Audi revs up for a smoother ride

THE Audi RS3 Sedan and RS3 Sportback make a dynamic duo. The RS3 Sportback in particular has enjoyed success in South Africa.

The first generation redefined the segment.

They were produced in limited numbers for global distribution, with Audi South Africa managing to obtain and deliver 174 of the units for the local market.

The second generation in 2015 saw 265 units sold.

With its hi-tech suspension, a new five-cylinder engine with best-in-class performance and a sharper look, the Audi RS3 Sedan and RS3 Sportback are at the top of their class.

RS-specific details in the interior and the unmatched sound of the 2.5 TFSI engine make for an exceptional driving experience.

Five-cylinder engines are a great tradition at Audi. In the 1980s they made a decisive contribution to furthering the success of the brand both in motor sports and on the road.

After a break of many years, they made a comeback in 2009 when the 2.5 TFSI was fitted in the Audi TT RS.

In 2011, the first generation of the RS3 Sportback followed, in 2013 the RS Q3 and in 2015 the second edition of the RS3 Sportback.

It is now joined by the new RS3 Sedan, with which the brand is expanding its offering at an international level.

An output of 294kW means an increase of 24kW from the previous model RS3 Sportback. With the displacement of 2 480cm3 unchanged, its maximum torque of 480Nm is available at engine speeds as low as 1700rpm and remains constant up to 5850rpm.

The five-cylinder engine catapults both the RS3 Sedan and Sportback from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.

On request, Audi can increase the electronically limited top speed from 250km/h to 280km/h.

The new five-cylinder engine is 26kg lighter than its predecessor, which is of considerable advantage to the RS models with regard to the axle load distribution and gross weight.

Because of the 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, the ignition alternates between directly adjacent cylinders and those further apart. This brings with it a very special rhythm.

The basic tone is accompanied by characteristic harmonic frequencies. And then you get that “turbo-blip” at the gear change, which is music to the motoring connoisseur’s ears.

The engine control unit also contributes indirectly to the unmistakable sound.

At high load, the flaps in the exhaust system open for an even fuller sound. Using Audi drive select, the driver can control the opening and closing of the flaps individually. The standard Audi RS Sports Exhaust system sharpens the characteristic fivecylinder sound.

The seven-speed S tronic is standard on both RS3 models. The lower gears of the compact dual-clutch transmission are dynamically short, while the seventh gear has a long ratio, to reduce fuel consumption. The driver can let the seven-speed S tronic operate automatically or can change gear themselves using the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles.

There is also a choice of two driving programmes in automatic mode. In D mode, the engine is optimised for everyday traffic. In S mode, the engine is designed for more agility and the revs are higher. Gears are shifted almost indiscernibly within hundredths of a second.

The sporty character of the RS3 Sedan and RS3 Sportback is visible at first glance: the front, sides and rear boast new, striking design details.

The single-frame is more sculpted than before. Its black gloss, three-dimensional honeycomb grille and the quattro logo on the sloping lower segment accentuate the vehicle’s dynamism.

There is a host of other “bells and whistles” features that comes standard – too many to mention here.

Testing this high-speed vehicle was thrilling to say the least. You have to be very focused and know what you are doing when you’re in the cockpit, especially on national roads, as everything passes by in a blink.

A truly great drive for the Audi enthusiast. Zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds is saying something.