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

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch
Alpine A290 Rallye
News

New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch

The A290 has proven to be one of the best performance EVs yet, and now Alpine's taking it one step further with a rally variant
3 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025