The Audi RS 3 represents a high-performance variant of the Audi A3, made from 2011 to 2012 on the second generation, facelifted A3 Sportback, and third-generation A3 Sportback from 2015 to present.
The second-generation A3 comes with RS 3 that is equipped with a 2.5L inline-five turbocharged petrol engine with a power output of 250kW (335hp) and 450Nm of torque. It has a vermicular-graphite cast- iron crankcase, a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission with two automatic and a manual mode, and a quattro drive system.
Other technical improvements include a wider track, aluminium MacPherson strut, a 2.5cm lower body, 4-piston calipers on ventilated discs with aluminium covers, and an electronic stabilization system for use in the Sport mode. The engine is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
Visual changes to the exterior of RS 3 feature include 19-inch aluminium machine-polished titanium-styled wheels, calipers in glossy black badged with RS logo, flared front fenders, matte aluminium mirrors, roof spoiler, glossy black diffuser, modified tailpipes, and pronounced sill panels.
The interior has a black theme with Nappa leather sports seats and silver stitching, black or aluminium-finished inlays, leather-wrapped steering with a flat bottom and multifunctional accessories. Optionally, customers could choose bucket seats in the front, matte-aluminium-styled roof rails and black or matte aluminium styling packages.
Equipment carried over from A3 includes: 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, Alarm, Alloy wheels, Audio remote, Body-coloured bumpers, CD, Driver’s airbag, Electric mirrors, Folding rear seats, Front electric windows, Headlight washers, Heated mirrors, Heated seats, Height adjustable drivers seat, Isofix child seat anchor points, Leather seat trim, Parking sensors, PAS, Passenger’s airbag, Rear electric windows, Remote locking, Sat Nav, Service indicator, Side airbags, Sports seats, Steering wheel reach and rake adjustment, Traction control
Generally praised for its performance, the first RS 3 was produced in limited number, and as a result, Australian customers did not have the option of purchasing one.
While the third-generation Audi A3 was available from 2012, the RS 3 model arrived three years later, in 2015, and has been in production since. It has received positive remarks about its speed, the sound of the exhaust and its build quality. It is not spared from criticisms for the rather steep price and sup-par handling. When compared to its competition, the BMW M135i and the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, it is indeed more expensive, especially compared to the classic Volkswagen Golf R.
It is equipped with a 2.5L inline-five turbocharged petrol engine with a power output of 270kW (362hp) and 465Nm of torque. There’s no doubt, RS 3 beats out the competition in terms of power. The engine hooks up to a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic automatic transmission and quattro drive system.
In 2017, Audi introduced a sedan variant, with both cars available with adjustable magnetic dampers or a fixed suspension.
Depending on the marketplace, customers had a choice of different equipment and styling options, including Black Optic or Dynamic titanium-themed look. Australian packages were called Sportback Quattro, and QUATTRO, and have nearly identical equipment.
The equipment and items featured on the Australian models include the following:
Dual front airbags package, airbag knee driver, anti-lock braking, auto climate control with dual temp zones, alarm system/remote anti-theft, adjustable steering wheel - tilt & telescopic, 19-inch alloy wheels, brake assist, body kit, cruise control, chrome exhaust tip(s) and front grille, central locking remote control, daytime running lights-LED, dusk-sensing headlights, electronic brake force distribution, electronic differential lock, electronic stability program, head airbags, heated front seats, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and drive, leather steering wheel, leather upholstery, multi-function control screen, multi-function steering wheel, park assist, parking distance control rear, power front seats, mirrors and windows, power steering, rear lights-LED, roof-mounted rear spoiler, reversing camera, side airbags, satellite navigation, sport seats, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, sports suspension, traction control system, tyre pressure monitoring display, and xenon headlights
The facelift of 2017 would further increase the number of options, adding Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cross-traffic recognition, drive mode selection, and hill holder, among other features.
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Author: Luka Kusic