Hot hatchbacks were always far behind their bigger executive stablemates back on the old continent. However, the Audi RS3 blurs the line between itself and much more expensive sports sedans, at least regarding performance. For the first time, the RS3 gets nearly as much horsepower as the RS5, which, coupled with less weight, makes it faster. At the same time, the RS3 costs considerably less, making it one of the most tempting current Audi RS models. It also helps that the interior looks even sportier and more bespoke, while its four doors and big trunk make it one of the most practical hatchbacks on the market. That said, the 2024 model year doesn’t bring that many changes, although there are some differences when it comes to interior trim. But before we go into more detail, there are always a few RS3s looking for a new owner here at Exotic Car Trader, so have a glance at those if you are in the market for one.
Although the Audi RS3 only came to the US in 2017, the A3 and S3 models have been available in Europe since 1999 and the RS3 since 2011. With such a long history, it’s only natural that it became better and faster with every generation. But it all culminated with the fourth generation that was introduced in 2020 for both the US and European markets. The fourth generation has the same engine as the TTRS, and interestingly, it makes even more power in the US market than it does in Europe. It also helps that it benefited from the same design language as the Audi Q8. But even so, the production numbers are fairly low because, at the end of the day this is a compact hatchback that has a higher starting price than an Audi SQ5. That said, the RS3 is a highly sought-after model because of its performance; consequently, it barely depreciates in the first two to three years.
Inside, the Audi RS3 benefits from the same sporty details as its bigger brothers like the RS5. That means it gets honeycomb quilted sports seats with contrasting red or green stitching and a flat bottom steering wheel finished in Alcantara. The contrast extends to the AC vents, which sit relatively high next to the gauge cluster and vaguely resemble a fighter jet cockpit. Also, for the 2024 model year, the RS3 gets carbon accents trim as standard, the virtual cockpit (digital gauge cluster), and the latest 10.1” infotainment screen. At the same time, the RS3 is incredibly spacious, with roughly the same trunk size as the bigger Genesis G70 and the Cadillac CT4. The rear seats are just as usable as they are in the Audi A4, which shows that the RS3 is a much better option than the more expensive RS5 as it’s faster and more practical.
The exterior of the Audi RS3 looks substantially different from a normal A3 sedan. One of the biggest differences comes from wider fenders, which resemble those found on an Impreza 22B, and from certain angles, they even resemble the Lancia Delta Integrale. But the fenders are just a small part of the bigger picture. The front end is riddled with huge intakes and honeycomb mesh grilles, all finished in gloss black, giving a beautiful and aggressive contrast against the RS3’s bright colors. The matrix headlights look mean and almost identical to those on the Q8. Down the side, the front wing features a thin vent bespoke to the RS3, and the huge 19-inch wheels do a great job of revealing its 14.8” Brembo brakes. The rear end is no less exciting, with a huge mesh grille spanning the entire width of the rear bumper, huge oval exhausts and a nice but discreet diffuser. A contrasting trunk lip spoiler completes the sporty look, while the OLED tail lights signify that this is not your average econobox with a few sporty touches.
That’s right, the Audi RS3 is one of the fastest hot hatches in the world. Granted, that title is carried by the European Performance version that doesn’t have a top-speed limiter. But since it has the same power output as the one sold in the US, owners are one step away from unlocking an 186-mph top speed. But with the limiter in place, its top speed of 160 mph is more than respectable. And it’s possible thanks to its 2.5 liter, five cylinder engine that makes 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with the sophisticated Quattro four-wheel drive system and a 3,638-pound curb weight, the RS3 sprints to 60 in just 3.3 seconds. That’s exactly the same as the RS5, but the RS3 is 0.2 seconds faster over a quarter mile. And with that, the RS3 is one of the most capable hot hatchbacks ever made.
With a starting price of $63,395, the Audi RS3 is one of the most expensive hot hatches ever. It’s also more expensive than the CLA45 AMG but around $3,000 cheaper than the BMW M2. That means the pricing is more than fair considering the performance the RS3 includes and the standard equipment. On the other hand, the RS3 is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the RS5, which makes it much more tempting if performance and space are all that you are after.
At the end of the day, the 2024 Audi RS3 is one of the most exciting performance hatchbacks ever and the fastest without the top speed limiter. That’s quite an impressive title, but it’s even more amazing how much more practical the RS3 is than any of its competitors and even sedans that are a class above. And with everything considered, the pricing for the RS3 is more than fair. But if you want to save money and get a used RS3, consider buying it through Exotic Car Trader. Exotic Car Trader includes escrow protection, delivery and first inspection, making the entire process as safe and convenient as it gets. The same goes if you want to sell a car with Exotic Car Trader; only in that case will you get a professional photographer at your door regardless of where you live.
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