2018 Audi RS3 Sportback Australian pricing revealed

Audi Australia has announced local pricing and specification for the new Audi RS3 Sportback.

With the same 294kW/480Nm turbo five-pot as the sedan, the Sportback makes for a more affordable way to access that engine than the sedan.

The Sportback will cost Aussies $80,900, $4000 less than the RS3 sedan.

Audi says the new RS3 will hit 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, or two tenths faster than the previous version.

This is thanks to not only its engine being an impressive 26kg lighter, but also 24kW more powerful than its predecessor due to the addition of a high-pressure 19.6psi turbocharger.

Its 2.5-litre engine is mated to a new seven-speed dual clutch, which put through power to all four wheels via Audi’s AWD system, which is controlled to allow an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to distribute torque. In ‘RS’ calibration, more torque is sent to the rears.

Stopping the RS3 is a set of 370mm ventilated rotors and eight-piston brake calipers at the front, while 310mm discs can be found at the rear.

The RS3 also features active baffles in the rear muffler, which can be controlled to allow more flow (and noise) through the exhaust.

As standard, the RS3 comes with RS sport suspension, though Audi’s magnetic adaptive dampers are available in the RS performance optional package.

This optional pack also includes a choice of wheel designs as an alternative to the standard 19-inch alloys, as well as a premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen and carbon fibre interior inlays.

Included in the list of standard equipment, however, is the 12.3-inch digital display for Audi’s virtual cockpit, as well as Audi Connect and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, tyre pressure monitoring, and a driver assist pack.

The Audi RS3 Sportback is on sale in Australia immediately.