Audi RS3 Sportback 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Audi Australia introduced its facelifted RS3 Sportback this week with the five-door hot hatch picking up a new engine, revised styling and more equipment from $80,900 before on-road costs.

Now $2284 dearer, the Sportback joins its $84,900 Sedan sibling to complete the expanded RS3 range, with both variants featuring the same, improved 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine.

Pumping out 294kW of power from 5850rpm to 7000rpm and 480Nm of torque between 1700rpm and 5850rpm – up 24kW/15Nm – the boosted powertrain is 26 kilograms lighter than before, mainly thanks to its aluminium crankcase.

A seven-speed 'S tronic' dual-clutch automatic transmission returns to the Sportback and is combined with Audi's rear-biased 'quattro' all-wheel-drive system to enable a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds, down 0.2s. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, but can be optionally raised to 280km/h.

Safety and driver assist technologies extend to adaptive cruise control with stop and go function.

The Sportback's extra performance has come at the cost of efficiency, with claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test rising from 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres to 8.4L/100km. Similarly, carbon dioxide emissions have jumped from 189 grams per km to 191g/km.

External changes include redesigned LED headlights and tail-lights with dynamic indicators, as well as larger front air intakes and a more angular interpretation of the German carmaker's 'Singleframe' grille. The headlights can be upgraded to Matrix LED units for an extra cost.

An 'RS' sports exhaust system and suspension are standard, with the former adjustable via Audi's 'drive mode select' modes, which include 'Efficiency', 'Comfort', 'Auto', 'Dynamic' and 'Individual'. Adjustable 'Magnetic Ride' adaptive dampers are optional.

Rolling on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 tyres (wider 255/30 front tyres are an option), the Sportback washes away speed with red eight-piston callipers clamping 370mm ventilated discs up front and 310mm rotors at the rear.

A 00 'RS Performance Package' includes 'Magnetic Ride' adaptive dampers.

Inside, equipment includes a 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital instrument cluster, 7.0-inch 'MMI Navigation' multimedia system, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, satellite navigation with live traffic, 180-watt 10-speaker sound system, digital radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry and start, heated 'RS' sport front seats and Nappa leather upholstery with diamond-pattern stitching.

Safety and driver assist technologies extend to adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring, six airbags, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and hill start assist.

A $5900 'RS Performance Package' includes the aforementioned 'Magnetic Ride' adaptive dampers, as well as a 705-watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and carbon-fibre interior inlays.

Furthermore, 'RS Design' and high-gloss black or matt aluminium extended styling packages are also available for a premium, while there are numerous individual options.

Eight exterior paint colours are offered, including no-cost 'Nardo Grey' and the extra-cost 'Catalunya Red', 'Floret Silver', 'Glacier White', 'Myhtos Black', 'Daytona Grey', 'Ara Blue' and 'Panther Black' hues.

Has Audi priced the facelifted RS3 Sportback to compete? Tell us what you think in the comments below.