Overview
Strap into the 2024 Audi RS3 and hold on as the small sports sedan is ready and willing to thrill its driver. Packing an unconventional five-cylinder engine with 401 turbocharged horses, the RS3 has a signature sound and the ability to hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The Audi also comes standard with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that has a rear-biased setting for amateur drifters. When this assertively styled four-door isn’t being hooned around town, it’s happy to be raced around a track, with its available R-compound track tires providing transformative grip and low lap times. The RS3 also has a softer side. With lots of luxury features and a comfortable cabin (for those sitting in the front seats, at least), the sedan can seamlessly switch from bruiser to cruiser. We caution customers from overindulging in the options if they want to keep the price down. Still, we can’t help but be smitten with the sassiest version of Audi’s smallest sedan.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2024?
The RS3 doesn’t receive any big changes for the 2024 model year, but there are a handful of smaller ones. For example, all RS3s now come standard with matte carbon-look interior trim. The optional RS Design package also now includes red contrast stitching on the seats and other details that were previously green.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The RS3 starts at nearly $63,000 and few options are offered. For those who plan on setting hot laps in the little sedan like we did at Virginia International Raceway during our 2023 Lightning Lap event, we recommend choosing the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R track tires, as their transformative properties are a steal at $450 total. However, those who don’t plan on taking their RS3 to the racetrack should stick with the standard summer rubber, which will likely have a longer shelf life. We’d skip the other packages, as they’re mainly cosmetic.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
One of the most distinct elements of the RS3 is its unusual five-cylinder engine. Its odd number of cylinders gives it a unique thrumming soundtrack that was particularly pleasing on the outgoing model. The latest iteration is again a turbocharged 2.5-liter, but it now makes 401 horsepower. The engine pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that deliberately downshifts with slight throttle inputs, but behaves less aggressively during hard braking. The RS3’s standard all-wheel-drive system includes a torque-vectoring rear differential with a drift mode. Unfortunately, getting the RS3’s tail to kick out requires dedication and can be difficult to maintain. Compared with the lesser A3 and S3, the sportiest 3 has upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension setup, and a unique set of wheels on stickier performance tires. The RS3 we drove produced exhilarating sounds, and the car’s feisty nature was evident at the racetrack. Plus, it was composed and comfortable when driven sedately on regular roads. At our test track, we recorded a blisteringly quick 3.3-second run to 60 mph; the RS3 eclipsed the quarter-mile mark in just 11.8 seconds at 117 mph.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2024 RS3 is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the sedan outperformed its EPA estimate with a 33 mpg result. For more information about the RS3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the RS3’s passenger space is identical to the A3 and S3, but it has a set of more aggressively bolstered front seats. Audi endows all versions with a dashboard that looks anything but bland. A pair of high-mounted air vents face the driver and flank the instrument panel binnacle that houses a set of digital gauges. The RS3 is also available with a head-up display. Below the center touchscreen are climate controls with physical buttons, and there’s a bin below them that’s integrated into the center console. Unfortunately, drivers have to select gears via a weird, stubby shifter; paddles on the steering wheel are an alternative once the RS3 is in motion.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Based on the infotainment system employed by the A3 and S3, the RS3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dash. It can be controlled through touch inputs, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Built-in navigation, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charging are on the roster too.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The RS3 offers a mix of standard driver-assistance technology as well as options such as adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights. For more information about the Audi’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi’s limited and powertrain warranty are competitive with other German automakers.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Audi RS3
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $59,995/$65,440
Options: RS Technology package (Audi Navigation Plus, Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up display), $2750; RS sport exhaust, $1000; Black Optic Plus package (19-inch matte black wheels, summer tires, black Audi badges and roof), $750; Kemora Gray metallic paint, $595; side and rear cross traffic assist, $350
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 20-valve inline-5, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 151 in3, 2480 cm3
Power: 401 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.8-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 265/30ZR-19 (93Y) AO
R: 245/35ZR-19 (93Y) AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.6 in
Length: 178.8 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 55.6 in
Passenger Volume: 87 ft3
Trunk Volume: 8 ft3
Curb Weight: 3639 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.3 sec
100 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.8 sec @ 117 mph
130 mph: 15.0 sec
150 mph: 22.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 159 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 336 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.94 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 22 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 33 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 470 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/20/29 mpg
