The RS3 originated from its less powered siblings, the S3 and A3. Audi wanted to punch more power to the same car and show the world that a 4-door hatchback is not dull. The S3 was offered as a one-door hatchback and in 2010, the first RS3 hit the pavement with a four-door version and a 5-cylinder engine.

2022 marks the third generation Audi RS3 Sportback and their second-generation RS3 Sedan. Over the years the RS family has proven to the public that it can offer the best of both worlds without compromising on comfort or power. The 2022 RS3 comes in a redesigned front and rear-end, while the same 2.5-liter TFSI engine is still being used.

However, this does not make the new RS3 any similar to the previous model. Tighten up your seatbelts and let's dive into some of the most interesting features that we love about the new RS3.

Related: Audi's RS Torque Splitter Feature Is A Quantum Leap For Agile Driving

Kicking Hatchbacks Off The Track: 2.5-L TFSI Engine

Audi TFSI Engine
Via: Audi World

The 2022 Audi RS3 carries a 5-cylinder, 2.5-L turbocharged engine that produces a massive 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This turbocharged engine has been awarded for nine years in a row as the “Best International Engine Of The Year”, and as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

The 401 horsepower is able to send the RS3 flying if it had wings, sprinting from null to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Its direct competitor the Mercedes A45s puts down more horsepower, yet achieves 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. But there are more great features that the new RS3 is packed with, one of which is its new torque splitter.

Related: Here's What A Used Audi RS3 Costs In 2021

State Of The Art Intelligent Torque Splitter

Audi's RS 3 Prototype Torque Splitter Is A Quantum Leap
Via: World Today News

The new Audi RS3 comes standard with a Quattro system, which is Audi’s label for all-wheel-drive cars. To spice things up Audi added a torque splitter to the standard equipment list, adding a new electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch to drive the rear driveshafts. All these might sound too technical but in real-life performance, this translates to greater driving dynamics.

Torque Splitter Audi RS3
Via: audi-mediacenter.com

Using an intelligent torque splitter allows the car to better distribute the power between each wheel. The same technology was first introduced by the bigger parent company, Volkswagen for the 2020 Golf GTI, which was the first FWD car with a locking differential. Now the torque splitter is about spreading more power to the right rear wheel when driving in a left-hand curve and vice versa when driving on the right-hand curve. When the RS3 starts to sprint in a straight line the torque would be split equally between both driveshafts. This new feature is what makes the RS3 stand out from most sport hatchbacks and increases real-life performance and on-road safety.

Related: 2021 Audi RSQ8: Costs, Facts, And Figures

Controlled Drift And Track Modes By Audi: RS Torque Rear & RS Performance

RS Torque Rear
Via: audi-mediacenter.com

Let’s be real for a second and admit the fact that people that will buy the RS3 really know what they are looking out for - and that's performance. Thanks to the new torque splitter the RS3 is now able to bring more driving modes to the table. And that is what happened, the 2022 RS3 comes in a new Drift Mode named RS Torque Rear, which will split power to one of the rear wheels.

The torque splitter also makes it possible to have RS Performance modes, which are specifically tuned from Audi to match the selected driving dynamics, while their innovative torque splitter will cut the difference from comfort to RS Individual.

It’s Simply Beautiful

RS3 2022
Via: audi-mediacenter.com

There is no doubt when talking about Audi’s lineup of cars in the past 5 years. Every model including the cheapest A1 is simply beautiful. The redesigned front end features aggressive and sharp-looking LED headlights that can be optioned with Matrix headlights at an extra. The front bumper features a honeycomb grille combined with larger air intakes that make the car look more aggressive and buffed. A new air outlet behind the fender flair is positioned to let more air get out of the car.

RS3 Bumper
Via: audi-mediacenter.com

The expressive aggressiveness of the exterior cannot be set aside without a lavish interior. The 2022 Audi RS3 features a head-up display that projects relevant information to the driver's sight. These are fine touches that have zero impact on performance but make the driver feel all the sportiness. In addition, there is a 12’o o'clock red stripe on the steering wheel for added sportiness as well as physical buttons to control the infotainment or Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. Speaking of which, it is one of the best clusters you could find on any car in 2021-22.

Related: Audi Expands American Lineup With New RS Performance Models

It’s An RS

2022 RS3 Frontal
Via: audi-mediacenter.com

With all things left aside, Audi made the RS3 so people could enjoy a fast daily driver with power behind the wheel that extends their expectations. The RS3 is a compact, family-friendly, and good-looking hatchback that will make most people feel great behind the steering wheel. There is no trade-off between quality, performance, and comfort and that’s something most buyers love about the RS3. Last but not least, the RS3 is one of the most fun to drive and easy to tune cars, and some enthusiasts have been able to achieve up to 1,000-HP on this little bad boy.