Hyper hatchback: five cool things about the Audi RS3 Competition Limited:
Car changing is a big deal
The writing’s on the wall for the Audi RS3, one of our favourite hot hatchbacks, and Audi has launched a limited edition car to see off production. Our resident performance car nerd Mario Christou takes a deep-dive into what makes it special
This is the new Audi RS3 Competition Limited, a super-special edition of the venerable hyper-hot hatchback that’s pretty exclusive, with just 750 cars worldwide. I hope you’re sitting down, because it costs an outrageous £93,000. Here are five cool things that justify such a high price tag:
1. Ultra-menacing looks
It looks fast sitting still, doesn’t it? Like a Pokemon that’s evolved, the Audi RS3 Competition Limited has increased its menace levels with the addition of a front splitter and corner canards in the side grilles, deep side skirts, a huge rear diffuser and a tall boot spoiler, on the tailgate, all in carbon fibre.
2. Lots of retro touches
As an Audi nerd, I love the RS3 competition limited’s special Malachite green paint, which nods back to the 1983 Audi Sport Quattro. The RS3 badges feature racing colours from the 1989 Audi 90 IMSA GTO, while the white rev-counter graphics are taken from the 1994 Audi RS2 – the brand’s first-ever RS car.
3. Posh interior trimmings
You can also have the standard RS3 with Audi’s epic bucket seats, but the competition limited features suede upholstery in a ‘neodymium gold’ (it’s cream) finish, and it looks very luxurious. There are black leather bits, too, and a unique serial number for each of the 750 cars, mounted on the centre console.
4. Race-derived suspension
Now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty details, because the RS3 Competition Limited features mechanically-adjustable coilover suspension. Unlike the normal RS3 which offers three settings, switchable by a button in the car, here you have 12-step adjustment dials which you have to get out and tweak by hand. It’s height adjustable, too, so you can lower your Competition Limited if you’re taking it on a race track. It sounds like a faff, but it’s proper race car stuff.
5. That glorious engine
I really hope this isn’t the last we see of Audi’s mechanical marvel of an engine, because the 2.5-litre, five-cylinder unit might just be my favourite motor on sale today. It produces 400hp in the Competition Limited, taking you from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and onto a silly 180mph top speed. Farewell, you beautiful piece of engineering – you will be missed.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.