Audi RS3 Sportback Quattro
By Ian Strachan.
There are plenty of examples on the road of cars that look as if they should be on a race track, but fall down badly when it comes to performance. All mouth and spoilers.
The Audi RS3 Sportback is most certainly not one of those. This is a wolf in wolf’s clothing. While not outrageously pimped up, within this car is a growling beast.
Its body kit add-ons, including black trim and ultra-low front spoiler, 19-inch black five-spoke alloys to die for, red brake calipers and huge sports exhausts, give you clues to the sizzling performance of this powerful car.
Beneath the bonnet sits a 400 horsepower 2.5 litre five-cylinder power plant which will take you from 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, with a governed top speed of 155 mph. Only when you start it up and feel the throb of power do you realise what you’re dealing with. A very fast car.
It’s also an expensive car. But you get pretty well every extra you can think of as well as stonking performance. And despite its sporty credentials you get decent loadspace and interior room.
Don’t expect frugality from this car. You’ll get just over 30 miles to the gallon if you’re careful, but this five-cylinder 400 PS engine is a powerful, if thirsty, unit.
Married to an ultra smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox it gives neck-snapping acceleration when you want it, but is also capable of giving a smooth and sedate ride on long journeys.
Ride and handling are both refined and composed, with sure-footed cornering, even at speed. The Quattro permanent four wheel drive set-up means confident handling and superb grip in all weathers. I tested the RS3 on winding Devon lanes and it never put a foot wrong
Inside, the RS3 is roomy, stylish and comfortable with the interior environment helped by a huge panoramic powered sunroof. The RS embossed sports seats – electrically adjustable – are nicely trimmed and very comfortable. Controls are well laid out and clear, with a central touchscreen which shows satnav, radio and climate control settings.
Standard equipment includes cruise control, an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system, driver assistance pack, blind spot monitor, 360-degree cameras, front and rear parking aids, head-up display, heated seats, and excellent air conditioning system, Audi puddle lights and electrically operated and heated door mirrors.
The on-the-road price of this car is just over £60,000 including £575 for metallic paint. That might sound eye-watering, but you’re getting a car with eye-watering performance.
