Audi RS3 Sportback 2017 first drive

If anything, it sounds even more determined than before, especially in Dynamic mode, where the flaps in the exhaust are opened to increase volume. And with more power arriving earlier, there is an improvement in response and overall tractability at low revs. The new engine also pulls harder through the middle range and, when hauling along on the open road, feels happier percolating at high revs than the old iron block unit ever did.

Suffice to say the RS3 Sportback is quick. With a power-to-weight ratio increase of 23bhp per tonne, 0-62mph takes 4.1sec, which is 0.2sec faster than the old RS3 Sportback and 0.1sec less than the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic. The RS3's top speed is nominally limited to 155mph, but can be raised to 174mph.

While the engine remains the undisputed highlight, the acceleration generated both off-the-line and through the gears in Sport mode can also be attributed to the sheer efficiency and responsive nature of the revised dual clutch gearbox and four-wheel drive system. Together they provide the car with truly heroic performance in the right conditions.

It’s not all fire and brimstone, though. With a terrifically flat torque curve, the RS3 also delivers effortless part throttle cruising qualities in Comfort mode.  

With the reworked four-wheel drive system competently doling out drive to each end, there is a predictable abundance of grip on winding roads. It took a huge amount of commitment and very high cornering speeds to unseat the optional 255/30 profile Pirelli P-Zero front tyres of our test car.

However, the RS3 Sportback is now more alert and reactive. With the new engine placing a little less weight over the front end and tweaks to the camber of the front wheels increasing the contact area of the tyres, it now turns in with improved enthusiasm and resists understeer much better, backing up Audi's claims that this facelifted model is more entertaining to drive than its predecessor.

The RS3 Sportback now also feels more fluid and dependable when you're on the limit. However, it has lost none of its outright grip, nor its proficiency to place its abundant power to the road at the judicious punch of the throttle early in the exit of corners. Push it hard, and it rises to the challenge with improved balance and impressive body control.

The overall lightness and muted responses delivered by the steering around town are also improved at higher speeds out of the open road, where it becomes quite weighty and a little more communicative when you’re really hauling along through a series of constant radius corners like those we found on a smooth surfaced road winding up the mountains of Dhofar, Oman.

The heavily dusted roads we encountered also revealed another positive side to the dynamic ability of the new RS3 Sportback. With the electronic stability control system switched to Sport mode, you can persuade it to kick its tail out by lifting off early on the entry to corners. It will even encourage power oversteer when you get back on the power early enough.