2017 Audi RS3: 8 things you didn’t know

The Audi RS3 has received a significant mid-cycle upgrade which includes the addition of an all-new sedan version to accompany the carryover hatchback bodystyle. Here are some interesting facts about Audi’s latest five-pot screamer.

1.

The RS3 sedan is the first compact sedan in Audi’s history to wear an RS (RennSport) badge.

5

2.

Though it’s been available in Europe since 2011 as part of the previous-generation A3 range, the RS3 badge only made it to Australia in late 2015.

3.

While it’s an all-new car it’s actually part of a mid-cycle upgrade to the RS3, with both sedan and new hatch being almost identical from the B-pillars forward.

4.

The five-cylinder turbo engine is 26kg lighter than before, thanks to the crankcase switching to an aluminium construction instead of heavy cast iron.

5

5.

The inline engine is transversely (sideways) mounted and is identical to the one under the bonnet of the Audi TT RS coupe/roadster.

6.

The RS3 sedan has a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds – 0.2 sec quicker than the old hatch.

5

7.

A quarter of Audi A3 Sportbacks sold in Australia last year wore an RS badge.

8.

The RS3 sedan became available in Australia before most other markets – the new hatch will arrive towards the end of 2017

5