2015 Audi RS3 Sportback arrives with 362bhp & 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds

The new Audi RS3 Sportback has arrived to take on the Mercedes A45 AMG with its 2.5 litre 5-cylinder turbo delivering 362bhp and 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds.

The new Audi RS3 Sportback arrives – on sale March 2015

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The new Audi RS3 Sportback has arrived to claim the title of hottest of hot hatches, complete with the same 2.5 litre 5-Cylinder engine but this time wrung out to deliver 362bhp, a 0-62mph of 4.3 seconds and a top speed (if you tick the right option box) of 174mph. Proper supercar-baiting performance, and performance figures that will make the current hot hatch king – the Mercedes A 45 AMG – sit up and take note.

Just like the Mercedes, the RS3 Sportback comes with four-wheel-drive to get its power down along with a 7-speed S tronic gearbox that shifts quicker than before too.

Sitting 25mm lower than a normal A3, the RS3 gets sports suspension (and the option of magnetic ride suspension), with carbon ceramic brakes and option too for even greater stopping power.

The cosmetic tweaks for the RS3 are subtle by most performance hatch standards, but still get more aggressive bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, some good-looking 19″ alloys and a choice of Nardo Grey or Catalunya Red paintwork

The interior comes with RS updates too, with RS badging dotted around, leather sports seats (with carbon shell if you tick the option box), black or silver trim and contrast stitching (and a Design Package if you want more titivations).

The new Audi RS3 Sportback won’t make its public debut until the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, when it will go on sale in the UK at something around £40,000. First UK deliveries will be in the summer of 2015.