Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi RS3 Sportback review (2015-2017) - the definitive super-hatch? - Performance and 0-60 time

A step up above its predecessor but still not as mighty as the spec sheet suggests

Evo rating
Price
from £40,795
  • Addictive noise, lighter on its feet than predecessor, quality
  • Not a big step up from Golf R or BMW M145i, still a shade sensible

Performance and 0-60 time

The RS3 utilises the latest Haldex four-wheel drive system, placing the multi-plate clutch in the rear axle to further aid weight distribution. Up to 100 percent of power can now be sent to the rear wheels and torque vectoring by braking has been added to make the RS3 feel even more agile.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A reduction in weight by 55kg down to 1595kg helps to deliver a 4.3-second 0-62mph time while the limiter can be raised from 155mph to 174mph via an optional performance pack.

Brakes come in the form of 8-piston calipers at the front with Audi's wave profile discs appearing here in 370mm form. Carbon ceramics can also be optioned at the front, saving 5kg a corner.

The engine might sound superb with the sports exhaust, but the anticipated performance never quite materialises. It feels fast but not quite in the overpowered/small car way that you'd hope. In fact, the performance doesn't feel a significant step up over say a Golf R, S3 or M135i.

This is in part thanks to the engine's power delivery. You expect to fire out of a corner on a big hit of torque but instead you have to wait for the engine to spin-up a bit faster before the rush arrives. It's not exactly flat, but doesn't always feel the full 362bhp.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024