In truth, I am not surprised that Audi has an AMG A45 killer in their repertoire. They already have all the ingredients, which includes the new MQB platform, plenty of engine choices to choose from as well as a multitude of platforms readily available for them. So what they did is a bit of a mix and match and then release a car called the RS 3 Sportback.
The results?
Audi is definitely out to capture the throne in which the AMG A45 currently sits on.
With 367hp and 465Nm, the RS 3 uses the Audi classic 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder engine to achieve a 0-100kph time of 4.3 seconds and have a top speed of 280kmh. A seven-speed S tronic, which shifts even faster than in the previous model, directs the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all‑wheel drive system. I guess having all that power requires a little bit more traction, hence the permanent all-wheel drive system. Much like the AMG A45.
A few things which makes this car different compared to the S3, such as the RS exhaust system and this time, Audi has even offered a sports exhaust system as an option. Two flaps in the exhaust pipes downstream of the muffler control the exhaust flow to provide for an even more intensive sound experience that varies with engine load and speed. What this means is that if you feel a little “ah beng-ish” you can opt to have the full exhaust loud experience, all by just tweaking the Audi Drive Select System.
Now both the RS 3 and the A45 weigh around the 1.5 tonnes mark and both have almost equal amounts of power. At 1.5 tonnes, the car isn’t light at all. It weighs around the same weight as the BMW 3 series and if you compare it against the Volkswagen Golf R, it weights more than a 100kg more. I used the VW as a comparison because Volkswagen has already revealed their Golf R 400.
I still love the looks of the A45 and it’s interior as well so the RS 3 does have a bit of a challenge there as Audi’s interior doesn’t really shout out much.
I would love it if the RS 3 is brought into Malaysia but there hasn’t been any indication of that, just yet. So far in terms of what we have is the Audi A3 sedan. In Audi’s world, the A3 would be the starting model, followed by the S3 and then for the ultimate performance, it would be the RS 3.
