Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol turbo engine, also found in the TT RS, that produces 335bhp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
This ultimate hatchback features permanent quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic double-clutch gearbox with steering wheel paddles.
0-62 mph comes in 4.6 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Average fuel consumption is an impressive 31mpg, mainly thanks to delivery-on-demand oil pump and a regenerative system that recovers energy as the car decelerates.
The new RS model boasts 19-inch alloys fitted with 235/35 series tyres at the front and 225/35 at the rear. Big internally ventilated disks measure 370 millimeters in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters at the rear.
Visual changes to the regular A3 include a new xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, the front apron, the anthracite single-frame grill with diamond-patterned styling, big air intakes, flared front fenders, mirror casings in matt aluminum, roof spoiler, RS 3 badges, black diffusor insert and two exhaust tailpipes on the left.
Standard equipment includes a rear parking camera, climate control, Sport button, climate control, chorus radio system and sports seats(bucket seats are optional).
The RS 3 Sportback will be available for order next month with a price tag of around £42,000.
