HomeReviewsCarsAudi RS3 Challenges The AMG 45 S And M135i xDrive

Audi RS3 Challenges The AMG 45 S And M135i xDrive

This Audi RS3 delivers 500Nm and a 3.8 seconds acceleration time.

Audi brings out the big guns for what could be its last ever purely petrol-powered hyper hatch. This new Audi will surprise you with its standstill to 100km/h acceleration time in just 3.8 seconds and a controlled top speed of up to 290km/h top speed. We are sure it can take a higher top speed with some restrictions removed after purchase.

There is also a RS Torque Splitter, semi slick rubbers on all four wheels and specific RS driving modes to entertain the driver of the RS3.

This new 2021 Audi RS3 is equipped with a 400hp five-cylinder high-performance engine that delivers rapid acceleration with a highly intoxicating sound.  

The engine delivers 500Nm of torque and responds even faster than before. Visually, the RS3 demonstrates its sporty DNA with a widened body, RS sports exhaust system, and cockpit displays like those found in race cars.

Its closest rival (pictured below) is the Mercedes-AMG 45 S 4MATIC+ which can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds from its hand built AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – codenamed M139, which produces up to 421hp and 500Nm which is 0.1 seconds slower than this new Audi RS3. 

Audi RS3 vs Mercedes AMG 45
Mercedes-AMG 45

Launched in March this year for RM427,673 its first batch of fully imported units were taken up in months. 

Next in line against this Audi RS3 is the 3rd generation 1 Series (pictured below) which is on sale locally as the M135i xDrive. This particular variant comes with BMW’s most powerful inline 4, the 2.0-litre B48A20 engine.

BMW M 135i xDrive_2020
BMW M 1 Series

This engine delivers 302hp between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. It takes 4.8 seconds to go from 0-100km/h and has a top speed of 250km/h.

Mercedes A 45 AMG vs. BMW M135i xDrive
BHP_Euro5 Diesel_2021_Lexus NX

At a selling price of RM355,646 it was launched in late 2020 and in just one month 30 units (its entire initial stock) was sold out. This means there is a demand for very fast hot hatch cars in Malaysia with a select group of Malaysians. 

Official brand new Audis in Malaysia are sold and warrantied by Euromobil and to date they have no plans to import and sell this hot hatch. This means both BMW Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have no worries about this segment leader disturbing their sales numbers as the other rivals, the Renault Megane RS and the Volkswagen Golf R have a very small following at present.

Used car importers (AP Holders) will definitely be bringing in this Audi RS3 as they have done for years before with other RS models. Just be patient and wait for a British registered used unit to arrive in the coming months.

If your budget is tight then you can order a used 2021 VW Golf R from an AP holder today with a possible selling price of between RM260k to RM280k which can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds which is just 0.9 seconds slower than this new Audi RS3. Will 0.9 seconds change your life on the road tomorrow?

Daniel Sherman Fernandez
Daniel Sherman Fernandez
www.dsf.my is a service to the public and other website owners. www.dsf.my is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within the site www.dsf.my. While the information contained within the site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this website is correct, complete, and up-to-date. www.dsf.my is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained inside.
RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular