The RS 3 Sportback, the original entry point to Audi RS ownership, will make its comeback with the latest 400 hp five-cylinder TFSI engine and a raft of design and connectivity upgrades at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Following its world public debut in Switzerland on Tuesday, March 7, the Audi compact segment spearhead will become available to order in the summer and will touch down towards the end of the year.

“The Audi RS 3 Sportback offers our customers an attractive introduction to the RS world,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. “Since 2011 the sporty compact model has proved itself extremely successful on the market. And with the new five-cylinder engine, the Audi RS 3 Sportback is at the head of its class and continuing that strong track record.”

Behind the impressive performance of the Audi RS 3 Sportback is the world’s most powerful production five-cylinder engine. The 2.5 litre TFSI engine delivers 400 hp, 33 hp more than its predecessor, and is 26 kilograms (57.3 lb) lighter thanks to its aluminium crankcase, among other features. Its maximum torque of 354.0 lb-ft is available from just 1,700 rpm and remains at the driver’s disposal right through to 5,850 rpm. This wide tract of torque facilitates an exhilarating 4.1-second 0-62 mph sprint time, the effect of which is heightened by the five-cylinder unit’s unmistakably full-bodied and characterful sound. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but if the optional dynamic package plus is specified a de-restriction to 174 mph is among the extra features it brings.

With its standard progressive steering and sophisticated multi-link suspension with wider front track positioning the stocky body 25mm lower than the A3, the RS 3 Sportback is set up to deliver compelling grip and adjustability with extraordinary poise. 19-inch alloy wheels framing 310-millimetre brake discs front and rear are factory fitted, and as an alternative customers will be able to choose carbon-fibre ceramic front discs.

In the equally focused cabin the two circular instrument dials with their black faces, white scales and red needles sit either side of a driver information system that includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. In the latest car this configuration can now be replaced by the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit which is newly available. A special RS screen shifts the tachometer to the centre, displaying on either side the readings for torque, g‑forces and tyre pressure. When the S tronic transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum rpm.

Sport seats with RS seatback emblems in black fine Nappa leather are standard, and for even greater support RS sport seats with more contoured profiles and integrated head restraints for the driver and front passenger are available as options. The RS sport leather steering wheel is flat-bottomed and features buttons for operating the infotainment system. Other highlights include the Audi phone box for wireless connection to the car’s onboard antenna and inductive charging of handsets equipped to the QI standard, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 705 watts of power, and many driver assistance systems. In slow-moving traffic up to 40 mph, for example, the traffic jam assist keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can briefly take over the steering. Also new in the Audi RS 3 Sportback are the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when the driver is pulling out of a parking space.