THE POWER TO CORRUPT (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audirs3_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

The third generation version of Audi's sledgehammer RS 3 is even more addictive in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 68

This improved version of Audi's devastatingly quick third generation RS 3 provides the entry point into the brand's formidable RS performance range and still features the most powerful production five-cylinder engine in Ingolstadt's history. With this update, there's even sharper cornering technology, smarter looks and a more sophisticated interior. The result is a compact performance car that once again claims class-leading status in its hyper shopping rocket segment.

Backgroundword count: 272

Did anyone ever imagine that one day, a model of this size would offer what would once have been seen as supercar-style power? In this third generation Audi RS 3, that's just what you get: four wheel drive, formidable pulling power and 400PS, plus a unique 'RS Torque Splitter' for enhanced cornering traction. The current model was first announced in 2021 and since this model line first arrived back in 2011,over 80,000 RS 3s have been sold. Today, it remains the most popular Audi Sport model and was even taken off sale in the UK in 2023 because demand was out-stripping supply. In Summer 2024 though, Audi UK announced that it was back, complete with a package of subtle updates, but otherwise much as before, offering a last swansong for the brand's classic signature five cylinder turbo engine (also shared with the RS Q3). That 2.5-litre five cylinder engine continues to really set this model apart in this segment. Like V8s for AMG or straight sixes in BMW M cars, a tuned five cylinder unit is part of the DNA of a division which was once called 'Quattro gmbh' but which is these days known as 'Audi Sport' - the Ingolstadt brand's performance arm. That of course was the configuration used for the classic Quattro coupe that first established Audi's engineering credentials back in the Eighties. And the brand returned to it when at the beginning of the century's second decade, the time came to expand its RS performance model line-up with the original RS 3 of 2012, replaced by a second generation model in 2015 and this MK3 version in mid-2021.

Driving Experienceword count: 337

Interestingly, as part of this light model update, Audi has chosen not to engage in a power race with the fastest hot hatch in the segment, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4MATIC+, which offers 427PS. So this RS 3's 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo unit continues to offer 400PS as before, which means it propels this hyper-hatch to 62mph in just 3.8s and with the optional 'Dynamic Pack' fitted, the top speed is 180mph. For reference, the A45's figures are 3.9s and 168mph. This Audi may well be faster through the turns too, thanks to the fitment of an 'RS Torque Splitter', which adds an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch to each of the drive shafts. This ensures that the right amount of torque is optimally distributed along the rear axle when cornering at speed. also as before is the standard RS sports suspension featuring bespoke shock absorbers and a valve system specific to the RS 3.  That's not to say engineering changes haven't been made as part of this update. Audi Sport has upgraded the chassis controls, making the car quicker and more stable through the corners. And the brake torque vectoring system's been further tuned, so understeer's reduced when entering a curve and more power can be used through the turn. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres can now be optionally fitted for track day fiends. Otherwise, it's all as you were. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission puts the power of the five-cylinder engine to the road - with short shifting times and a sportier gear ratio spread. And the exhaust system features a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions, thus broadening the sound characteristics even further. It can be adjusted via the driving dynamics system 'Audi drive select'. In the Dynamic and RS Performance modes, the flaps open much earlier - and as a result, the emotional elements of the sound are even more pronounced. In addition, the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine is further enhanced by the RS sports exhaust system.

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