New 400PS Audi RS3 Arrives In The UK, Priced From £44,300 OTR

Audi has announced pricing and range details of the latest RS3, which is now offered -for the first time in the UK- in Saloon form as well.

The updated baby RS model now packs 394hp (400PS) and 354lb-ft (480Nm) of torque, courtesy of the most powerful five-cylinder engine ever to be used in a series production Audi.

The 2.5-liter TFSI engine is now also 26kg lighter than the previous model, which should help in making the new RS3 a bit sharper to steer. Audi reckons that the new RS3 is capable of pulling a 0-62 time in 4.1 seconds, with the top speed limited to 155mph. As an option, Audi can raise the limiter to a more impressive 174mph (280km/h).

Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Both of them can be adjusted through Audi’s Drive Select system which influences things like shift points, the amount of torque directed to the rear, the steering system and the exhaust flaps, among others.

An RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers, front carbon brakes and Super Sport seats dressed in Fine Nappa leather are among the long -and expensive- list of options. Compared to the normal A3s the new Audi RS3 benefits from a 20mm-wider front track and a 14mm-wider rear track, with a set of 19-inch alloys offered as standard.

Prices for the new Audi RS3 in the UK kick off at £44,300 for the Sportback model and £45,230 for the Saloon.