Audi Korea has launched the ultra-high-performance compact sedan, the ‘New RS 3’, which will go on sale starting from the 27th.
The Audi RS models are abbreviated from ‘Renn Sport (Racing Sport)’, symbolizing Audi’s challenges to technical limits. These high-performance vehicles are produced by Audi Sport GmbH, a subsidiary responsible for developing related technologies, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The ‘New Audi RS 3’ is the first model introduced to the domestic market, combining the explosive performance of a super sports car with practicality for everyday driving, sophistication, and Audi’s uniquely elegant yet sporty design.
The ‘New Audi RS 3’ is equipped with a 2.5L 5-cylinder gasoline direct-injection turbocharged engine and a 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission, generating a formidable power output of 407 horsepower and a maximum torque of 50.99 kg.m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 280 km/h, with a combined fuel efficiency of 9.2 km per liter (urban fuel efficiency: 8.0 km/L, highway fuel efficiency: 11.2 km/L).
Additionally, it features Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive system and the RS sports suspension, which enhances the differences between each drive mode of the Audi Drive Select system, ensuring agile and sporty driving performance while significantly improving ride quality. The ‘New Audi RS 3’ is equipped with RS sports exhaust systems, Audi Drive Select with three RS modes, and progressive steering, ensuring dynamic, sporty racing performance.
The exterior design of the ‘New Audi RS 3’ harmoniously combines the compact proportions and sportiness of the A3 sedan with RS signature design elements. It expresses its unique personality with an RS 3 badge and Audi rings on the front grille and rear, a new design front and rear bumper featuring large air intakes, an oval rear diffuser, and black package details. The application of a carbon package on the powered side mirrors and the striking 19-inch 5-spoke Y-style graphic design wheels with RS red brake calipers further enhances the strong and sporty image of the RS model. The ‘Matrix LED headlights’ boast a higher brightness than standard LEDs with closely arranged beams for a wider field of vision, showcasing Audi’s advanced design and elegance. The LED taillights with dynamic turn signals also allow for adjustable brightness, providing high visibility and safety.
The interior of the ‘New Audi RS 3’ includes the RS design package, featuring front seats with red Dinamica side trim, red air vent strips, and an Alcantara steering wheel, as well as RS sports seats in Napa leather with a honeycomb pattern and RS logo, and matte carbon Atlas inlays, intuitively reflecting the RS sentiment. The 3-spoke multifunction D-cut steering wheel with shift paddles on the driver’s side and stainless steel pedals, alongside ambient lighting (30 colors), front RS door entry lights, and a black headlining, encapsulate the premium brand image and Audi’s luxurious quality.
The ‘New Audi RS 3’ is fitted with various advanced safety and convenience systems by default. Features such as ‘front and rear parking assist systems,’ ‘lane departure warning,’ ‘park assist,’ ‘side assist,’ and ‘hold assist’ enhance convenience and safety for parking and vehicle operation, while adaptive cruise control and various driver assistance systems like ‘pre-sense basic’ and ‘pre-sense front’ offer a safer and easier driving experience.
Equipped with a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit Plus’ featuring an RS mode exclusive display, and ‘MMI Navigation Plus’ touchscreen, as well as a ‘head-up display’, the vehicle allows the driver to control all vehicle information integratively and intuitively. The ‘Audi Smartphone Interface’ enables the driver to directly access their smartphone content, while the ‘Audi Connect’ system offers navigation and infotainment functions, vehicle control, emergency calls, and more services and functions for a relaxed and safe driving experience.
Furthermore, the infotainment system includes wireless charging, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear USB ports, voice control, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (16 channels, 15 speakers, 680 watts) to provide the utmost driving enjoyment. The ‘Audi Connect’ system facilitates various safety and convenience services through connectivity between the vehicle, the driver, and the network, enabling the driver to remotely control the vehicle through the My Audi application, check vehicle status, locate the vehicle, and request emergency roadside assistance.
The price of the ‘New Audi RS 3’ is 76,959,000 KRW (including VAT).
Meanwhile, Audi provides a basic warranty called “Audi Warranty” for all Audi models sold through official dealerships, ensuring coverage for five years or up to a total mileage of 150,000 km (whichever comes first). In addition, Audi offers the ‘Audi Car Service Plus’ program, which provides regular inspections and replacement of consumable parts for vehicle maintenance. This program provides essential replacement parts and services according to the recommended vehicle inspection intervals, offering professional and systematic vehicle maintenance at authorized Audi service centers without any additional cost.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr