Audi RS 3

Overview: Is the Audi RS 3 a Good High-Performance Compact Sedan?

The Audi RS 3 represents the peak of performance in Audi's compact car lineup, offering supercar-rivaling acceleration in a practical sedan package. This overview covers two generations sold in the U.S. market:

• Audi RS 3 first generation (8V): 2017–2020 (part of the second A3 generation)
• Audi RS 3 second generation (8Y): 2022–Present (part of the third A3 generation)

While the RS3 Sportback (hatchback) is popular in other markets, only the United States has offered the sedan variant.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Audi RS 3 cars for sale.

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Related: Audi Remote Start: The Full Rundown

Key Features

The Audi RS 3 offers:

• Compact sedan body style
• 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine
• Quattro all-wheel drive system
• Seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission
• RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers
• Progressive steering system
• RS-specific exterior styling with widened fenders
• RS drive modes with customizable settings
• Launch control for optimized acceleration

Trims

Audi offers the RS 3 in a single, well-equipped trim level. However, various option packages allow for personalization:

• Dynamic package: Includes RS sport exhaust and increased top speed
• Dynamic plus package: Adds carbon ceramic front brakes and further increases top speed
• RS design package: Enhances interior with additional Alcantara and contrast stitching

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

First and foremost, the RS 3's cabin is all about supporting the car’s performance capabilities. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, adorned with the RS badge, frames a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. This customizable display offers RS-specific screens, including a G-meter and lap timer.

The sport seats, upholstered in Nappa leather with diamond stitching, provide excellent lateral support for spirited driving while maintaining comfort for daily use. Carbon fiber trim accents reinforce the car's performance pedigree.

Audi's MMI infotainment system, controlled via a 10.1-inch touchscreen in the latest models, offers crisp graphics and responsive operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard.

Despite its compact dimensions, the RS 3 offers reasonable practicality. The trunk provides 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide additional versatility.

Review: Which year model of Audi A3 Sedan is best to buy used?

How It Drives

The heart of the Audi RS 3 is its distinctive 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. In the latest generation, this powerplant produces a formidable 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This enables blistering acceleration, with the RS 3 capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels through Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which features a torque-vectoring rear differential in the latest models. This setup allows for a more rear-biased power distribution, enhancing the car's handling characteristics.

The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission offers lightning-fast shifts, whether left in automatic mode or controlled via the paddle shifters. The RS sport suspension, featuring adaptive dampers, provides a firm but not punishing ride in everyday driving while offering exceptional body control during aggressive cornering.

Multiple drive modes allow drivers to tailor the car's responsiveness to their preferences or road conditions. The new to the latest generation, the RS Torque Rear mode allows for controlled drifts on closed courses.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated the Audi RS 3.

Reviews

Audi RS 3 reviews from consumers are hard to come by. There aren’t many on the road, so gathering feedback is challenging.

Learn More: Do Audis Hold Their Value? What To Know About Resale & Depreciation

Audi RS 3 FAQs

Why is the Audi RS 3 so fast?

The RS 3's speed comes from its powerful turbocharged five-cylinder engine, lightweight construction, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and rapid-shifting dual-clutch transmission.

Is the Audi RS 3 twin turbo?

No, the Audi RS3 uses a single turbocharger on its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine.

What does RS mean in Audi?

RS stands for "RennSport," which translates to "racing sport" in German. It denotes Audi's highest-performance variants, like the Mercedes AMG and BMW M editions. Other RS models include the RS6, RS Q3, RS Q8, RS 5, and RS 7.

How fast does an Audi RS 3 go from 0 to 60?

Audi RS 3 0-60 mph performance is rated at 3.6 seconds.

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