Introduced along with the Audi RS 3 sedan at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Audi is showcasing the 2017 RS 3 Sportback at the IAA 2017 in Frankfurt. It's currently on sale in Europe at a starting price of EUR 55,290 (excluding options).
Audi's entry level RS model has a 3D honeycomb grille with a Quattro logo along the bottom, chrome side air inlets, aggressive RS-specific front apron, 19-inch wheels with 255/30 tires, fixed spoiler lip on the hatch, sporty rear diffuser insert with vertical struts, large oval dual tailpipes, and exclusive RS colours such as Nardo gray and Catalunya red. For a meaner look, the Audi RS 3 Sportback can be spec'd with a Midnight Black package, which replaces the silver accents with gloss black.
Inside, the RS 3 Sportback has an all black interior that can be contrasted with red accents optionally. It gets thick Nappa leather sport seats with RS logos or the optional RS sport seats with integrated head restraints and diamond stitching, Alcantara wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, optional Virtual Cockpit with Audi Sport graphics, MMI Radio Plus with a 7-inch display and an optional Bang and Olufsen audio system.
Under the hood is a new 2.5-litre TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 294 kW (400 hp) and 480 Nm of torque. For perspective, that is more than twice what the range-topping Audi A3 outputs. It is paired with a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, with power distributed among all four wheels via the Quattro system. It is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h. Optionally, the electronically limited top speed can be lifted to 280 km/h. Carbon ceramic disc brakes are available as well.
