Flagship Audi RS3 has made it to South Africa. This is the ultimate and fastest Audi A3 available and it competes with the Mercedes-AMG A45.
Highlights
– 270kW, 465Nm from a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbopetrol engine
– quattro all-wheel drive gives RS3 a 0-100kph time of 4.3 seconds
– Priced from R710 000 before options
With its trademark five-cylinder engine, the next-generation of the Audi RS3 has landed in South Africa. Packing a 270kW/465Nm five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Audi RS3 is a candidate for the world's ultimate hot hatchback. Audi claims that 100kph will be dispatched in just 4.3 seconds thanks to a combination of quattro all-wheel drive and S-tronic seven-speed transmission. For the first time in this segment, Audi is able to offer a sports exhaust as an option, which will further enhance that magnificent engine sound. It's claimed to be a little cleaner and kinder to the environment too, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1L/100km and CO2 emissions of 189g/1km. Given the performance nature of the vehicle, we're unlikely to ever see that number…
To visually differentiate the Audi RS3 from lesser A3 models, there are big wheels, big oval trademark RS exhausts and RS3 badges everywhere. It also has a big front bumper and flared wheel arches to give it that wider and more purposeful look. The sportiness continues inside with plenty of RS badges. sport seats covered in Nappa leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel as well as some nice touches like boost pressure indicator and lap timer.
A Lot Of Standard Kit
As its the flagship Audi A3, standard equipment levels are high. You get 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, xenon plus headlights, Audi drive select, Audi music interface, Audi sound system, Bluetooth interface with audio streaming, Parking System Plus, Fine Nappa leather upholstery, front sport seats with RS embossing, light/rain sensor, aluminium look interior enhancements, front centre armrest, RS3 leather-trimmed, 3-spoke flat bottom multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, cruise control system, digital air conditioning and LED interior lighting.
Audi RS3 Price in South Africa
The Audi RS3 Sportback costs R710 000 and this includes the standard 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.
