Audi RS 3 2022 Car Review

MODEL: Audi RS 3 Sportback
PRICE RANGE: $112,500 + ORC
POWER: 294kW/500Nm
GEARBOX: 7 speed S Tronic
ENGINE: 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine
ECONOMY: 9.5L/100km, 216g/km combined 3P-WLTP^
0-100: 3.8 seconds
BODY STYLE: Five-door hatch
STATUS: Currently available

Recently launched in New Zealand, we got our hands on the new Audi RS3 for a weekend and took it for a drive.

Breathtaking performance

With a dynamic 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine under the bonnet and Audi’s Quattro system to deliver the power to the wheels, this was always going to be a fun car to drive. And it did not disappoint. With multiple driving modes, including for the first time a new differential, which can split the torque to give drivers an option of oversteer (not that we were able to experience this during our weekend cruise) this is a definitive RS model.

With 294kW of power and 500Nm of torque, and wider and lower than a ‘normal’ A3 you can tell from all angles this is a serious car. When you’re sitting in the driver’s seat the angular front dash, touchscreen and carbon fibre reinforce this.

Whilst by no means subtle in any way, let’s face it if you’re buying an RS 3 that is the last thing you want, this RS 3 is all power and performance, especially as our test car was a black-on-black version.

Surprisingly, as this RS 3 is really made for the track, it also performs well as a hot hatch which you could use as your daily drive car. Yes, you can touch a button and toggle a switch and feel like you are driving a fire breathing dragon, but you can also dial things down and get a very comfortable ride.

The steering is responsive and dynamic whilst the suspension can be changed to different levels depending on how you like the set up. The fact you can choose seven different driving modes means you can personalise the driving experience to a level which you don’t often get.

High-quality interior

The interior is what we have come to expect from Audi – stunning and high-quality. With top-class workmanship demonstrated throughout and the typical RS design hallmarks, the interior certainly continues to set Audi apart when it comes to a quality sophisticated finish.

The body-hugging RS seats, well they are something to behold. The model we reviewed came in the RS Deign Package- Red. Made of standard Nappa leather with a distinctive honeycomb pattern. The sporty ambience is created by an abundance of bright red stitching stretching from the bottom to the top of the seat neatly framing the sides.

Even the steering wheel is a thing of beauty – with the rim in black alcantara with contrast stitching. The seat belts feature a red border and even the black floor mats feature contrast stitching in red and the RS logo on the front.

The fully digital instrument cluster displays the relevant information as required including a power and torque display.

The luggage space is on the tight side at 282 litres, which can be extended further by folding the rear seats to produce 1,104 litres of space.

Our verdict

As Audi has committed to going fully electric by 2026, this may well be the last 100% Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) iteration of the RS 3 - and the Audi engineers have certainly thrown everything at this car. With all new suspension, the RS torque splitter a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox all married with the wonderful five-cylinder engine this really is a driver’s car. The only downside we found, the turning circle is not as tight as you think it would be for a smaller car.

Pros:

• The engine and its sound
• Its looks

Cons:

• Small boot space
• Turning circle

Prices are correct on date of publication.

Safety systems

• Front driver & passenger airbags with side airbags in the front seats, side guard head airbag
• Audi Pre Sense Front 
• Audi Drive Select
• Adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist
• High beam assist 
• Lane Change Assist with exit warning system and rear cross traffic alert
• Anti theft alarm with interior surveillance and vehicle immobiliser
• Electronic stabilisation control (ESC) with torque vectoring
• Rear view camera

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