2025 Audi RS3 evaluation

There’s simply one thing concerning the sounds of an unbridled five-cylinder engine – the distinctive warble at idle, the lowdown growl, and the meaty roar on the high of the rev vary.

It’s a singular symphony that I’m properly acquainted with, because the proprietor of a 2008 Volvo C30.

I playfully name that automotive the ‘Aldi R8’ as a way of convincing myself the unmuffled turbo-five appears like a cut-price model of the V10 present in Audi’s iconic supercar. And I’m not the one one to contemplate the inline-five format a ‘child V10’ of types.

However the future is bleak for these after an unique powertrain on a funds, as five-cylinder energy is getting ready to extinction. Volvo went down the downsizing route almost a decade in the past, whereas Audi has now discontinued the R8’s true little brother – the TT RS.

That leaves the Audi RS3 because the final remaining five-cylinder automotive on sale in Australia.

Out there as each a hatch and sedan, this compact efficiency machine has been a staple of Audi’s lineup since 2011, and it was just lately up to date for 2025 and past.

The powertrain is unchanged, which is completely wonderful by me, however Audi says the brand new RS3 gives “sharper styling, enhanced dynamics, and new expertise” in comparison with the outgoing mannequin.

Nonetheless, these upgrades include a value premium – markups of almost $10,000 throughout each physique types, to be actual.

That pushes the RS3 over $100,000 for the primary time in Australia, which is a big sum for a not-so-large car. However is that spicy five-cylinder engine nonetheless definitely worth the larger value of admission? And will this be peak RS3?

How a lot does the Audi RS3 price?

Audi’s smallest RS mannequin has cracked the $100,000 barrier Down Beneath, with the up to date Sportback beginning at $104,800 earlier than on-road prices, and the sedan priced $4000 larger.

Whereas that represents a big hike over the pre-update mannequin, the RS3 stays cheaper than its closest competitor – the Mercedes-AMG A45 – which opens at a cool $122,500 earlier than on-road prices. Nonetheless, the BMW M240i xDrive is extra inexpensive, with an asking value of $99,900 plus on-roads.

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

What’s the Audi RS3 like on the within?

The variations between the pre- and post-update RS3 could also be refined, however all of them symbolize enhancements to an already trendy cabin.

Contained in the RS3, the primary apparent change is the introduction of a newly formed steering wheel with a flat high and backside. As normal, the wheel is trimmed in perforated leather-based, though an Alcantara suede end is on the market as an possibility that’s properly value having.

We examined the RS3 throughout the depths of a brutal Melbourne winter, so the absence of steering wheel heating stood out. Nonetheless, each entrance seats are heated as normal.

The seats in query are Audi’s normal sport seats – the one possibility at the moment obtainable in Australia. Non-compulsory RS bucket seats could arrive at a later date.

The common quilted leather-based pews are removed from essentially the most aggressive seats going round – the bolstering is gentle, whereas there’s sufficient width within the base and backrest to accomodate a broad vary of physique sorts. Plentiful electrical adjustment, extendable thigh help, and therapeutic massage features additionally assist within the quest to get snug.

As such, the seats are good for on a regular basis driving, however lack the sporting fringe of a BMW M carbon bucket.

The optionally available RS design bundle plus ($2150) introduces inexperienced or purple Dinamica shoulder panels, seat belt accents, and steering wheel stitching, amongst different upgrades. It’s a field I’d be inclined to tick, as the inside of the RS3 comes throughout a bit uninteresting with out that injection of color.

The sprint and surrounds are all completed in shades of black and gray, necessitating use of the sunroof to brighten issues up. It’s a unique story at evening, when Audi’s ambient cabin lighting is given its likelihood to shine.

Among the supplies aren’t all that nice to work together with, both. The door playing cards are predominately completed in laborious, scratchy plastic, as is the central tunnel. There’s loads of gloss ‘piano’ black plastic, too. With that stated, most important contact factors get leather-based or suede remedy.

Sitting within the RS3, it’s extra premium than mainstream efficiency hatches however not an instance of high-end luxurious, for my part. No, this isn’t an A8 limousine, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an costly piece of equipment.

So, from an inside perspective, what are you paying up for? A candy set of screens, for one.

Unchanged is Audi’s 12.3-inch ‘digital cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, which gives Sport, Efficiency, and Runway views, in addition to a brand new rev counter design. The instrument show is impressively giant for this class of automotive and presents in a sporty purple and black color scheme.

Contact buttons on the steering wheel permit for customisation of the cluster, amongst different features. Such controls might be fiddly and annoying to make use of, however they didn’t hassle me on this software. Efficiency mode might be accessed through a bodily checkered flag button on the steering wheel, and RS Particular person mode is tied to a purple RS button.

Transferring throughout, the ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen now options an in-built app retailer, which boosts an already spectacular multimedia system. Different mod-cons embody related providers, driver profiles, Google-based satellite tv for pc navigation, and the Audi RS efficiency monitor.

The display screen has a cultured look, sitting flush with the sprint, and the graphics are equally subtle. It’s straightforward to search out your manner across the fundamental app grid, and a shortcut bar down the correct hand facet of the display screen makes it very easy to leap out and in of smartphone mirroring.

There’s additionally loads to be stated for the 15-speaker SONOS sound system, however I barely sampled it in favour of listening to that superb five-cylinder engine be aware as a substitute.

A fundamental head-up show rounds out the expertise suite.

Beneath the infotainment display screen you’ll discover user-friendly bodily local weather controls and one other row of toggles linked to drive modes, traction management, parking cameras, and the help programs. All are tactile and clearly labelled, however not dominant to the extent that they crowd the sprint and centre console.

There’s nonetheless room for a wi-fi charging tray on the base of the centre stack, and the realm surrounding the gear selector stays uncluttered.

Nonetheless, different cabin storage choices are missing – the door bins are an ungainly form and the centre console is woefully shallow. It seems like practicality took a again seat when Audi designed this area, and that brings me to the precise again seats.

Chopping to the chase, they’re not significantly roomy. Six-footers will nearly match within the RS3 Sportback, however the second row within the RS3 Sedan is a child-only zone for essentially the most half.

It’s each darkish and cramped again there, though facilities are in sturdy provide. You may count on USB-C shops, door storage, a devoted zone of local weather management, a centre armrest with cupholders, and storage nets.

When not in use, the second row folds flat in 60/40 style to unlock extra cargo capability. Relying on physique type, the RS3 gives between 282-321 litres of boot area – lower than each the M240i and A45.

As soon as once more, the hatch takes the practicality factors as a result of the truth that it has a correct powered tailgate, whereas the sedan sports activities a tailgate that must be shut bodily.

Each variants have a tyre restore equipment instead of a spare.

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

What’s underneath the bonnet?

There’s no change right here, with the RS3 nonetheless powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 294kW of energy and 500Nm of torque. Energy is distributed to all 4 wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission.

Nonetheless, Audi says it has “fine-tuned the interaction between mechanical and digital elements – together with the torque splitter, digital stability management, and wheel-selective torque management – to make sure the RS3’s efficiency and dealing with dynamics are on the absolute forefront of its class”.

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

How does the Audi RS3 drive?

Whereas Audi hasn’t boosted the RS3’s efficiency outputs with this replace, tweaks to the driving expertise are obvious as quickly as you hit the beginning button.

The exhaust valve system has been retrained to amplify that superb five-cylinder warble on startup, turning each drive into an occasion from the outset.

And that sense of event stays all through the course of each journey, because the RS3 is one among few trendy automobiles that sounds actually robust out of the field. Having stated that, a 4000rpm soft-limiter does put a ceiling on the enjoyable you may have when sat stationary.

However, the engine is the headline act of the RS3. Its unique sound is in contrast to anything on this section, and certainly some other new automotive in the marketplace.

There’s loads of chunk to match the bark, too. The RS3 delivers large thrust proper via the rev vary, evidenced by a large peak torque band (2250-5600rpm). Audi says each variations will dash from 0-100km/h in simply 3.8 seconds, and I’ve no purpose to doubt that declare.

Throttle response is superb, as is the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which gives slick shifts that pair properly with an engine as keen as this lump is. That’s very true while you reap the benefits of the shift paddles behind the steering wheel, on this case joyously tactile metallic objects.

In stop-start visitors, nonetheless, the gearbox can really feel jerky and hesitant – a trait nonetheless frequent to many dual-clutch transmissions.

It’s one factor for a scorching hatch/sedan to vow supercar ranges of efficiency, however one other factor altogether for that efficiency to be usable in every day driving. Credit score the place it’s due although as a result of, low-speed shifting quibbles apart, the RS3 nails this transient.

Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive system does an excellent job of placing energy to the bottom throughout a variety of highway circumstances, whether or not that be moist tarmac or unfastened surfaces. It additionally provides the driving force licence to prod the correct pedal from a standstill with out worrying about wheelspin – music to the ears of visitors gentle drag racers.

The reassurance of all-wheel drive additionally evokes confidence on backroads, the place the RS3 actually shines. You don’t should be a Components 1 driver to carve up corners on this factor, because it feels each agile and secure within the twisties, with mountains of mechanical grip courtesy of meaty Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres.

Audi claims to have lowered understeer via enhancements to its RS torque splitter – an lively, absolutely variable torque distribution system for the rear wheels. Whereas that’s certainly true, the RS3 nonetheless errs in direction of understeer when pushed laborious via tighter bends.

Nonetheless, that was most obvious after we hit the Haunted Hills Hillclimb observe in Yallourn. In different phrases, you’re unlikely to discover these limits on a public highway.

However within the occasion that you just do end up at a racetrack with the RS3, you’d higher imagine it’s up for the problem – the up to date mannequin just lately set a brand new class report on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of seven:33.123 minutes, eclipsing the BMW M2 by 5.0 seconds and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S by greater than 10 seconds.

Outright efficiency doesn’t at all times equal engagement although, and there’s room for enchancment in terms of steering really feel. You may regulate the weighting by toggling between drive modes, however the steering by no means gives a lot in the way in which of suggestions or texture.

That’s to not say altering course is a chore, as a result of the RS3 nonetheless feels nimble and composed.

Audi’s complete set of drive modes – Consolation, Auto, Dynamic, and Particular person – permit the driving force to regulate suspension, steering, drivetrain, exhaust, and torque-split settings on the go, whereas devoted RS buttons on the steering wheel present fast entry to customized configurations, together with an all-out ‘RS Race’ profile.

As such, the RS3 can swap between assault mode and cozy cruising straight away, elevating its attraction as an all-rounder.

And no matter the way you set the automotive up, it’s surprisingly compliant for a compact efficiency sedan. Adaptive suspension is normal, and the system strikes a wonderful steadiness between consolation and sportiness in its default setting.

Consolation mode softens the experience significantly for lengthy journeys, whereas Dynamic stiffens issues up for enthusiastic driving. Even on tough roads, the chassis absorbs bumps properly with out compromising composure. At no level throughout or rigorous check did the entrance suspension backside out, and all potholes have been handled gracefully.

And I commend Audi for not providing bigger wheel choices, with three variations of 19-inch wheel obtainable from the manufacturing unit.

Whereas inserting limits on the scale of wheels and tyres serves to protect experience consolation, the usual 19s are nonetheless far too noisy, particularly on coarse-chip highways. Tyre roar is way extra intrusive right here than it’s within the BMW M240i, although I choose the general atmosphere of the previous for its addictive mixture of turbo, exhaust, and consumption noise.

Certain, the RS3 could make a little bit of a racket on the freeway, nevertheless it’s loaded with trendy driver assists to make arduous journeys that little bit simpler.

All variations come normal with Audi’s adaptive cruise help – an evolution of cruise management that includes adaptive cruise, lane centring, and visitors jam help expertise. The system works properly in the actual world, and different unpopular ADAS features might be tinkered with simply utilizing bodily toggles on the sprint.

Given the compact nature of the RS3, the tight confines of the town don’t pose a problem. Parking is a bit of cake, particularly with the advantage of a surround-view digicam and plentiful proximity sensors. Assisted parking can be obtainable, do you have to want it.

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

What do you get?

The RS3 is offered in a single trim stage throughout two physique types, though a number of possibility packs provide a stage of customisation.

2025 Audi RS3 gear highlights:

• 19-inch Audi Sport wheels
  • 5-spoke Y-style, matte black
• Tyre restore equipment
• Matrix LED headlights – darkened
• Digital daytime working lights
• Premium paint – excl. Ascari Blue ($650)
• Purple brake calipers
• RS sports activities exhaust
• Adaptive suspension
• Rear privateness glass
• Black exterior styling bundle plus
• RS sport seats in wonderful Nappa leather-based
  • Honeycomb stitching
  • RS embossing
  • Heating
• Flat-top and backside RS Sport steering wheel
  • incl. satellite tv for pc buttons
• Panoramic glass sunroof
  • incl. built-in solar blind
• 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• 15-speaker 680W Sonos 3D sound system
• 12.3-inch Audi RS digital cockpit plus digital instrument cluster
• Head-up show
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Color ambient lighting bundle professional
• Carbon atlas inlays
• Chrome steel pedals

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

Choices

Carbon bundle: $7400

• RS exterior options in gloss carbon, together with:
  • Entrance bumper facet blades, facet sill inlays
  • Exterior mirror housings
  • Roof edge spoiler – Sportback
  • Tailgate spoiler – Sedan
  • Rear diffuser inlay

RS design bundle plus, purple: $2150

• Steering wheel rim in Dinamica microfibre with Specific Purple stitching
• Seat belts in black with purple edges
• Ground mats in black with distinction stitching in Specific Purple
  • incl. RS brand on entrance mats
• Seat shoulders in Dinamica microfibre – Specific Purple
• Centre bar on air vents in Specific Purple, controller in gloss black

RS design bundle plus, inexperienced: $2150

• Steering wheel rim in Dinamica microfibre with Micrommata Inexperienced stitching
• Seat belts in black with inexperienced edges
• Ground mats in black with distinction stitching in Micrommata Inexperienced
  • incl. RS brand on entrance mats
• Seat shoulders in Dinamica microfibre – Micrommata Inexperienced
• Centre bar on air vents in Micrommata Inexperienced, controller in gloss black

Standalone choices embody:

• 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in 10-cross-spoke – black metallic: $1200
• 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in 10-cross-spoke – silk matt gre: $1400
• RS ceramic brake system: $10,800
  • Out there with calipers in Anthracite Gray, Blue or Purple
• Ascari Blue metallic paint – Audi Sport: $650
• Inlays in Dinamica microfibre – black: $850
• Inlays and instrument panel accent surfaces in carbon atlas: $1900

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

Is the Audi RS3 protected?

The brand new Audi A3 retains the five-star ANCAP security ranking of its predecessor, based mostly on Euro NCAP exams performed in 2020 – although the S3 and RS3 are unrated.

Customary security gear contains:

• 6 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bike owner detection
  • Flip help
• Adaptive cruise help
  • Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
  • Emergency help
  • Lane centring help
  • Visitors jam help
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Exit warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep help
• Park help
• Parking sensors – entrance, rear
• Reversing digicam
• Encompass-view digicam system
• Tyre strain monitoring

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

How a lot does the Audi RS3 price to run?

The RS3 vary is roofed by Audi Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Roadside help is included during the guarantee interval, too.

To see how the Audi RS3 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument

CarExpert’s Tackle the Audi RS3

Costs could also be up, however the up to date RS3 is simply as spectacular as ever.

It possesses a singular character that rivals merely can’t match, and the newest spherical of upgrades has given this iteration a correctly trendy really feel.

Of the ‘large three’ compact efficiency automobiles, the RS3 is the most effective geared up for every day duties. Whereas the BMW M240i xDrive is driver-centric and full of user-friendly tech, you’d fairly have 4 doorways when the every day grind features a college run. BMW additionally sells the cheaper, four-door M135 xDrive and M235 xDrive fashions, though each do with out that candy inline-six.

In the meantime, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is a bit more hardcore than the RS3, and by no means fairly as agile or snug.

For these causes, Audi’s pocket rocket makes for a wonderful all-rounder. It’s additionally faster than the Merc and a full-fat M2 round a racetrack, as confirmed by Audi’s achievement on the Nurburgring.

So, why wouldn’t you purchase an RS3? The sedan appears to be like extra sensible than it’s, and all variations undergo from extreme highway noise. Purchase the hatch and also you’ve fastened a kind of flaws.

As for the tyre roar, there’s an answer for that too. Simply wind down your home windows and benefit from the sound of five-cylinder fury – belief me, it by no means will get outdated.

CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Audi RS3. Click on right here to get an awesome deal

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MORE: Discover the Audi RS3 showroom