Summary
Now in its third generation, the Audi RS 3 is an upmarket performance model based on the wholesale Audi A3, available as both a five-door hatchback and a four-door saloon.
Arriving in late 2021, the RS 3 is the smallest member of Audi’s RS performance family. Audi calls the hot hatch version the RS 3 Sportback, and the saloon is called the RS 3 Sedan.
The Audi RS 3 has been warmly recieved by the UK media, with a large majority of road test reviews referring to the hatch rather than the saloon. Reviewers generally come to the conclusion that, while the RS 3 is an impressive performance package, its price is rather steep for a hot hatch of this size.
“It isn’t cheap and some rivals are more playful through the corners”, What Car? concludes, “but otherwise tough to fault.” The cheapest version of the Audi RS 3 starts at nearly £50,000, which is significantly more expensive than other hyper-hatches of the same size, such as the Hyundai i30 N and Ford Focus ST.
However, the RS 3 provides speed and acceleration that can rival some sports cars; performance that the i30 N and Focus ST simply cannot match. Powered by the same five-cylinder 400hp engine used by the Audi TT RS, the RS 3 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 3.8 seconds. This pace means that, from a performance standpoint, the only strong rival the Audi RS 3 faces is the Mercedes-AMG A 45.
Reviewers also point to how well the car performs through corners too, compared to older iterations of the RS 3, and both the hatch and saloon versions have earned praise for their ‘engaging’ exterior styling.
Finally, reviewers also comment that, while this is a class-leading performance model, it is still an Audi A3 at heart, being just as comfortable to drive as the wholesale model. Carwow explains: “The RS 3 isn’t hardcore all of the time, and can in fact settle down very nicely when you want it to. On the motorway, it feels comfortable and smooth – and you have that massive power on tap whenever you need it.”
As of November 2021, the Audi RS 3 holds an Expert Rating of 75%, based on 11 reviews published by the UK motoring media.
RS 3 highlights
- Quality interior trim
- Class-leading hot hatch performance
- Comfort that other hot hatches can’t match
- Five-cylinder engine sounds great
RS 3 lowlights
- Less storage space than the regular A3
- Expensive base price, trims and options
- Cheaper alternatives are more agile
- So-so fuel economy
Key specifications
Body style: Medium five-door hot hatch and sports saloonEngines: petrol
Price: From £49,415 on-road
Launched: Winter 2021/22Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
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Keyword: Audi RS 3 (2021 – present) | Expert Rating