Audi RS3 For Sale

If you’re in the market for a car that’s all about fun but doesn’t shy away from serious driving when the road twists and turns, then the Audi RS3 might just be your match. Available as a Sportback (think hatchback) or a saloon, the RS3 goes head-to-head with rivals like the Mercedes-AMG A45, the BMW M2 coupe, and the Volkswagen Golf R. What makes it stand out from the crowd? Well, for starters, you can’t miss the RS3’s bold design. Audi has amped up the already sizable grille of the standard A3, flanked by extra vents for added flair. Wider and lower than the regular A3, the RS3 boasts an aggressively styled bodykit and striking 19-inch alloy wheels. Opt for a vibrant paint color, and you’ll always spot it in a crowded car park.

Inside, Audi strikes a balance between sportiness and sophistication. The cabin features coloured detailing on various panels and trim pieces, creating an immersive driving environment. While Nappa leather seats add a touch of luxury, the standard microfiber and faux-leather seats are equally stylish and comfortable. A 12.3-inch digital instrument screen with a new RS Runway mode takes centre stage, displaying engine revs and speed with vertical bars. Although not as intuitive as traditional dials, it adds to the RS3’s sporty vibe. Plus, a standard 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen offers all the modern conveniences you’d expect.

The big news for the RS3 is its impressive 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo petrol engine. It still delivers 400hp like its predecessor but now boasts 20Nm more torque, totalling 500Nm – adding an extra kick to an already rapid hatchback. With this powerful engine, Audi claims the RS3 can sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds. That’s almost supercar-level acceleration from a hatchback. Thanks to some smart mechanical upgrades, the RS3 is now more agile and entertaining on twisty roads, and it’s even sharper on the track. For those who fancy it, there’s even a drift mode to facilitate some controlled skids (on a closed circuit, of course). But the RS3 isn’t all about hardcore performance. It can settle down nicely when needed. In urban settings, it doesn’t feel overly firm like some other hot hatches and handles bumps and cracks well – just be cautious with those black alloy wheels! On the highway, it offers a comfortable and smooth ride, with ample power available for swift overtakes.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, it’s worth noting that the RS3 isn’t exactly frugal, but that’s often not the top concern for buyers in this segment. According to official figures, the Sportback version returns around 31.4mpg, while the more aerodynamic Saloon manages 31.7mpg. In terms of emissions, both models hover around 200g/km CO2, placing them in a higher first-year tax bracket. Additionally, they’re subject to an annual surcharge for vehicles priced above £40,000, payable from the second to sixth year after registration. Safety-wise, while the RS3 hasn’t undergone specific testing by Euro NCAP, the A3 on which it’s based achieved a five-star rating, scoring well for adult and child occupant protection. The RS3 is equipped with selectable drive modes to tailor its behaviour to different conditions, along with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. As for reliability, Audi has a decent but not outstanding track record in this regard. Given the RS3’s relatively low production numbers, it’s challenging to gauge its long-term reliability accurately. However, there haven’t been widespread reports of issues from owners, and its shared platform with the A3 and other Volkswagen Group models suggests it should be relatively trouble-free. The RS3 comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, extendable to the fourth and fifth years for an additional fee.