The Audi RS models sit at the top of the tree within the brand's own line of performance models. They are cars that turn the volume up beyond eleven to deliver levels of speed, grip, and pace more associated with exotic supercar brands, while often putting dedicated sports cars like the awesome Porsche Cayman in their place.
With an RS option almost available on every model currently on offer, Audi buyers have an immense choice of fantastic gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles to spoil themselves with. Those with one eye firmly on the future can even opt for the superb, all-electric RS E-Tron GT.
The RS moniker symbolizes the highest levels of performance and comfort, rapid vehicles that can compete beyond what their sometimes humble skins would have you believe. Superbly packaged and hailed as a perfect vehicle, the staggeringly capable RS3 is due for a refresh in the coming year. As it offers up supercar-scaring levels of performance, here are 10 things you need to know before purchasing the 2022 Audi RS3.
10 Return Of The King
While many cars have come with hopes of claiming the small performance car throne, none can muster the might to topple the dominant Audi RS3. This is a vehicle that stands aloft in a crowded segment to peer down on its weaker challengers.
A superbly rounded package that will obliterate competitors from its category but also happily take the fight to the heavyweights in the dedicated sports car class, the 2022 RS3 fears nothing.
9 Ferocious Fire Power
Retaining its sonorous 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the RS3 fires out 401 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. The power is now spread wider throughout the rev range, allowing for greater flexibility.
Pulling hard in any of its 7 gears via the twin-clutch automatic gearbox, the 2022 RS3 will rocket to an optional top speed of 180 mph, with the official generous Audi 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds having been bested by 0.5 seconds in most tests.
8 Class-Leading Interior
A deeply rewarding place to spend time, the RS3 interior is second to none. Superbly constructed from high-quality materials, the entire cabin gives off a luxuriously expensive feel, with switchgear and materials being a joy to touch and use.
Featuring the awesome Audi Virtual Cockpit, the driver is spoiled for choice when it comes to receiving information. The digital graphics display is brightly colored, easy to read, and configurable to personal tastes.
7 Pony Up
On paper, it would appear to potential buyers that the forthcoming 2022 would only have one additional horsepower. A rise from 400 to 401 hp may not seem like progress, but the more urgent manner in which the engine makes its power is.
If the single horsepower increase doesn't impress, then the additional 15 lb-ft of torque should satisfy those seeking more grunt. Combined with the reconfigured driving modes, the user experience, and power delivery, is somewhat smoother.
6 No Track Day Special
The 2022 RS3 due to its incredible performance statistics and road-holding abilities could be mistaken for a special edition track tool. A car whose prowess is limited to shining on the ultra-smooth tarmac within a controlled environment.
Yet this is as far from the truth as a driver could imagine. Able to obliterate a racetrack, along with most of the vehicles on it, the RS3 can repeat this trick out on the open road, eating up everything that is thrown at it with aplomb.
5 A Gasoline Swan Song?
Audi has bravely announced that it will no longer develop new internal combustion engines, instead, they will turn their attention to making the units they have cleaner whilst looking at hybrid and electrified replacements.
The 2022 version does without any hybrid enhancements. However, if the revised powerplant of the awesome RS6 Avant is to be taken as a sign of the Audi future performance line-up, then this could likely be the last time a pure petrol unit powers the RS3
4 All Grip, Some Built-in Slip
The Quattro all-wheel-drive system has become synonymous with providing superb grip in all conditions, all year round. It's a huge selling point for those seeking capable and confident handling on all surfaces.
New for this model, and replacing the Haldex unit, the Audi RS engineers dreamt up a torque-vectoring rear axle. It comprises variable lockup clutch packs to each half axle shaft, allowing for the computer to control how much power goes to each rear wheel.
3 An Everyday Supercar Killer
Deeply satisfying to drive, the RS3 is a potent everyday tool that will ferry the family around in complete luxury, whilst allowing the driver to pour on the power and incredible pace when the opportunity and inclination arises.
With a real-world 0-60 mph time having been clocked as low as 3.1 seconds, the 2022 RS3 will take the fight to dedicated sports cars considered to be far superior machines, beating them off the line before clocking an 11-second quarter mile.
2 It's Not Simply A Beefier S3
Often compared to the lesser Audi S3, a highly desirable car in its own right, the RS3 isn't simply an evolution or enhancement of that model, with the drivetrains and powerplants being completely different between the two.
Having one less cylinder and half a liter less, the S3 still summons up a respectable 306 hp. It will thunder to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and offer up thrills and chills galore, just not to the level or extreme of the monster RS3.
1 It'll Cost You Though
The base price for a new RS3 starts at $57,000 but as soon as purchasers start to drop some accessories and options into the basket, the price will shoot up around the mid-to-high $70,000 mark, making it a pricey ride.
Then again, how many other vehicles offer this much performance, luxurious daily ride comfort, awesome flexibility of use, and incredible practicality within a price bracket that would embarrass a supercar.