Audi RS3 Sedan 2017
The 2017 Audi RS 3 Sedan combines a compact four-door body with a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine and quattro all-wheel drive. Revealed at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016, it became the first compact Audi sedan to carry the RS badge. Early European specifications rated the engine at 400 hp and 480 Nm, with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission handling the shifts. A lowered chassis, wider tracks, larger brakes, and RS-specific bodywork separate it from the regular A3 Sedan. In the United States, the car arrived during summer 2017, with a small number of early examples sold as 2017 models ahead of the main 2018 model-year launch.
History
The Audi RS 3 Sedan belongs to the second RS 3 generation, derived from the 8V-generation A3. Before the sedan appeared, the RS 3 had mainly been offered as a Sportback hatchback powered by turbocharged five-cylinder engines. The three-box body was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on September 29, 2016, with ordering and deliveries following progressively across markets in 2017. Audi described it as the first RS model based on the A3 Sedan.
The powertrain is the centerpiece of the car. Its 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine uses an aluminum block and produces 294 kW, or 400 hp, together with 480 Nm in launch-market specifications. Power is sent through a seven-speed S tronic transmission to a permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi quoted a 0-to-100-km/h time of 4.1 seconds for certain European versions.
The RS 3 Sedan also gained dedicated suspension tuning, progressive steering, wider fenders, and upgraded brakes. U.S. sales began in summer 2017, where the sedan body was chosen instead of the Sportback for the initial market introduction.
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Anecdotes
The RS 3 Sedan was unveiled in Paris in 2016, but 2017 became its key launch year in many markets. Audi also highlighted the five-cylinder engine’s distinctive firing order, 1-2-4-5-3, which contributes to its characteristic sound. In the United States, journalists encountered a compact sedan combining 400 hp, all-wheel drive, and relatively understated styling.
Production
Audi does not provide a verified worldwide production total for the 2017 RS 3 Sedan in the sources reviewed. It is therefore more accurate not to assign a production number or describe the model as a limited edition. The car belongs to the second RS 3 generation, produced from 2015 to 2020 according to Audi’s retrospective, with the Sedan body added to the range in 2017. Availability, delivery schedules, and equipment levels differed between markets, accounting for variations among European, Japanese, and North American examples.
Press reception
Automotive journalists generally praised the combination of compact dimensions and a 400-hp five-cylinder engine. MotorTrend described the RS 3 as an unusually special sedan, emphasizing the engine’s broad torque delivery, the quick S tronic transmission, and the confidence provided by the all-wheel-drive system. Car and Driver highlighted its acceleration and everyday usability while noting that the ride could become firm on rough roads and that rear-seat space was limited. The overall critical picture was of a fast, technically cohesive performance sedan with useful daily-driver qualities, rather than a spacious family car.
Evolution
The 2017 RS 3 Sedan’s main evolution was the move to a 400-hp five-cylinder engine with a lighter aluminum block than the previous iron-block unit. The change increased output while reducing weight over the front axle. The car also adopted the visual updates associated with the A3 facelift, including slimmer headlamps, a revised Singleframe grille, and more pronounced RS details.
Its compact chassis was extensively adapted for higher performance. Audi widened the tracks, lowered the ride height, and fitted firmer suspension tuning. Audi magnetic ride adaptive dampers were available depending on the market and equipment specification. The seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive system remained central to the RS 3 Sedan’s performance character.
Variants
References
- The Audi RS 3 SedanAudi MediaInfo
Supports the Paris 2016 unveiling, first compact Audi sedan with the RS badge, 2.5 TFSI engine, 400 hp, and 480 Nm launch specifications.
- Audi RS 3 Sedan introduced in JapanAudi Japan Press Center
Supports the 2017 market introduction, 2.5 TFSI technical data, seven-speed S tronic, quattro drivetrain, dimensions, and equipment.
- A feast for the senses: upgrade for the Audi RS 3Audi MediaCenter
Supports the second-generation production period from 2015 to 2020, the addition of the sedan in 2017, the 367-to-400-PS evolution, firing order, dual-clutch transmission, and quattro.
- 2017 Audi RS3 Sedan First DriveCar and Driver
Supports the U.S. launch timing, aluminum-block five-cylinder engine, performance character, transmission behavior, and market context.
- 2017 Audi RS 3 Review, Pricing, and SpecsCar and Driver
Supports the U.S. 2017/2018 model-year distinction, four-door sedan body style, 400-hp powertrain, quattro drivetrain, and road-test context.
- 2017 Audi RS 3 First Drive: Little Package; Big BoomMotorTrend
Supports contemporary press reaction, engine characteristics, seven-speed transmission, all-wheel-drive behavior, chassis impressions, and U.S. launch context.
- https://www.audi.com/en/rs-3-sedan-216/technical-dataaudi.com
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- https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/1545/file_en/4fa19f9df51c551a54ddb969966dffefecb35555/eTD-Audi-RS3-Sedan_260306.pdf?1773307281=&disposition=attachmentuploads.audi-mediacenter.com
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