SPY PICS: Next Audi RS 3 Sportback spotted

Fresh spy shots of the upcoming Audi RS 3 Sportback have arrived in our inbox after it was snapped taking on the Nurburgring during development testing.

The 2021 Audi RS 3 Sportback is based on the fourth-generation Audi A3 hatch launched in Europe last month and due on sale in Australia later this year, including the new S3 hot hatch we tested in February.

As we reported when we spied the new Audi RS3 sedan last month, both RS 3 models are expected to be powered by a revised version Audi’s unique 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – with more power than its predecessor (294kW/480Nm).

Once again, Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro drivetrain will be standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will be available – a combination good for a 0-100km/h sprint in about four seconds.

While the Audi RS 3 Sportback spotted here is mostly covered in camo wrap, wider wheel-arches can be seen at all four corners and the rear-end gets twin oval-section exhaust outlets and a chunky rear roof spoiler.

Up front there are big new air inlets, while large cross-drilled brake discs with red callipers are visible behind huge black wheels.

The new Audi RS 3 is expected to be launched in Europe by the end of this year, but we’re unlikely to see it in Australia until at least 2021 given the COVID-19 situation.

Oh, and the fact the existing Audi RS 3 hatch and sedan have only just become available again in Australia this month – for the first time since early 2019 – following supply backlogs in Europe due to the new WLPT emissions standard.

Pricing starts at $83,000 for the RS 3 Sportback and rises to $86,500 for the sedan (plus on-road costs).