Many people have questioned us about whether the RS3 is worth the significant premium Audi charges for it over the S3, and we are certain that it is. There are several justifications for that viewpoint, but I’d contend that the engine alone is persuasive enough to exclude the less expensive of the two go-faster A3s: it is just breathtaking.
It’s an absolute thrill to use the full rage brought up by this warble-tastic 2.5-litre engine, especially in a performance car scene where turbocharged four-cylinder engines are becoming more and more prevalent. Its 395 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque may not be much more than the 3.0-liter straight-six in the BMW M2 or the 2.0-liter “45” inline-four from Mercedes-AMG, but it feels far more powerful than both.
At 2000 rpm, the twin-scroll turbocharger begins to wake up, giving you a hint of what’s to come, but it’s not until 4000 rpm and beyond that all hell completely breaks loose. It has a wonderful punch and drama, and sure, the throaty roar that comes from its twin tailpipes is incredible. Let’s hope it remains for a considerable amount of time.
In This Article...
Is the Audi RS3 useful?
It’s difficult to match the Audi RS3’s combination of powerful performance and convenience for families. Few vehicles with the performance of the RS 3 provide such a useful layout. The more useful model is the standard Sportback, which comes in two different body designs.
What should I look for in a used Audi RS3 hatchback?
Since this is a performance vehicle, look for clear indications of abuse, such as black exhaust fumes, a crooked steering wheel, and kerbed alloy wheels. Check the car’s bodywork extremely carefully for dings and dents that may have been caused by parking lot collisions, and look under the vehicle for any potential off-road damage.
Few RS3 issues have been reported, and owners appear content with their vehicles. However, there are a few instances of owners who have experienced very costly engine problems, so as already noted, it’s wise to purchase a vehicle with a complete service history. The majority of non-engine electric problems on newer automobiles were quickly and under warranty rectified.
Is RS3 a decent vehicle?
The greatest yet, the third iteration of Audi’s five-cylinder megahatch. However, it will take some time to use it to its full potential.
This is an unusual situation because the RS3 first gave off an unsteady feeling. There is an incredibly great automobile here, but it is hidden beneath a mountain of data, adaptability, and the options it offers. Multiple individualized layers for every possible surface, road, and need. The RS3 puts the onus on the driver to select the ideal combination while striving for perfection. However, when you do, it’s fantastic. On the right type of incorrect road, a pretty nice automobile.
Is this the best megahatch currently available? The Mercedes-AMG A45 S, an equally quick and reasonably priced 400 horsepower AWD hatchback, is the major rival. However, they differ greatly from one another. The Audi is more refined, better-damped, and far less aggressive, in contrast to the Merc’s angular, harsh, and angry personality. Although it’s not slower, and especially not on a bumpy b-road, this is probably the fastest an A to B point automobile can travel down an uncharted route without having rally decals and a “cage.”
Despite having the same engine and AWD, it is not as visceral as a vehicle like the Merc, but it is just as speedy since it feels more on your side. In the A45, you’ll think you’re moving more quickly, but I highly doubt it. The RS3 is a confident, respectable, capable car with a side of lunacy on the horizon; more than that, though, it feels like it’s starting to get genuinely comfortable in its own skin. Simply avoid specifying it in Kyalami green.
Is the Audi RS3 quick?
The new Audi RS3 has a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour.
The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine in the new Audi RS3 gives it the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.8 seconds.
By:
revised on:
The RS3 sedan, according to Audi, had not undergone any modifications before to the lap run.
After breaking a new lap timing record at the Nrburgring Nordschleife of 7:40.748 minutes, the new Audi RS3 sedan has surpassed all other compact cars as the quickest vehicle. According to a press statement from the German luxury automaker, in June 2021, Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler improved upon the previous lap record for the compact class by 4.64 seconds.
Audi RS3: A supercar or not?
Audi has unveiled the new RS3, which has possibly permanently altered the hot hatch phenomenon. It moves absurdly quickly. The headline figure is 3.8, which is how long it takes the RS3 to accelerate to 62 mph from a complete stop. To put that into perspective, it takes 4.4 seconds for a Porsche 911 Carrera 4a vehicle that most people would deem to be fairly quickto do the same task. Yikes.
Of course, it is the fastest hatchback ever to reach production. The price, which is 51,000, clearly reflects that. And that’s before you add any upgrades, like the “RS Dynamic Package,” which removes the speed limits and adds carbon ceramic brakes while still allowing the car to reach a top speed of 155 mph. It can reach 180 mph.
What kind of family car is the RS3?
The RS3 from Audi has always been a bit of a firecracker in the lineup. It’s perfect for individuals who want to travel swiftly but still want to be able to bring the family along because of its small size and powerful performance. It has since been updated. This entails more power as well as newer exterior and interior styling.
In this market for small performance cars, the RS3 faces some rather strong competition from vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG A45 and BMW M2. However, the new RS3 is one of the most potent vehicles in its class thanks to its close to 400bhp and 3.9-second sprint to 60 mph. It will require it to defeat these crucial opponents.
The car’s exterior has also been improved; an aluminum trim now surrounds the front grille, and dual exhausts at the back hint at the vehicle’s potential. The RS3 maintains a superb sense of understatement, which is a characteristic of practically all Audi RS vehicles. Despite this, it still has wider arches than the previous generation automobile by 20mm.
The RS3’s interior features all of the newest Audi technology, including the highly praised Virtual Cockpit infotainment system, which makes media and satellite navigation functions accessible and convenient. Everything appears to be well-made and sturdy, but you would expect it to be in a car that can cost as much as $60,000 when options are added.
The five-cylinder turbocharged engine of the RS3 is still a key component of the vehicle’s personality.
It’s one of the only cars in its class to reject the notion of downsizing. It gives it a ton of character, and many purchasers are likely to favor this aspect. Naturally, the by-product is performance that rivals that of a supercar in almost all circumstances, all thanks to Audi’s superior Quattro all-wheel-drive technology.
Performance indicators take center stage with the RS3. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover a really well-rounded, incredibly capable vehicle. It is useful, well-made, and attractive as well, but there isn’t much one can do to avoid the somewhat hefty price tag. But it’s a car that will probably appeal to everyone, and if you don’t check too many option boxes, it makes a lot of sense.
Naturally, daily operating expenses will be a little greater than they would be with a conventional car. The price of fuel will increase, as will the cost of replacing fluids, tyres, and brakes. Due to the RS3’s performance and popularity, insurance rates are also a little bit more. However, these are to be expected given its capabilities. Nevertheless, despite being just as rapid as a supercar, it will be much less expensive to operate.
The RS3 actually offers its owners a high degree of utility because of its hatchback design. With the back seats up, the boot space is 280 liters, but when they are lowered, it expands to 1,120 liters. This is less spacious than the boot of the ordinary A3, but that is because the RS model’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system takes up more room. There is good head and leg room in the front and not too bad in the rear.
As was already mentioned, the superb Virtual Cockpit from Audi is standard on the RS3. One of the greatest systems now available on the market, it offers information that is easy to understand and clear. The manual controls for heating and ventilation all move with good weight and decent movement. Even the switchgear has excellent motion and unquestionably has the luxury feel you would anticipate from an Audi.
You might assume that the RS3’s ride quality would be intolerable to live with given its low ride height and huge alloy wheels. That’s largely accurate in urban areas, where the vehicle feels snappy and has trouble absorbing greater road imperfections. However, as the speed is increased, it makes sense to swiftly adjust the suspension. The alternative is to get the optional adaptive dampers, which, if desired, do wonders for softerening the ride.
The RS3 shouldn’t draw too much notice to itself because of its generally understated appearance. You shouldn’t have too many concerns about leaving it on the street at night because it is equipped with a standard alarm, immobilizer, and interior motion detector.
The Audi A3 received a perfect five stars in its 2012 test. Overall, it performed well, getting 95% for adult occupant safety and 87% for child occupant safety. Even pedestrian safety received a favorable score of 74%. But since this happened a while ago, it’s important to keep in mind that the new A3 can lag a bit. However, new semi-autonomous functions can be added, though they are not included as standard.
Anything with an RS label attached to it usually has a lot of attraction, and the RS3 is no exception. Every aspect of the RS3 demonstrates that it wants to be driven, from its fast exhaust note to its decreased ride height. Fortunately, it doesn’t let us down because it’s equally adept at covering ground swiftly as its more potent stablemates. Given the enormous level of horsepower available, the majority of “keen” drivers will be more than satisfied behind the wheel of the RS3.
The RS3 might end up being a very practical family vehicle. It is fairly roomy, has a large boot, and is also pretty safe because it is based on the standard A3. However, not all aspects of ownership may be suitable for families. For example, fuel expenses may be fairly high, and changing parts like brakes and tires will cost more than with typical hatchbacks.
The RS3 isn’t the finest car for new drivers, despite its small size. Given that it is highly strong and pricey, most drivers won’t be able to afford it, which will raise insurance rates. For drivers who have just passed, operating costs and consumable costs such as brakes and tires will be fairly high.
There is no doubting that the entire current generation of Audi vehicles is flawlessly constructed and dependable to drive. The interiors are all beautifully built, and there is a definite line of descent between model designs. Due to the popularity of the brand and the high demand for RS models, residuals are also anticipated to be good for the RS3.
The RS3 can provide a ton of accessibility thanks to its five doors and hatchback design. The RS3’s broad door openings and well-bolstered seats are not too difficult for most people to jump into, so accessing the inside should be straightforward. Once inside, there are numerous adjustments available, including a steering wheel with adjustable rake and reach. Additionally, the boot lid isn’t particularly hefty, which ought to make loading stuff inside a little bit simpler.
The RS3, one of Audi’s most expensive models, has an astounding number of standard features. Audi has a technology called the Virtual Cockpit that swaps out the traditional dials for TFT panels that show media functions and satellite navigational information. You also get the Audi sound system as standard, but at $495, we’d be tempted to upgrade to the fantastic Bang & Olufsen system.
There are many of customization choices, just as with any Audi. There are several different colors to pick from, as well as many different alloy wheel styles and interior upholstery choices. The interior of the RS3 can seem a little confining in darker colors, so we’d choose a lighter tone for the cabin. All automobiles come standard with sports seats, which can be upgraded to “Super” sports seats for a fee.
Given the RS3’s relatively small size, parking shouldn’t be too challengingeven in the smallest places. However, the Audi Parking System Plus system, which provides audio and visual assists for the front and rear, is included as standard equipment. Although it costs an extra 375, a rear-view camera can be installed if you need more assistance when parking. However, placing the RS3 shouldn’t be too difficult due to its very soft low-speed steering.
Is it wise to invest in an RS3?
No, you won’t be able to locate an Audi RS3 in the $20,000 to $30,000 bracket. In fact, a nationwide Autotrader search will show that the majority of used specimens are selling for between $40,000 and $50,000 for 2017 vehicles and between $50,000 and $60,000 for subsequent models. Even so, that’s still a terrific value given that the original sticker price was often reduced by about 16 percent. That also implies that the RS3 maintains its value well, so if you purchase one, it will probably still be worth the majority of what you paid for it in the event that you decide to sell it in the future.