All you need to know about the new Audi RS3 Sportback

With the mild-mannered appearance of a standard compact hatchback, the 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback’s looks won’t be turning many heads on the roadways. Under the hood, however, it’s a different story with a turbocharged five-cylinder direct-injection 2.5-litre engine that can produce 340 horsepower and offers the aggressive speed and performance of a high-end sports car. The Audi RS3 zooms from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, making it an assertive presence on the street and on the highway. At a MSRP of £39,900, however, the Audi RS3 may be priced out of the market for its target audience of sports car enthusiasts.

Exterior

This unassuming hatchback features stylish carbon fibre reinforced polymer front wing panels, state-of-the-art daytime running lights and xenon plus headlights. The honeycomb grille insert, restyled front bumper and optional blackwall tires with red rim flange offer additional interest for driving enthusiasts. At the rear the tailgate spoiler and diffuser valance are complemented by chrome tailpipes and 19-inch alloy wheels are standard on this unassuming performance vehicle.

Interior features

The basic black interior boasts Nappa leather upholstery and piano-black or aluminium-hued dashboard inlays along with the flat-bottomed leather multifunction steering wheel. The exclusive Audi driver information system provides crucial information about the road ahead. Optional interior equipment includes front bucket seats, suede steering wheel wraps, roof rails and designer styling packages in black or matte aluminium finishes.

Under the hood

The 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback features the acclaimed 2010 International Engine of the Year, the same engine currently heating up the Audi TT RS. With 332 lb-ft of torque available throughout the rev range from 1600 to 6800 RPM, the five-cylinder turbocharged engine provides ample power and boost for the most demanding road warriors. The RS3 is no fuel hog; it weighs in at an exceptional 25 mpg, making it a standout in terms of petrol consumption. This outstanding fuel economy is due in part to the vehicle’s delivery-on-demand oil pump system and a technologically advanced regenerative system that reclaims energy on deceleration. The seven-speed S-Tronic transmission provides access to two automatic and one manual mode for customisable driving convenience; the RS3 also comes fully loaded with Quattro all-wheel drive to handle even the roughest terrain with ease.

Performance

The real beauty of the Audi RS3 is its speed; the combination of light weight, wide wheel base, all-wheel drive and powerful engine ensure that the RS3 can outrun, outplay and outlast most other cars on the road. The top speed of the RS3 is electronically limited to 150 mph.

Insuring the Audi RS3 Sportback

Audi car insurance for this particular vehicle will likely vary according to the person intending to drive it. Because the RS3 is a high-performance vehicle, Audi insurance policies may require specific underwriting in order to obtain full coverage. Insurance should generally be designed to cover the real costs of repair after an accident; in most cases, Audi car insurance will be comparable in price to other vehicles boasting similar features. For more accurate information specific to your insurance needs, why not ask a respected insurance provider such as Your Cover Insurance.