Audi unveils 2017 RS3 hatchback 10 | 02 | 2017

THIS IS THE updated Audi RS3 hatchback which will make its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The 394bhp superhatch will be available to order from Scottish dealerships in the summer, with first deliveries later in the year. (Related: 2017 Audi Q5 from £37,170)

Set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A45 4Matic and BMW M140i xDrive, the 2017 RS3 hatchback is powered by a heavily re-engineered variant of Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine.

In addition to a lighter but stiffer aluminium crankcase in place of its predecessor’s steel crankcase, the new model gets a new dual injection process, Audi’s patented valve lift system and a new freer flowing exhaust among other changes.

With power up by 33bhp over its predecessor, and torque improved by 11lb/ft to 354lb/ft between 1700 and 5850rpm, it’s also faster.

And with that power delivered via a revised version of Audi’s seven-speed double clutch S-Tronic gearbox, allied to new software mapping and an electro-hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch quattro four-wheel drive system, the upgraded RS3 has a claimed 0-62mph of 4.1sec; that’s 0.2sec faster than its predecessor.

On the ‘standard’ 2017 RS3, top speed is limited to 155mph; however … it can be increased to 174mph at the request of the customer.

Fuel consumption remains the same, at 34.0mpg, contributing to average CO2 emissions of 189g/km.

Sitting 25mm lower than the standard A3 hatchback, the new RS3 also receives a 20mm wider front track, plus it gains standard 310mm diameter steel brake discs front and rear. Carbon-ceramic front discs are available as an option. The car also comes with 19in alloys with 235/35 tyres as standard.

Audi’s Drive Select system allows the driver to choose between three different modes: Comfort, Auto and Dynamic, and varies the properties of the steering, gearbox, throttle mapping and exhaust flaps. As an option, there’s also a firmer RS Sport suspension, featuring adaptive damper control. (Related: Roadtest — Audi A5 Coupe 2.0TDI 190PS S line)

Visually, the 2017 RS3 hatchback is distinguished from its predecessor by a redesigned front bumper which incorporates a reworked six-corner grille featuring a restyled high gloss black honeycomb insert, a larger frame in brushed aluminium look – the lower second of which carries the lettering “quattro” — and larger RS3 badge. It’s also impossible to miss the larger air ducts and more prominent splitter.

Look closely and you’ll spot the subtle changes to the headlights which are altered in shape in line with the rest of the facelifted A3 line-up and come with LED projectors as standard. Audi’s matrix LED units are offered as an option.

There’s a reworked spoiler at the rear of the new model, plus altered tail lamp lenses and a restyled bumper featuring a new diffuser insert and large oval tailpipes.

As you’d expect, the interior of the new model — as is the case with the rest of the current A3 hatchback range — can be enhanced with Audi’s clever and stylish virtual cockpit display.

Replacing the standard analogue instruments, the virtual cockpit features a model specific RS setting with a central tachometer along with torque, G-force and tyre pressure gauges.

Flick the gearbox into manual mode, and a high resolution display also prompts the driver to upshift with a colour display. 

The 2017 model also gets sport seats with RS seatback emblems in black fine Nappa, while the RS sport leather steering wheel is flat-bottomed and features buttons for operating the infotainment system.

The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the centre tunnel. A touchpad can be integrated in its surface, enabling the driver to scroll, zoom and enter text.

Also included is a free text search feature that automatically completes the user’s input after just a few letters have been entered. The voice control can process user questions and commands formulated in everyday language.

When it comes to infotainment, the RS 3 Sportback is even more versatile than before. The Audi Smartphone Interface is now standard, enabling users to access selected apps on their handsets from the car’s onboard monitor via Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and an LTE module brings the Audi connect services on board, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as information on fuel prices, weather, travel and traffic.

The Audi MMI connect app lets users transfer their smartphone calendars into the MMI system. Drivers can also send destinations from Google Maps and special destinations to the navigation system, and also stream music from the internet.

In addition, the navigation system includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that enables passengers to connect their mobile devices to the internet.

Other highlights include the Audi phone box for wireless connection to the car’s onboard antenna and inductive charging of handsets equipped to the QI standard, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 705 watts of power, and many driver assistance systems.

In slow-moving traffic up to 40mph, for example, the traffic jam assist keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can briefly take over the steering.

Also new in the Audi RS 3 Sportback are the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when the driver is pulling out of a parking space.

Pricing for both the RS 3 Sportback and the RS 3 Saloon will be revealed closer to the cars’ on-sale date in the summer.

Related: Audi TT 2.0TDI gets quattro

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

Jim McGill