PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) today launched the second-generation Audi A3 Sedan for the Malaysian market. The premium compact sedan combines a striking new design language with advanced technologies such and an even more engaging drive from RM331,990.00. If your funny bone needs a little more tickling, you’ll probably dig the RS 3 Sedan that’s priced between RM650,000 and RM750,000.

Building on the marque’s striking design language, the all-new A3 Sedan gains a more muscular and sculpted design. The front is dominated by a large single frame with honeycomb grille that is flanked by striking headlights.

Also Read: Review: Audi A5 Sportback - When you find the BMW 4 Series too boring

The body line on the Sedan extends up to the rear bumper, which emphasises its length and gives the rear an elegant appearance. The concave surface under the broad body shoulder further accentuates the quattro blisters and the sill that creates an intensive play of light and shadow. The roof line supposedly slopes down from the B-pillar dynamically for the faux sedan silhouette though we think it's a bit of a stretch.

It’s not all aesthetics though as the streamlined body, paired with a higher rear end and a large diffuser contributes to reduced drag coefficient values.

The A3 Sedan also features controllable cooling-air inlet with two electrically actuated louvre modules behind the grille. They regulate the flow of air intelligently and according to the driving situation. In addition, the panelled underbody, the exterior mirrors with improved aerodynamics, and the active brake cooling reduces air resistance.

Inside, you’ll find a new dashboard and centre console but the highlight would be the information displayed in the driver's direct field of view with the Audi virtual cockpit plus and 10.1-inch MMI touch colour display.

The third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3) boasts computing power ten times higher than in the predecessor and can connect to smartphones via the Audi smartphone interface that integrates iOS and Android cell phones to run Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Also Read: Audi Malaysia puts its #ReadyToDrive customer care initiative into gear

As for that engaging drive, it starts with the leather steering wheel with multi-function plus and S tronic transmission paddles for the driver. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 190 PS with 320 Nm of torque.

The suspension of the new A3 Sedan has been tuned to be sporty and harmonious, allowing for faster reaction speeds and increased precision driving, especially for those who enjoy spirited driving. All this is made possible by the central dynamic handling system that ensures optimal interaction between all the ride and handling components.

If that doesn’t quite cut it for you, the RS 3 Sedan will surely slice almost anything on the road. The compact powerhouse pumps out a massive 400 PS and 500 Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.5-litre inline-five nuclear powerplant of an engine.

Also Read: Audi now has a new owner in Malaysia, VPCM's sister company PHSAM to also sell RS models

Coupled with the quattro all-wheel drive system, it hits 0-100 kph in just 3.8 seconds.

The all-wheel-drive system also has a new torque vectoring setup on the rear axle but more importantly, there’s a drift mode called RS Torque Rear that can direct torque to a single rear wheel for sliding around a corner.

All this helps the RS 3 claim the title of fastest compact sedan around the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

The RS 3 Sedan is now open for pre-order in Malaysia. Both the A3 Sedan and RS 3 are offered with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.