Audi RS 3 Sedan

The cabin layout of the Audi RS 3 mimics that of the regular A3 sedan. However, as expected, being a sportier version, it gets a host of visual tweaks in the cabin too. The RS 3 features fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching and embossed “RS, along with a decorative insert in Carbon Atlas Structure.

The driver’s cockpit of the Audi RS3 consists of a sports contour leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction Plus steering wheel with shift paddles and Audi virtual cockpit plus with additional RS layout. The upper centre console features a stacked touchscreen infotainment system, while the corners of the dashboard come with nicely-positioned AC vents. The lower dashboard features a textured finish for the layer and a high-quality panel for the AC controls.

The cabin of the Audi RS 3 also gets a few other premium features like Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, a head-up display, and 12-way electric front sport seats with electric lumbar support and memory for the driver.

In terms of looks, the Audi RS 3 is a spicier-looking version of the A3 sedan, which comes with a host of visual tweaks, making the RS 3 look bold and aggressive. The performance sedan comes with a black appearance package plus as standard, which adds a gloss black finish for the huge front fascia, roof, rearview mirrors and slim boot spoiler.

At the front, the Audi RS 3 comes with a hexagonal grille with honeycomb mesh inserts, the surrounds which extend towards the inverted L-shaped Matrix LED headlamps, which also have a headlamp washer system, dynamic light design and dynamic turn signal. The corners of the front bumper come with large and sharp-edged air dams with air curtains on the outer sides.

The side profile of the RS 3 is much similar to that of the A3 sedan, though it looks sportier with the brake callipers painted in red and the 10-spoke, Y-style, Platinum Gray, alloy wheels shod with 265/30 R19 front & 245/35 R19 rear tyres. Compared to the standard A3, the RS 3 comes with a protruding out vertical air curtain behind the front fender for air passage.

At the rear, the Audi RS 3 gets the same slim and edgy-looking combination of LED tail lamps and an integrated spoiler along with a slim boot-mounted spoiler in addition. However, the rear bumper looks different with sportier-looking diffusers, along with large rounded exhaust ports on the sides.

The Audi RS 3 might be compact in size and dimensions but is every bit of a sports car in its driving feel. The sporty compact sedan has adaptive suspension with Audi drive select, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and a stiffer setup for the suspension combination – Macpherson struts at the front and four-link at the rear. Thanks to progressive steering, the RS 3 feels dynamic to steer and has a sense of planted feel in its handling.

The Audi RS 3 has a niche 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which is one of the last five-cylinder engines in the automotive world. This engine is paired with a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission and produces a maximum power output of 400 PS and a peak torque output of 500 Nm. Complemented with an RS sports exhaust system, this engine enables the RS 3 to cover the 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.8 seconds and attain a top speed of 250 kmph.

In addition to essentials like six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, ESC, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold assist and hill descent control, the Audi RS 3 also comes with a suite of ADAS features, including lane departure warning.

The Audi RS 3 is a true pocket rocket in all senses and is a wholesome experience for driving enthusiasts. The sporty and aggressive looks of the Audi RS 3 are well-complemented by the powerful five-cylinder engine and a taut chassis setup.