Audi RS 3 returns to Australian showrooms
After an 18-month hiatus, the Audi RS 3 Sportback and sedan are set to rejoin the Australian line-upAudi Australia has confirmed the popular RS 3 Sportback and sedan will return to showrooms in June after an 18-month hiatus.
The compact RS duo was put on ice in late 2018 so that Audi could certify the new model under stricter WLTP emissions testing standards. Both cars were supposed to land here in late 2019, but were subject to subsequent delays.
For 2020, the Audi RS 3 is available in familiar Sportback and sedan body types, the former starting at $83,800 (plus on-road costs) and the latter commanding a $2700 price premium at $86,500 (plus ORCs).
Those prices represent at $3500 premium over the former RS 3 Sportback, and a $2300 premium in the case of the RS 3 sedan. Audi says the price hikes correlate with additional standard equipment.
Differentiating the new model from its predecessor is more aggressive styling including a larger front grille, larger air intakes and tweaked daytime running lights within the LED headlights.
As before, the Audi RS 3 range is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine outputting 294kW and 480Nm. Both cars send drive to four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with the 0-100km/h sprint taking 4.1 seconds in either body style.
The RS 3’s firepower is complemented by electro-magnetic sports suspension, monster 370mm front discs and 310mm rear discs and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Audi RS 3 sports RS-themed buckets dressed in Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (read virtual cockpit display), plus wireless phone charging.
Infotainment is facilitated by a 7.0-inch centre screen with digital radio, distributing sound via a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system including subwoofer.
On the safety front, the 2020 Audi RS 3 range comes with adaptive cruise control, side assist, active lane assist and rear-cross traffic alert – augmenting its already-comprehensive safety suite.
A Carbon Edition option adds $3400 to either price, adding carbon-fibre mirror housings, panoramic glass sunroof, gloss black styling package with Audi rings and logos in gloss black, 19-inch Audi Sport wheels in gloss anthracite black, privacy glass and inlays in carbon twill.
The Audi RS 3 Sportback and sedan are on sale now, offered with a choice of two Audi service plan packages: three years priced at $2320 or a five-year service plan priced at $3420.
How much does the 2020 Audi RS 3 cost?
Sportback – $83,800
Sedan – $86,500
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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