Audi Australia has announced local pricing and specification for the new Audi RS3 Sportback.

With the same 294kW/480Nm turbo five-pot as the sedan, the Sportback makes for a more affordable way to access that engine than the sedan.

The Sportback will cost Aussies $80,900, $4000 less than the RS3 sedan.

2018 Audi RS3 Sportback side.jpg

This is thanks to not only its engine being an impressive 26kg lighter, but also 24kW more powerful than its predecessor due to the addition of a high-pressure 19.6psi turbocharger.

Its 2.5-litre engine is mated to a new seven-speed dual clutch, which put through power to all four wheels via Audi’s AWD system, which is controlled to allow an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to distribute torque. In ‘RS’ calibration, more torque is sent to the rears.

2018 Audi RS3 Sportback engine.jpg

The RS3 also features active baffles in the rear muffler, which can be controlled to allow more flow (and noise) through the exhaust.

As standard, the RS3 comes with RS sport suspension, though Audi’s magnetic adaptive dampers are available in the RS performance optional package.

2018 Audi RS3 Sportback seats.jpg

Included in the list of standard equipment, however, is the 12.3-inch digital display for Audi’s virtual cockpit, as well as Audi Connect and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, tyre pressure monitoring, and a driver assist pack.

The Audi RS3 Sportback is on sale in Australia immediately.