This RS3 provides unmatched acceleration and top speed.
Arriving in Malaysia this week with its five-cylinder, high-performance engine, the Audi RS3 is one-of-a-kind in the segment. The 2.5 TFSI has won the “International Engine of the Year” award nine times in a row.
With the recent arrival of the Audi Q8 RS two weeks ago followed a few days later by the Audi RS5 Sportback, it looks like Audi is finally showing its high performance line-up against BMW M and Mercedes AMG.
In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the engine is now more powerful than ever before developing 400PS and 500Nm of torque – allowing a 0-62mph sprint of just 3.8 seconds.
Meanwhile, the top speed for the standard RS3 is limited to 155mph, but Launch Edition and Vorsprung models see that increase to 174mph.
Interestingly, with the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brakes, RS3 drivers can even reach a top speed of 180mph (this is 300km/h).
This makes the Audi RS3 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed. This is primarily due to the 20Nm increase in torque over the previous RS3, which is available between 2,250 and 5,600rpm.
As a result, the Audi RS3 accelerates even faster from low rev ranges. The engine’s maximum power of 400PS is available earlier than before at 5,600rpm and extends over a broad plateau to 7,000rpm.
A new engine control unit also increases the speed at which all of the drive components communicate with each other.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission puts the power of the five-cylinder engine to the road with short shifting times and a sportier gear ratio spread.
The engine’s unique 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence and the incomparable sound that comes with it make the driving experience that much more exhilarating.
For the first time, the exhaust system features a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions, thus broadening the sound characteristics even further. It can be adjusted via the driving dynamics system Audi drive select.
In the Dynamic and RS Performance modes, for example, the flaps open much earlier – the emotional elements of the sound are even more pronounced. In addition, the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine is further enhanced by the optional RS sports exhaust system.
So what might be the asking price here in Malaysia? Well, in England this Audi RS3 sedan selling price starts from £50,900 OTR and it is available in four different specifications: RS3, Carbon Black, Launch Edition and Vorsprung.
As standard, every model comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, climatized Front Sport seats with ‘RS’ embossed logo in Fine Nappa leather, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual cockpit with RS-specific display, a 10.1-inch MMI Navigation plus infotainment system, and the all-new RS Torque splitter.
We guess a Malaysian selling price of around RM788,000 or so. Let’s wait and see.
