Audi RS 3: Power, Performance & Price

Unleash the Beast: The 2022 Audi RS 3

The 2022 Audi RS 3 is a car that demands attention, not just for its aggressive styling but for the sheer visceral experience it offers. For those who appreciate a potent engine and razor-sharp handling, the RS 3 presents a compelling package. It represents a lineage of legendary Audi performance, tracing its roots back to the iconic 5-cylinder engines that first appeared in 1976. This latest iteration, however, pushes the boundaries of what a hot hatch can achieve, delivering a driving experience that is as thrilling on the track as it is engaging on the road.

The Heart of the Matter: Audi's Renowned 5-Cylinder Engine

At the core of the 2022 Audi RS 3 lies its 2.5-litre TFSI 5-cylinder engine. This powerplant isn't just an engine; it's an award-winning marvel, having claimed the 'International Engine of the Year' award an astonishing nine times consecutively. Its reputation precedes it, revered by both seasoned engineers and passionate enthusiasts for its unique character and intoxicating aural symphony. In this latest iteration, the engine boasts an impressive 294kW of power, delivered between 5600-7000rpm, and a substantial 500Nm of torque, available across a broad range from 2250-5600rpm. This represents a 20Nm increase over the previous generation, translating into even more exhilarating performance.

Blistering Pace: How Fast is the RS 3?

The question on everyone's lips: just how quick is the new Audi RS 3? The answer is: exceptionally fast. Thanks to strategic improvements in torque delivery, enhanced launch control capabilities, and the adoption of wider, grippier tyres, the RS 3 can catapult from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. While Audi's official figure is three-tenths of a second faster than the outgoing model, the sensation from behind the wheel feels significantly more rapid. This is a car that doesn't just accelerate; it launches.

Pricing and Options: A Premium Proposition

The 2022 Audi RS 3 is positioned as a premium performance hatchback, and its pricing reflects that. The RS 3 Sportback starts from $91,391 AUD before on-road costs, with the sedan variant priced slightly higher at $93,891 AUD before on-road costs. However, the allure of the RS 3 lies not just in its base price but also in the extensive list of optional extras that can elevate the experience – and the final bill. Ticking every box on the options list for a Sportback can see the price climb to approximately $118,041 AUD before on-road costs. These options include:

The available paint colours are extensive and include Turbo Blue, Kyalami Green, Glacier White, Kemora Grey, Mythos Black, Python Yellow, Tango Red, and Daytona Grey. These options allow buyers to truly personalise their RS 3.

On Track: The RS 3 Unleashed

Our first encounter with the 2022 Audi RS 3 was on the hallowed grounds of The Bend Motorsport Park. The car's presence is immediately imposing, with its dramatically widened front wheel arches – a full 33mm wider than the previous generation – housing massively wide 265/30 R19 tyres. The rear arches are also widened by 10mm. This aggressive stance is not merely cosmetic; it translates directly into the driving dynamics on track. The car exhibits remarkable rear-end rotation, a characteristic rarely found in a road-going hatchback, significantly reducing understeer. The massive 375mm front brakes are exceptional, providing immense stopping power and confidence for turn-in. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system, coupled with the new RS torque splitter, works in harmony to eliminate understeer, allowing for aggressive throttle application mid-corner. While the standard tyres might slightly limit ultimate lateral grip compared to optional track-focused rubber available overseas, the car's balance and poise are simply phenomenal. It encourages bold inputs, rewarding drivers with precise pivots and controlled rotation at the rear axle. The staggered wheel setup (19x9 front, 19x8 rear) and tyre sizing (265 front, 245 rear) are clearly designed to enhance this rear-biased agility.

On the Road: Everyday Performance

Transitioning from the track to the scenic Adelaide Hills provided an opportunity to assess the RS 3 as a daily driver. The car's eagerness is palpable, with its outright performance feeling even more potent than the official 3.8-second 0-100km/h claim suggests. The steering is direct and communicative, with its weighting adjustable through the various driving modes, always keeping the driver connected to the front wheels. The driving position is comfortable for extended periods, though it's worth noting that its hatchback configuration offers a different feel to more traditional 'coupe' sports cars. The iconic 5-cylinder engine note remains a significant drawcard, even with subtle emissions-related moderation. The only slight detraction on the road is the amount of road noise generated by the wide 265/30 R19 tyres, particularly on coarser surfaces.

The RS Torque Rear Mode: Unleash the Fun

A standout feature of the 2022 RS 3 is the RS Torque Rear Mode, enabled by the advanced torque splitter on the rear axle. This system can actively distribute up to 50% of the available power to a single rear wheel, promoting oversteer. In essence, it allows for more dynamic handling characteristics, such as sending power to the right rear wheel during a left-hand corner. This technology unlocks a 'drift mode' – more accurately described as a 'rally-style drift' paying homage to the S1 heritage. On a skidpan, this mode allows for controlled, enjoyable slides, adding another layer of excitement to the RS 3's capabilities.

Interior and Infotainment: A Driver-Centric Cockpit

The driver's interface in the RS 3 is dominated by the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus digital instrument cluster. This display is arguably the best in the business, offering a custom RS 'runway' design. It's not just about aesthetics; the display seamlessly integrates vital performance data, including g-forces, lap times, and acceleration figures, which, despite their potential to feel gimmicky, are highly functional and accurate. The RS-specific shift indicator, which changes colour from green to yellow to red as the engine revs climb, is a particularly neat touch, also mirrored in the Head-Up Display (HUD). The car will even bounce off the rev limiter in manual mode, a nod to its sporting intent.

Complementing the Virtual Cockpit is the 10.1-inch central touchscreen, elegantly integrated into the dashboard. This unit allows monitoring of crucial performance metrics like transmission oil temperature and tyre pressures. Both displays maintain excellent resolution. The RS 3 supports both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which utilise the full screen real estate.

Materials and Ergonomics: Premium Touches, Minor Quibbles

While the overall interior layout mirrors that of the A3 and S3, the RS 3 distinguishes itself with sport seats, optional suede trim, and coloured stitching. The interior design is as angular and aggressive as the exterior, though some design elements, like the protruding driver's air vent and the compact shift knob, might not appeal to everyone. However, the touchpoints are where the RS 3 truly shines. The steering wheel, especially when optioned with Alcantara, is one of the best on the market, offering excellent grip and feel. The flipped door pulls are a thoughtful detail. A blend of premium materials and textures, accented by textured silver finishes, reinforces the car's premium positioning. Audi has wisely retained physical buttons for climate controls, and the overall cabin exudes a tactile, high-quality feel. The abundance of soft-touch plastics in the front further enhances the perception of luxury. However, a minor disappointment arises in the rear seating area and lower sections of the dashboard, where harder, cheaper plastics are used, a noticeable step down from the quality found in the front. This is a common criticism in many VW Group products and is an area where a $100k Audi could arguably do better. The piano black trim surrounding the gear selector, being a large single piece, also raises concerns about its long-term scratch resistance.

Safety and Driver Assistance

While the 2022 Audi RS 3 has not yet been officially rated by ANCAP, the standard A3 lineup achieved a commendable 5-star safety rating. This included strong scores for adult occupant protection (89%), child occupant protection (81%), vulnerable road user protection (68%), and safety assist systems (73%). The RS 3 comes equipped with seven airbags as standard, along with Audi pre-sense front (autonomous emergency braking), adaptive cruise assist, hill hold assist, park assist, and front and rear parking sensors. Due to ongoing chip shortages, some features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, and exit warning are not currently available.

Warranty and Servicing: Peace of Mind

Audi Australia provides a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, complemented by a 12-year manufacturer warranty against corrosion perforation. Service intervals are set at 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. An optional five-year Audi service plan is available for $3,580 AUD, purchasable within the first 12 months of ownership. For comparison, a comparable BMW M240i 'Service Plus' plan costs $4,340 AUD, and a Mercedes plan is priced at $5,150 AUD. An Audi Advantage package, which includes two years of roadside assistance and scheduled servicing, can be purchased for an additional $3,800 AUD.

The Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi RS 3 the Hot Hatch King?

The 2022 Audi RS 3 is a truly exceptional performance car that stands tall against its premium rivals. Its closest competitor on paper, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+, is significantly more expensive and lacks the unique character of the RS 3's 5-cylinder engine and its impressive power output. The anticipated BMW M2 Competition is expected to exceed $120,000 AUD, placing it in a different price bracket. The BMW M240i, while a capable car, is a dedicated coupe, offering limited rear space compared to the practical RS 3 hatchback. Considering that this might be one of the last opportunities to acquire a turbocharged 5-cylinder Audi, the RS 3 presents an almost irresistible proposition. If you have approximately $100,000 AUD to spend on a sporty vehicle with a low centre of gravity and practical seating, the 2022 Audi RS 3 is arguably one of the best choices available on the market today. It masterfully blends blistering performance, engaging dynamics, and premium refinement, making it a standout in the highly competitive hot hatch segment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the engine configuration of the Audi RS 3?
The Audi RS 3 features a 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder inline engine.

Q2: What is the power output of the 2022 Audi RS 3?
The 2022 Audi RS 3 produces 294kW (approximately 394 horsepower) of power.

Q3: How quickly can the Audi RS 3 accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?
The RS 3 can achieve 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

Q4: Does the Audi RS 3 have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the RS 3 is equipped with Audi's renowned Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Q5: What are the key interior features of the Audi RS 3?
Key interior features include the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, RS-specific sport seats, and premium material finishes.

Q6: What is the RS Torque Rear Mode?
This mode allows for a more dynamic driving experience by enabling the torque splitter to send up to 50% of power to a single rear wheel, promoting oversteer and enabling controlled drifts.

Q7: What is the warranty period for the Audi RS 3?
Audi Australia offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

If you want to read more articles similar to Audi RS 3: Power, Performance & Price, you can visit the Cars category.