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Audi has announced another addition to its ever-burgeoning RS range - the long-awaited RS3.
The definition of 'hot hatch' is becoming broader by the day, and while this does slip into the top end of that class, at a whopping 1,575kg it's a long way from the turboed tin boxes of old.
See more pics of the new Audi RS3
To counter the weight, however, we get the 2.5-litre direct-injection five-cylinder from the TT RS. We've had one of those down in our car park recently, and we can joyously testify to its abilities.
With a claimed 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, it should definitely do the job when hauling all that metal around (along with the quattro four-wheel drive and a launch control system).
Ride height goes down by 25mm from the standard A3, with front tyres wider than the rear, which is fairly unique for a car in this class. Transmission is the usual seven-speed Audi S Tronic - frustratingly, there's no manual option. And there's no three-door option either. Five or nothing, potential buyers.
And price? Around £40,000, which should mean an interesting battle to come with the 1-Series M Coupe... As long as it's better than the rather disappointing RS5 recently on loan to Top Gear Towers, we're excited.
Your thoughts, loyal Top Gearers?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
KingKilian commented on this article
at 03:14 pm on 22 November 2010
looks great, doesnt it?
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theGTIist commented on this article
at 03:18 pm on 22 November 2010
this car looks fab! and it will eat a focus rs for breakfast :DD german engineering always has been the best <3
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StigsIrishCousn commented on this article
at 04:06 pm on 22 November 2010
Strange really isn't it? Audi usually offer enough options to melt your brain (and your wallet) and yet there is no "3 door" or "manual" box to check. Surely an uber fast A4 for pace and space or the TTRS for coupe good looks are better options? Is this much better than a vastly cheaper Golf GTi? Don't get me wrong a fast Audi hatch is a good thing but I'm struggling to see the point or who will buy this. Perhaps someone with a need to drive to the dump with an old wardrobe very quickly...
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bulletroll commented on this article
at 04:08 pm on 22 November 2010
I did'nt like the Audi A3, but this is just awesome. Plus 0-60 in under 5 seconds is terrific. I would love it even more if they would make the cabrio one into a RS3 and a 3-door version of this thing aswell..
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edlovesabarth commented on this article
at 04:25 pm on 22 November 2010
could be good...but where's the 3 door?
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