What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback (Photos)

Audi debuted the RS3 sport sedan at the Paris Motor Show, and shortly afterwards teased us with a RS3 Sportback model, that part wagon, part VW Golf, and all Audi. Lets take a closer look at this model which may not ever be sold here.

By Jeffrey Bausch - March 28, 2017

1. Sleek design

The addition of the hatchback on the rear of the car gives it a sleek look with smooth curves from front to end. No official word on how the aerodynamics are affected by the new shape, but chances are there is actually less drag.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

2. Lots of power

The RS3 Sportback packs the same 400-horsepower, 2.5-liter I5 engine, which gets the driver from a stop to 62 mph (100 kmh) in just 4.1 seconds. You can thanks the quattro AWD system for that quickness.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

3. 174 mph Top Speed Optional

While the factory-line RS3 Sportback hits 155 mph, signing up for the Dynamic Plus option will bump the car’s limit up to 174 mph. Dynamic Plus also includes ceramic front brake rotors, carbon fiber trim, and high performance adjustable dampers.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

4. Minor flair that gives it a unique look

The RS3 Sportback features massive exhaust tips tucked nicely into the car’s integrated rear diffuser. Also, compared to its sedan sister, the RS3 Sportback’s front axle track is .8 inches wider and the car is also 1 inch lower to the ground. The car’s 12.2-inch brake discs fill up a lot of the empty space inside the large diameter alloy wheels.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

5. Posh interior

The seats come clad in soft Nappa leather, with additional bolstering from the RS specific sport seats. A virtual cockpit replaces the gauge cluster in all A3 and S3 cars with a configurable screen which, it’s worth pointing out, also has a special RS screen displaying things like torque output, G-forces and tire pressure.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

6. Stay connected

The RS3 Sportback includes a 4G LTE modem that allows the driver access to Audi’s online content, including navigation with Google Street View, fuel price information, and more. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available, as well as a WiFi hotspot to support multiple devices at the same time.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

7. It’s not terribly priced, but...

At nearly $60,000, the Sportback isn't priced bad for an Audi RS model, in fact, it’s nearly $1500 less than the sedan alternative in Europe. You get more storage space for less money, which is a pretty good bargain. However, as of now there are no plans for Audi to offer American buyers the option of a RS3 with a hatchback.

>>Join the conversation about What We Like About the New RS3 Sportback right here in the Audi World Forum!

For help keeping your car running right check out the how to section of AudiWorld.com

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