Audi's £100k RS3 Competition: A Glorious, Limited-Edition Swan Song for the Five-Cylinder

Audi is celebrating the iconic five-cylinder engine with a special, limited-edition RS3 Competition. This high-performance hatchback, priced at a significant £93,000, boasts a range of upgrades aimed at enhancing its driving dynamics and exclusivity. With production capped globally, this model represents a poignant farewell to a legendary engine before stricter emissions regulations take hold.

Key Takeaways

• The Audi RS3 Competition is a limited-edition model celebrating the brand's five-cylinder engine.
• It features adjustable coilover suspension, stiffer rear stabilizer, and ceramic front brakes.
• Production is capped at 750 units worldwide, with only 11 allocated for the UK market.
• The car is priced at £93,000, a substantial increase from the standard RS3.
• This model marks a potential swansong for the five-cylinder engine due to upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.

A Collector's Item with Enhanced Performance

The Audi RS3 Competition is more than just a car; it's positioned as a collector's item. With a global production run limited to just 750 units (585 hatchbacks and 165 saloons), and a mere 11 hatchbacks destined for the UK, exclusivity is guaranteed. Audi UK has even reserved one for its own heritage fleet, underscoring its significance.

While the heart of the beast – the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine producing 394bhp – remains unchanged from the regular RS3, the Competition model receives significant performance enhancements. The engineers have reduced sound-deadening and firewall insulation, saving 4kg and making the engine's character more audible to the driver. This, combined with a stiffer rear stabilizer and adjustable coilover suspension, promises a more engaging driving experience.

The Sound and Fury of the Five-Cylinder

The unique firing order of the five-cylinder engine is central to the RS3's appeal. It starts with an industrial 'twang' and vibrates with a pleasing intensity when pushed past 7000rpm. The distinctive wastegate flutter at 4000rpm adds to its character. Despite not screaming like some engines, it 'barks' at a higher pitch when revved, especially with the exhaust flaps opening earlier in Dynamic and RS drive modes.

A Premium Price for a Special Edition

Audi is asking a premium for this special edition, with the RS3 Competition priced at £93,000. This places it significantly above the base A3's starting price of £30,895. The car also features aesthetic upgrades such as matt-finished accents, heritage badges in red, grey, and black, exclusive Malachite Green paint, and 19-inch matt gold wheels. These elements, combined with the performance upgrades and limited production, justify its elevated status as a collector's piece and a fitting tribute to a legendary powertrain.