A More Powerful Engine

Following the "RS3 Sedan" announced at last autumn's Paris Motor Show, Audi will present the new hatchback model, the "RS3 Sportback," at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new RS3 Sportback is powered by a revised 2.5-liter TFSI engine. Maximum output is increased by 33 ps to 400 ps (294 kW), with peak torque of 480 Nm available between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. Paired with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, it features quattro all-wheel drive, as expected of an RS model.

"A3 Sportback" based compact model, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. This limiter can be raised to 280 km/h upon request.

Despite its high performance, it achieves fuel economy of 8.3 l/100 km (approximately 12.0 km/l) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thanks to features like dual injection on the intake side and Audi Valve Lift on the exhaust side.

In addition to the standard analog display with an information screen, the instrument panel will also feature the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a full digital display that is being introduced in recent Audi models. The RS3 Sportback will include a special RS screen mode, displaying the tachometer centrally with torque, G-force, and tire pressure gauges alongside. When the S tronic is in manual mode, a background color change will indicate when to shift up at the rev limit.

The interior comes standard with sport seats in black Fine Nappa leather, with optional RS sport seats also available.

Like the new A3 Sportback already available in Japan, the infotainment system has also been enhanced. It includes internet connectivity via LTE for various information retrieval, as well as smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new RS3 Sportback, along with the RS3 Sedan announced last autumn, will begin accepting orders in the European Audi Sport network in spring 2017, with deliveries expected around August. Pricing starts at €54,600 for the RS3 Sportback and €55,900 for the RS3 Sedan.