The third generation version of Audi's sledgehammer RS 3 is even more addictive in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Background

Did anyone ever imagine that one day, a model of this size would offer what would once have been seen as supercar-style power? In this third generation Audi RS 3, that's just what you get: four wheel drive, formidable pulling power and 400PS, plus a unique 'RS Torque Splitter' for enhanced cornering traction. The current model was first announced in 2021 and since this model line first arrived back in 2011,over 80,000 RS 3s have been sold. Today, it remains the most popular Audi Sport model and was even taken off sale in the UK in 2023 because demand was out-stripping supply. In Summer 2024 though, Audi UK announced that it was back, complete with a package of subtle updates, but otherwise much as before, offering a last swansong for the brand's classic signature five cylinder turbo engine (also shared with the RS Q3). That 2.5-litre five cylinder engine continues to really set this model apart in this segment. Like V8s for AMG or straight sixes in BMW M cars, a tuned five cylinder unit is part of the DNA of a division which was once called 'Quattro gmbh' but which is these days known as 'Audi Sport' - the Ingolstadt brand's performance arm. That of course was the configuration used for the classic Quattro coupe that first established Audi's engineering credentials back in the Eighties. And the brand returned to it when at the beginning of the century's second decade, the time came to expand its RS performance model line-up with the original RS 3 of 2012, replaced by a second generation model in 2015 and this MK3 version in mid-2021.

Driving Experience

Interestingly, as part of this light model update, Audi has chosen not to engage in a power race with the fastest hot hatch in the segment, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+, which offers 427PS. So this RS 3's 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo unit continues to offer 400PS as before, which means it propels this hyper-hatch to 62mph in just 3.8s and with the optional 'Dynamic Pack' fitted, the top speed is 180mph. For reference, the A45's figures are 3.9s and 168mph. This Audi may well be faster through the turns too, thanks to the fitment of an 'RS Torque Splitter', which adds an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch to each of the drive shafts. This ensures that the right amount of torque is optimally distributed along the rear axle when cornering at speed. also as before is the standard RS sports suspension featuring bespoke shock absorbers and a valve system specific to the RS 3.  That's not to say engineering changes haven't been made as part of this update. Audi Sport has upgraded the chassis controls, making the car quicker and more stable through the corners. And the brake torque vectoring system's been further tuned, so understeer's reduced when entering a curve and more power can be used through the turn. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres can now be optionally fitted for track day fiends. Otherwise, it's all as you were. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission puts the power of the five-cylinder engine to the road - with short shifting times and a sportier gear ratio spread. And the exhaust system features a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions, thus broadening the sound characteristics even further. It can be adjusted via the driving dynamics system 'Audi drive select'. In the Dynamic and RS Performance modes, the flaps open much earlier - and as a result, the emotional elements of the sound are even more pronounced. In addition, the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine is further enhanced by the RS sports exhaust system.

Design and Build

Exterior changes are subtle as part of this mid-term update. There's a redesigned splitter at the front; fresh front and rear LED chequered light signatures; redesigned side air intakes; and carbon detailing. Otherwise, things are just as before. You'd certainly still know this was an RS 3, whether in Sportback hatch or alternative Saloon form. In the front, the wide RS bumper, the big Singleframe grille with its distinctive honeycomb finishing, and the large air intakes give this compact sports car an expressive appearance. This Audi comes with flat, wedge-shaped LED headlights and an eye-catching additional air outlet decorates wheel arches housing 19-inch rims. The motorsports-inspired finishing touches include the redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with integrated diffuser and the RS exhaust system with two large oval tailpipes. Inside, the update differences are just as subtle; new RS bucket seats upholstered in Nappa leather; a redesigned flat-topped and flat-bottomed sports steering wheel (now with haptic buttons instead of the old physical controls); redesigned air vents; and a smaller gear selector. That RS Sport multi-functional steering wheel still features built-in, high-quality die-cast zinc shift paddles and through it, you view the previous version's same 12.3-inch 'Audi virtual cockpit plus' instrument screen. This displays the revs in the form of a bar graph and shows power and torque as percentages. In addition, the instrument screen includes displays for g-forces, lap times and acceleration from 0100 km/h, 0-200 km/h, quarter-mile, and eighth of a mile. The 10.1-inch touch display on the centre stack includes what is referred to as the 'RS Monitor', which displays the coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures as well as tyre pressures. Also fitted is a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of sight in addition to the shift light indicator. Otherwise, it's just as in an S3. There's reasonable room for a couple of adults on the back seat. And as in an S3, boot space is rated at 370-litres for the saloon or 325-litres for the Sportback, the latter offering a seats-down total of 1,145-litres.

Market and Model

As usual with an RS 3, there are two body styles, the Sportback five-door hatch, priced at £59,510 and the Saloon, which for some reason costs £1,000 more. That's getting on for nearly £10,000 more than this car cost when it was taken off sale in 2023 by the way. Still, the rival Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ costs much the same, for reference. Those Audi figures apply to the standard models. There are also pricier 'Carbon Black' and 'Carbon Vorsprung' specifications available. All versions get an RS sport exhaust, a Head-Up display, a SONOS 3D Premium Sound System, 19-inch wheels and Adaptive Cruise Assist. The 'Carbon Black' version adds '10-cross-spoke' silk matt grey alloy wheels, darkened Audi Matrix LED headlights and carbon exterior features. The top 'Carbon Vorsprung' model gets a black metallic wheel finish, a panoramic roof, powered front seats and Adaptive suspension with three additional pre-set RS modes - 'RS Individual', 'RS Performance' and 'RS Torque Rear'. Plus there's a 'Drive and Park pro and assist package' of extra drive assist features. All RS 3 models come with plenty of safety kit - Collision avoidance assist, Audi pre sense front, Lane departure warning including emergency assist, distraction and fatigue warning and traffic sign recognition.

Cost of Ownership

When it came to the engine of this car, Audi had two ways it could go. It would have certainly been easily possible to simply uprate the 2.0-litre TFSI turbo unit already used in the brand's S3 model, as partner brand Volkswagen did with the Golf R400 hot hatch that they developed but ultimately never put on sale. The alternative for Ingolstadt was to do what they ultimately did here: continue to install a far more charismatic but inevitably less efficient bespoke five cylinder engine that would make the driving experience of this RS 3 so much more memorable. So how much has that decision cost Audi when it comes to the all-important issues of fuel economy and CO2 efficiency? Well, despite a power output that was well into supercar territory not so very long ago, this Audi RS 3 turns in a very creditable performance at the pumps. Or it will as long as you don't spend most of your time with the loud pedal buried in the carpet. Don't expect its quoted running cost figures to differ very much from those of the previous RS 3 model, which was rated at around 35mpg on the combined cycle, with emissions of around 190g/km. As the previous hatch models have demonstrated, the RS 3's cachet will keep residual values sturdy in the short term at least but expensive options such as the carbon ceramic brakes will cause a softening in percentage values come resale time. Insurance isn't going to be cheap either with a Group 50 valuation resulting in some chunky-looking premiums.

Summary

What it boils down to is that with even more savage cornering ability and a practical side that will endear it to many, this improved version of the third generation RS 3 continues to represent an ideal alternative for well-heeled buyers who've outgrown powerful sports coupes and saloons or ordinary fast hot hatches. And it's amazing to think that this level of astonishing performance represents merely the entry point to RS ownership. And in summary? Well certainly, there are other compact high performance models in this segment that might make your heart beat a little faster: the RS 3 still trades the last couple of percentage points of focus for genuine everyday utility. But it's also true that while that might make it a couple of seconds slower around the Nurburgring, it also makes it a better car for the vast majority of customers. People who live in the real world. A very fast world indeed.