Audi It has always positioned itself as a premium brand. A concept that raises the price and that requires something more than general models. Although quality is one of the main attributes to consider a brand as premium, sportsmanship is also synonymous with it. The Audi RS 3 It is the smallest of the sports models of the house, stretching a lineage that has managed to rival big names in the industry.
We have tested this car:
Test Audi RS 3 Sedan 2.5 TFSI 400 CV quattro (with video)The RS range is the sports division of the house, like AMG in Mercedes or M in BMW. Its workers are capable of stretching the virtues of a model to the maximum, presenting a much higher level of performance. The RS 3 is an Audi invention born in 2011, about the second of the generations of the Audi A3. It was launched as a superior model in performance, overcoming the barrier of the Audi S3, which to date was the most powerful of the family.
The RS 3 has quickly managed to gain a foothold in the market thanks to its good capabilities. It is currently in the third of its generations, coinciding with the fourth edition of the compact Germanic. The current model is launched on the market in the year 2021, introducing a fiercer appearance and greater technology. As a novelty, the acronym RS also extends to the sedan body, having for the first time an Audi RS 3 Sedan, derived in turn from the A3 Audi Sedan.
Technical characteristics of the Audi RS 3
The developments of the conventional model and the sports one have always gone their separate ways, although at many points they come together to share systems, technologies and structures. Under the muscular bodywork of the Audi RS 3 hides the Volkswagen Group's MQB Evo platform. It is a structure widely used by a wide variety of models, such as the Volkswagen Golf. In this case it has been reinforced in order to cope with that superior performance.
With the generation jump and the use of a new chassis, the measurements of the RS 3 have grown slightly. The smallest format the RS 3 Sportback, reaches exterior measurements of 4,39 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,44 meters high for a wheelbase of 2,63. The sedan body increases the dimensions, reaching 4,54 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,41 meters high, maintaining the same wheelbase.
The interior habitability of this sports car allows five passengers to travel in it, although the rear bench seat is not so comfortable if we exceed four occupants. Regarding load capacity, the Audi RS 3 offers a boot volume with a minimum capacity of 282 liters. The RS 3 Sedan improves that level, reaching a minimum of 321 litres. Both amounts grow by completely folding down the second row of seats in a 60:40 ratio.
Mechanical range of the Audi RS 3
The RS range requires higher performance than conventional models. If we take a look at Audi's offer, we see powerful units signed by the craziest family in Ingolstadt. Leaving aside any trace of electrification, the Germans present us with a unique range for the RS 3, made up of a single petrol option with automatic gearbox seven-speed dual clutch and the house's famous quattro drive.
The block in question is a turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine with 2.480 cubic centimeters of displacement and double overhead camshafts. It develops a power of 400 horsepower between 5.600 and 7.000 revolutions, with a maximum torque of 500 Nm between 2.250 and 5.600 revolutions. Said power allows it to offer acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3,8 seconds and show a top speed of 250 km/h.
Above these versions, which we could consider as access, we find the Performance models. Using the same gasoline engine The power rises to 407 horses. Along with the increase in performance, the RS 3 receives a specific tune-up focused on the differential, traction and transmission, in addition to including specific technical details such as a sports exhaust system and bucket seats.
Equipment of the Audi RS 3
As we said at the beginning, the premium character of a model is based on different terms. The equipment and quality are part of that style, and in this aspect it must be recognized that the Audi RS 3 offers a cabin that conveys equal parts quality and sporty feel. Unlike other models in the conventional range, the sports variant includes specific finishes and materials such as sports seats and the extensive use of Alcantara.
As such, Audi does not offer different trim levels. It comes with the specific RS package as standard, which can be modified by applying various color accents. Optionally, the RS Plus finish can be added, which is accompanied by a sports running gear, an increase in top speed up to 290 km/h, and a ceramic brake system with calipers in different colors.
The absence of trim levels causes the Audi RS 3 is the most complete model in the range, adding most of the elements as a series. Technologies such as: LED matrix headlights, digital instrumentation, multimedia system with touch panel, aluminum pedals, multifunction steering wheel, paddles behind the steering wheel, sports exhaust, connectivity for mobile devices and advanced safety equipment and driving assistants stand out.
Test of the Audi RS 3 in video
The Audi RS 3 according to Euro NCAP
In terms of safety, there are no differences between the RS 3 and the A3, as all the models in the family share the same certification. Euro NCAP tests the safety of the compact, giving it its five safety stars, the highest score. By sections, the results are: 89% protection for adult passengers, 81% protection for child passengers, 68% for pedestrian vulnerability and 73% for driving assistants.
The Audi RS 3 of Km 0 and second hand
After its launch, the Audi RS 3 becomes a highly desired object by the most daring buyers. Although their sales are not very high, the degree of desirability is. Its high sale price causes many customers to look for options in alternative sales channels, where the offer does not stand out for its wide variety. In these markets it is verified a depreciation percentage of 21%, a figure similar to that of other sports compacts.
If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that there are barely a couple of dozen units for sale. Prices start from amounts close to 25.500 euros for first-generation models with more than 200.000 accumulated kilometers. Models of later generations and lower mileage can increase prices up to 50.000 euros, approximately. The Km 0 market does not exist, since dealers are waiting to receive the new units.
Audi RS 3 rivals
The concept of a sports compact is nothing new, the Golf GTI was the forerunner of a market that many models explore today. However, within the premium market the offer is restricted, having few rivals who can stand up to the Audi RS 3. Its most direct rivals are the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A45. The three form a very exclusive trident. Similar units in concept can be added to them, but at a lower price. CUPRA Leon, Ford Focus RS o Hyundai i30 N.
Highlight
- Benefits
- Quality
- Integrated
To improve
- High price
- Little mechanical variety
- Optional cost
Audi RS 3 Price
An Audi is never positioned within economic price ranges, but when we talk about sports versions, the range shoots up much more. The starting price of the Audi RS 3 is 79.060 euros, without offers or promotions. That amount is associated with the five-door Sportback model. The Audi RS 3 Sedan is even more expensive, marking its starting price at 80.060 euros, without offers or promotions.
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