AUDI Australia has launched pricing and specification particulars of its extremely anticipated RS3 Sportback and Sedan vary. The scorching 294kW duo is scheduled to reach in native showrooms from Q2 subsequent yr.
Powered by the most recent iteration of Audi’s award-winning turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder, the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan will probably be priced $91,400 and $93,900 respectively (excluding on-road prices).
Though the brand new vary’s asking costs are virtually $8000 larger of than these of the MY20 hatch and sedan, Audi says the brand new RS3 affords virtually $10,000 value of extra normal gear in contrast with its predecessor (see beneath).
In contrast with the outgoing vary, the brand new RS3 derivatives produce 20Nm extra torque for a complete of 500Nm (accessible between 2250 and 5600rpm) and, with 294 kW accessible from 5600 to 7000rpm, the newcomers are mentioned to speed up from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is three tenths of a second quicker than their predecessors.
And whereas the brand new mannequin is quicker than earlier than, Audi has ensured that the brand new RS3’s is fairly gasoline environment friendly; Audi claims the Sedan and Sportback twins sip 8.2- and eight.3 litres per 100km respectively whereas emitting 188 and 190 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
“The predecessor to the all-new RS3 Sedan and RS3 Sportback loved unimaginable recognition in Australia since first arrival in 2015,” Audi Australia managing director Paul Sansom mentioned.
A totally variable flap management system within the exhaust system ensures that the RS3 emits a sonorous – however not overly boisterous – soundtrack, whereas the adoption of an electronically managed RS torque splitter offers “better stability and agility throughout dynamic driving”. The unit reportedly reduces understeer whereas bettering turn-in and steering response.
A brand new RS Efficiency mode – particular to the RS3 – ensures that powertrain responses are sharpened to enhance Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres (optionally accessible). On this mode, Audi says the RS3’s torque splitter will make sure the “most impartial dealing with attainable” making “early acceleration attainable” on nook exits and bettering on-track lap occasions.
What’s extra, the inclusion of a brand new RS Torque Rear mode implies that the RS3 could be made to carry out drifts (on a closed highway). The operate sees 100 per cent of the drive transmitted to simply one of many rear wheels; Audi claims a most single-wheel torque worth of 1750Nm.
Adaptive damper management supersedes the magnetic experience management of the RS3’s predecessor and, as earlier than, the motive force can fine-tune the shock absorbers’ damping traits. The settings of the engine, transmission, torque splitter, steering and exhaust can be adjusted.
“The distinctive mixture of seems, driving efficiency and naturally, that iconic Audi five-cylinder engine, proved to hit an actual sweet-spot with Australian efficiency automobile consumers. Extremely, for a lot of months all through its lifetime, greater than each fourth A3 automobile we delivered was an RS3 Sedan or Sportback,” Mr Sansom added.
The outside of the brand new Audi RS3 is distinguished by a wider entrance bumper and redesigned single-frame grille, giant frontal air intakes, wheel-arch air vents and wider tracks (33mm on the entrance, 10mm at rear). Each physique kinds obtain Matrix LED headlights as normal, in addition to dynamic turning lights and darkened bezels surrounding digital daytime working lights.
Each RS3 variants experience on 19-inch five-spoke Y-style cast-alloy wheels and are adorned with an RS-specific rear bumper with built-in diffuser and twin exhaust retailers.
Peripheral objects, together with the wing-mirror caps, rocker inserts, tailgate and roof lip spoiler, can be found with a carbon-fibre bolstered plastic (CFRP) end to supply what Audi says is “a fair sportier look”. The RS3 vary is offered in a complete of eight exterior colors.
Inside, the RS3’s fascia incorporates a 12.3-inch Audi digital cockpit instrument display with RS-specific shows and shift gentle (to be used in guide mode). A ten.1-inch show exhibits the RS3’s important stats, together with engine coolant, transmission and oil temperature readouts, in addition to g-force information and tyre pressures. A head-up show can be normal match.
The sports activities seats characteristic RS embossing, distinction stitching and are upholstered in fantastic Nappa leather-based with RS honeycomb stitching in gloss black, categorical purple or micrommata inexperienced.
Audi’s elective RS design bundle provides seat shoulder- and air-vent accents in purple of inexperienced, ground mats with distinction stitching and RS embroidery, in addition to the Alcantara steering wheel and seatbelts with matching-coloured edges.
Sportback fashions are outfitted with an robotically working tailgate, whereas each derivatives have heated and energy folding wing mirrors with place reminiscence, electrical seat adjustment with four-way lumbar help and place reminiscence, LED ambient lighting and a versatile 40:20:40 split-fold rear bench. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay can be normal.
From launch, the RS3 is offered with 4 elective look packages that embody a carbon bundle, matte aluminium styling bundle, RS design bundle, in addition to an RS dynamic bundle plus. A complete five-year service bundle is offered for $3850.
“Clearly we’re delighted to convey the all-new RS3 to Australia in anticipation of assembly elevated buyer demand. With all of its developments – notably by way of driving dynamics – the all-new RS 3 is certain to go down in historical past as the last word efficiency automobile in its phase,” Mr Sansom concluded.
2022 Audi RS3 pricing*
Sportback $91,400 (+$7964)
Sedan $93,900 (+$7764)
*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
