Audi RS3 Sportback review: Audi’s latest family car is not your average hatchback — and it can do 174mph
The beauty of a hatchback with this much power is the unexpectedness of it
IT’S safe to say that no one needs a hatchback that’s capable of doing 174mph.
That’s just plain obvious, no one in their right mind would argue that you do.
But when you drive the Audi RS3, you find yourself constantly reminded by people that your small car has excessive helpings of horsepower — as if you’re too thick to see that.
You get: “Ooooo, you wouldn’t catch me spending that sort of money,” and “What’s the point of a car that fast, you’ll only end up sat in traffic.”
Yeah, all right. What they’re actually saying is: “I wish I drove that car.”
Of course, no one needs a small family runaround which sprints from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, but we want one.
The beauty of a hatchback with this much power is the unexpectedness of it. When you look at a Porsche 911 — with its racing aero and two seats — it looks like it should be a four- second sprinter.
But the RS3 distinguishes itself from the estate agent-favourite Audi A3 it’s based on in only the most tasteful of ways — it’s not gone down the Ford Focus RS route.
It’s still clear this isn’t your average hatchback though, the telltale signs are there. Gaping air intakes at the front give the game away, as does its Rizla-thin ground clearance (stay away from speed humps). And for the short-sighted, the word “Quattro” emblazoned on the front bumper should clear up any mystery.
Speaking of Quattro, Audi’s second-to-none AWD system, mated with that eye-watering 0-62 time, adds up to a cornering maestro.
Rain or shine, you would need to wring its neck extremely hard to feel the rubber slip. Despite my best efforts, I never managed it.
If the RS3’s understated styling leaves the inner Max Power kid in you a bit deflated, all your nagging doubts will be drowned out once the ignition is turned.
The symphony of sound made by the RS3’s 2.5-litre turbo engine — which knocks out 395bhp — could bring a castle down. People will hear you coming from three towns over.
But all the speed and noise aside, you’ve still got yourself a practical car. You can even get it in the saloon version if you want bumper boot space.
As a daily drive, in comfort mode, it’s perfectly civilised. Specially made sports seats, complete with RS3 logo, add to the sense of occasion, and Audi’s virtual cockpit declutters the cabin, improving the view even further.
What isn’t civilised is the price. At £45K you’ve got to seriously ask yourself whether it’s worth it for a small car which will easily get your licence ripped up.
Key facts
AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK
Price: £44,755
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo petrol
Economy: 34mpg
0-62mph: 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 174mph
Length: 4.5 metres
CO2: 189g/km
If you went for the BMW M140i, you would save ten grand, although you would be giving away around 60bhp. It’s also worth remembering a brand new 2.0-litre turbo Mercedes A45 is coming next year, which Mercedes promises will pack “well over 400bhp” — making it the highest bhp-per-litre car in the world.
But, for now, the RS3 is the king of the super hot hatches, and to hold the crown for another year or so will be enough to justify the price tag for many people.
Even if they will get constantly told their car is too fast.
Amazing tracer
YAMAHA makes bikes to suit every taste and the Tracer 900 has long been one of its most popular models.
A touring bike in the middle of the sports and adventure sectors, there are tens of thousands out there, carrying owners to work, down twisty roads at the weekend and across Europe on big-mileage holidays.For 2018, Yamaha has improved the base 900 and added a kitted-out GT version. We rode them both in Grenada, Spain.
The new Tracer is narrower and slightly taller, improving stability and handling in all riding conditions. The screen has been redesigned and is now adjustable with one hand on the move, rather than having to pull over and twist knobs like you used to.Power and performance are largely the same, which isn’t a bad thing. The gel that holds the Tracer together is its peachy 850cc triple-cylinder motor.
Power and torque are everywhere you want them to be but it is the playful character of the engine that keeps you coming back for more.
Your head and heart are in agreementThe GT is loaded, as standard, with features that would be expensive add-ons with other manufacturers.Cruise control, heated grips, a quick shifter, riding modes, ABS and traction control are all included in the price.
An easy-to-read but flash-looking TFT screen tells you all you need to know while you ride, while the seat has been resculpted for extra comfort. Your pillion gets lower pegs and larger grab-handles. Yamaha really has thought of everything.The ride is engaging and, if you want to go slowly to take in the view, the Tracer is more than happy. Turn things up for some fun and it will do that, too.
We recommend the GT version. At £10,700, you would be hard pushed to find a rival bike with as many features and benefits as this one.
Choosing a bike is rarely a logical process – emotion and excitement often get in the way. But with the Tracer 900 GT, you can go with your heart knowing your head is in complete agreement.
Value-for-money motorcycling has never been so good.
- For more bikes, head to or search “Bike World” on YouTube.
Swedes turn on to elec-trucks
THE term “electric highway” in the UK refers to the network of roadside charging points for electric cars – but in Sweden it now has a much more relevant meaning.
Near the city of Gavle (no, nor me) the first road that charges up trucks as they drive has been opened – the initial step in the Swedes’ mission to make an entirely fossil-free haulage fleet by 2030.
The best way to think of it is as a giant Scalextric track. On the road surface is a metal rail that conducts electricity. Specially adapted trucks dangle an arm down to the rail and connect, soaking up power.
The project, called eRoadArlanda, features a 1¼-mile stretch of highway which has so far been tested in both snow and rain with no problems, according to the Swedes.The connecting arm moves aside any water or muck that has got into the rail, keeping it clean as a whistle.
Developers promise the recessed rail, above, is too narrow for a motorbike or pushbike to get caught in – although as someone who has seen many a cyclist come a cropper on tram lines, I’m sceptical.
If successful, it could have huge implications for the world of EVs – at the moment the biggest problem is charging access and charging time.
Fingers crossed
DIESEL engines could be saved from extinction thanks to amazing new technology from Bosch.
The engineering firm says it has developed a diesel engine which cuts the production of nasty NOx emissions by up to 90 per cent.
If true, the engine would easily comply with the tougher emissions laws arriving in 2020, which are being seen as potentially the final nail in diesel’s coffin.
Already sales of diesel cars are down at least 17 per cent.
Dr Volkmar Denner, CEO of Bosch, said: “Today, we want to put a stop once and for all to the debate about the demise of diesel technology.”
The new technology means consumers will still be able to buy a diesel without being punished by emissions laws, and continue enjoying all the money saving benefits of a diesel engine.
From 2020 all diesel cars will have to produce no more than 120 milligrams of NOx per kilometre, down from the current cap of 168 milligrams.
But Bosch reckons its new engine can produce as little as 13 milligrams.
Fingers crossed.
MOST READ IN MOTORS
Reader's car of the week
WE’VE always got room for a modded Ford – like this one sent in by Ciaran Calderwood from Ayr, South Ayrshire.
Ciaran says: “Here is my 2009 plate Zetec S Ford Fiesta.
“I have a huge passion for buying cars and modifying them to make it unique to my own taste. So far I’ve had the windows tinted, added a performance grille, lowered it and fitted a performance air filter intake.
“I’ve also got metal-pressed registration plates with private reg which is ‘W33 CRC’, which refers to ‘wee Ciaran Reid Calderwood’ – my name.
“I plan on getting custom alloys and a full custom exhaust system.”
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