Overview
Strap into the 2024 Audi RS3 and maintain on because the small sports activities sedan is prepared and keen to thrill its driver. Packing an unconventional five-cylinder engine with 401 turbocharged horses, the RS3 has a signature sound and the power to hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The Audi additionally comes customary with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that has a rear-biased setting for novice drifters. When this assertively styled four-door is not being hooned round city, it is pleased to be raced round a monitor, with its obtainable R-compound monitor tires offering transformative grip and low lap instances. The RS3 additionally has a softer aspect. With a lot of luxurious options and a cushty cabin (for these sitting within the entrance seats, not less than), the sedan can seamlessly swap from bruiser to cruiser. We warning clients from overindulging within the choices in the event that they wish to preserve the worth down. Nonetheless, we will not assist however be smitten with the sassiest model of Audi’s smallest sedan.
What’s New for 2024?
The RS3 does not obtain any large adjustments for the 2024 mannequin yr, however there are a handful of smaller ones. For instance, all RS3s now come customary with matte carbon-look inside trim. The elective RS Design bundle additionally now contains pink distinction stitching on the seats and different particulars that had been beforehand inexperienced.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
The RS3 begins at practically $63,000 and few choices are provided. For individuals who plan on setting sizzling laps within the little sedan like we did at Virginia Worldwide Raceway throughout our 2023 Lightning Lap occasion, we advocate selecting the elective Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R monitor tires, as their transformative properties are a steal at $450 whole. Nevertheless, those that do not plan on taking their RS3 to the racetrack ought to stick to the usual summer time rubber, which can possible have an extended shelf life. We might skip the opposite packages, as they’re primarily beauty.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Probably the most distinct components of the RS3 is its uncommon five-cylinder engine. Its odd variety of cylinders offers it a singular thrumming soundtrack that was notably pleasing on the outgoing mannequin. The most recent iteration is once more a turbocharged 2.5-liter, nevertheless it now makes 401 horsepower. The engine pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission that intentionally downshifts with slight throttle inputs, however behaves much less aggressively throughout laborious braking. The RS3’s customary all-wheel-drive system features a torque-vectoring rear differential with a drift mode. Sadly, getting the RS3’s tail to kick out requires dedication and might be troublesome to take care of. In contrast with the lesser A3 and S3, the sportiest 3 has upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension setup, and a singular set of wheels on stickier efficiency tires. The RS3 we drove produced exhilarating sounds, and the automotive’s feisty nature was evident on the racetrack. Plus, it was composed and comfy when pushed sedately on common roads. At our take a look at monitor, we recorded a blisteringly fast 3.3-second run to 60 mph; the RS3 eclipsed the quarter-mile mark in simply 11.8 seconds at 117 mph.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The 2024 RS3 is rated at 19 mpg within the metropolis and 28 mpg on the freeway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is a part of our intensive testing routine, the sedan outperformed its EPA estimate with a 33 mpg outcome. For extra details about the RS3’s gas financial system, go to the EPA web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Inside, the RS3’s passenger area is similar to the A3 and S3, nevertheless it has a set of extra aggressively bolstered entrance seats. Audi endows all variations with a dashboard that appears something however bland. A pair of high-mounted air vents face the motive force and flank the instrument panel binnacle that homes a set of digital gauges. The RS3 can be obtainable with a head-up show. Under the middle touchscreen are local weather controls with bodily buttons, and there is a bin beneath them that is built-in into the middle console. Sadly, drivers have to pick out gears through a bizarre, stubby shifter; paddles on the steering wheel are another as soon as the RS3 is in movement.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Primarily based on the infotainment system employed by the A3 and S3, the RS3 has a ten.1-inch touchscreen mounted in the midst of the sprint. It may be managed by means of contact inputs, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice instructions. It additionally contains wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Constructed-in navigation, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and wi-fi telephone charging are on the roster too.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The RS3 gives a mixture of customary driver-assistance know-how in addition to choices reminiscent of adaptive cruise management and computerized high-beam headlights. For extra details about the Audi’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
- Normal forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Normal lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
- Obtainable blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Audi’s restricted and powertrain guarantee are aggressive with different German automakers.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2022 Audi RS3
Car Kind: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Examined: $59,995/$65,440
Choices: RS Expertise bundle (Audi Navigation Plus, Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up show), $2750; RS sport exhaust, $1000; Black Optic Plus bundle (19-inch matte black wheels, summer time tires, black Audi badges and roof), $750; Kemora Grey metallic paint, $595; aspect and rear cross visitors help, $350
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 20-valve inline-5, aluminum block and head, port and direct gas injection
Displacement: 151 in3, 2480 cm3
Energy: 401 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch computerized
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.8-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 265/30ZR-19 (93Y) AO
R: 245/35ZR-19 (93Y) AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.6 in
Size: 178.8 in
Width: 72.9 in
Top: 55.6 in
Passenger Quantity: 87 ft3
Trunk Quantity: 8 ft3
Curb Weight: 3639 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.3 sec
100 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.8 sec @ 117 mph
130 mph: 15.0 sec
150 mph: 22.1 sec
Outcomes above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Begin, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
High Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
High Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec
High Velocity (gov ltd): 159 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 336 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.94 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 22 mpg
75-mph Freeway Driving: 33 mpg
75-mph Freeway Vary: 470 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 23/20/29 mpg
