Chat with me on social media either on twitter or Instagram @DanielCalbacho

Audi has created a true enthusiast car in their RS3. This isn’t a hot hatch, in fact, it would laugh at the title. Rather, this is a ‘hyper hatch’.

As a lucky member of the media who receive cars to review, my observations when engaging with fellow journo’s about the RS3 were unanimous. All who drove the RS3 light up like a Christmas tree when asked their thoughts - gushing positivity like hot melted chocolate fondants.

As you may or may not know, the RS badge stands for “Racing Sport”, in English that is. Essentially what that means for you and I is that RS products from Audi are supremely fast and tailored to be racing sports, quite literally! I use the word ‘tailored’ whenever I describe an Audi; metaphorically speaking and by comparison to fashion, Audi is less interested in being fashionable. Rather, their emphasis and attention to detail are placed in creating beautifully finished bespoke pieces that have a timeless design and feel. The problem with that is the RS3 can by pretty much unnoticed and possibly mistaken for a dolled-up A3 - most Audi’s are understated in their appearance.

The RS3 is built off a phenomenal base, the MQB platform. This base is light and agile while remaining taut. The A3 itself is a fantastic car; a leader within its class – winning the prestigious title of World Car of the Year in 2014. The RS’s engine has also won International Engine of the Year award for six consecutive years in its category.

With all that behind its name, you wouldn’t be wrong in assuming that Audi’s “top of the range” RS would be quite something. Well, is it? Most definitely.

As mentioned before: it brought all the journo’s to the yard and those that took her for a roll in the hay came out smiling. Why? I’ll do my best to explain: take its outstanding chassis, add Audi’s world famous quattro all-wheel-drive system, a lightning quick double-clutch auto in the form of their 7-speed S-tronic, throw in Audi’s legendary 2.5l 5-cyclinder turbocharged engine (270kW) that sounds more alive than the volcano, Mt. Vesuvius and it has an astonishing bite - hitting zero to whoopie in little over 4 seconds. Get what I’m saying? This is a hyper hatch, not a hot hatch.  The RS3 hits a hyper top speed of 280km/h.

From the inside, the RS3 cosset its driver and passenger in gorgeous sports seats. The seats are quilted Nappa leather featuring an embroidered RS3 logo at neck level. RS detailing can also be found on the seat belts with colour detailing, bespoke speedometer and rev counters which includes a booster gauge and sexy logo orientated floor mats.

The RS3 is available in eight paint finishes including two new shades: Nardo Grey and Catalunya Red, which is exclusive to the Audi RS 3 Sportback. My favourite is the Nardo Grey which adds drama to the RS3 road presence.

The RS3 competes directly with Merc’s AMG A45 and BM’s M135i, also worthy of the hyper-hatch title and by comparison is the best of the three for day to day ownership because it’s just so easy to drive in all types of situations, something the other two aren’t. Other indirect competitors would be a Porsche Boxter S, Cayman and TT-S all of which offer gorgeous design in place of practicality.

Standard equipment

The Audi RS3 Sportback is offered with a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Sports suspension
• Xenon plus headlights
• Audi drive select
• Audi music interface
• Audi sound system
• Bluetooth interface with audio streaming
• Parking System Plus
• Fine Nappa leather upholstery
• Front sport seats with RS embossing
• Light/rain sensor
• Aluminium look interior enhancements
• Front centre armrest
• RS3 Leather-trimmed, 3-spoke flat bottom multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles
• Cruise control system
• Digital air conditioning
• LED interior lighting

Pro’s

• Outstanding performance
• Comfortable
• Split personality – calm cruiser and veracious athlete wrapped in one
• Easy drive
• You don’t need to be an accomplished racing driver to enjoy its dynamic abilities

Con’s

• Understated looks
• Thirsty when driven quickly
• Pricey
• Expensive optional extra list

Pricing

Audi RS3 Sportback 2.5T FSI quattro S tronic: R 710,000

Warranty and Service

The Audi RS3 Sportback will be priced as follows, including the standard 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway.

audi.co.za/za