Zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. A top speed limited to 250km/h. This is just some of the madness that comes with owning the latest generation Audi RS3. Size wise the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine sits neatly between the one found in Mercedes’ highly-strung A 45 AMG and BMW’s ultra smooth M135i although by brandishing 270kW is some 5kW stronger than the Merc and 40kW up on the BMW. On paper at least these formidable figures are enough to return the crown of fastest hatchback to the four rings.
The drive details centre around the revised centre differential. In fact Audi go as far as saying that neat slides can be achieved through the new locking system, one that is capable of shifting 100 per cent of its power to the rear wheels. Quite frankly Audi say this about every RS model and it never turns out quite as well as advertised. What does work brilliantly is the 7-speed S-tronic gearbox which when paired with a five-cylinder motor erupts with a more visceral soundtrack. The MQB platform also allows for a weight saving of 55kg.
The looks are typical Audi: restrained and cautious, perfect for those who don’t want to be bothered at every traffic light while leaving supercar owners scratching their heads while you disappear into the distance. Raising the speed restrictor will see the RS3 nudge 280km/h. Other improvements to control the added muscle are the wider wheel tracks, suspension down a smidge, 19-inch alloys and 370mm discs lurking behind them. Roof spoiler and oval tailpipes add to the brand cachet.
At an expected price of R620 000 the RS3 will be some R100 000 more than the S3 – that’s the price you pay for shaving 0.7 seconds from the 0-100km/h time.
