News / 5 March 2025 / Michael Taylor

New high-performance Audi RS3 in South Africa – Pricing revealed

Audi has officially released the pricing for the updated RS3, which will go on sale in South Africa later this year.

The RS3 was initially penned for an early 2025 release date, following the launch of the new A3 models in late 2024.

However, the A3 has since been delayed and is still not available as of the time of writing, meaning that the high-performance model is likely still a few weeks away from making an appearance as well.

When it does go on sale, you can expect to choose from four derivatives, with prices starting at R1,498,200.

Performance

The RS3 is actually one of the newer models in the current Audi stable, as it only launched in South Africa in 2022.

Consequently, the powertrain remains unchanged, with buyers gaining access to a potent 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 294kW and 500Nm.

This is enough to let the hot hatch sprint to 100km/h in a blistering 3.8 seconds before capping out at an impressive top speed of 290km/h.

It also features a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, leading to an average fuel consumption of 9.0l/100km.

This is not to say that the carmaker has made no changes to the RS3’s mechanics, mind you, as Audi has used the update as an opportunity to tune the brake torque vectoring, electronic stability control, and adaptive damping systems to improve handling.

The company has also fitted new C-rated performance tyres that provide better grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

Features

The RS3 has received a fairly substantial overhaul to its visuals, gaining a broader rhombus-pattern grille, functional side air intakes with black vertical blades, a new front splitter, and new daytime running lights with 24 LEDs arranged in a checkered flag pattern.

Buyers can install Matrix LED headlights as an optional extra, too.

At the back, there are new vertical side reflectors, an RS rear diffuser, and a pair of oval-shaped RS sport exhausts.

The performance car also has new matte-black, 19-inch, cast-alloy wheels with a five-spoke design, and one of five paint schemes comprising Kemora Gray, Kyalami Green, Ascari Blue Metallic, Progressive Red, and matte Daytona Gray.

Similar attention has been given to the interior, which is rocking a new flat-bottom Sports steering wheel with perforated leather, RS Sports seats, a new gearstick, the latest “Virtual Cockpit” 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cabin also features carbon inlays, ambient lighting, and an anthracite-effect paint finish on the door handles, air vents, and paddle shifters.

What’s more, customers can select an optional package that will add red or green touches to the seatbelts, air vents, and upholstery stitching for even more flair.

In South Africa, the RS3 will continue to be offered in both Sportback and Sedan body types, and Audi has taken things a step further by adding a bespoke Carbon Edition model that is tailored for our market.

The Carbon Edition is functionally similar to the Black Edition seen on the A3, meaning it will add a host of new cosmetics to the sports car.

Audi has yet to say exactly what this will include, but given the name, we expect it will add carbon fibre-effect finishes to items like the side mirror caps and dashboard, among other things.