Audi RS 3 Sportback: A supercar for a sensible budget

The 2022 Audi RS 3 retails for just over R1-million, and you get a lot of car for that money. This supercar features an improved legendary five-cylinder engine, a new torque splitter, unmistakable exterior design, and a highly upscale interior. Competing against the likes of BMW M2 and Mercedes-AMG A45+ S, it possesses everything you expect from a performance car, and it’s suitable for everyday use too.

The RS 3 is the range-topping model of the Audi A3 line-up available in Sportback and Sedan. Both models employ Audi’s famous 2.5 TFSI turbocharged 5-cylinder mill which received the “International Engine of the Year” award nine times straight.

For the 2022 model year, the high-performance five-cylinder engine offers improved torque, pull, and top speed thanks to the 20 Nm bump over the previous RS 3. The total engine output stands at 294 kW and 500 Nm enabling the compact sports car to hit 100 km/h from a standstill position in just 3.8 seconds. That is three-tenths of a second faster than its predecessor with Launch Control.

Besides the acceleration, buyers can increase the 250 km/h, unmatched top speed in the compact class, to 290 km/h by opting for the RS Dynamic Package Plus.

Audi mentions a 9L/100km fuel economy on the NEDC cycle but be ready to make frequent trips to the petrol pump if you plan on getting the most out of the five-cylinder engine.

It becomes the first RS featuring a torque splitter, and there’s a fully variable multiple disc clutch instead of the rear axle differential for better stability and agility.

Besides, Audi Drive Select adjusts the powerplant, transmission attributes, steering aid, adaptive dampers, exhaust flaps, and torque splitter. Based on the Drive Selection, the system emphasizes Comfort, Fuel Economy, and even enhanced Racetrack driving.

Audi ordered exclusively regulated Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires (optional) to enhance the track driving fun. The torque splitter cuts understeer and oversteer in different conditions, enabling quick lap times. In addition, the RS Torque Rear mode sends torque mainly to the rear axle.

Audi has also made the 2022 RS 3 more expressive with a comprehensive RS bumper, a restyled Single frame with a unique honeycomb grille, and bigger air intakes. Additionally, the performance Sportback has a 33-millimeter extended front axle track and 10mm-broadened rear axle.

The standard exterior features include Matrix LED headlights, digital daytime running lights, LED taillights, door entrance LED lighting, RS 3 print on the driver’s side door, 19-inch wheels with a 10-Y spoke style, the updated RS-specific rear bumper with the RS exhaust system, and so much more. Furthermore, buyers can order several accessories made with carbon fibre reinforced plastic as well as different styling packages.

The interior has RS-specific amenities starting with the 12.3-inch Audi RS Virtual Cockpit Plus, 10.1-inch instrument panel, RS sport seats, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, and some RS design packages.

The Audi RS3 Sportback retails for R1,215,000 and you’ll pay R1,245,000 for the Sedan, and the first consignment of vehicles have already been accounted for. It means you’ll probably have to wait if you order your RS 3 Sportback now. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Looking for a new ride? Online research is important to help guide you to the best decision. Keep an eye on the MotorHappy blog, where we’re always reviewing the latest models.

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.topgear.com