Many people will consdier the Audi RS3 to be the pinnacle of hot hatches, ever since the 8P Audi have been shoe-horning the 5 cylinder motor into the little A3 platform, sadly Audi have announced that the newest iteration of the RS3 will be the last model with a 5-cylinder engine.
The result? A bahn-storming capable all-wheel-drive hot-hatch with a spritely 5-cylinder engine at the heart.
The new iteration makes the same amount of power (394bhp) as the outgoing model, and still shares the platform with the RSQ3, however they are now the only two models within the Audi range to be using their 5 cylinder powerplant, and in wider view, one of the last manufacturers to actively offer one in their line up.
The RS3 is still available in saloon and hatchback states, they also benefit from some updated parts, the front splitter, fresh rear LED light signatures, redesigned intakes, and more carbon detailing. Inside features brand new RS bucket seats, a flat bottomed steering wheel and all new info-tainment controls.
Chassis wise, Audi have announced they have tuned the torque-vectoring aspect, allowing for less understeer, and Audi say it improves turn-in and drive-out of corners.
Power is still sent through all-4 wheels and the Quattro system remains, prices are set to start at £59,510 for the Sportback, or £60,510 for the saloon, you can also option the "Carbon Vorsprung" trim, which raises the top speed from 155 to 174mph, two other trim levels are available at the point of sale.
