This is the 2022 Audi RS3. It's the performance peak of the Audi RS3 compact hatch and sedan range, and it's aiming to take the title of the best hatch in the €97,000 range.

It also aims to get the title of the best "sedan".

And in fact, this car is doing both of these things thanks to a unique "weapon" that none of its rivals have an answer to: a 5-cylinder turbocharged engine.

To claim this title, this third generation RS3 hatch has to beat the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hatchback, Benz's ballistic monster has a 2.0-litre 310kW engine and a strong all-wheel drive system. wheels, which means that according to the manufacturer's claims, the speed from 0 to 100kMh can be reached in 4 seconds, writes Drive, Telegrafi conveys.

Audi offers not just one, but two RS3s, one five-door Sportback model priced at €89,301, and the other four-door Sedan model priced at €91,744.

Now, while the RS3 Sportback takes aim at the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, the Sedan lines up against the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S.

The CLA has the same powertrain as the A45, but it's actually a little faster because it's 40kg lighter.

Mercedes-AMG claims that it reaches the speed of 0 to 100kmh in 3.9 seconds.

When the second-generation RS3 went on sale in 2015, it was priced at €77,000, making the new generation look significantly more expensive.

However, Audi updated the RS3 several times between 2015 and last year with more equipment and performance, and also raised the price.

From the outside, the 2022 Audi RS3 looks much sharper and more aggressive.

It has a wider, tougher stance, new LED headlights with dynamic light display, a new front fascia, the side part is more pronounced, and the change is also noticeable in the LED taillights.

/Telegraph/