2022 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS3 apart from a sedan format is also available as a Sportback model. Regardless of what you pick, the RS3 is offered in a single trim with optional packages available. The RS3 will start selling for $59,995 and go upwards depending on the package and options that are added. Standard exterior features include a gloss black spoiler, 19-inch wheels, performance summer tires, adjustable, power-folding, heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming, and memory function. Inside, the RS comes standard with split-folding second-row seats, three-zone climate control, heated Nappa leather seats, aluminum trim components, a panoramic sunroof, and stainless steel pedals and footrest. For $2,750, the Carbon option adds stylish carbon fiber inlays to the side sills, the rear spoiler, and the mirror housings, helping your RS3 stand out from the rest.

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Though there aren’t any trim choices for the RS3, we would pick the car with the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R summer tires for that extra grip but would skip on the optional packages as they are mostly for cosmetic purposes.

Release Date

The 2022 Audi RS3 was unveiled towards the end of 2021 while the deliveries of the sedan were set to begin in the second quarter of 2022.

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 appealing in the previous model. The new RS3 still uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, but it now has 401 horsepower. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox 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 sports improved brakes, a firmer suspension setup, and a special set of rims on stickier performance rubbers in comparison to the more composed A3 and S3. The RS3 passed the quarter-mile mark in just 11.8 seconds at 117 mph and recorded a blisteringly fast 3.3-second run to 60 mph.

Though 2022 does not have an M2 from BMW, which would have been a more aggressive rival to the RS3, the M240i puts out surprisingly great performance figures for a much more affordable price but the additional power on the Audi makes it the quickest to 60. The Mercedes makes the same power as the BMW but is quicker by just a fraction of a second despite having a smaller 4-cylinder engine. Every car here feels drastically different to drive as they all carry different engine configurations and even though the Kia holds a twin-turbo V6, it takes almost 1.5 seconds more than the Audi to hit 60 mph from a standstill.

2022 Audi RS3 Ride and Handling

Driving the Audi RS3 is similar to operating a heavily modified Volkswagen Golf R. Given that both vehicles are built on Volkswagen's MQB platform, feature dual-clutch gearboxes, and have all-wheel drives that can distribute more torque to the rear axle, this shouldn't be too surprising. Having said that, the distinctive engine gives the RS3 a unique personality. The five-pot pays homage to Audi's racing past and has a seductive roar that is more reminiscent of a V10. When using launch control, the RS3 is only slightly slower to 60 mph than an RS6 or RS7. The 7-speed DCT allows the engine to crank before engaging its clutch packs, launching the vehicle with deliberate force into second gear. The five-pot engine then quickly shifts to the next gear after pulling strongly to its redline. 

2022 Audi RS3 Braking Performance

The RS3 is prepared for track duty with its standard six-piston brakes and the choice of semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Also available are carbon ceramic brakes that come as a part of the Dynamic Plus Package. Regardless of whether you add on the package or not, the RS3 comes ready to make the track its home as it has all the necessary stopping power. The 2022 Audi RS3 can come to a complete stop from 60mph in just 104 ft.

Although the rivals pull off stopping within just 125 feet, they are nowhere near achieving the sub 105 geet stopping distance of the Audi. The Audi features the largest front brakes in the group but they are the opposite on the rear end and yet, the car manages to stop in the shortest possible distance. This also has to do with the weight as the RS3 happens to be the lightest option here with the Mercedes closely following, both in terms of weight as well as braking distance. Both the BMW and Kia take 124 feet to completely stop but the Kia feels slightly unstable while braking as the car is heavier.

Even though these vehicles are designed to give a biblical performance. Such vehicles can provide respectable fuel efficiency thanks to their modest turbocharged engines. The 2022 Audi RS 3 Sedan gets an unimpressive 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and a combined 23 mpg. The 14.5-gallon fuel tank is also large for a vehicle of this size and it helps the Audi cover some decent distance before needing to have a refill.

The Audi for its class offers decent fuel economy figures that are supported by a rather larger gas tank, allowing the RS3 to cover a total of 333 miles in combined driving conditions. However, the best fuel economy is offered by the BMW with the max combined range spanning 356 miles. The Mercedes carries very similar fuel economy figures to that of the Audi but falls behind in terms of the total range due to its smaller gas tank. Surprisingly, Kia despite being the least powerful vehicle offers the worst fuel economy but manages to barely beat the Merc in terms of range due to its larger tank.

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 elevated 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, short shifter is required for gear selection but once the RS3 is moving, paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide an alternative. The steering wheel is thick and extremely grippy. Additionally, the sports seats include leather upholstery with the RS3 insignia, which provides strong support during hard turns at high speeds.

All the cars except the BMW offer a 5-passenger seating layout, making the M240i a less ideal choice if you’re looking to haul people. The front row space on all these cars feels spacious and roomy but it’s the rear row where things get slightly cramped. Regardless of which vehicle you pick, the rear space could be tight for tall passengers but Audi and Kia are the two spacious options out of the lot. Moving to the cargo hold, Kia offers the largest trunk, making it feel almost like a family sedan. Audi takes a massive fall with a tiny 11.3 cubes of trunk space but the BMW takes the last spot with just 10 cubes available to store cargo.

Some standout interior features on the 2022 Audi RS3 include

• 10-Way driver seat
• Fine Nappa leather seat upholstery
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Alcantara wrapped steering wheel
• Ambient lighting
• Massaging front seats

How intuitive is the 2022 Audi RS3 infotainment system?

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 input, 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. The driver also faces a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit display that shows all the drive-related information and the audiophiles are given a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2022 Audi RS3 are

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.1-inch touchscreen display
• 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit
• Wireless charging pad
• Audi connect plus service
• 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

With the external appearance, Audi has gone all-out, adding a huge black honeycomb grille that resembles larger RS models and wide lower air intakes. Red brake calipers are hidden by 19-inch five-spoke wheels, and a sports suspension lowers the ride by 0.4 inches compared to the S3 for a more aesthetically pleasing profile. A rear spoiler in gloss black or optional carbon fiber, a sport exhaust system with two oval-shaped false tips, and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser are other RS-specific features. Our favorite is the matrix-style LED headlights since they have a distinctive checkered flag pattern and entry sequence that illuminates R-S-3 on the driver's side. Customers can choose from a variety of colors, including no-cost shades like Turbo Blue and the Kyalami Green unique to the RS3. A $2,750 Carbon package adds carbon fiber mirror housings, a rear spoiler, and side sills, while a $750 Black Optic package adds black wheels, black badging, and a black roof, proving the car a more stealthy appeal.

The Audi is the shortest car in terms of overall length, giving it a smaller wheelbase. However, the Audi stands taller than its rivals, making it easy to enter and exit the vehicle. Despite having a decent ground clearance, both the BMW and Kia offer the best space between the tarmac and the under-belly. The Merc sits low in comparison and will need careful maneuvering over rough spots to avoid scraping the car. The smaller size of the Audi makes it the lightest car here while the massive Kia exceeds the 4,000 lbs mark.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Rear lip spoiler
• LED headlights and brake lights
• Blacked out grille
• Speed-sensing windshield wipers
• Red brake calipers

Like the preceding model, the 2022 Audi RS 3 Sedan has not yet received an NHTSA or IIHS rating. However, the IIHS gives the normal 2022 Audi A3 an overall grade of "Good," with an Acceptable rating given only for the headlights. After weighing all of the ratings, it is clear that the Audi RS3 is superior and will likely be more durable and safe. The RS3 has a combination of driver-assistance features that are included as standard equipment and add-ons, including adaptive cruise control and auto-high beam headlights.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2022 Audi RS3 are

• Forward collision mitigation
• Lane-keeping system
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blindspot monitor
• Lane departure warning

2022 Audi RS3 vs 2022 BMW M240i

Surprisingly, the Audi RS3 wasn't significantly quicker than the M240i despite having more power and less curb weight. With a louder engine tone, more naughty handling, and a sense of mischief that the M240i lacked, it was, however, a little more thrilling. On the other hand, the BMW M240i was regarded as being more refined, comfortable, and mature than the Audi. However, considering the massive price difference between the two, the BMW seems to hold a lot more value.

2022 Audi RS3 vs 2022 Mercedes AMG CLA 45

In terms of performance and power, the RS3 is in the lead. The Mercedes, though, provides more comfort and a larger trunk. Compared to the Audi, the Mercedes' interior is more elegant, roomy, and useful. The competition between the two also becomes more fierce when comparing prices because the Mercedes is more affordable. In conclusion, the Audi clearly has the advantage if performance is what you're after. The Mercedes is typically a better choice if you want a large trunk and a luxurious interior.

2022 Audi RS3 vs 2022 Kia Stinger GT2

The Kia Stinger GT2 is definitely a more ideal choice for someone looking for a sporty sedan to also haul the family around as it comes with more space and a larger trunk. However, it is no match against the Audi in terms of performance and drive feel. Despite producing more power, the Audi also carries a better fuel economy. Though the Kia costs cheaper, it is worth the extra cost that the Audi demands as it offers a better value.

The 2022 Audi RS3 Sedan outperforms its fierce German competitors in most areas and becomes more opulent and elegant. With its fresh makeover and improved performance, this sporty sedan raises the bar in the performance sedan market. Other than its small luggage capacity and rough ride, it is superior to its rivals in every way. When it comes to purchasing performance-oriented sedans, the Audi turns up the heat in this market with the introduction of the 2022 Audi RS3 sedan, making it a top contender that is definitely worth checking out.