The Audi RS3

The Audi RS3 matches ‘four-wheel-drive traction’ with an effective 250 Kw turbo five-cylinder engine and dual-clutch S tronic gearbox

The ultimate embodiment of the second-generation A3 - the Audi RS3 is one of the hottest hatchbacks money can buy.

Under the bonnet the same 250Kw turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine found in the TTRS puts its power onto the road via Audi’s famous ‘quattro all-wheel drive system’.

Only available as a five-door Sportback, the RS3 comes exclusively with the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

As with other S and RS models, the RS3 has the silver door mirror housings and a delicate sporty look. The chrome-silver ringed lattice grille, bulging arches, wider sills and huge 19-inch wheels all add to the racy elegant image.

The RS badges inside and out reinforces the RS3’s status.

The Audi RS3 provides serious performance with flawless ease – an awesome 0-100 kmh mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Thanks to its practical five-door body the Audi RS3 beats a lot of similar performance rivals in terms of versatility. The 302-litre load bay isn’t huge but the folding the rear bench means a useful 1,032-litre maximum load space.

It’s also a genuine five-seater and the upright bodywork means rear occupants get a decent amount of head and legroom.

With the ‘all-wheel-drive’ and a turbo-charged five-cylinder engine the RS3 fuel isn’t the most efficient car in the Audi A3 range. Official combined economy is 9.1 litres/100 with emissions of 212g/km