A more aggressive front end, refreshed interior and reworked torque vectoring by brake are the main changes for the final RS 3, the firm’s most popular Audi Sport model.
The five-cylinder engine will finally end after almost a half century of production. With no more power this time around – still 294kW and 500Nm – the 2.5 TFSI is the only five-cylinder engine produced for mainstream use. It can also be found in the RS Q3. Technical changes are limited to the powertrain’s calibration and software, making it more precise to drive.
Power gets to all four wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission as before. The performance claim is the same too, 0-100km/h taking 3.8sec.
Available overseas in Sportback and Saloon body styles – we take only the former – the updated RS 3 gains a new splitter up front, along with fresh front LED headlights, restyled air intakes and carbon detailing. The wide arches of the previous generation stay, while out back there’s a new lower bumper with a vertical reflector. The overall look is sportier says Audi.
The RS3’s chassis also gets an upgrade, improving the car’s cornering ability. There’s a retune for torque vectoring by brake, limiting understeer on entering a corner and making it more agile in high speed turns. There are also new parameters for the ‘torque splitter’ rear differential, its ability to induce oversteer now feeling more natural. Extra power can be applied both through and out of bends.
Audi is also offering a more aggressive high-performance tyre as standard, while Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slicks are an option for track demons. Carbon ceramic brakes and an RS Sports exhaust are also likely options.
There are new RS bucket seats inside, clad in Nappa leather, while the wheel is now squished both at the top and the bottom. It features haptic buttons this time around. New air vents and gear selection buttons also help distinguish the latest model. Physical climate controls remain.
The rest of the cabin sees an uptick in material quality throughout most touch points. Audi wanted to re-introduce a sense of quality that some felt was missing from the current generation.
Two unique colour choices – Kemora Grey and Kyalami Green – remain along with the standard colour range. Matte grey is new.
