Audi RS3 Sportback 2016

The RS3’s 2.5 TFSI engine continues Audi’s five-cylinder tradition, a layout strongly associated with the brand’s competition cars during the 1980s. Audi states that this engine family won the International Engine of the Year award in its category for five consecutive years from 2010 to 2014. The 2016 RS3 uses an evolved version with direct injection, turbocharging and an intercooler.

Audi UK lists the RS3 Sportback model period as 2015 to 2016. The second generation appeared in Europe during summer 2015, while Audi Japan announced local sales beginning on October 20, 2015. It was produced as the high-performance derivative of the A3 Sportback and offered with a consistent core specification in the available documentation: a five-cylinder engine, S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. No sufficiently reliable worldwide production total was identified in the sources consulted. Country-by-country volumes, equipment splits and possible limited editions should therefore not be inferred from the model’s sales period alone.

Specialist publications generally acknowledged the progress made over the previous RS3. Autocar praised the car’s performance, engine and gearbox, while also pointing to a relatively detached chassis and a high price. In its November 2016 review, evo described the RS3 as fast, practical and well finished, but less rewarding on track than some less powerful rivals. The overall verdict was therefore balanced: the Sportback impressed with its acceleration, stability and five-cylinder soundtrack, yet its weight and tendency toward understeer reduced driver involvement in corners. Its appeal rested more on effortless pace and everyday usability than on class-leading agility.