In the market for a £40k hot hatch? No? Me neither (more’s the pity) but it would appear that there are enough buyers out there for Audi to justify another production run of its über-hatch, the RS3.
Audi RS3 returns to showrooms, but don’t expect it to hang around for long.
The first production run of the Audi RS3 was limited with only 500 units coming to the UK, all snapped up in seconds by eager buyers. This time there are only going to be 250 RS3s arriving on our shores.
Technically nothing has changed. The RS3 is based on the last model of A3 and is powered by a wonderful 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine connected to a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. The results are 340PS and 450Nm, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. Impressive figures for any performance car, never mind a humble hatchback.
Then there are the flared carbon fibre-reinforced polymer wings covering a wider track, with a permanent quattro four-wheel drive system connecting each of the 19-inch wheels. Add to that the gaping air intakes, matt aluminium mirror caps, rear spoiler and shiny twin exhausts and you have one very mean-looking hatchback. I like it.
Of course, an Audi wouldn’t be complete without an impeccable interior and the RS3 is no exception. Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats are standard, and other highlights include a flat-bottomed RS steering wheel and RS-specific instruments. The Driver Information System displays boost pressure and oil temperature and doubles as a lap timer, perfect for those early morning runs around the local bypass.
Standard equipment also includes rear parking sensors, electronic climate control, DVD-based sat-nav with multimedia connections, and xenon headlights with LED running lights.
If you do want one you had better move very quickly. Audi will have already lined up a few buyers to justify bringing the RS3 back so don’t expect it to be available for long. Oh, and when I said £40k I was exaggerating. You’ll get £70 change in return.