Motoring News
A HAPPY RETURN FOR AN AUDI ICON
A HAPPY RETURN FOR AN AUDI ICON
By DEREK OGDEN
Audi RS 3 Sportback, featuring the legendary 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine.
The Audi RS 3 went AWOL more than 18 months ago due to delays that Audi said were brought about by the implementation of new WLTP homologation rules in Europe.
Now the Audi icon, truly a thing of worship to some enthusiasts, is back with its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine fired up and ready to go. With a heritage that dates back to the legendary Sport quattro S1 Group B rally car of the early 1980s, the RS 3 makes a return as a Sedan and Sportback, the latter, Audi’s take on a performance hatchback.
The RS 3 develops 294 kW and 480 Nm from its 2480 cc capacity engine to offer outstanding performance, sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while returning a combined fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Prices start at $83,800 for the Audi RS 3 Sportback, RS 3 Sedan tips the scales at $86,500, both without on-road costs. Capping off the dynamic duo, the RS 3 offers exclusive Carbon editions for $3400, featuring a range of styling elements in gloss black to enhance their sporting characteristics.
STYLING
Based on A3 architecture, the exterior design of the RS 3 Sedan that Audi tells us is aimed to give an aggressive stance. Up front, bold ‘quattro’ branding takes pride of place beneath a modern single-frame grille, while large intakes feed more air to satisfy cooling demands of the powerful engine.
Thin beams of light projected by LED headlamps and taillights are also there to emphasise the car’s attitude.
Metallic paint comes standard. Also adding further to the RS 3 character are 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in five-arm blade design in matt titanium look, gloss turned finish with 235/35 tyres.
INTERIOR
The RS 3 Sedan cabin puts the enthusiastic driver in the box seat from the start with RS sport front seats, upholstered in Nappa leather, with diamond-patterned stitching, while the flat-bottom sports steering wheel features an Alcantara and leather combination that’s comfortable to grip.
An acoustic windscreen is standard, while further measures to reduce interior noise, even at high speed, include wheel housing shells made of non-woven material.
INFOTAINMENT
Audi took the traditional dial-based instrument panel and replaced it with the virtual cockpit, which allows the driver to control what information, navigation data and infotainment functions are displayed in high-definition.
A selectable sport mode features a central rev counter and performance-oriented secondary displays such as lap timer, power/torque output or charge pressure. This is supplemented by RS-specific functions such as G-Meter, shift light and tyre pressure.
Infotainment is provided through an electronically retractable colour display, including MMI navigation plus and the Audi smartphone interface for easy connection. There’s wireless phone charging, two USB ports and DAB digital radio and a Bang and Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The transverse five-cylinder engine develops a 294 kW and 480 Nm from its 2480 cc capacity. It has a lot of advanced technology, with an aluminium crankcase, dual injection, the valve-lift system and a high-pressure 1.35 bar turbocharger.
Coupled to an advanced seven-speed S tronic transmission with its virtually instantaneous gear changes and quattro all-wheel drive system are capable of redirecting huge power and torque in milliseconds to the wheels with the most traction for more dynamic, safer and involved handling.
SAFETY
The RS 3 Sedan brings a host of advanced driver assistance safety systems as standard, including side assist, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control (with Stop & Go) and rear cross traffic assist. The range has been awarded a five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program.
Audi RS 3 Sportback, featuring the legendary 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine.
DRIVING
With an output of 294 kW and peak torque of 480 Nm on tap as low as 1700 rpm and constant all the way to 5850 revs, the new turbocharged engine is capable of spearing the RS 3 Sedan to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and to the top of the class.
Audi claims a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres. On test the RS 3 Sedan recorded 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres on a mix of city work and highway hauling.
The sound of the powerplant, with its 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, is amplified through the standard RS exhaust system, with active baffles in the rear muffler that can be activated via Audi drive select.
The Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan utilise a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, delivering speedy shifts. The transmission will operate automatically or with the driver manually shifting gear through steering wheel-mounted paddles.
There are two driving modes in automatic – D mode is optimised for stop / start traffic, while S mode has the vehicle in more agile mood with changes at higher revs. Here launch-control is at optimum traction getting the best out of the car’s acceleration.
The tuning of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, where the torque delivery is distributed quickly and precisely via an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, automatically sending more drive to the rear wheels during dynamic driving, to ensure ideal cornering balance.
The RS 3 Sedan features RS sport suspension and Audi magnetic ride as standard. RS 3 Sedan occupants can take advantage of Audi Drive Select which will dial up a range of handling characteristics from comfort, or auto to dynamic or individual, while also working on the accelerator pedal, steering and exhaust flaps.
In dynamic mode, the Audi magnetic ride resists braking and cornering forces on the car’s attitude, heightening agile and responsive handling. It’s strictly for trackwork.
As for ‘comfort’, it’s comfort, Jim, but not as we know it. On anything but a billiard table-top smooth road surface the RS 3 Sedan bumps and bangs its way over even minor blemishes.
Black eight-piston brake calipers clamp (and I mean ‘clamp’) 370 mm ventilated rotors at the front of the RS 3, with 310 mm discs at the rear, providing powerful stopping performance inside 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in 235/35 tyres as standard.
The RS 3 Sedan is capable of carrying 315 litres of luggage in the boot, or 770 litres with the rear bench seat back folded.
SUMMARY
Nothing much has changed since the RS 3 Sportback and Sedan first appeared in 2017, which may be quite a comfort to its army of admirers, who will no doubt not be put off with the near $2000 price rise due to currency movements.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Audi RS 3 Sportback: $83,800
Audi RS 3 Sedan: $86,500
Audi RS 3 Sportback Carbon Edition: $87,200
Audi RS 3 Sedan Carbon Edition: $89,900
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Audi RS 3 2.5L TFSI Turbo 5-cylinder petrol, 7sp automatic Quattro Sedan)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.480 litres
Configuration: Five cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 294 kW @ 5850-7000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 480 Nm @ 1950-5850 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 98 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.5 L/100km
CO2 emissions: 194g / km
DRIVELINE: Seven-speed automatic, Quattro AWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4479 mm
Wheelbase: 2631 mm
Width: 1960 mm
Height: 1399 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 1510 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited kilometres
2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure
By Jeff Gibbs
The all-new 2025 Smart #5 electric SUV is set to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors, combining cutting-edge electric technology with features designed for adventure. Created through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely (Volvo’s parent company), the “hashtag five” is poised to change weekend getaways with a unique blend of off-road capability, luxury, and tech.
Power and Range At the heart of the Smart #5 is a massive 100kWh battery, offering an impressive range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge. But this vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s equipped to power outdoor adventures. The Smart #5 can run a variety of appliances, including a fridge, movie projector, and a high-fidelity stereo, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and outdoor escapes.
Design and Off-Road Capability Sized similarly to a Subaru Forester, the Smart #5 is designed for mild off-road tasks with all-wheel-drive traction and ample ground clearance. For those looking to push further into the wild, an optional off-road pack draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, featuring practical additions like a fold-down ladder, rooftop cargo tray, and external storage for muddy or wet gear.
Luxurious Interior and Advanced Technology Inside, the Smart #5 offers a premium experience with a digital dashboard and two high-resolution AMOLED displays. The SUV also boasts an augmented reality head-up display, giving drivers enhanced navigation and information at a glance. Powered by a water-cooled computer processor, the system can run movies and video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub for remote locations.
2025 Smart #5 Interior
The vehicle’s heated seats come with a massage function and can fold flat to create a “king size” sleeping space — perfect for overnight stays, though likely not quite as large as a traditional mattress. Adding to the luxurious feel, the Sennheiser surround sound system provides immersive audio, while a cute electronic avatar acts as a digital assistant, similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri.
Innovative Features for Outdoor Adventures One of the standout features is the built-in movie projector, which, combined with the climate-controlled cabin, offers a unique way to relax under the stars. The SUV’s robust electrical system also allows it to power various appliances, transforming campsites into high-tech getaways.
Launch and Market Plans Though pricing details have not been confirmed, industry expectations suggest the Smart #5 could approach the $100,000 mark, especially given its extensive features and capabilities. This places it above the smaller Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.
The brand’s decision to debut the model globally in Byron Bay, Australia, underscores its intent to bring the Smart #5 to the Australian market. After its initial release in China later this year, production for Australia is expected to begin in 2025, with journalists from Europe and Asia already traveling to see the model in person.
With its combination of eco-friendly electric power, innovative tech, and off-road capability, the 2025 Smart #5 promises to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, catering to those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.
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