Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi RS3 confirmed

Audi has revealed the £39,900 RS3 hot hatch, complete with the TT RS's 335bhp engine and 0-60mph in 4.6secs.

Audi is expanding its RS portfolio. Sharing showroom space with the RS5 and TT RS from next April will be the RS3. It has quite a lot in common with the hottest TT, too. Like its coupe cousin it uses the same 2.5-litre direct injection five cylinder and develops identical power figures: 335bhp and 332lb ft.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The RS3 is far from light, though. At 1575kg, it’s 125kg more than the TT RS, which is bound to dent performance a little – although a claimed 0-60mph (aided by the inevitable quattro 4wd system) of 4.6secs isn’t shabby. It will only be available with the S Tronic double clutch gearbox (our long term TT RS is a manual), but there will be a launch control system.

Elsewhere the front track width has been increased, the ride height has been dropped by 25mm from the standard A3 and it is surely one of the only cars to have wider front tyres than rear (235/35 ZR19 vs 225/35 ZR19). Hopefully this has been done to allow the RS3’s tail to be more playful. Titanium coloured 19in alloys are standard, but you will also be able to have them in black with a red rim strip.

The only other bit of interest about the RS3 is that it will only be available as a Sportback model – Audi-speak for five door. The reasoning goes that potential three door buyers would opt for the TT RS instead. UK ordering opens in December, with first deliveries of the £39,900 car from next April. It will inevitably do battle with the eagerly anticipated BMW 1-Series M Coupe, which we've driven recently and rate rather highly. The RS3 will have its work cut out to better it.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi RS3 2025 review – can it topple AMG’s A45 S?
Audi RS3 – front
In-depth reviews

Audi RS3 2025 review – can it topple AMG’s A45 S?

The RS3 has one of the most spectacular engines you'll find in a hot hatch, and the rest is just as good. Is that enough to warrant a £60k+ asking pri…
12 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 Sep 2025
The man in charge of the Porsche 911 on the future of the world’s most iconic sports car
Porsche 911 Carrera T – side
News

The man in charge of the Porsche 911 on the future of the world’s most iconic sports car

We sat down with Porsche 911 model line director Michael Rösler to talk the future of the 911, from hybrids to manuals, to special models
16 Sep 2025
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025