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There’s simply one thing in regards to the sounds of an unbridled five-cylinder engine – the distinctive warble at idle, the lowdown growl, and the meaty roar on the prime of the rev vary.
It’s a singular symphony that I’m nicely acquainted with, because the proprietor of a 2008 Volvo C30.
I playfully name that automobile the ‘Aldi R8’ as a method of convincing myself the unmuffled turbo-five feels 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 kinds.
But the long run is bleak for these after an unique powertrain on a finances, as five-cylinder energy is on the point of extinction. Volvo went down the downsizing route practically 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 automobile on sale in Australia.
Available 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 advantageous by me, however Audi says the brand new RS3 presents “sharper styling, enhanced dynamics, and new technology” in comparison with the outgoing mannequin.
However, these upgrades include a worth premium – markups of practically $10,000 throughout each physique types, to be precise.
That pushes the RS3 over $100,000 for the primary time in Australia, which is a big sum for a not-so-large automobile. But is that spicy five-cylinder engine nonetheless well worth the greater worth of admission? And might this be peak RS3?
How a lot does the Audi RS3 value?
Audi’s smallest RS mannequin has cracked the $100,000 barrier Down Under, with the up to date Sportback beginning at $104,800 earlier than on-road prices, and the sedan priced $4000 greater.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Audi RS3 Sportback | $104,800 |
| 2025 Audi RS3 Sedan | $107,800 |
While that represents a major 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. However, the BMW M240i xDrive is extra reasonably priced, with an asking worth of $99,900 plus on-roads.
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What is 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.
Inside the RS3, the primary apparent change is the introduction of a newly formed steering wheel with a flat prime and backside. As commonplace, the wheel is trimmed in perforated leather-based, though an Alcantara suede end is out there as an possibility that’s nicely price having.
We examined the RS3 in the course of the depths of a brutal Melbourne winter, so the absence of steering wheel heating stood out. However, each entrance seats are heated as commonplace.
The seats in query are Audi’s commonplace sport seats – the one possibility at present accessible in Australia. Optional RS bucket seats might 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 assist, and therapeutic massage capabilities additionally support within the quest to get comfy.
As such, the seats are good for on a regular basis driving, however lack the sporting fringe of a BMW M carbon bucket.
The elective 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 boring 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 special story at night time, when Audi’s ambient cabin lighting is given its likelihood to shine.
Some of the supplies aren’t all that nice to work together with, both. The door playing cards are predominately completed in onerous, 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, in my view. 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 presents Sport, Performance, and Runway views, in addition to a brand new rev counter design. The instrument show is impressively massive for this class of automobile and presents in a sporty purple and black color scheme.
Touch buttons on the steering wheel enable for customisation of the cluster, amongst different capabilities. Such controls may be fiddly and annoying to make use of, however they didn’t trouble me on this software. Performance mode may be accessed through a bodily checkered flag button on the steering wheel, and RS Individual mode is tied to a purple RS button.
Moving throughout, the ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen now options an in-built app retailer, which boosts an already spectacular multimedia system. Other mod-cons embrace related providers, driver profiles, Google-based satellite tv for pc navigation, and the Audi RS efficiency monitor.
The display has an aesthetic look, sitting flush with the sprint, and the graphics are equally refined. It’s simple to seek out your method across the fundamental app grid, and a shortcut bar down the fitting hand aspect of the display 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 wonderful five-cylinder engine observe as a substitute.
A fundamental head-up show rounds out the know-how suite.
Below the infotainment display 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.
However, different cabin storage choices are missing – the door bins are an ungainly form and the centre console is woefully shallow. It looks like practicality took a again seat when Audi designed this house, and that brings me to the precise again seats.
Cutting to the chase, they’re not notably 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 robust provide. You can anticipate USB-C retailers, 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 trend to unlock extra cargo capability. Depending on physique model, the RS3 presents between 282-321 litres of boot house – lower than each the M240i and A45.
Once 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.
Both variants have a tyre restore equipment rather than a spare.
| Dimensions | Audi RS3 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4389-4542mm |
| Width | 1984mm |
| Height | 1417mm |
| Wheelbase | 2629mm |
| Cargo capability | 282-321L |
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below 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. Power is distributed to all 4 wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission.
| Specifications | Audi RS3 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 5cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 294kW |
| Torque | 500Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive sort | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1640kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 3.8 seconds |
| Fuel economic system (claimed) | 8.2-8.3L/100km |
| Fuel economic system (as examined) | 9.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 55 litres |
| Fuel requirement | 98-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 188-191g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
However, Audi says it has “fine-tuned the interplay between mechanical and electronic components – including the torque splitter, electronic stability control, and wheel-selective torque control – to ensure the RS3’s performance and handling dynamics are at the absolute forefront of its class”.
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Audi RS3 drive?
While 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 wonderful 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 every journey, because the RS3 is certainly one of few trendy automobiles that sounds really robust out of the field. Having stated that, a 4000rpm soft-limiter does put a ceiling on the enjoyable you possibly can have when sat stationary.
Nevertheless, the engine is the headline act of the RS3. Its unique sound is not like anything on this section, and certainly some other new automobile available on the market.
There’s loads of chunk to match the bark, too. The RS3 delivers large thrust proper by means of 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 cause to doubt that declare.
Throttle response is great, as is the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which presents slick shifts that pair nicely with an engine as prepared as this lump is. That’s very true whenever you benefit from the shift paddles behind the steering wheel, on this case joyously tactile steel objects.
In stop-start visitors, nonetheless, the gearbox can really feel jerky and hesitant – a trait nonetheless widespread 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 day by day driving. Credit the place it’s due although as a result of, low-speed shifting quibbles apart, the RS3 nails this temporary.
Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive system does an excellent job of placing energy to the bottom throughout a variety of street circumstances, whether or not that be moist tarmac or free surfaces. It additionally provides the driving force licence to prod the fitting 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 conjures up confidence on backroads, the place the RS3 really shines. You don’t should be a Formula 1 driver to carve up corners on this factor, because it feels each agile and steady within the twisties, with mountains of mechanical grip courtesy of meaty Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres.
Audi claims to have decreased understeer by means of enhancements to its RS torque splitter – an energetic, totally variable torque distribution system for the rear wheels. While that’s certainly true, the RS3 nonetheless errs in the direction of understeer when pushed onerous by means of tighter bends.
However, 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 street.
But 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 the case of steering really feel. You can alter the weighting by toggling between drive modes, however the steering by no means presents a lot in the way in which of suggestions or texture.
That’s to not say altering path is a chore, as a result of the RS3 nonetheless feels nimble and composed.
Audi’s complete set of drive modes – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual – enable 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 enchantment as an all-rounder.
And no matter the way you set the automobile up, it’s surprisingly compliant for a compact efficiency sedan. Adaptive suspension is commonplace, and the system strikes a advantageous stability between consolation and sportiness in its default setting.
Comfort mode softens the journey significantly for lengthy journeys, whereas Dynamic stiffens issues up for enthusiastic driving. Even on tough roads, the chassis absorbs bumps nicely with out compromising composure. At no level throughout or rigorous check did the entrance suspension backside out, and all potholes had been handled gracefully.
And I commend Audi for not providing bigger wheel choices, with three variations of 19-inch wheel accessible from the manufacturing facility.
While putting limits on the dimensions of wheels and tyres serves to protect journey consolation, the usual 19s are nonetheless far too noisy, particularly on coarse-chip highways. Tyre roar is much extra intrusive right here than it’s within the BMW M240i, although I favor the general atmosphere of the previous for its addictive mixture of turbo, exhaust, and consumption noise.
Sure, 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 commonplace with Audi’s adaptive cruise help – an evolution of cruise management that comes with adaptive cruise, lane centring, and visitors jam help know-how. The system works nicely in the true world, and different unpopular ADAS capabilities may 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 difficulty. Parking is a bit of cake, particularly with the good thing about a surround-view digicam and plentiful proximity sensors. Assisted parking can be accessible, must you want it.
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
The RS3 is bought in a single trim degree throughout two physique types, though a number of possibility packs provide a degree 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 operating lights
- Premium paint – excl. Ascari Blue ($650)
- Red brake calipers
- RS sports activities exhaust
- Adaptive suspension
- Rear privateness glass
- Black exterior styling bundle plus
- RS sport seats in advantageous 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
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless 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
- Colour ambient lighting bundle professional
- Carbon atlas inlays
- Stainless metal pedals
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Options
Carbon bundle: $7400
- RS exterior options in gloss carbon, together with:
- Front bumper aspect blades, aspect 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 Express Red stitching
- Seat belts in black with purple edges
- Floor mats in black with distinction stitching in Express Red
- incl. RS brand on entrance mats
- Seat shoulders in Dinamica microfibre – Express Red
- Centre bar on air vents in Express Red, controller in gloss black
RS design bundle plus, inexperienced: $2150
- Steering wheel rim in Dinamica microfibre with Micrommata Green stitching
- Seat belts in black with inexperienced edges
- Floor mats in black with distinction stitching in Micrommata Green
- incl. RS brand on entrance mats
- Seat shoulders in Dinamica microfibre – Micrommata Green
- Centre bar on air vents in Micrommata Green, controller in gloss black
Standalone choices embrace:
- 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
- Available with calipers in Anthracite Grey, Blue or Red
- 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 towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Audi RS3 protected?
The new Audi A3 retains the five-star ANCAP security ranking of its predecessor, primarily based on Euro NCAP exams performed in 2020 – although the S3 and RS3 are unrated.
| Category | Audi A3 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 81 per cent |
| Vulnerable street person safety | 68 per cent |
| Safety help | 73 per cent |
Standard security gear consists of:
- 6 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Turn help
- Adaptive cruise help
- Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
- Emergency help
- Lane centring help
- Traffic jam help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Exit warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Park help
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Reversing digicam
- Surround-view digicam system
- Tyre strain monitoring
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Audi RS3 value to run?
The RS3 vary is roofed by Audi Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Roadside help is included throughout the guarantee interval, too.
| Servicing and Warranty | Audi RS3 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year Service Plan |
| Total capped-price service value | $4010 |
To see how the Audi RS3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Take on the Audi RS3
Prices 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 ‘massive three’ compact efficiency automobiles, the RS3 is one of the best outfitted for day by day duties. While the BMW M240i xDrive is driver-centric and full of user-friendly tech, you’d moderately have 4 doorways when the day by 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.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is a bit more hardcore than the RS3, and by no means fairly as agile or comfy.
For these causes, Audi’s pocket rocket makes for a superb 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 street noise. Buy the hatch and also you’ve fastened a type of flaws.
As for the tyre roar, there’s an answer for that too. Just 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 right here to get an awesome deal
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