Audi has taken the wraps off the new RS3 which is in the pipeline for South Africa in the first quarter of 2025, following the launch of the standard A3 in the final quarter of 2024.
The pinnacle model boasts an aggressive redesign, new creature comforts, and sharpened dynamic performance.
Everything new
The new RS3, available in Sportback and sedan silhouettes, features a flatter and considerably broader rhombus-pattern grille intended to emphasise its width, two function side air intakes with vertical black blades, a front splitter that now spans the entire vehicle breadth, and three new apertures above the splitter that allow the sports car to sit even lower than before.
In addition, it boasts new daytime running lights comprising 24 LED elements that display a checkered flag pattern. When the optional Matrix LED headlights are equipped, drivers can choose between three additional daytime running light designs in the MMI touch display for the first time.
At the back, the Audi was treated to new vertical side reflectors that mimic the theme of the air intakes at the front, a large functional RS-specific diffuser that incorporates a red reflector in its center, and oval tailpipe trims in black frames courtesy of the RS-specific exhaust system.
Like the headlights, the taillamps were given a new signature, now displaying several arrows that dynamically light up from inside to out.
Completing the enhancements are 19-inch aluminium cast wheels in a five-Y-spoke design finished in matte black.
A palette of RS-exclusive exterior hues is also available, encompassing Kemora Gray and Kyalami Green, metallic Ascari Blue Metallic and Progressive Red, and, for the first time, matte Daytona Gray.
Moving inside, the cabin sees a new steering wheel with flattened top and bottom sections wrapped in perforated leather, RS Sport seats, a flatter-designed shifter, a 10.1-inch infotainment system with a new app store, and a 12.3-inch driver’s display with Sport, Performance, and Runway views that alter the structure of the information in the cockpit screen.
Furthermore, the sporty Audis get two-piece palladium grey with carbon decor inlays, standard contour and ambient lighting, and a shimmering anthracite-effect paint on the door handles, air vents, cover clip of the steering wheel, and the shift paddles.
Two design packages are further on offer that will add red or green touches to the seatbelts, seat shoulders, air vents, and stitchwork around the cabin.
Under the skin, the RS3 retains the dependable turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol motor churning out 294kW and 500Nm.
It employs a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox that relays power to all four corners via the quattro all-wheel-drive system, allowing the angry Audi to sprint to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum of 290km/h.
This is identical to before, hence, the improvements of the facelift were mostly targeted at sharpening up its handling capabilities.
The sports car now performs better in bends, avoids understeer at the entrance to the corner, and turns in more willingly thanks to fine-tuning of the brake torque vectoring, electronic stability control, adaptive dampers, and the software algorithm that governs them all.
The improved algorithm also allows for easier oversteer.
Previously, oversteer was generated primarily by stepping on the throttle. Now, it is achieved via the steering angle, allowing the driver to obtain the same drift angle faster.
Lastly, the RS3 gains a new C-rated specially tuned factory tyre that offers better grip on both dry and wet surfaces and more precise handling over the entire speed range.
Local pricing for the new Audi RS3 will be revealed closer to its launch date.
For reference, the current model sells for R1,330,800 in Sportback guise and R1,360,800 as a sedan.
Audi RS3 Sportback
Audi RS3 Sedan
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