Audi RS3 Sportback 2015 - UK pictures

<span><span>The Audi RS3 is the most powerful super hot hatchback you can buy. W<span>hile it may not rank as the finest handling hatchback on the market,&nbsp;</span></span>there’s no denying how quickly it can cover straight pieces o

<span>With 362bhp extracted from its 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the new second-generation RS3 crucially beats the 355bhp Mercedes AMG A45, and&nbsp;</span><span>the 322bhp BMW M135i.</span>

<span>The Audi can compete the 0-62mph sprint in 4.3 seconds – three-tenths faster than not just the A45 AMG but also the RS3’s dad, the 4.2-litre V8 R8 supercar.</span>

<span>Not only have Audi improved performance over the old RS3&nbsp;but fuel consumption has also improved by 12.5 per cent, with CO2 emissions reduced&nbsp;by 12 per cent. You can reach 34.9mpg if you drive carefully.</span>

<span>For accomplished drivers the BMW M135i&nbsp;</span><span>will still be more fun, but for everyone else the RS3 is far quicker point to point. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>

<span>The RS3 can be made to look even more aggressive, however, with an aluminium-look exterior pack that emphasises the RS3’s square jaw-styled style.</span>

Bespoke 19-inch alloys are crammed into the flared wheel arches, while a roof spoiler and two gaping oval exhausts finish off the subtly pumped-up look.

<span>The RS3 feels a little blunt on twisty country roads.<span>&nbsp;Start chucking it around and, like its predecessor, it has a tendency to understeer as you approach the limit.</span></span>

<span>When you select Dynamic mode in the RS3, flaps in the exhaust are opened so every change up is accompanied by a large ‘bang’. On the overrun or when dropping a gear, a ‘crackle’ and a ‘pop’ can be heard.</span>

The ride on the RS3 is a little too brittle for UK roads – our test car's optional Dynamic Package includes magnetic ride that softens the worst pot holes. This £2,495&nbsp;option is good to have.

The trademark honeycomb grill that still features on the new RS3 will please fans.

<span>A flat-bottomed steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara feels fantastic in your palms, whilst&nbsp;<span>the retractable screen for displaying the sat-nav and rear parking camera come as standard.</span></span>

There’s plenty of space for rear seat passengers in the Audi RS3. The long wheelbase means that e<span>ven six-footers will be comfortable back there.</span>

<span>The RS3</span><span>&nbsp;is also a practical hatchback. The boot is a good shape offering 280 litres of space with the rear seats up and once they’re folded, there’s 1,120 litres on offer.</span>

<span>The instrument cluster in the RS3 is upgraded with a digital boost meter for the turbo.</span>

<span>The standard A3 Sportback’s interior is already a great place to start with, and the RS3 turns things up a notch with a pair of gorgeous wingback sport seats, finished in quilted leather.</span>

<span>The seven-speed S tronic gearbox has been tweaked by Audi to give faster shift times. While it’s difficult to notice the cogs changing more quickly, there’s no doubt it fires through the gears slickly.</span> <span>A&nbsp;<spa