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Matt Brogan1 Oct 2015
NEWS

Audi says RS 3 can double RS sales

Strong pre-orders and affordability set to strengthen Audi Sport sales Down Under

Audi has this week launched its hotly-anticipated RS 3 Sportback in Australia. The second-generation model is the first to go on sale locally, and with a pricetag of $78,900 (plus on-road costs) is the most affordable RS model to yet reach these shores.

Audi says this factor, combined with the 270kW and 465Nm performance of a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, has seen an unexpectedly high number of pre-sales. Over 350 orders have already been taken for the RS 3 Sportback, a figure Audi Australia managing director, Andrew Doyle, says will likely double sales of its RS and Sport models.

"We see genuine volume appeal for this newest RS model, in fact we believe it has the potential to double our RS and Audi Sport sales overall," Doyle told media gathered at the local launch of the RS 3 Sportback via pre-recorded video this week.

"Not only will it be the most affordable RS model ever, it is also a very convincing package for the Australian performance car enthusiast. Our customers have shown great interest in the new RS 3 Sportback already, with over 350 orders taken before they officially go on sale."

The RS 3 Sportback will compete directly with Mercedes-AMG's A 45, and although dearer to the tune of $3100, is 0.3sec faster in the sprint for 0-100km/h at just 4.3sec.

Well equipped, the RS 3 Sportback arrives standard with a long list of equipment. Included are the RS sports exhaust (optional in other markets), a leather/Alcantara three-spoke flat-bottom steering with aluminium shift paddles, MMI Navigation plus, DAB+ digital radio, LED headlights, DRLs and tail-lights, park assist and rear-view camera, stainless steel pedals, heated sport seats, Bluetooth, and dual-zone climate control.

The RS 3 Sportback is further available with an RS Performance package for $6490. The pack includes sticky lower-profile rubber – 255/30-series front and 235/35-series (rear) Pirelli P Zero hoops – on 19-inch five-arm matte titanium alloys, a Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade, magnetic dampers, carbon-fibre interior inlays and red-painted calipers.

Audi says the RS 3 Sportback arrives with an electronically-capped top speed of 250km/h, but says this can be lifted to 280km/h, which it adds is a benchmark in the segment. All models arrive with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard, the latter now serviced by a faster-acting Haldex V electronically controlled multi-plate clutch set at the rear axle for improved weight distribution.

Torque vectoring is also included, braking the inside wheels to improve turn-in and reduce understeer, while launch control and carbon-ceramic brakes are also available.

"We're absolutely delighted to present the most powerful compact car in the premium segment," Doyle added. "I believe the blistering performance [of the RS 3 Sportback] is exactly what enthusiasts have been calling for in this country."

The Audi RS 3 Sportback goes on sale locally this month (October 2015).

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Written byMatt Brogan
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