Audi South Africa recently launched the new RS3 in two body types, a sedan and a Sportback.
The Sportback has a starting price of R1,215,000, putting it in competition with the likes of Mercedes-AMG with its A45 S.
This is what you can expect when opting for either hot hatchback from these German automakers.
Hot performance
Audi’s new “baby RS” runs on a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, giving the Sportback a power output of 294kW and 500Nm.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes a mere 3.8 seconds and its top speed is clocked at 250km/h, with the option to take it as far as 290km/h.
With a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox connecting to all four wheels, the RS3 will return a fuel consumption figure of 9.0l/100km.
Mercedes’ sportiest A-Class, on the other hand, makes use of a smaller 2.0-litre turbocharged drivetrain, though its power figure is actually slightly higher at 310kW and it shares identical torque at 500Nm.
Its acceleration is also near identical at 3.9 seconds, and its top speed maxes out at 270km/h.
AMG’s offering then employs an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with its 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, and the end result is an improved fuel consumption over the Audi of 8.4l/100km.
Flagship features
Befitting its RS designation, Audi’s Sportback is fitted with 19-inch alloys, a black honeycomb grille, large dual tailpipes, and an angular roof spoiler.
Additionally, the RS3 comes standard with Matrix LED headlamps, and customers have the option to add one of three styling packages for the exterior, including black, aluminium, or carbon.
Inside, the Audi is sold with a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a 10.1-inch media screen, as well as a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a rearview camera, park assist, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and cruise control.
The dashboard and instrument panels, meanwhile, come with a carbon fibre finish, while the suede and artificial leather seats sport contrast stitching.
Looking to the Mercedes, the A45 is equipped with the brand’s 10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system, which is installed alongside a digital driver display atop the dashboard.
Other standard features comprise dual-zone climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a suede and artificial leather upholstery, keyless start and entry, cruise control, and front and rear park distance control.
On the visual front, the AMG is styled with Matrix LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and red brake calipers.
Pricing
The South African starting price for the new Audi RS3 Sportback Quattro is R1,215,000.
This includes a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway maintenance plan.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ has a South African starting price of R1,300,943.
Each purchase includes a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km Premium Drive maintenance plan.
Audi RS3 Sportback
Mercedes-AMG A45 S
Keyword: New Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG A45 S – Sportback showdown