 range, the range-topper gets a host of extra tech features: hand-writing recognition touchpad, laptimer, Google Earth nav and wi-fi hotspots are all available, and that’s only just the tip of the tech iceberg. It’s very much Audi by numbers in here.

The new Audi RS3 Sportback goes on sale in the summer, with first deliveries due in autumn 2017. Prices have yet to be announced.

Check out our review of the RS3 Sportback here



