The rapid Audi RS 3 hot hatch will return with a facelift this year.
We’ve caught the facelifted Audi A3 testing plenty of times before but this is our first look at the range-topping, performance-focused RS 3 variant – all set to renew its rivalry with the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.
With the Mercedes having been revised earlier this year, we expect the full reveal of the new RS 3 to take place before the end of 2023. Since the current generation RS 3 launched in 2021 we’ve already seen new competition in the form of the excellent Honda Civic Type R and soon there’ll be a revised BMW M135i to join in on the fun too.
There should be a fair bit of fanfare surrounding the RS 3’s return. Audi decided to take both the Sportback hatchback and the Saloon off sale in early 2023, citing supply issues. When it went off sale the RS 3 cost from £50,900 and we expect a slight increase in price with this revised model.
As for these fresh spy images, we can clearly see the new car will adopt Audi’s wider grille design and the side air intakes have been reshaped as well. The vent behind the front wheel and the wide haunches remain, giving the RS 3 a typically aggressive stance.
The large dual-exit exhausts traditionally used for Audi’s RS models are also on show and the camouflage around the lower rear bumper suggests a new diffuser could arrive.
Powering the RS 3 will be Audi’s characterful turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Sending 295kW to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the outgoing car managed the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds. It’s possible for this engine to produce more power – evidenced by the Donkervoort D8 GTO F22 which has a 363kW variant of the unit. We’ll have to wait and see what mechanical tweaks Audi has in store for its performance hatchback.