Mercedes-AMG’s dominance in the mega hatch segment is about to end with the introduction of the new generation Audi RS3 Sportback.
A rival to the likes of AMG’s A45 and A45 S, the top dog in Audi’s new A3 lineup was spied testing recently with less camo than before, partially revealing the big body kit that will visually set it apart from the regular A3.
The car has a new front bumper, with redesigned grille and large air intakes on each side, as well as bloated fenders on all four corners with air outlets behind the front wheels. It also sports bigger side skirts, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler that seems similar to the standard models. It also gets the RS-series’ trademark twin oval exhausts with a small twist; if you take a closer look inside you’ll see that both incorporate two separate pipes.
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The interior has yet to open up to the camera, but we all know what the differences will be over the regular models. Besides body-hugging front seats, the sporty atmosphere will be complimented by special upholstery and trim, with contrast stitching and piping, ‘RS’ badging and different graphics for the infotainment system and digital instrument gauges.
An updated variant of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder gasoline engine is expected to provide it with around 420 PS (414 HP / 309 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque in the standard model. That’s around 20 HP more than the current RS3, but opting for the rumored Performance version could let users enjoy up to 450 PS (444 HP / 331 kW). The quattro all-wheel drive system will be standard, with a dual-clutch automatic transmission sending the power to the wheels, and if the recent reports are correct, then it could also feature a Drift mode.
The RS3 Sportback should be unveiled later this year, but don’t look for it in North America, because it won’t arrive here in this body style. Instead, you will be able to order the RS3 Sedan, which will pack the same upgrades in a four-door bodystyle.
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