Audi Sport has heightened the senses of the RS 3. This is visible at first glance: The strong lines at the front, the motorsport-inspired wheels, and the RS front sport seats visually enhance its character. This is accompanied by the deep-throated roar of the five-cylinder engine with its signature firing sequence. The 2.5 TFSI, combined with the optimized chassis setup and new tyres, gives the RS 3 even more appetite for corners. You can feel the difference also on the inside, thanks to the new steering wheel and the high-end materials. The Audi RS 3 – an experience for the senses.
The RS 3’s product upgrade brings with it a significantly sportier appearance. The dominant feature of the assertive front design is the hexagonal Singleframe with a striking border. Flatter and considerably broader than before, it emphasizes the dynamics of the compact sports car with its rhombus-pattern grille. The same goes for the two functional side air intakes – accentuated by vertical black blades – and the three apertures above the front splitter, which now spans the entire vehicle breadth and lets the RS 3 sit even lower – reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak from 1987. With redesigned daytime running lights, the headlights also accentuate the car’s performance. The digital signature, which displays a checkered flag in the RS 3, comprises 24 elements. Furthermore, in combination with the matrix LED headlights (standard on Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung), drivers can choose between three additional daytime running light designs in the MMI touch display for the first time.
The rear of the RS 3 also features references to motorsport and has a much stronger presence than before. Vertical side reflectors continue the design theme of the air intakes at the front. The large functional RS-specific diffuser incorporates a red reflector in its centre and, on its sides, the two oval tailpipe trims of the RS exhaust system, which look even larger in their black frames. Like the headlights, the taillights also feature a new graphic: Arrows that dynamically light up from inside to out with the coming home/ leaving home function embody the progressive taillight design.
The expressive exterior is accentuated by the RS-specific exterior colours Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey, the new metallic paints Ascari Blue and Progressive Red, and, for the first time, Daytona Grey in a matt finish. On all UK models, the Singleframe and diffuser have a gloss black finish. Continuing this theme, the RS 3 comes with matt-black 19-inch aluminium cast wheels in a 5-Y-spoke design as standard. On Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models, the rims are a motorsport-inspired design, with 10 striking cross spokes, either in matt dark grey or in glossy metallic black in bi-colour design. Even more individuality is offered by the carbon and high-gloss black detailing on Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models, which adorn the front air intakes, the side skirts, and the blade above the diffuser.
In the interior, too, which is dominated by dark colour tones, everything is geared for performance, with the new steering wheel, RS sport seats, and sporty displays. Flattened above and below, the perforated leather steering wheel has a substantially sportier look. Meanwhile, the RS sport seats give even better support. The seat centre panel with RS honeycomb stitching is made of Fine Nappa leather, with Dinamica microfibre accents and contrasting stitching in black, express red or micrommata green.
The Audi RS 3 is powered by the legendary 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport with 400PS and maximum torque of 500Nm. This means the RS 3 accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155mph. On Carbon Vorsprung models, the top speed is increased to 174mph. Numerous motorsport successes make the award-winning five-cylinder engine one of the most evocative at Audi and make driving the RS 3 an incomparable experience. This is due to its unique sound, which is based on the signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. Adjacent and non-adjacent cylinders fire alternately providing a forceful rhythm and character, suitably orchestrated by the twin RS exhaust system with variable flap control. Press the red-ringed engine start/stop button, and the throaty sound of the five-cylinder engine rings out – more voluminous and even more distinctive in the Audi drive select modes dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear. In addition, the exhaust flap control was optimized in the rpm range between 2,200 and 3,500rpm. In this way, the five-cylinder generates a consistent and fuller-bodied sound no matter which mode is selected. Audi Sport thus enhances the emotional driving experience in the top model of the A3 family – especially in conjunction with the RS Sport exhaust system.
Audi RS 3 UK pricing (OTR)
| RS 3 Sportback RS 3 Sportback Carbon Black RS 3 Sportback Carbon Vorsprung | £59,510 £64,160 £68,650 |
| RS 3 Saloon RS 3 Saloon Carbon Black RS 3 Saloon Carbon Vorsprung | £60,510 £65,160 £69,650 |
