Overview
The quickest version of the company's tiny luxury sedan is the 2022 Audi RS3, which features a powerful 401-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The new RS variant confronts high-poto rivals like the BMW M2 coupe and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 sedan.
It is based on the four-door Audi A3 and the sportier S3 but gifted with even more power and improved chassis calibration. But the RS3 has one of the most distinctive soundtracks in its class because of its unique engine. Audi appeals to audiences who value sportiness as much as luxury because of its sharply creased sheet metal and sleek, tastefully furnished interior.
What has changed for 2022?
The sportiest version of Audi's smallest sedan is back for 2022 after a break for the 2021 model year. In the United States, the RS3 enters its second generation and is heavily influenced by the completely revamped A3 and S3. The A3 is powered by a 201-hp turbo-four while the S3 has a 306-hp variant of the same engine, even though the three vehicles have the same base, interior proportions, and many other similar features.
2022 Audi RS3: Pricing
The base price of the 2022 Audi RS3 is $59,995.
Which one to Purchase?
Starting at slightly under $60,000, the 2022 RS3 comes with limited options. The summer tires offered as an option, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, are what we would advise choosing above the other packages, which are primarily cosmetic.
2022 Audi RS3: Engine and Performance
Its odd five-cylinder engine is one of the RS3's most distinctive features. Due to its unusual number of cylinders, it has a distinctive thrumming noise that was especially enjoyable in the previous model. The most recent model is still a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, but it now has 401 horsepower. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that downshifts purposefully with light throttle inputs but acts more subtly under severe braking. An all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a drift mode is included as standard.
Unfortunately, it takes commitment and can be challenging to maintain to get the RS3's tail to kick out. The sportiest 3 includes improved brakes, a firmer suspension system, and a unique set of wheels with stickier performance tires than the less sporty A3 and S3. The RS3 we drove made thrilling noises, and the racetrack made clear how feisty the vehicle was. Additionally, it was calm and comfortable when being driven slowly on public routes. At our test track, the RS3 surpassed the quarter-mile mark in just 11.8 seconds at 117 mph, and we recorded an astonishingly rapid 3.3-second run to 60 mph.
2022 Audi RS3: Interior and Comfort
The RS3's interior is identical to that of the A3 and S3, although its front seats are more heavily bolstered. All models of Audi come with a dashboard that is everything but boring. The driver's side and the instrument panel binnacle, which contains a set of digital gauges, are flanked by a pair of high-mounted air vents.
A heads-up display is also available for the RS3. Climate controls with physical buttons are located below the center touchscreen, and there is a bin beneath them that is part of the center console. Unfortunately, a strange, stubby shifter is required for gear selection; once the RS3 is moving, paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide an alternative.
2022 Audi RS3: Connectivity
The RS3's 10.1-inch touchscreen is situated in the center of the dashboard and is based on the infotainment system used by the A3 and S3. It can be managed through voice instructions, buttons on the steering wheel, and touch inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. Additionally available are built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot with a subscription model, and wireless phone charging.