By Otsile Kadiege

Audi Sport recently unveiled the updated RS3 hatchback and sedan. The duo receive a bunch of tasty exterior cosmetic updates, an interior design refresh, new equipment as well as technology updates. Unlike its less powerful S3, the RS3’s five-cylinder powerplant hasn’t received increased power and torque figures. That said, the boffins at Audi Sport has fitted high grip tyres and tweaked its oversteer feature.

Exterior updates

Outside, the RS3 gets a redesigned gets a large hexagonal grille, two functional air intakes accentuated by vertical black blades – and the three apertures above the front splitter and smart Matrix LED headlights with configurable LED daytime running lights pattern. In profile the potent RS3 is shod with 5-Y-spoke alloy wheels as standard, customers can also opt for newly added cross 10-spoke alloys which are sourced from the RS3 performance edition.

At the rear, the redesigned taillights also feature a new graphic: Arrows that dynamically light up from inside to out with the coming home/ leaving home function. It also gets a redesigned rear diffuser with a centered vertical red reflector. For a  more individual look, customers can opt for the carbon and high-gloss black packages, which adorn the front air intakes, the side skirts, and the blade above the diffuser. These are complemented by wing mirror covers in body color, black, or carbon.

Interior updates

In the interior, too, which is dominated by dark color tones, everything is geared for performance, with the new steering wheel, RS sport or bucket seats, carbon features, and sporty displays. Flattened above and below, the steering wheel has a substantially sportier look. Whether in perforated leather as standard or optional Dinamica with 12 o’clock marker in accent color, it fits proper to the hand when cornering the RS3 around sharp bends. Meanwhile, the optional RS bucket seats give even better support.

The seat center panel with RS honeycomb stitching is made of the microfiber fabric Dinamica, which is combined with Pearl Nappa leather on the side bolsters. Beneath the headrest, the black tapered insert features a large RS badge and, like the matt carbon rear of the seat backrest, emphasizes the sportiness of the RS3.

Performance

Underneath the bonnet, the RS3 is still powered by the much-loved, award-winning 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine with a 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The powerplant develops 294 kW of power and has a maximum torque of 500 Newton meters. Audi Sport claims the RS3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 290 km/h.

Audi Sport improved the oversteer algorithm. Previously, oversteer was generated primarily by increasing the load requirement – in other words, stepping on the throttle. Now, oversteer is easier to initiate in the RS3 via the steering angle. This is said to allow the driver to obtain the same drift angle faster.

The facelifted RS3 is fitted with new standard C-rated tyres which have been specifically tuned for this model. According to Audi Sport, these tyres offer excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces and precise handling over the entire speed range. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires are still available as an option.

Availability

Audi South Africa is yet to announce local availability and pricing.