Audi’s RS 3 dynamic duo priced for SA
Sitting at the top of the A3 range, Audi’s sharp sheet metal, the new RS 3 has finally been slapped with a price tag for the South African market.
Available in Sportback and sedan guises, the sportier RS 3 boasts more power and fine-tuned suspension to challenge the likes of the BMW M2, Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and A45 variants.
The new Audi RS 3 packs the same award-winning 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI engine that puts out the same 294 kW as before but with 500 Nm this time around - an increase of 20 Nm from the previous generation. The ‘if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it’ approach was taken here.
Activating the launch control sends the duo from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds before hitting the limiter at 250 km/h or 290 km/h with the RS Dynamic package Plus. By comparison, that’s three-tenths of a second faster than before.
The engine is welded to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission again by default.
For the first time in an Audi, the new RS 3 models come equipped with the RS torque splitter which replaces the previous model’s rear axle differential with an upstream multiple disc clutch package for enhanced dynamic prowess.
It’s worth pointing out that the new RS 3 comes with a new RS Performance driving mode that has been designed strictly for the use on the track and comes with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick rubbers as options. In addition to that, there is what Audi calls RS Torque Rear mode which lends the RS 3 the ability to drift - in a safe environment, of course.
In the looks department, the new RS 3 features a wide RS bumper, a reworked single frame grille with a distinctive honeycomb grille with larger air intakes. As standard, the RS 3 spawns Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels, LED tail lights and door entrance LED lighting with RS logo projection.
Both variants sit on 19” cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design as standard while 5-Y spokes with RS branding can be had as options. Other exterior tweaks include a redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with a built-in diffuser and the RS exhaust system in typical RS style.
Buyers can have the mirror caps, inserts in the rocker panels, tailgate and roof edge spoilers finished in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic as part of the standard Black Styling Package. Audi SA also availed the optional Black Styling Package Plus or the Aluminium Styling Package Plus.
Locally, the RS 3 is available in a total of eight exterior colour options including the RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey shades.
As standard, the RS 3 is fitted with a 12.3” Audi virtual cockpit, a 10.1” touch display, carbon fibre trim in the instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching. Not your preference? Well, you can opt for fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red or, for the first time, green contrast stitching. RS Design packages in red and green are available to match.
The list of available standard features includes an Audi RS virtual cockpit, darkened Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light design, a Black styling package and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound.
The new Audi RS 3 Sportback is priced from R1,215,000 and R1,245,000 for the sedan counterpart including VAT and all taxes. The prices include a 5-year Audi Freeway Plan.
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