Audi RS 3 2017 Review

Australian new car buyers need little encouragement to choose the up-spec performance hero from any line-up and the new Audi RS 3 adds considerable weight to that movement.

For the first time ever, the team at Audi has slapped a performance badge on a small sedan, the new RS 3 now joining the ranks of a growing stable wearing the German manufacturer’s sporting moniker.  Few however can claim the value for money offered by the Audi RS 3.

It’s the costly options which are the catch where the RS 3, and Audi, are concerned. Our test vehicle rounds-out at $93,265 thanks to the addition of the Ara blue, crystal effect paint ($2015), up-spec alloys and tyres ($1500), an extended matt aluminium styling package ($1600), carbon inlays ($1755) and the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with 15-channel amplifier ($1495).

If you can avoid that lot however, the standard kit does not disappoint. More about value later.

Paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the quattro drive sedan will sprint from zero to 0-100km/h in a staggering 4.1 seconds – so it’s faster than the six-cylinder Porsche Cayman S (5.7sec), BMWs new M2 (4.3sec) and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 (4.2sec).

But the number is merely your destination - it’s the journey you’ll remember. The burble of the new, alloy, five-cylinder engine, the seamless up-changes and athleticism beyond what most drivers will ever explore are defining characteristics of this performance car.  It feels like it’s punching well above its weight.

Beautifully crisp steering and a finely balanced chassis mean the RS 3 scampers into corners with relative ease. There’s a great sense of confidence – this car is both willing and able.  It also features Audi’s updated adaptive AWD system which can send up to 100 per cent of drive to the rear wheels. In fact our Editor in Chief (always taking one for the team) whipped this car around Baskerville Raceway in Tasmania at the RS 3s local launch, with a glowing review.

Multiple drive modes allow you to tailor your ride, changing engine behaviour, gearbox mode and steering weight.

There’s much science to speak of, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re holding firm in the heated diamond-stitched Nappa leather sports seat, flat-bottom steering wheel in hand. You feel incredibly involved - for the RS 3, it’s a walk in the park.

Second row comfort and amenity is good – including two directional air vents and back of seat pockets.  The middle seat is a kids-preferred proposition thanks to the limited foot room.

Bag hooks, a luggage net and 60:40 split fold seating with through load flexibility, two ISOFIX seating positions and three top tether points nudge it onto the right side of the family-friendly line.

The interior design and execution is exceptional – an attribute for which Audi is known for and the RS 3 is well in keeping.

Claimed combined fuel consumption is 8.3L/100km – I’m not thinking they had much fun posting that number. The 55-litre tank requires premium 98RON fuel.

Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard fare, but our car has the optioned fatter fronts (255/30 front and 235/35 rear) available as part of the performance pack. Overall, the ride may be a little firm for some.

One of the most loveable things about the RS 3 is its everyday liveability. The ease of driving partnered with performance on demand is a winning combination. It goes proper fast, then the red brake calipers bringing you to a stop in a heartbeat… and you enjoy all the subtleties in between.

Potent, powerful and unashamedly fast, the RS 3 will also keep you safe…and in a constant state of tech-happiness.

With Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit front and centre, connectivity is well sorted.  A configurable instrument panel means you can even swap-in a lap-timer and g-meter to your view…for some added fun.

The seven-inch infotainment screen is equally slick, while sound from our test car’s 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is second only to the RS 3’s exhaust note (which could be a little louder to be honest). And Audi is also Apple CarPlay/Android Auto friendly now. Phew.

Audi being Audi, the performance sedan gains a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist active cruise control, blind spot monitoring, seven airbags and more as standard.

The RS 3 is supported by Audi’s three year unlimited kilometre warranty and service intervals are scheduled for every 15,000kms or 12-monthly (which ever comes first). It’s also backed by a three-year roadside assist program.

It’s most obvious rivals come from Mercedes-AMG in the CLA 45 priced from $92,215 and BMWs much praised M2 (from $93,300).

More powerful, cheaper, and arguably more dynamically rewarding, the RS 3 builds a compelling case.