2018MY Audi RS3 Sportback und Limousine

About two years ago, Audi launched their most powerful hot hatch in the stable, the Audi RS3. With its 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 367PS of power and 465Nm of torques, it could have been the most powerful hot hatch ever created by the Volkswagen Group until the currently-facelifted A45 AMG backlashed it with 380PS of power, which is kinda sad. Now, there's a new RS3 that promises to revolve the patterns in super hot hatch hierarchy and more.

2018 Audi RS3 Sportback

2018 Audi RS3 Limousine

Here it is, the new version and at first glance, it looks slightly different than the old, pre-facelifted RS3 until you get to see what's under the bonnet. The 2.5L TFSi engine as we all know it is now upgraded so now it produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Mated to an S Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it can go from 0 to 100kph in 4.1 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. 280 if you go for an optional performance package.

The fun doesn't stop there because apart from the added performance, there's also the first-ever RS3 Limousine variant, delivering the same thrills from the Sportback, now with the four-door saloon look to make your day as thrilling as the Taken trilogy films, whatever it takes.

It's great to have Audi reclaimed its rightful throne from Mercedes-AMG for their most powerful hot hatch ever made and with all that power output that surprises speedo boys the most, have the dynamics ever changed now that the RS3 has been revised since our first encounter? Uh, sadly, I don't think so.

Of course, even though the RS3 has been given wider track and a sporty suspension setup, it still is very mild to drive in the corners and even with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, it just feels like an overpowered front-wheel-drive car that can fracture an arm in seconds when turning hard on the bends, especially those with prosthetics. This car can hurt you more than the car itself and even if you try turning hard on the corners, it would be very difficult for a mild and menacing car to get out so you need to be prepared with some painkillers while going on a track day with this car.

What about taking it on the normal roads? Well, because this is a high-performance variant of the Audi A3, be it saloon or hatchback if you may, chances are they might notice you slightly because they can easily mistake you for a normal A3 and of course, being slightly incognito in the public roads, there are some features that can draw some attention to the public apart from the noise that doesn't seem too intimidating to some. One such noticing feature is the special RS screen on the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is great on track days, but on normal roads, this is a clear example of why this world has gone with the dogs. Think of it like the villain from Austin Powers going on a shopping spree at the department store and that would be proper comedy if you take this hot Audi for a stroll around the metropolis but this is no laughing matter because in terms of accommodating with the normal crowd, that sport-tuned suspension adds some drama to your daily commute and taking it from points A to B, there's going to be some yelling to do when they confide about you and that RS3.

The pricing is what you should be worried about because the Audi RS3 Sportback is priced at 54,600 euros, and the saloon starts at 55,900 euros and they're about more expensive than its rivals from Mercedes-AMG. Sure, their newest RS3 range reclaimed the throne from the A45/GLA45 but in terms of dynamics, they're still mild and menacing because they still don't have the aesthetics of a Ford Focus RS and without it, be prepared for some cruising with a bruising. 

Photo: AUDI AG