Summary
Now in its third generation, the Audi RS 3 is an upmarket performance model based on the regular Audi A3 range, available as both a five-door hatchback and a four-door saloon.
Arriving in late 2021, the RS 3 is the smallest member of Audi’s RS performance family. It has been warmly recieved by the UK media, with a large majority of road test reviews referring to the hatch rather than the saloon.
Reviewers generally come to the conclusion that, while the RS 3 is an impressive performance package, its price is rather steep for a hot hatch of this size. The cheapest version of the Audi RS 3 starts at nearly £50,000, which is significantly more expensive than other hyper-hatches of the same size, such as the Hyundai i30 N and Ford Focus ST.
However, the RS 3 provides speed and acceleration that can rival some sports cars; performance that the i30 N and Focus ST simply cannot match. Powered by the same five-cylinder 400hp engine used by the Audi TT RS, the RS 3 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 3.8 seconds. This pace means that, from a performance standpoint, the only strong rival the Audi RS 3 faces is the Mercedes-AMG A 45.
Reviewers also point to how well the car performs through corners too, compared to older iterations of the RS 3, and both the hatch and saloon versions have earned praise for their ‘engaging’ exterior styling.
Finally, reviewers also comment that, while this is a class-leading performance model, it is still an Audi A3 at heart, being just as comfortable to drive as the wholesale model. Carwow explains: “The RS 3 isn’t hardcore all of the time, and can in fact settle down very nicely when you want it to. On the motorway, it feels comfortable and smooth – and you have that massive power on tap whenever you need it.”
As of January 2025, the Audi RS 3 holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 62%. This score is currently eight points lower than the score held by the standard Audi A3.
RS 3 highlights
- Quality interior trim
- Class-leading hot hatch performance
- Comfort that other hot hatches can’t match
- Five-cylinder engine sounds great
RS 3 lowlights
- Less storage space than the regular A3
- Expensive base price, trims and options
- Cheaper alternatives are more agile
- So-so fuel economy
Key specifications
Body style: Medium five-door hot hatch and sports saloon
Engines: petrol
Price: From £49,415 on-road
Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS3 is more engaging than ever. It feels far less inert than previous RS Audi models, largely thanks to its well-tuned suspension and the neatly integrated rear Torque Splitter system. If the principle reason for buying an RS3 used to be its engine and its image, it now has far more to recommend it from a handling and engagement point of view, too.” (Jake Groves)
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Audi is really on to a winner with this latest RS3. It combines all the elements we’ve loved from previous cars – the engine, performance and quality – and combines that with added agility and fun.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Audi RS 3 is fearsomely quick but can be just as easy to drive as the regular A3.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The RS3 is faster and more fun than ever before thanks to a series of tweaks. It also looks pretty mean, making it a proper hyper-hatch.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s taken a while, too long we would argue, but finally, Audi has delivered an RS3 worthy of its badge.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Take any ordinary family car, give it a little more power and cooler styling than standard, and fine-tune the handling to make it a smidgen more fun to drive. The Audi RS3 takes this basic concept and stretches it to breaking point – with sports-car rivalling pace and a price to match.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“A proper hot hatch powered by 400PS 2.5-litre TFSI engine.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: RS 3 Sportback
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The new Audi RS 3 has a larger-than-life character, not least due to its aggressive styling but also thanks to its charismatic five-cylinder engine. It’s as fast as you’d expect, and as grippy too given its all-wheel-drive system and wide tyres. However, it’s also very engaging and agile.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
” It may be the smallest car in Audi’s RS line-up, but its performance punch is as devastating as its visual impact.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The third generation of Audi’s five-cylinder megahatch – and the best one yet. Although you’ll need to spend some time getting the best out of it.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 68%
Safety assist: 73%
The Audi RS 3 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the regular Audi A3 range, which was awarded a five-star rating in December 2020.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Audi RS 3 has not been assessed by Green NCAP. If it happens, we’ll publish the results here.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 687
Average repair cost: £643.19
Last updated: January 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Audi A3 family (including the RS 3) has a below-average reliability score of 59%, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.
Based on extensive data, the A3 has had issues across all the major mechanical systems (engine, gearbox, fuel system, suspension, brakes and electrics) with an average repair bill of about £650. Unsurprisingly, gearbox repairs tend to be the most expensive, with an average bill of nearly £1,500.
If you own an Audi RS 3 or are looking at buying a used RS 3, it’s worth considering a used car warranty that covers all these major areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 31 mpg | E | 30 – 34 mpg | D – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 211 g/km | D | 208 – 213 g/km | D – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 37 | C | 35 – 40 | C – C |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £501 | D |
| Year 2 | £1,187 | D |
| Year 3 | £1,846 | D |
| Year 4 | £2,185 | D |
| Year 5 | £2,961 | D |
| Overall | £8,680 | D |
The Audi RS 3 is an expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The car’s fuel economy of 31 mpg is poor when compared to the average car’s fuel consumption, while servicing costs are also high. That said, insurance premiums are estimated to be just above the market average, which isn’t a bad deal for a premium hot hatch.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi RS 3 has received
2022
- News UK Motor Awards – Best Hot Hatch
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi RS 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW M135i | Cupra Leon | Ford Focus ST | Honda Civic Type R | Hyundai i30 N | Mercedes-AMG A 35 | Mercedes-AMG A 45 | Renault Megane RS | Volkswagen Golf GTI
Buy a Audi RS 3
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Audi RS 3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a Audi RS 3
If you’re looking to lease a new Audi RS 3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
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