In 2021, the Audi RS 3 Sportback celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of a 3rd generation.

Under the hood, the 5-cylinder turbo that has always been the charm of this model has been preserved, against and against ... all those who want the skin of mechanical character.

In this period of all-out electrification, this conservatism pleases enthusiasts!

For the pleasure of the ears ...

In 10 years, this mechanical cathedral of 2.5 liters of displacement has of course evolved to meet emission standards but it has especially gained in power, reaching 400 horsepower in 2017. This power remains unchanged but it arrives earlier in the revs, at 5,600 rpm, while the torque has been increased by 20 Nm. Result: on the exercise from 0 to 100 km / h, it now sits at the top of its segment by performing it in 3, 8 seconds.

By opting for the RS Dynamic pack, it can even point to 290 km / h.

Therefore, do we really need to explain to you that it is "bombing" !?

From 2,250 rpm, the thrust is extraordinary and the sound orgasmic!

Even with all the pollution control filters, Audi has managed to preserve the so melodious sound of the 5-cylinder.

We love !

And on the behavior side, there is a famous change ...

When German rhymes with fun

It goes without saying that the RS 3, with so much power, is still equipped with the Quattro all-wheel drive system, well known from Audi.

Yes, but with a technical innovation hidden on the rear axle called “Torque splitter”.

In French, it is a distributor capable of varying the torque between the two rear wheels.

In dynamic driving, priority is given to the outside wheel when cornering, so that the rear axle can pivot more easily.

With this technical sleight of hand, Audi even decided to create a “drift” mode allowing controlled skids.

The manufacturer recommends using it only on the track, but if we remain reasonable, using it on the road provides even more fun and efficient behavior.

Because in this case, the power can only be sent to one of the rear wheels in order to offer sensations comparable to those of a rear-wheel drive car (propulsion).

We have tested this system on the (wet) roads of Mont-Ventoux and the RS3 is devilish in these conditions: to wonder which production car could prove to be more efficient on such a course!

Note that our test copy benefited from adaptive damping available for the 1st time on the RS 3. Verdict?

The comfort is remarkable but it will have to be added to an already steep bill of € 69,900, as well as to the penalty of… € 21,966.

Is the RS3 a crime?

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The Audi RS 3 Sportback in a few figures

  • Engine: 5 cyl, gasoline;

    2,480 cm3;

    400hp - 500 Nm

  • Transmission: four-wheel

  • Gearbox: 7-speed auto

  • L / l / h (mm): 4.389 / 1.851 / 1.436

  • Empty weight (kg): 1.380

  • Boot space (l): 282

  • Tank (l): 55

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 3.8

  • V-max (km / h): 250 (290 optional)

  • Conso.

    combined (l / 100 km): 8.3

  • CO2 (g / km): 190

  • Price (€): from 69.900

  • Car

  • Sports cars

  • Audi

  • Automotive

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