AUDI RS 3 SPORTBACK IS (ALMOST) THE REAL DEAL

Not once did I ever think I would say, or even think it, but after several laps on the Killarney Race track in Cape Town, the RS 5 is my kinda car. Mind you, I really liked the RS 5 each time I drove it, but I cannot say I fell for it. It’s a car I believe is better than the BMW M3 pound for pound, and after experiencing it on its natural turf, my beliefs have been reinforced. Strange that, given the launch was not for the RS 5 but for the RS 3 Sportback.

Audi South Africa did the motoring media something of a favour by launching the RS 3 on a track, at the same time inviting both RS 5 and TT RS to the party. “Risky” I thought, “what if one of the other cars turns out more sorted than the main star of the show?” As it turns out, this is exactly what happened.

First I drove the RS 5 which I thought would feel lethargic as it does in Gauteng. Not on the coast. The thing was agile, responsive and sounded like an incoming meteor shower. That 4.2-litre V8 with 331kW is still quite willing and yes, very able too. Throttle response was immediate, even daring, while cornering was sharp and almost precise. Actually the RS 5 felt much lighter than when I slid it all across Khayalami last year.

Then came the TT RS, a car I’m very familiar with. This was the facelift model which now includes LED daytime running lights, a fixed boot spoiler and a 7-speed S tronic gearbox with twin clutches among other features. Like a Chinese cracker on New Years, TT RS took off into the wild, attacking corners with solid confidence, fetching power (250kW, 450Nm) swiftly with each change of gear. Quattro is of course ever-present but doesn’t intrude to such an extent as to take away the fun.

Lastly the star of the show, RS 3. Based on the A3 Sportback from 2005, which was updated in 2008, RS 3 immediately feels like an old car. That it’s only available in this Sportback wagon format is quite historical because the first official RS car, the 232kW RS 2, was only released as an Avant (station wagon) back in 1994. Of the 180 units produced in right-hand-drive, Mzansi only got a few imported.

The interior, although pimped up to RS division standards, still reeks of A3’s simplicity. Detailing is quite excellent though, including the stitching on the winged bucket leather seats, a perforated flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminium detailing, and the MMI infotainment system.

Contrary to its very muscular looks, the car is quite tame when starting up the engine. The 2.5-litre turbo unit, whose 250kW is whipped out almost instantaneously, while 450Nm of torque appears from what feels like out of nowhere, or between 1600rpm and 5300rpm. RS 3 doesn’t scream about its business; it’s very subtle, unconcerned. Nought to 100km/h is said to take 4.6 seconds, with top speed pegged at 250km/h. Because of the track layout and programme for the day, none of these were tested, although up the main front straight before the sharp first left-hander, a top end of 185km/h was seen on the speedo a few times. Down the back straight we could hit 175km/h, just before smashing the brakes at a track marker.

For what you are paying, there’s a lot you get from the RS 3. One is the super engine, with ample supply of power and guaranteed performance on most surfaces, thanks to quattro AWD. Then there’s the space, which in its segment (of two admittedly), is totally unmatched. One can even load a small ladder through. So on paper it looks tops, but driver enjoyment cannot be documented. It can only be experienced. I expected to enjoy the RS 3. And I did. Quite thoroughly too. Yet it didn’t blow me away. In fact, I found myself being sucked by the TT RS more often than the RS 3.

The average, middle-of-the-road performance seeker with a new family will be very entertained. On the other hand, the guy who likes his heart attacks frequent and near-death will go with the BMW 1 M Coupe.


Audi RS 3 Sportback Pricing
(R525 000)