Launched: Audi RS3 Sedan – 400 PS Performance Sedan Lands, Priced From RM646,990

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) sees its local Audi line-up grow further today following the introduction of the Audi RS3 Sedan. The compact performance saloon is the latest from the four-ringed marque’s RS performance range to enter our market officially after the RS Q8 super-SUV that launched last year, as well as the all-electric Audi RS e-tron GT that landed earlier this year.

Based on the A3 compact sedan, this RS-badged performance flagship is primed with an award-winning powertrain consisting of a unique turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cyl powerplant, slick 7-speed S-Tronic transmission, and Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) driveline. Altogether, the package delivers 400 PS and 500 NM, allowing for 0-100 KM/H sprints despatched in just 3.8 seconds.

Added control comes from the presence of a torque splitter – the first Audi model to feature this tech – that variably distributes torque between the rear wheels to provide greater lateral dynamics and stability. Adding to which too is an adaptive suspension suite promising a smooth ride, with better handling and cornering ability.

Aptly, this explains how the RS3 Sedan to claim the title as the Fastest Compact Car on the famed ‘Green Hell’ that is the Nurburgring Nordschleife where it charted a blistering laptime of 7 minutes and 40.748 seconds (7:40.748).

In terms of styling, the RS3 Sedan is set apart from its lesser A3 and S3 Sedan sibling thanks to a bevy of sporty aesthetics. Highlights include its aggressive full aerokit, signature RS black Audi four rings, single-frame honeycomb grille, as well as a darkened Matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running light (DRL) signature plus RS-specific coming home/leaving home and dynamic light sequences.

As for exterior colour choices, PHSAM will offer the RS3 Sedan with six options, those being Kyalami Green, Kemora Grey, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Python Yellow and Daytona Gray.

On board, the Malaysian-flavoured RS3 Sedan sees its cabin furnished with black, red or green trim choices to offset the fine Nappa leather-wrapped sport seats boasting RS honeycomb stitching, not forgetting a signature RS-exclusive steering wheel design. Present here too is Audi’s virtual cockpit displays plus the Audi Drive Select suite that offers different RS-specific driving modes.

Keen on House Ingolstadt’s take on the performance compact saloon genre? Well, get ready because it’s no bargain so to speak, commanding a base price of RM646,990, or RM655,990 with the Audi Assurance Package included.

If you’re fortunate enough to have resident status in tax-exempted states and locales (i.e. Langkawi or Labuan), then the price read at much lower figures of RM315,343.73, or RM324,343.73 with the Audi Assurance Package added, instead.