What’s good?

• In the hands of Audi development driver Frank Strippler, we can be sure to access the RS3s full potential and learn about how the car behaves even from the passenger seat.
• An all-new RS3 means the adoption of the lightweight MQB architecture, which underpins the likes of the VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and SEAT Leon. Around 55kg has been removed from the car’s overall weight, helping boost performance and improve running costs.
• As well as lower weight, the new platform allows for new suspension components and an electric steering system to be added.
• On a silky smooth track it’s difficult to judge ride quality, but fast cornering shows the car the remain flat and stable, meaning a more composed setup for more spirited driving.
• The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine from the previous RS3 has been carried over. No official performance figures have been released but it’s likely Audi will want the RS3 to have more power than it’s closets rival the Mercedes A45 AMG – so around 360bhp is expected.
• Testing has shown the new RS3 to be around 20 seconds quicker per lap around the Nurburgring.
• As the 2.5-litre engine is not new, Audi had to bring it in line with EU6 emissions regulations, so we can expect improvements of the current car’s 31mpg and 212g/km of CO2 outputs.
• Audi has fitted the latest Haldex 5 clutch to the RS3, helping shift power between the front and rear wheels more effectively. As a result, refinement and acceleration has improved, so expect the previous car’s 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds to be beaten.
• Only a six-speed S Tronic automatic gearbox is available on the RS3. It’s slick and precise, with the steering-wheel mounted paddles allowing you to get more involved with the car’s feel and performance.
• A new but optional sports exhausts gives a raucous engine note and more powerful but expensive carbon ceramic brakes will be made available for this first time.
• While the outside is hidden from view, the interior was exposed for all to see. The design follows the rest of Audi’s range, with plenty of soft-touch materials and an ergonomic design.  A flat-bottomed steering wheel and smattering of RS badges denotes its as the flagship model in the range.

What’s not so good?

• A starting price in the region of £40,000  is likely but that will quickly escalate when you start adding on options such as the sports exhaust and carbon ceramic brakes.
• Although CO2 emissions and fuel economy will improve, the RS3 still won’t be cheap to run as a company car