The Audi RS3 has always been the pinnacle of the A3 range in terms of the performance it offered to its customers. Audi gave the RS3 a major revamp in 2017 and the 2020 RS3 gets a few more updates, to keep it looking fresh and updated with time.
The 2020 Audi RS3 continues to be powered by the same Turbocharged Fuel Stratified 2.5L Inline-5 Motor that shells out a massive 394hp and 354lbs.-ft. Of torque. Audi hasn't made a lot of changes to the Exteriors but have given the 2020 RS3, a new standard storage packs that bundles in 2 USB ports for the rear seats.
New standard storage package includes two USB charge ports for the rear seats and a 12V outlet for the trunk
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$56200
bodystyle
4dr Sedan
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
AWD
engine type
displacement
151 cu.in.
horsepower
394 hp @ 5850 rpm
torque
354 lbs.-ft @ 1700 rpm
transmission
7-speed automated manual
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
61.4/60.2
dimensions
wheelbase
103.6 in.
length
176.3 in.
width
70.7 in.
height
55 in.
curb weight
3593 lbs.
ground clearance
4.2 in.
capacity
passenger volume
90 cu ft.
performance
zero to 60 mph
4.5 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
19/22/28 mpg
highway range
406 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
4 yr. / 50000 mi.
powertrain warranty
4 yr. / 50000
corrosion warranty
12 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
4 yr. / Unlimited
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Ara Blue Crystal Effect
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Speaking of pricing, the 2020 Audi RS3 comes in just 1 trim and has been priced at $57,195. You can add a lot of optional equipment to the RS3 that will further accentuate the prices. The Primary rivals to the 2020 Audi RS3 includes the Jaguar XE S, Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG and the Kia Stinger GT.
2020 Audi RS3 Sedan front view
2020 Audi RS3 Sedan rear view
8.0/10 Features
8.0/10 Interior
2020 Audi RS 3 Features
8.0/10
Audi continues to offers the RS3 in just a single trim for 2020 as well. This trim gets all the bells and whistles from the top trim of the S3 and gets sporty enhancements as well. You still get premium features like a Premium Audio System, Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control, Ambient LED Interior Lighting and a lot more.
Trim
2.5 TFSI
MSRP
$57,195
Features
Fine Nappa Leather Seats with RS Embossing, Contrast Diamond Stiching
Full LED headlights with Dynamic Rear Indicators
Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System
RS Tuned Audi Magnetic Ride
RS Specific Front Fascia, Rear Bumper and Diffuser
we recommend
The 2020 Audi RS3 comes in just one trim and state of tune and hence, we can only recommend the one on sale.
2020 Audi RS 3 Engine and Performance
The Audi RS3 carves a corner with verve, and its turbocharged inline-5 makes this compact car downright quick. Car Connection
Engine and Transmission
The 2020 Audi RS3 comes powered by a 2.5L Turbocharged Inline 5 Motor that dishes out an impressive 394hp and 354 lbs.-ft. Of torque. These are the best figures out of any car in our comparison today and these directly factor into Audi's real-world performance.
The Engine is quick to react to throttle inputs and the Standard Quattro AWD system allows for a superb drive experience. What sweetens the experience is the 7 Speed S-Tronic DCT that allows lightning-fast gear shifts and little or no lag in between the process.
Models
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes CLA 45 AMG AWD
MSRP
$57,195
$57,280
$53,395
$54,095
Engine
2.5L Turbocharged Inline 5
3.0L Supercharged V6
3.3L Turbocharged V6
Turbocharged I-4 2.0 L
Transmission
7 Speed Automated Manual
8 Speed Automatic
8 Speed Shiftable Automatic
7-speed Automated Manual
Power(hp)
394@ 5850rpm
380@ 6500rpm
365@ 6000rpm
375hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque(lbs.-ft.)
354@ 1700rpm
332@ 4500rpm
376@ 1300rpm
350 lb.-ft. @ 2250rpm
All rivals fall short to Audi's numbers but it's the Jaguar XE S that comes in the closest to Audi's figures. The Mercedes manages to sneak into the 3rd Spot and the Kia fills in the last spot.
Acceleration
The 2020 Audi RS3 comes with a power-packed motor and Audi has done well to complement that engine with a superb 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and AWD. In the real world, the 3 parameters combine to make the Audi, one of the fastest cars in our comparison today. The Audi does the 60MPH run in an astonishing 3.9 seconds and demolishes the quarter-mile in an unbelievable 12.1 seconds.
Models
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45
0-60 MPH
3.9
4.8
4.7
4.1
Quarter mile(sec)
12.1
12.9
12.9
12.3
Engine
2.5L Turbocharged Inline 5
3.0L Supercharged V6
3.3L Turbocharged V6
2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4
Emission(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
8.0
N/A
N/A
6.8
No car in our comparison today can hold a candle to the Audi other than the German counterpart of the Audi- the Mercedes CLA 45 AMG. The AMG falls marginally short of Audi's performance and the other 2 cars, still have some ground to cover against the Germans.
Handling and Steering
The 2020 Audi RS3 is the sportiest version of the standard A3, so expecting brisk and sharp handling is certainly not a major stretch. The RS3 has amazingly sharp and exact guiding. It gives a decent criticism notwithstanding the electric help, which is known to disconnect the street or grasp level from the driver as it does in Audi RS3. Quattro driving system helps the car accelerate across the curves much faster resulting in more precise handling around the track. RS3's sticky tires keep the vehicle stuck to the street. There is basically no body-move on account of its firm suspension. Its agile taking care of and solid grasp ensure your vehicle goes precisely where you need it to.
Braking
The Audi RS3 isn't just impressive in terms of performance but in terms of braking abilities as well. The Audi manages to stop from 60Mph to a standstill in just 109ft. In terms of brake feel, the Audi feels confident in all situations and the brakes offer a reassuring feel in all applications.
Model
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45
Brake Front (in.)
14.6
N/A
13.8
13.8
Brake Rear (in.)
12.2
N/A
13.4
13.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3593
3915
4023
3450
60-0 MPH (ft.)
109
N/A
104
109
What comes in as a surprise is that the Kia Stinger manages to better all of its rivals and post the best braking distances. The Merc matches the Audi in the braking department and poses the same distance as the Audi.
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2020 Audi RS 3 Fuel Economy
People going for performance sports cars hardly take into account, the MPG figures of their vehicles. But for when they do, Audi has ensures that the MPG figures of the 2020 Audi RS3 doesn't disappoint them.
The 2020 Audi RS3 delivers and overall 22MPG and 28MPG on the highway. On the city, the RS3 manages to dish out a respectable 19MPG.
Model
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45
MPG (City)
19
20
19
23
MPG (Highway)
28
29
25
29
MPG (Combined)
22
23
21
26
Fuel Capacity(Gallons)
14.5
16.6
15.9
14.8
Range(City/Hwy)
275.5/406 Miles
332/481 Miles
270/398 Miles
340/444 Miles
Speaking of MPG figures, its the Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG that takes top honors in being the best among its rivals. The Jaguar sneaks in the second spot with its impressive 23MPG combined figure. The Kia has to do with the last spot in this test.
2020 Audi RS 3 Interior
8.0/10
The Audi RS3's compact footprint means it has to make concessions for back seat space, providing another reason the driver's seat is the place to be. Car Connection
Seating and Comfort
Audi positions the 2020 RS3 as a hardcore sports car but has not skipped on providing comfort inside. The 2020 RS3 comes with Fine Nappa Leather Seats with perforated contrast diamond stitching and the RS embossing. The Extendable support on the front sport seats adds to the convenience of the driver and the passenger. The thigh and lumbar support in the racing inspired seats is enough to keep the occupants in comfort for those long road journeys.
Heating functionality on the front seats and the power adjust for the seats ensures the passengers have no issues in adjusting the seats as per their preferences. The seats themselves offer enough padding to not tire out the passengers occupying them and ensure that they don't feel tired after a long drive.
Model
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
36.5/54.8//41.2
N/A
38.3/56.4/42.6
40/54.8/41.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
36.1/53.0/35.1
N/A
37.0/54.8/36.4
38.2/53.1/27.3
If we were to complain about something, it would be the lack of space on the rear passenger side. The Sloping roofline and the compact proportions on the back, adds to the claustrophobic feel of the Audi. The competition on the other hand, excels in offering a far better space for the rear passengers. Overall, its the Merc that manages to outrun all other cars in this comparison and the Kia comes in second in the same aspect.
Interior Features
Some of the highlights of the 2020 Audi RS3's interiors include:
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Flat Bottom Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters and Tilt and Telescopic Adjust
Ambient LED Interior Lighting
Panoramic Sunroof
Stainless Steel Pedal Caps
One-Touch Up/Down power windows with pinch protection
Folding Front Center Arm Rest
Illuminated Aluminum Race Inlays and Door Sill inlays with RS Badge
Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror with Digital Compass
Cargo Capacity
Cargo space is another one of those areas, where a driving enthusiast looks the least for in his car. Audi may have taken that thought seriously and has not bothered to make the cargo practical. There are a lot of cubby holes and spaces on the inside but its the rear cargo area that dampens the sense of practicality.
The Split Folding 40/40/20 rear seats, however, manage to garner some lost ground for the Audi in terms of practicality as they add to the overall cargo area of the RS3.
Model
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45
Volume (ft cube)
10.0
14.7
23.3
13.1
The Kia Stinger GT once again comes out as the most practical sports sedan of the lot with its massive cargo space. The Jag takes the second spot in this respect and the Merc comes out third.
Infotainment
Audi has been famed for its Infotainment System, specifically its MMI(Multi-Media Interface) unit because of its ease of use, responsiveness, and features on offer. The 2020 Audi RS3 boasts of a lot of Features on the infotainment front, irrespective of its sporty credentials. Here is a list of some of the cool features on offer
Color DIS
10 Speaker 180W Single CD Audio System with HD and Sirius XM Radio
USB Port for data and Charging, Bluetooth Streaming and Wireless connection for phones
Apple Car Play, Android Auto support
Rear View Camera
Audi Drive Select
2020 Audi RS3 infotainment display2020 Audi RS3 air vent2020 Audi RS3 touchscreen display2020 Audi RS3 instrumental cluster2020 Audi RS32020 Audi RS3 rear seat2020 Audi RS3 front seat2020 Audi RS3 interior2020 Audi RS3 steering
2020 Audi RS 3 Exterior
Tidy exterior styling and a spartan but high-tech interior give the 2020 Audi RS3 an appealing overall look. Car Connection
Design and Dimensions
To make the 2020 Audi RS3 worthy of an RS badge, Audi has made a lot of changes to the standard A3 and spruced it up accordingly. The Wide Front bumper intake and the single frame mesh grille, make the RS3 stand out from its other siblings. The huge side skirts and the dual exhausts add to the performance appearance of the RS3. The 19 Alloy Wheels add to the flair of the 2020 Audi RS3 and gives it a racy appeal.
Speaking of proportions, the RS3 is the shortest in length among its rivals and has similar dimensions when compared to the others. The Wheelbase is the shortest among the rest and the weight is comparable to the others as well.
Model
Audi RS3 Quattro AWD
Jaguar XE S AWD
Kia Stinger GT2 AWD
Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG
Curb weight (lbs)
3593
3915
4023
3450
Length(in)
176.3
183.9
190.2
184.7
Width(in)
70.7
77.4
73.6
70.0
Height(in)
55.0
56.1
55.1
55.7
Ground clearance(in)
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
Wheelbase(in)
103.6
111.6
114.4
106.3
In terms of the other cars in this segment, the Kia Stinger is the biggest among the others. The Jag takes the leads the pack when it comes to width and the height of the vehicle, making it the most cumbersome to move around in the city.
Exterior Features
Few highlights of the Exteriors of the 2020 Audi RS3 includes
19" 5-Spoke Alloy wheels
Automatic Full LED Headlights with Washers
LED Taillights with dynamic turn signals
Power Adjustable, Folding, Heated and Auto Dimming Exterior Rear View Mirrors with integrated Led Turn signals
Front and Rear Parking sensors
Body Color Rear Lip Spoiler
RS Specific oval exhaust tips, front fascia, side sills, rear bumpers, diffuser
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2020 Audi RS 3 Safety
Even though IIHS and NHTSA haven't tested the 2020 Audi RS3, we do have the list of Safety features that the Audi comes loaded with to ensure the peace of mind of the passengers.
Safety Features
Front, Knee, Thorax Side, Head Curtain Airbags with occupant detection
Power Central locking with safety unlock for when the airbags deploy
ABS with EBD and brake Assist
ESC with secondary collision brake assist and traction control
Anti-Theft System with Immobilizer
TPMS with LATCH for rear seats
2020 Audi RS 3 Competition
Audi RS3 vs. Jaguar XE S
There is not much differentiating the Jaguar XE S and the Audi RS3 in terms of pricing. The Jaguar XE S is the only Car in our comparison to come with a supercharged motor. The Jaguar, also feels a bit more plusher inside and is a bit more frugal to live with. The Jag is leagues ahead of the Audi in terms of Interior comfort offered as well. But the Jaguar, with its big proportions is a liability to drive in the city and is a little less fun to drive than the Audi. If however we were to suggest one among these, we would lean towards the Audi just because of its immaculate Build Quality and Fun factor on offer.
Audi RS3 vs. Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG
The CLA 45 AMG from Mercedes and the Audi RS3 are similar in a lot of ways. Both have superb builds, amazing infotainment systems and are a hoot to drive. But the Mercedes takes a clear in terms of comfort for passengers , Cargo Space on offer and the $3,000 price gap. The Audi sure is the more sportier car to drive but we feel that the CLA 45 AMG is the better buy of the 2.
Audi RS3 vs. Kia Stinger GT
The Kia Stinger GT was conceived by Kia, to shake the market occupied and dominated by brands like Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar. Kia has sure managed to make a mark on the market among its arrival. The Kia offers superb value in terms of price, performance and practicality. It sure may not be the best built car in the segment but with the kind of features on offer, it does justify its price. The Audi RS3 on the other hand is a proper sports saloon that handles like a sports car, built like a tank and feels like a premium saloon. SO, unless your are looking for a German badge Car, we would advise you to stick to the Kia as it offers a better value against the german.
2020 Audi RS 3 Final Verdict
The Audi RS3 offers everything what a consumer looking for a car in this segment wants. It offers exhilarating performance, feels premium to sit inside, build like a tank and offers the luxury of a luxury saloon. Sure the Audi may not be best suited for people who want to carry more than a couple with them but other than that, the Audi will bring a smile to your face every time you take it out for a drive. So, if you are in the market, looking for the most powerful sports saloon that can ferry 4 people, has all the bells and whistles of a luxury saloon and is a hoot to look at, the 2020 Audi RS3 is the one to get.
How much does it cost to own an Audi RS3?
For an average, it costs around $18,000 to own an Audi RS3 which includes the premium costs, fuel cost, and other necessary taxes. So, if you are thinking to et yourself an Audi RS3 for your next birthday then keep these expenses in mind and then go ahead with your purchase.
How reliable is the Audi RS3?
Audi RS3 is the top of the range performance model of the A3 sedan. Build quality of RS3 is top-notch keeping safety and performance in mind. The engine is very robust and is capable of handling more power and torque with ease.
How is the after-sales service of Audi?
Audi is a well known and established brand in the country with around a thousand dealers across the country. Every service center is well equipped with all the necessary equipment to tackle any of the problems arising out in any condition. In recent years Audi has evolved around their build quality which makes it one of the best sellers in the segment.