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Geneva Motor Show 2017: Audi premieres updated RS3 Sportback

Published 08 March 2017

Audi premiered the updated Audi RS3 Sportback at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The new model is 33PS more powerful than its predecessor and is due on sale in Summer 2017, with a price of around £46,000.

Peak power from the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine is 400PS, with 480Nm of torque available from 1700rpm. The result is 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a restricted top speed of 155mph. Optionally, this can be raised to 174mph. Handy when you're stuck on the M25 in rush hour...

The official fuel economy figure is respectable for such a powerful car, at 34mpg with emissions of 189g/km.

The standard gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic, linked to quattro all-wheel drive. Drivers can change the steering, gearbox throttle response and exhaust note with the standard Drive Mode Select system, plus there are optional adaptive dampers to change the ride stiffness.

Setting the RS3 apart from standard A3 models is a larger black front grille, along with brushed aluminium details and large 19-inch alloy wheels, plus the a 25mm lower ride height.

Inside there are sports seats with RS emblems as standard, along with black Nappa leather upholstery. Smartphone connectivity includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, along with Bluetooth. Optionally buyers can specify Audi Virtual Cockpit, which replaces the instruments with a clear, full colour screen.

Audi RS3 (1)