Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020) Review
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Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020) At A Glance
Subtle styling. Wonderful 2.5-litre engine. Smooth and intelligent gear changes from seven-speed S tronic gearbox. Upgraded to 400PS from summer 2017.
Not cheap at £40k. Optional extras significantly increase the price. Steering could be better.
With no less than 400PS, 480Nm of torque, a wonderful five-cylinder soundtrack and incredible levels of traction thanks to its quattro all-wheel drive system, the Audi RS3 is a seriously impressive performance car. But for the price, it ought to be.
Updated from mid-2017, the RS3 is available as both a five-door Sportback and four-door saloon, with power and torque up over the earlier car. Both the Sportback and saloon have the same 2.5-litre engine and S tronic transmission, take the same 4.1 seconds to get from 0-62mph and have the same limited 155mph top speed.
On the road, the five-cylinder engine has a broad spread of torque and power, while the quattro all-wheel drive system provides huge traction even on a wet, greasy road – so it’s very easy to cover ground quickly. In some previous RS models that superb capability meant the driving experience lacked flair and excitement – but that’s not the case here.
In fact, it’s huge fun, whatever the weather - only slightly numb steering lets the driving experience down a little. But when you're not in the mood for high performance antics, the RS3 is just as easy to live with as a normal A3, thanks to impressive refinement and a smooth S tronic automatic transmission. It even works in town, thanks to its small size.
It’s as practical as any other A3 (or A3 saloon) too, plus it’s as well-made and as plush as you would expect of an Audi, with high quality materials and excellent fit and finish. It’s available with plenty of up-to-date tech too, including full LED headlights and Audi Virtual Cockpit as standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you’re not too bothered about plush interior plastics or winning in a game of peak power Top Trumps, the Ford Focus RS provides similar all-wheel drive fun and excellent performance for significantly less money - albeit with 'just' 300PS. But that glorious five-cylinder engine and typical Audi premium feel mean the RS3 holds plenty of appeal. If you have the money.
Reviews for Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.5 TFSI 367 S tronic Sportback to 2.5 TFSI 400 S tronic Sportback
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 21–32 mpg
Initially the RS3 had 367PS and 465Nm of torque, but from 2017 these numbers were turned up to 400PS and 480Nm – plus a saloon body style was added. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but if you have a very long private road or local Autobahn you might want it derestricted to 174mph – at additional cost, of course.
Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 4.1 seconds and if you want to achieve that every time you pull away, there is a launch control system. The transmission is a seven-speed S tronic and it’s very good, providing smooth shifts when driving gently and changing down quickly when you want to pick up speed. You can also override it and use the manual paddles on the wheel.
And, since this is an RS model, there’s quattro all-wheel drive. It’s a permanent system that automatically adapts to the situation, sending drive to the wheels that can make best use of it. In the 'Dynamic' drive mode, more power is sent to the rear wheels, giving the car great balance in bends while keeping things secure and predictable.
The result is a car that feels capable even in seriously bad weather. Grip is immense over poor surfaces and greasy or soaking wet roads. There's barely any roll when cornering - the car simply goes where you point it. The only minor let down to the driving experience is the slightly numb-feeling steering, which could do with more weight and feedback.
There are no complaints about the engine though. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder sounds fantastic and has a broad torque and power spread, so it accelerates ferociously regardless of the selected gear - and the gearbox itself will promptly change down if you really need to go for it. Sadly the great performance and sound is at odds with economy, which is officially 33.6mpg and considerably less than 30mpg in reality.
There are Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic and Individual driving modes to choose from, which alter throttle and transmission response, steering weight and the quattro system. They also change the suspension stiffness if you pick the optional adaptive dampers – and with Individual mode you can set things up just how you like them.
You won’t want to drive speedily on B-roads all the time, of course – but pleasingly the RS3 settles down into a comfortable and relaxed motorway cruiser, while its compact size means it works in town. It’s quite understated, too – so shouldn’t attract too much unwanted attention.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 TFSI 367 S tronic Sportback | 35 mpg | 4.3 s | 189 g/km |
| 2.5 TFSI 400 S tronic Saloon | 33–34 mpg | 4.1 s | 188–194 g/km |
| 2.5 TFSI 400 S tronic Sportback | 34–53 mpg | 4.1 s | 189–195 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
68%
Real MPG
21–32 mpg
MPGs submitted
28
Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020) interior
- Boot space is 315–1180 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4324–4479 mm |
| Width | 1960–1966 mm |
| Height | 1392–1411 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2631 mm |
Inside, the RS3 is obviously very similar to the A3 – but there are lots of features to set it apart and make it feel more special, including sumptuously finished and supportive leather sports seats. Audi Virtual Cockpit with it’s clear, full-colour TFT instrument cluster is standard too.
There’s also a flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in part-leather and part-Alcantara and alloy pedals to finish the sporty look. Navigation is standard, as is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, plus Bluetooth and a 10-speaker Audi Sound System.
From 2017 both five-door Sportback and four-door saloon body styles are available. The Sportback is the more practical choice, with a hatchback boot and up to 1220 litres of storage with the seats folded down, versus 880 litres for the saloon. Both cars have reasonable rear head and leg room, though taller passengers will struggle a little – especially in the saloon.
Equipment levels are very good, which you’d expect given the price – but there are still lots of optional extras. They include numerous high-quality exterior paint finishes, plus the option of your own custom colour, along with a selection of interior upholstery options and inlay materials, plus six different 19-inch alloy wheel designs.
There are two technology packs too, with the Driver Assistance Pack adding adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assistance, active lane assist, high-beam assist and traffic sign recognition. The Comfort and Sound pack adds an improved audio system, reversing camera and a keyless entry and start system.
Standard Equipment:
RS 3 includes 19-inch alloy wheels, RS Sport suspension, RS exhaust system, Audi Drive Select, LED headlights, RS exterior styling, front sports seats in Nappa Leather, split-fold rear bench, dual-zone climate control, stainless steel pedals, aluminium interior details, Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus, 10GB Jukebox for music storage, DVD drive, 2x USB in, 2x SDXC card readers, aux-in, Audi Connect, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, cruise control and parking sensors.
Audi RS3 (2015 – 2020) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4324–4479 mm |
| Width | 1960–1966 mm |
| Height | 1392–1411 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2631 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1510–1535 kg |
| Boot Space | 315–1180 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–19000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £39,955–£51,285 |
| Insurance Groups | 40–46 |
| Road Tax Bands | J |
| Official MPG | 33.2–53.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until September 2021
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| RS3 TFSI Quattro Sport Edition 400 S tronic 5dr | £50,285 | 53.3 mpg | 4.1 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| RS3 2.5 TFSI Quattro 400 Sport Edition S tronic 4dr | £51,285 | 33.2 mpg | 4.1 s |
| RS3 2.5 TFSI Quattro 400ps S tronic 4dr | £47,285 | 33.2 mpg | 4.1 s |
On sale until November 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| RS3 TFSI Quattro 400 S tronic 5dr | - | 34.0 mpg | 4.1 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| RS3 2.5 TFSI Quattro 400ps S tronic 4dr | £46,065 | 34.0 mpg | 4.1 s |
On sale until July 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| RS3 2.5 TFSI Quattro 367 Nav S tronic 5dr | £40,805 | 34.9 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.5 TFSi quattro 367 S tronic Auto 5dr | £39,955 | 34.9 mpg | 4.3 s |
Model History
- December 2014: Audi RS3 hatchback revealed
- February 2015: UK specification for RS3 hatchback confirmed
- September 2016: 400PS Audi RS3 added to the range
- July 2017: Updated RS3 Sportback and Saloon go on sale
- March 2019
December 2014
Audi RS3 hatchback revealed
Retains the 2.5-litre five-cylinder chain cam engine now with 367PS and a peak torque figure of 465Nm – making the new RS3 more powerful than its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but can be optionally raised to 174mph. 0-62mph takes just 4.3 seconds while it returns a claimed 34.8mpg with emissions of 189g/km CO2.
The 2015 RS3 comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch S Tronic transmission with paddle shifters. The speed of shifts can be controlled with Drive Mode Select, which is standard. This also changes the steering weighting, throttle response and even the exhaust note. For those who really enjoy the distinctive five-cylinder sound, an optional exhaust with a deeper note is available.
A quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, as with all Audi RS models. The system can send between 50 and 100 per cent of torque to the rear wheels if necessary – and for the more enthusiastic driver the ESC system can be set to send power to the rear sooner. Audi claims that this allows for “controlled drifts on low-friction road surfaces”.
There’s a high level of equipment – as you would expect from a range-topping model. The MMI infotainment system will be available, along with Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery. Options include lighter, carbon-fibre backed Sports seats and a selection of 19-inch alloy wheels, plus a carbon engine cover and styling packages in gloss black or matt aluminium.
Among the technologies that differentiate the new Audi RS 3 Sportback from its competitors are the optional carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs on the front axle. They also measure 370 millimetres and are gripped by anthracite grey calipers.
Standard equipment will of course be in keeping with this model’s ranking in the A3 line-up, as will the list of attractive options. For the first time in a compact class Audi this will include newly developed RS bucket seats with integrated side airbags and a carbon seat shell which are seven kilograms lighter than the standard sports seat. It will also offer an RS 3 interior design package with red accents on the seats, knee pads, air vents,floor mats and seat belts.
The infotainment and driver assistance systems familiar from the wider A3 range will naturally also be available, including MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and Audi connect bringing internet-based services to the car.
February 2015
UK specification for RS3 hatchback confirmed
Priced from £39,995 buyers can choose from a palette of eight paint finishes to either accentuate or subtly play down the purposeful look – it includes the two new shades Nardo grey and Catalunya red, metallic, the latter available exclusively for the RS 3 Sportback.
Inside, the standard sports seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in rock grey, and the driver’s is perfectly positioned in relation to the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sports steering wheel with its leather and Alcantara trim.
Stainless steel pedals, Alcantara door inserts and inlays in either 3D design black or optional Aluminium Race or Carbon also signal intent. High-quality applications in gloss anthracite black frame the instruments, which include black-faced dials with red needles and white scales, plus a driver‘s information system enhanced by a boost pressure indicator, an oil temperature gauge and a lap timer.
In addition to LED headlights, standard equipment highlights for UK RS 3 Sportback models include the acclaimed MMI radio with its electrically folding colour screen, navigation preparation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, front seat heating and the parking system plus with acoustic and visual guidance.
Choice options include newly developed RS bucket seats bringing a 7kg weight saving over the standard sports seat, an RS 3 interior design package with red accents on the seats, knee pads, air vents, floor mats and seat belts and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, which through its Audi connect function beams internet-based services to the car.
September 2016
400PS Audi RS3 added to the range
Same characterful 400PS / 480Nm as Audi TT RS giving a top speed of 174mph unrestricted and a 0-60 of 3.8 seconds (just a tad slower than the T TRS).
480Nm between 1700 and 5850rpm. Normally restricted to 155mph, but can be ungoverned on request to 174mph.
July 2017
Updated RS3 Sportback and Saloon go on sale
Both versions are now available to order, the Sportback priced from £44,300 OTR and the Saloon from £45,250 OTR. Common to both is of course the most powerful five-cylinder engine ever to empower a series production Audi, its 400PS output unlocking a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds and 174mph potential.
The new, 26 kilogram-lighter 2.5 TFSI serves up 480 Nm of torque alongside its mighty 400PS output, and makes all of it available at between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. This is reflected in the 4.1-second sprint time and the top speed of 155mph which is achievable in both versions, the latter being extendable to 174mph on request.
The unique sound of the five-cylinder unit intensifies the driving experience, and that sound can be modified at the touch of a button via the standard Audi drive select system with its Comfort, Dynamic, Auto and Individual modes.
A seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission channels the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and the driver can adjust the shift points, and the proportion of torque directed rearwards, through Audi drive select. It also influences the operating characteristics of the progressive steering, engine management and adjustable exhaust flaps.
March 2019
RS3 Sportback and Saloon back on sale at increased prices.
RS3 Sportback: £46,285
RS3 saloon: £47,287
RS3 Sportback Audi Sport Edition: £50,285
RS3 saloon Audi Sport Edition: £51,285
The RS 3 Sportback and Saloon are now available in both ‘standard’ and Audi Sport Edition forms. The RS 3 Sportback Audi Sport Edition features a black styling pack with applications for the radiator grille, window trims and rear diffuser insert, combined with 19-inch alloy wheels in Blade design with a gloss anthracite finish. Inside it is upgraded with carbon inlays and a panoramic glass sunroof. The Saloon is similarly equipped but rides on a 19-inch Rotor design wheel and incorporates a boot spoiler finished in gloss anthracite black. 400HP, 480Nm torque, 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph.
What to watch out for
Report of August 2015 Audi RS3 2.5 5-cylinder using a litre of oil every 1200 miles.
24-05-2019:Report of 2017 Audi RS3 400 suffering 5 pothole punctures of its 255/30 ZR19 front tyres in 12 months, each time requiring transport by lorry to a garage or tyre depot.
03-07-2019:Report of ESP light of 6,000 mile February 2016 Audi RS3 flickering occasinally and causing the ECU to cut power. Owner called Audi dealer inside of warranty, but was told it was the way he drove it. 2 weeks later (outside of warranty) in March 2019, he insisted it was booked in, and hasn’t seen the car since. Audi dealer had him agree to an additional service, new wheel bearings, wheel speed sensors, ABS control unit and now a request to buy a new set of OEM tyres to see if that makes any difference. None of this has fixed the problem and the cost so far is thousands. The car is low mileage full history and maintenance. Audi can’t fix it and can’t diagnose the problem.
