The Audi RS3 Sportback has been unveiled. Ever since the inception of the current Audi S3 I've always been hoping that Audi would launch an RS version of that car and that moment has happened. Although I somehow feel that this would be like the shortlived B7 RS4, a fabulous sports saloon that only arrived when the B7 was in its final two (or so) years of production.

Based on a modified VW Golf GTI platform (not the current one as the A3 was launched waaayyyyyy back in 2003), the 1,575kg RS3 Sportback gets the Audi TT-RS' 2.5liter 5 cylinder turbocharged engine. In this RS3 form the engine pumps out 335bhp and 450Nm of torque. It gets a quattro (although not one based on the A4's longitudinally based engine but a Haldex type system like in the Golf GTI and Audi TT) All-wheel Drive system and uses a 7 speed S-tronic (Dual Clutch) system. Top speed is limited to 250km/h and it does 0-100km/h in 4.6seconds. It also gets 9.1ltrs/100km. Pretty good for a very,very hot hatch.

The All-wheel Drive system is assisted in the handling department by McPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension setup at the rear. Most of the suspension parts are made out of lightweight aluminium parts to lower unsprung weight which is usually key to a well behaved suspension. Aside from that, the RS3 stops on larger diameter ventilated disks measuring 370mm front and 310mm rear which somehow require 19inch alloy wheels.

The exterior mods that Audi have done to differentiate it from the regular A3 and the S3 is a redesigned front end which sports a more aggressive grille, side skirts, aluminium trimming, a dual tailpipe exhaust system and the norm on RS models