Within Audi’s own stable there’s the mechanically-related TT RS Coupe ($141,191) if you want the same drivetrain with more pace, though it’s more expensive and less practical, and if you need more space you could look at the RSQ3 ($95,391) and RSQ3 Sportback ($98,391).īuild quality is good, but not as rock solid as Audis of old. The Audi and AMG have few other natural rivals, either having to look at less-wild nameplates like the BMW M135i xDrive ($72,900) and Volkswagen Golf R ($65,990), or at sports cars like the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe ($91,900) or Toyota Supra GTS ($96,494). The Audi quotes a 0.1-second quicker 0-100 time, so if you’re looking at this through the bang-for-buck lens, it’s already on the front foot. The RS3 in both bodies noticeably undercuts its arch enemies, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S ($99,895) and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S ($118,495). That means you’re looking at six figures drive-away for what is a small, but very fast car. Offered in a single specification in two body styles, pricing starts at $91,400 for the RS3 Sportback and $93,900 for the RS3 Sedan – all excluding on-road costs. So, all the makings of a new benchmark, right? We attended the Australian media launch in Adelaide to find out. It’s as quick as ever – taking a claimed 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h using Launch Control – and unlike all of its rivals it has an odd cylinder count that brings with it a distinctive engine note.īeyond the improvements to performance with limited tinkering to the 2.5-litre five-pot’s outputs, the RS3 has more equipment and tech than before, and sports a new RS Torque Splitter on the rear axle that brings with it a drift mode – not that Audi would utter such uncouth words itself. Based on the same MQB Evo underpinnings as the new Audi A3, and therefore the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf, the new-generation Audi RS3 Sportback and Sedan refuse to bow to emissions regulations, soldiering on with the brand’s iconic five-cylinder engine layout. Say hello to the newest sub-4.0-second hyper hatch (and sedan). While the Volkswagen Group steams towards an electric-only future, the 2022 Audi RS3 basically said “yeah, nah”.

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