Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi RS3 Sportback review (2015-2017) - the definitive super-hatch? - Design

A step up above its predecessor but still not as mighty as the spec sheet suggests

Evo rating
RRP
from £40,795
  • Addictive noise, lighter on its feet than predecessor, quality
  • Not a big step up from Golf R or BMW M145i, still a shade sensible

For some, the RS3 offers the perfect balance of hot hatchback styling. The basic A3 is a handsome car, if not dripping with visual intrigue, but Audi's RS trimmings add a welcome dose of aggression. It sits low to the ground, the wheels fill the arches to just the right degree, and a subtle bodykit brings out the best in the A3's uncomplicated shape.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Alternatively, you'll see it as deeply unimaginative, and viewed head-on you'd be hard pressed to separate the RS3 from an S Line-kitted A3, or indeed many of Audi's larger products. It should age well, however.

The new Audi RS3 saloon, launched at the 2016 Paris motor show, is arguably the more handsome of the pair. The boot balances out the shape quite nicely and the wide arches look even better here than they do on the pumped-up hatchback.

> Find a used Audi RS3 for sale on Classic and Performance Car

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 is dead, but its replacement gets an upgrade
2027 Mazda MX-5 1.5
News

The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 is dead, but its replacement gets an upgrade

As emissions regulations close in, Mazda has announced the discontinuation of one of our favourite current sports cars on sale: the 2-litre MX-5. Than…
26 Aug 2026
Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s
Cupra Leon
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
25 Aug 2026
Ford Puma review – the best-seller that’s still no patch on the Fiesta
Ford Puma
In-depth reviews

Ford Puma review – the best-seller that’s still no patch on the Fiesta

The Ford Puma melds some of the Fiesta’s charm with big-selling crossover form factor, but we still miss a proper small Ford hatch
21 Aug 2026