Name: New New Audi RS3 models and Specifications
Brand: Audi

rs-3-tfsi-quattro-5dr-s-tronic

RS 3 TFSI Quattro

Carbon Black

Carbon Vorsprung

Hatchback

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

RS 3 TFSI Quattro Carbon Vorsprung 5dr S Tronic

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RS 3 TFSI Quattro 5dr S Tronic

RS 3 TFSI Quattro 5dr S Tronic [Tech Pro]

rs-3-tfsi-quattro-5dr-s-tronic-tech-pro

RS 3 TFSI Quattro Carbon Black 5dr S Tronic

rs-3-tfsi-quattro-carbon-black-5dr-s-tronic

RS 3 TFSI Qtro Carbon Black 5dr S Tronic Tech Pro

rs-3-tfsi-qtro-carbon-black-5dr-s-tronic-tech-pro

New Audi RS3

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

If you’re someone who thinks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatches</a> should be about cheap thrills, the Audi RS3 isn’t for you. It starts at more than twice the price of an entry-level&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a> and you can spend a lot more than that if you go for range-topping Carbon Vorsprung trim or add a few options.

Then again, it’s priced roughly in line with its main rival, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170">Mercedes-AMG A45</a> – and offers pretty much the same performance as the larger and more expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a>.

The entry-level trim is reasonably well-equipped and, on balance, the pick of the range. You get RS-specific features like 19in alloy wheels and an RS sports exhaust, plus niceties such as heated front seats, a head-up display, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a> and a 15-speaker Sonos stereo.

Options include bucket front seats and the Technology Pack Pro, which adds extras such as a panoramic sunroof, matrix LED headlights, electrically operated front seats and a more advanced <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a>.

Carbon Black trim adds black exterior details, which include a carbon rear spoiler, along with standard matrix LED headlights.

The top-spec Carbon Vorsprung trim is expensive but well kitted out. It’s the only version with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">adaptive suspension</a> – if ride comfort is important to you that makes it worth considering.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/real-mpg-calculator">Fuel economy</a> isn’t terrible for something this fast – you can expect close to 30mpg if you drive gently. That said, don’t expect parsimonious running costs because new tyres won’t be cheap, and the RS3 is in the highest (37%)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/check-your-company-car-tax-rate/n1255">company car tax</a> bracket.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audi</a> finished 24th out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. Not a brilliant showing, then, although Mercedes only finished slightly higher up in 22nd spot. BMW had a much better showing eighth place.

<h2 dir="ltr">“The Audi RS3 does look very expensive as a hot hatch&nbsp;but it’s all relative. Its closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG A45, is similarly priced, while performance cars like the BMW M3&nbsp;are even more expensive.” –<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101"> Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></h2>

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The latest Audi RS3's&nbsp;2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine is the same basic engine as its predecessors used, and that's great news because it's an absolute belter.

Its peak power output of 394bhp isn’t quite a match for the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170"> Mercedes-AMG A45</a> but that doesn’t matter. Firstly, that’s still a huge amount of power for a car of this size, which is why the RS3 delivers phenomenal pace. And&nbsp;secondly, the RS3 is as quick as the A45 in a straight line.

Indeed, the RS3 offers similar performance to the much more expensive<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189"> Audi RS4</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a>. In our tests, it managed to hit 60mph in a staggering 3.8 seconds.

The beauty of the RS3 is any driver can match that time thanks to its standard launch-control system. It allows you to make the perfect getaway every time, and the seven-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">dual-clutch automatic gearbox</a> pings up the gears quickly – and far more consistently than anyone could hope to with a clutch and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/which-cars-come-with-a-manual-gearbox/n26678">manual gearbox</a>.

The gearbox isn’t perfect, mind. While it changes smoothly and speedily in auto mode, if you use the paddles behind the steering wheel to change down the gears manually – as you’re approaching a corner hard on the brakes, say – it doesn’t always give you the gear you want, when you want it. That tardiness on downshifts can be frustrating.

What isn’t frustrating is the standard-fit switchable RS Sports Exhaust. When it’s set to Quiet&nbsp;it sounds fabulous, but in its louder setting it’s, well… wowsers. The tone and aural drama is right up there with the best in modern motoring. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170">Mercedes-AMG A45</a> sounds great&nbsp;too, but its four-cylinder soundtrack isn’t as evocative, and neither is the sounds of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17162">VW&nbsp;Golf R</a>.

The RS Torque Splitter technology means there are two electronic clutches on the rear axle. They allow drive to be sent to each rear wheel completely independently depending on what the car’s electronic "brain"&nbsp;thinks is best. For example, more power can be sent to the outside rear wheel when you’re entering a cornering hard,&nbsp;helping the RS3 turn in to bends quicker and keeping the front wheels gripping for longer.

That allows you to carry more cornering speed in RS Performance mode, which is the most purposeful driving mode, but there’s also a mode called RS Torque Rear. Think of that as the fun mode –&nbsp;with a capital F. It makes the RS3 more playful&nbsp;so you can do rear-wheel drifts. It makes the 2024 RS3 so much more fun than the previous versions.

When you drive the RS3 at a moderate pace in the most relaxed setting (Comfort mode), the steering is light and naturally weighted. Dynamic mode adds more steering heft if you want it.

The problem with the RS3’s steering is you don’t get a huge amount of feedback streaming to your fingertips. It&nbsp;doesn’t rob you of confidence&nbsp;as such – the steering is always very accurate – but it makes the RS3 slightly less rewarding to drive than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170">Mercedes-AMG A45</a> along a twisting road. The braking is&nbsp;great&nbsp;though. The pedal feels a little soft but the brakes really bite hard when you need them to and they’re very progressive.

The entry-level RS3 and the Carbon Black trim version have passive dampers and a ride that’s firm but not harsh. The top-spec Carbon Vorsprung trim has <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">adaptive suspension</a> as standard, allowing you to make the car softer or firmer at the touch of a button.

The ride is remarkably supple in Comfort mode – in fact, the RS3 is barely any less forgiving over potholes than regular versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a>. There’s a slight shimmy on less-than-perfect motorway surfaces but it’s not overly annoying. There’s very little wind or road noise at 70mph.

<h2 dir="ltr">"The Audi RS3’s grip and poise make it both enjoyable and forgiving to drive quickly on road or track. Its ability to resist understeer (when the front wheels want to push wide) is remarkable.” –<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101"> Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></h2>

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

http://example.com

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Are you struggling to get excited about your next new car because they all seem a bit, well, samey? Then how about something with a USP –&nbsp;like the&nbsp;Audi RS3 we're reviewing here? And what is its USP, you might ask? Its rather wonderful&nbsp;2.5-litre&nbsp;turbocharged&nbsp;five-cylinder engine.

The RS3 is currently the only&nbsp;car on the market boasting five cylinders. And&nbsp;why’s that something to get excited about? Well, noise. Glorious noise to be precise. The RS3’s engine sounds unique and distinct from all the other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatches</a> out there. When you rev it out you just can’t help but smile.&nbsp;

It’ll make you smile in other ways&nbsp;too. For one thing, it produces 396bhp – and that’s a heck of a lot. Flared arches make the RS3 look beefier than your Sunday joint, and quattro <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel drive</a> helps make the mighty performance all the more deployable, even in tricky conditions.

<h2>Audi RS3 video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eNG-GuUnHc0?si=jVHOblpnUOOSU4W1" width="560"></iframe>

For 2024, Audi has given the RS3 a mid-life refresh, with styling tweaks inside and out, plus&nbsp;–&nbsp;more importantly – updated torque splitter settings to make&nbsp;this latest version even better to drive.

So is the new Audi RS3 better than its chief rival – the similarly maniacal<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170"> Mercedes-AMG A45</a>? Read on to find out, as we put it to the test against the best hot hatch rivals...

The Audi RS3 has a great overall driving position. There’s lots of manual adjustment for the steering wheel and seat, plus four-way electric lumbar adjustment (Carbon Vorsprung trim adds full electric seat adjustment).

The standard front sports seats are comfortable on long trips but also offer decent side support in corners. If you fancy the kind of full-on bucket seats you get in some <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatches</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">performance cars</a>, they’re available on the RS3 and are really enveloping. The only issue is that they’re pricey.

If you’re the proud owner of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs3/hatchback/used-review/n18165">2015-2022 Audi RS3</a>, you might be a little underwhelmed by the quality of the new RS3's&nbsp;interior. It’s pleasant enough and broadly on a par with the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170"> Mercedes-AMG A45</a> but doesn't have the high-grade materials you'd find in older&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi car models</a>.

You get some RS-specific touches to differentiate the RS3 from a regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a>. For example, there’s an RS steering wheel, which has a flat top and bottom section and two red buttons to access the driving modes quickly.

You also get faux-suede trim on the dashboard, RS&nbsp;embossed in the part-nappa-leather seats and contrasting seat stitching. Another RS touch is the bespoke graphics for the 12.3in digital driver's display,&nbsp;including a G meter, lap timer and flashing lights to indicate that it's time to change gear.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a> is controlled using a 10.1in touchscreen and is quite easy to operate, especially compared with the screen in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17162">VW Golf R</a>. It's not as user-friendly as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170">Mercedes-AMG A45</a> system though.

<h2 dir="ltr">"The interior of the latest Audi RS3 has just enough touches to make it feel bespoke compared with a regular A3. It’s just a shame the quality doesn’t quite match the car’s high price." –<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101"> Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></h2>

The 2024 Audi RS3 offers staggering performance and grip – plus the engine sounds wonderful.

The RS3 is based on the A3&nbsp;so if you want lots of detail about how much space there is for passengers in each body style, visit our detailed reviews of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3 Sportback</a>&nbsp;(hatchback) or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/saloon/review/n60">Audi A3 Saloon</a>.

In short, you get rear doors on all RS3s to make it easy for people to get into the back. Once inside, those passengers will find a similar amount of room as they would in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170">Mercedes-AMG A45</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/review/n19851">Mercedes AMG CLA 45</a>.

If you're planning to put tall people in the back, it's worth noting that the RS3 Sportback has slightly more head room than the Saloon. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the optional bucket seats have a thicker backrest that reduces rear leg room.

There is one big compromise over the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a>&nbsp;though: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">boot space</a>. The RS3's complex <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel-drive</a> system raises the height of the boot floor and makes the load bay very shallow. We managed to fit just four <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">carry-on suitcases</a> below the parcel shelf, compared with five in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n17170">Mercedes-AMG A45</a>.

Mind you, all RS3s come with 40/20/40 split folding rear seats as standard, so you can carry more clobber when you need to.

<h2>“The Audi RS3 is pretty practical for a hot hatch, at least compared with something like a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/gr-yaris/hatchback/review/n22315">Toyota GR Yaris</a>. There’s enough room for four tall adults in the Sportback – just remember that head room in the saloon is a wee bit tight.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></h2>

carbon-black

carbon-vorsprung

The Audi RS3 is a proper performance car in a hatchback (or saloon) body. It offers staggering performance and grip, and the five-cylinder engine sounds wonderful. It's not cheap and some rivals have more engaging steering feel, but otherwise the RS3 is tough to fault.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Engaging handling </li> <li>Thrilling performance </li> <li>A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack </li> <li>Reasonable running costs </li> <li>Not hard to live with day to day</li></ul>

A popular choice with UK buyers since the days of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI, the hot hatchback mixes everyday practicality with higher performance and the sort of handling and agility that’s ideally suited to British roads. A good hot hatch should be fun and, since it’s likely to be your daily drive, it should also deliver respectable running costs.

Hot hatch

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Entertainingly agile handling</li> <li>Eye-widening acceleration</li> <li>Fruity exhaust note</li> <li>Punchy and characterful engine</li> <li>Great driving position</li> <li>Everyday usability</li></ul>

The best performance cars combine sports car-rivalling acceleration with&nbsp;engaging handling. However, they also retain the&nbsp;impressive everyday usability of the conventional saloons and estates on which they're based.

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