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Audi launched its first ever fire-breathing RS3 hot hatch in Australia in 2015, taking the donor A3 platform to new levels of performance – and creating the cheapest RS in Audi’s high performance line to date.
The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine and the all-wheel drivetrain give the RS3 a potent performance edge, while the company itself likes to tout its five-door, five-seat hatchback credentials as the basis of a truly everyday sports car. Current prices range from $95,715 for the RS3 2.5 Tfsi S Tronic to $98,215 for the RS3 2.5 Tfsi S Tronic - all of which come with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto as standard.
Clarity of information has been an Audi long suit for years. The latest generation Audis take that to new levels with the clever virtual cockpit the highlight. RS3 also gets a head-up display.
With a claimed 0-100km/h time of under four seconds, the RS3 is a supercar in civvies. Top speed is limited to 250km/h unless you option up the RS Dynamic Package which removes the limiter for a 290km/h potential.
RS3 package isn't just a badge. As well as wider track and wider fenders to cope with that, the engine grows an extra cylinder (for five) and a more sophisticated version of all-wheel-drive is fitted.
Obviously they’re both high performance cars that are designed to eat up the open road, but equally they have to be able to handle the pressures of day-to-day motoring. I wouldn’t like to say one is better than the other for daily use, and I wouldn’t be buying one on that basis, so go for the one that most appeals for its performance.
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The RS3 gets Audi's sports seats as standard in the front. They bring with them four-way electric-adjustment and a massage function.
With a rear seat that offers a 40:20:40, the RS3 is actually as practical as any other 3-series Audi. The Sportback is ultimately a little more spacy than the sedan thanks to its hatchback layout.