- Audi RS3 sedan quattro
- Powertrain and performance
- Standard equipment
- Price and value proposition
- The competition
- Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+
- BMW M340i xDrive
- Facts and figures:
Those in the market for a compact performance sedan have three potent options in the local market. Is the new Audi RS3 a better option than competitors that wear an AMG and M-badge, though?
Compact performance sedans might not account for a large section of the car market, but their practicality combined with the dynamics on offer make then compelling propositions for the right buyer. Audi recently launched a new version of the RS3, in both Sportback and sedan body styles, with the latter competing agsiant the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+ and the BMW M340i xDrive, if we look at pricing and performance. We will be comparing the RS3 sedan with these key rivals to determine which is best.
Audi RS3 sedan quattro
Powertrain and performance
Powering the RS3 is a magnificent 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 294kW and 500Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.0 L/100km.
Standard equipment
The RS3, in sedan guise, gets 19-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, an MMI infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry/start, suede and artificial leather seats, cruise control, Matrix LED headlights and a rearview camera with PDC.
Safety
The A3 was crash tested by the Euro NCAP assessment programme in 2020 where it achieved a 5-Star rating, with a score of 89% for adult safety, 81% for child occupancy safety, 68% for pedestrian safety and 73% for its safety assistance systems.
Practicality
The RS3 is practical for a performance car, but it has the smallest boot in the comparison.
Price and value proposition
The RS3 is the most affordable car among the three, but as with many premium German products, its R1 245 000 list price can inflate quickly when options are added.
The competition
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+
The CLA45 S has 310kW and 500Nm from a 2.0-litre turbochraged petrol engine paired with a 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, allowing for a 4.0 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed consumption figure of 8.3 L/100km
The AMG is similarly specified to the RS3, but gets 7 airbags, while on the safety front, the CLA shares its 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating with its A-Class sibling, which includes 96% for adult occupant safety, 91% for child occupant safety, 92% for pedestrian safety and 75% for its safety assistance systems.
The CLA has a rather capacious boot at 470-litres, however, its slopring roofline compromises rear occupant head space. From a value perspective, the AMG is the most expensive product here, and does not offer added specification or performance for the premium.
BMW M340i xDrive
The 3 Series the the odd one out in this comparison, but in terms of performance and practicality, it offers an exceptional package for similar money to the RS3 and CLA45 S. Its B58 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 285kW and 500Nm of torque, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.3 seconds and the best claimed fuel consumption among the trio with a claimed figure of 8.0 L/100km.
In the specification department, the 3 Series matches its rivals, buts gets added features such as a suroof, run-flat tyres and integrated navigation. The BMW was also crasg tested by Euro NCAP, but in 2019, where it achieved a 5-Star rating, including 97% for adult occupants, 87% for child occupant safety, 87% for pedestrian safety and 76% for its safety assistance systems.
Facts and figures:
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, we would choose the newest car in this comparison, the Audi RS3, which performs well in every category, offering the best performance, the lowest price and competitive specification as standard.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S vs BMW M340i: Here's our winner