RS 3 Australian details confirmed

Audi Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for the new Audi RS 3 models due to arrive locally in the second quarter of next year. These eagerly anticipated performance models promise to build on the RS legacy Down Under, where high-performance Audi Sport models have always enjoyed tremendous success and a loyal following amongst performance enthusiasts.

Despite the relatively modest size of our domestic market, Australia has consistently ranked as one of Audi Sport’s top international markets, and the RS 3 models have been instrumental in achieving that success. In fact, so popular are these compact performances models that they have consistently represented as much as a quarter of all A3 models delivered in Australia and the increased level of performance coupled with even more comprehensive standard equipment of these new models will no doubt continue to meet the approval of Australia’s discerning performance customer base.

The RS 3 Sportback ($91,400*) and RS 3 Sedan ($93,900*) will arrive boasting new levels of performance and agility, featuring several firsts for the Audi brand and for the compact performance segment. Indeed these new models will touch down in Australia with $10,000 worth of additional equipment over the previous models and a number of option packages to further increase their appeal and track capabilities.

Once again the multi-award winning 2.5 TFSI engine is the star of the show, although with 295kW of power and 500Nm of torque (20Nm more than before), it is the most powerful iteration yet. With launch control, it is capable of hitting 100km/h from standstill in a blindingly fast 3.8 seconds (three tenths of second faster than before), and top speeds will need a race track to fully explore.

And the race track has been a constant focus in the design and specification of the RS 3 models as evidenced by the availability of Pirelli P Zero ‘Trofeo R’ semi-slick tyres as an option to take full advantage of the performance and handling potential. Of course a great deal of attention has been focused on the RS 3’s new torque splitter technology since it was first announced – offered here for the first time on an Audi model. The system uses a multiple disc clutch package in place of the previous rear axle differential to offer fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels. So, during ‘spirited’ driving, torque is delivered to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, greatly reducing understeer. In left-hand corners for example, it transmits the drive torque to the right rear wheel and vice versa, while torque is equally distributed to both rear wheels when driving straight ahead. 

In addition to this the RS 3 Sportback and Sedan also feature another first in the form of the RS Torque Rear mode which has been designed for use on closed roads. This system makes drifting the RS 3 possible and allows up to the full 100 percent of power to be transferred to one of the rear wheels if required.

These new features in addition to new suspension with active damper control, rather than the previous magnetic ride system of the previous model, make for next level agility and handling. Sensors in the system measure the movements of the vehicle body, directing the appropriate flow of hydraulic fluid within the dampers for optimal ride – whether that be for track work or comfortable town cruising.

Selecting the desired driving characteristics is again controlled by the Audi drive select which includes efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic modes, as well as RS Individual modes which can be individually pre-set. The Audi drive select effects engine and transmission characteristics, torque splitter, steering assistance, adaptive dampers, and the exhaust flaps, tailoring driving characteristics to suit the circumstances and driving style. The new RS Performance mode specific to the RS 3 models is designed specifically for the racetrack with its own engine and transmission setup and specially calibrated to the optional semi-slicks.

The RS 3 arrives fitted with 19-inch cast alloy wheels in a five-spoke Y-style design, that fill out the widened guards nicely. Indeed the wide, planted stance is also the result of the front axle track being widened by 33mm and the rear axle by 10mm, all of which further adds to the handling characteristics.

The design and exterior finish too add to the overall performance image of each model, available in eight exterior colours and with styling that is aggressive without being over-the-top. Up front, the wide, honeycomb grille treatment flanked by large air inlets lend the face an aggressive look, with V-shaped Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. 

These lights also create a unique ‘light show’ when the vehicle is opened, with ‘RS3’ lighting up on the driver’s side and a checkered flag on the passenger’s side for another distinctive visual characteristic that will become a familiar calling card.

The performance theme continues down the sculpted flanks to the rear end treatment, with RS-specific rear bumpers with built-in diffuser, large oval exhaust tips and subtle boot lid spoiler (Sedan) and roof edge spoiler on the Sportback. These spoilers, as well as wing mirror surrounds and rocker panel inserts can also be optioned in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic as part of the  Carbon package for an even more distinctive look.

Inside, the design echoes the performance with a beautifully finished, driver-focused interior. Electric front seats with four-way lumbar support and memory function are finished in Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and feature RS embossing and contrast stitching. The rear seat adjust 40:20:40 for maximum practicality and the RS 3 Sportback also features an electronically opening tailgate.

The design is clean and uncluttered, with carbon-fibre trim in the instrument panel and a wealth of cutting-edge automotive technology seamlessly integrated to enhance both comfort and performance applications. From the leather multi-function sport steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, to the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with specific RS screens which shows rpm in the ‘RS Runway’ design, to g-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0–100km/h, 0–200km/h, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile – the performance DNA is never far away.

The RS 3 also features shift indicator lights (in manual mode) as well as a 10.1-inch touch display in the instrument panel which also displays the tyre pressures in addition to coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures.

Of course not every aspect of the RS 3 models is performance or track focused, with comfort and everyday practicality also very high on the list. From the head-up display to the colour ambient lighting and wireless Apple CarPlay, 680 watt Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system to the connected world that is Audi  connect plus, the RS 3 Sportback and Sedan deliver a level of sophistication and standard equipment that is expected of the Audi Sport models.

Customers will also be able to further option their vehicles with the three design-oriented packages in the Carbon package, Matte aluminium styling package and RS design package plus, as well as the RS dynamic package plus which adds RS ceramic brakes with a choice of red, blue or anthracite callipers and increases top speed to an impressive, track-ready 290km/h.

It’s a winning combination whether your lifestyle and personal preference tends more the Sedan or the Sportback model. This supercar performance in a compact, luxury format, ticks so many boxes, it’s no wonder the RS 3 models have established such a loyal following in Australia, and these new models continue to improve on the past rather than rest on the well deserved reputation. Performance enthusiasts will not be disappointed when they unleash the new RS 3 models for themselves in the first half of 2022.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

The vehicles shown are overseas models and do not accurately depict the final specification available on the Australian market.