Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
It was a sensation first time around despite the recession, now the Audi RS 3 Sportback is returning to thrill owners.
In response to consistent demand, an additional, strictly limited production run has been secured, and just 250 slots now remain for UK customers at the same £39,930 OTR price as the original 500 car quota which was rapidly snapped up in 2011.
A turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine punches the RS 3 Sportback at the horizon to the tune of a rich, bass-heavy five-cylinder soundtrack that can be further intensified at the touch of a dashboard-mounted Sport button. A total of 340PS and 450Nm is split between the four driven wheels thanks to quattro all-wheel-drive, and passes through a standard seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission with rapid fire shifts.
As befits an RS model the impressive output of this engine is reflected in an exceptional 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.6 seconds and an electronically governed 155mph top speed. Yet less predictably, this rapidity doesn’t rule out the potential for up to 31mpg according to the combined cycle test.
A deeper front apron that incorporates enlarged air intakes, an anthracite coloured single-frame grille and xenon plus headlamps indicate to drivers in front that the RS 3 Sportback is a force to be reckoned with.
Its side view is dominated by its flared, lightweight front wings covering 19-inch alloy wheels, prominent sill extensions, mirror housings in matt aluminium look and a large roof spoiler. A high-gloss black diffuser insert and two elliptical exhaust tailpipes on the left accentuate the styling at the rear.
Inside, Fine Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats with silver contrasting stitching, Piano black or Aluminium Race look inlays, a flat-bottomed RS steering wheel and RS-specific instruments highlight this car’s status. Its Driver’s Information System is also unique to the RS 3 Sportback, displaying boost pressure and oil temperature and doubling as a lap timer.
Standard equipment includes acoustic rear parking sensors, electronic climate control, DVD-based satellite navigation with MMI (Multi Media Interface) functionality and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. Optional features include front bucket seats, roof rails in matt aluminium look and styling packages in black or matt aluminium. Five exterior colours are available, plus an unlimited selection of custom paint finishes.
Audi is a popular brand for business car leasing and you can see how their models stack up in our company car comparisons tables.
