If you are looking for a trendy high-performance eye-catcher, why not look at the newly launched Audi RS 3 in Sportback styling or if you prefer the Sedan. Respected on the road for both design and speed, the new A3 maybe the one for you.
Let us get the cost out of the way first then we can have a look at what your rands will buy you. Introduced today with starting prices at R1 215 000 for the RS 3 Sportback and R1 245 000 for the Sedan, inclusive of vat.
The award winning 2.5 . TFSI “International Engine of the year” which has been won nine times in a row boasts increases torque of 500 Newton Metres, 20 Nm more than its predecessor. With 294 kW of power the RS 3 sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds thanks to launch control. Top speed of 250 km/h which is electronically limited and if you select the RS Dynamic package Plus you can take the top speed to 290 km/h. Not that these buyers are concerned but the average consumption is 9.0 litres per 100 kms.
For the first time in an RS 3 the five cylinder engine features a fully variable flap control system in the new exhaust. The flaps open much earlier and contribute to the hard-hitting “Growl” making the sound far more pronounced.
Another first is the RS torque splitter which replaces the previous rear axel differential with an upstream multiple disc clutch package. Instead, an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts that distributes torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner resulting in even greater stability and agility. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases torque delivered to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer. In curves the torque transfers power to the opposite way of the curve and when driving straight transmits torque to both rear wheels providing improved steering especially when cornering at high speeds.
As this model is designed specifically for the racetrack and is specially calibrated to the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tyres which are optionally available from order for the first time.
You will understand when a car is designed to be more powerful and dynamic than its predecessor, some other components need to be re-designed. Let us start with the front end, a wider bumper with distinctive honeycomb grille and larger air intakes gives the sports car a more aggressive appearance. Behind the flared fenders, a slightly protruded air outlet creates a definite motorsport look. Front axle track has been widened by 33 mm and the rear by 10 mm.
LED headlights, LED taillights, dynamic turn signal lights, door entrance LED lightening with RS logo projection in the front. When the vehicle is opened the RS 3 lettering appears on the driver’s side and a checkered flag appears in the pixel field of the headlight creating a dynamic scene.
19-inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design as standard with 5-Y spoke available as an option. From the rear again a re-designed bumper with built-in diffuser and the RS exhaust system with large oval tailpipe on both the left and right side. The Black package offers some exterior peripherals such as mirror caps, roof edge spoiler in carbon fibre reinforced plastic for an even sportier look. Eight exterior colours including the RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey finishes.
Lastly inside the cabin as standard equipment the 12.3 inch Audi virtual cockpit plus displays the revolutions per minute in the “RS Runway” design. Displays include info on g-forces, lap-times, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h, 0-200 km/h and quarter mile and eighth of a mile. 10.1 -inch touch display in the instrument panel also displays coolant, engine and transmission oil temperatures and tyre pressures.
Carbon-fibre trims, RS Sports seats with RS embossed and anthracite contrast stitching with seat upholstery in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching in gloss black, red or for the first time, green contrast stitching.
The RS 3 Sportback and Sedan will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1st September 2022 and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan.
