2024 Audi RS3 Review: Five Seats, Five Cylinders

Small and sporty sedans aren't unconventional anymore, with enthusiasts lauding the particularly enjoyable driving character of a compact sedan imbued with unreasonable amounts of power. Although coupes are often preferred as performance cars in this segment, sedans like the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 are popular for their agile handling and potent engines, so the 2024 Audi RS3 is in good company. The BMW M2 is another close match in terms of performance and price, despite having two fewer doors - if an M2 Gran Coupe existed, that would've been a direct rival from BMW. With arresting looks and a distinctive five-cylinder engine, the RS3 makes 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, although it's a little more expensive than the AMG. Here's why we think it's worth the extra expense.

New for 2024

The Audi RS3 was redesigned just two years ago, so it carries over into 2024 with minimal changes. Some standard equipment has been altered, though, and the Convenience Package now gets HomeLink integrated into the rearview mirror. Inside the compact sedan, standard Carbon atlas matte inlay is made standard, and the accent stitching in the RS Design package is now only available in red, not green.

2024 Audi RS3 Price: Which One to Buy

There's only one Audi RS3 model for 2024, and its price starts at $61,700 before options and excluding a $1,095 destination charge in the USA.

We'd kit our new Audi RS3 sedan out in a striking exterior paint color like Kyalami Green at no cost (although Python yellow is just as eye-catching and adds $595 to the overall cost) and throw in a black roof for $250. This also auto-equips the Black Optic Pacakge and the RS Sport Exhaust system for an additional $1,500 combined. We'd also tick the RS Technology Package (with side assist and rear cross-traffic assist required) for the head-up display, traffic sign recognition, upgraded sound system, and MMI Navigation, and, lastly, we'd add the exterior Carbon package. The total just breaks the $70k MSRP mark, all in.

Interior and Features

Ideal for a small sporty sedan, the cockpit of the RS3 is neat, tech-forward enough, and roomy, ensuring the driver will be focused on the task at hand.

The interior of the Audi RS3 is less tech-focused than larger Audis and feels suitably sporty for what the car aspires to be. The digital information cluster is configured to enhance that feeling, and the infotainment display is angled toward the driver, as are the controls. The sport bucket seats - especially with the contrast stitching - stand out thanks to the RS logo embossed under the headrests. Space is sufficient for passengers to feel comfortable, and the standard panoramic sunroof helps the cabin to feel airy and light, which offsets the use of dark materials nicely. Ambient lighting can be configured to illuminate in your choice of color.

Space

Like its competitors, the RS3 is a compact offering that provides seating for five, but the reality is that the rear seat will likely be a little tight for longer trips. Kids should be fine back there, though, and the Audi has more rear legroom than the CLA 45.

Up front, passengers are spoiled for stretching room, and the low-slung feeling means that getting in and out isn't a chore.

Cargo

It's not a strong suit for the RS3, but the trunk space is a little restricted, with only 8.3 cubic feet behind the back row. Both German rivals offer more, but it's less likely that you're shopping in this segment if you were truly prioritizing practicality. Still, you could fit some grocery bags or a few overnight bags if you packed them carefully, and you can fold the seats down if you want more space.

Inside the cabin, the standard small-item storage options are available, including a glovebox, center console bin, seatback pockets, and door pockets.

Materials and Colors

Buyers don't have a whole lot of choice when it comes to interior colors and materials for the Audi RS3, but it's probable that what is on offer will resonate with those buyers who understand what this car is. To that end, you get fine Nappa leather seats with honeycomb stitching, leatherette on the dashboard, and lashings of carbon atlas trim. We love the available Micromatta Green stitching, but if you don't, you can have everything in black or choose the black leather with red contrast stitching.

The optional RS design package will augment the interior with red-accented center air vents, floor mats with Express Red stitching and piping, red edging on the seatbelts, and red seat-back shoulders in Dinamica.

Features and Infotainment

This is the halo car in the A3 lineup so expect to get the most of what Audi has in stock. This includes three-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and Audi's Virtual Cockpit. The latter includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment display running Audi's MMI software. This is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is channeled to an in-house sound system by default, but many will opt for the Bang & Olufsen upgrade.

Performance

The unique five-cylinder setup is not just aurally different, but it gives the Audi incredible acceleration.

One of a niche group of cars with a five-cylinder power plant, the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine in the Audi RS3 is one of the segment's best. With 401 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, the little sportster is much more potent than the 2 Series Gran Coupe in M235i xDrive guise (302 hp/332 lb-ft), but that car is a more natural Audi S3 rival. The BMW M2 is more powerful, but it doesn't have the traction of the Audi's all-wheel-drive system, so it's slower to 60 (3.9 seconds with the automatic). The AMG CLA 45 makes 382 hp for its 2023 model year, which is enough to see it sprint to 60 mph in four seconds. The Audi RS3's 0-60 mph time is an impressive 3.6 seconds, and it will rip onwards till it maxes out at 155 mph if you let it. It can be configured to hit 180 mph.

All RS3 models come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, RS sport suspension with dynamic chassis control, and with power going to the standard quattro all-wheel drive system, it's got grip for days and loads of corner confidence. The RS3 was the first quattro model featuring the RS Torque Splitter, which sends 100% of the available torque to the outside wheel to counteract understeer or induce oversteer. Up to 50% of total torque can also go to the rear axle while keeping the front engaged. This translates to a genuinely fun car to drive, and thanks to its slight size, it feels agile and nippy no matter where you go.

Fuel Efficiency

The unique 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine may offer great performance, but it's not particularly fuel-efficient, but it's no worse than rivals. With EPA gas mileage figures of 19/29/23 mpg for the RS3 on the city/highway/combined cycles, it matches the 23 mpg combined of the CLA 45. Both are more economical than the M2's 19 mpg combined.

The RS3 has a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 gallons, so you can expect a maximum range of around 330 miles on a tank of fuel.

Safety

Despite not having recent safety reviews from the IIHS or NHTSA, the Audi RS3 is kitted out comprehensively to ensure passenger safety.

There is no Audi RS3-specific safety review for 2024, and the last A3 sedan to be tested by the IIHS was the 2023 model, which fared exceptionally well. This mostly identical model got top scores and was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ in the year the facelifted model was released. The NHTSA doesn't have any ratings to offer for any of the last two model years.

Safety is taken care of by a full suite of airbags, Audi pre sense basic, Aud pre sense front, automatic braking, lane guidance, and adaptive cruise assist as standard. A head-up display is bundled together with traffic sign recognition in the optional $2,500 RS Technology Package, and side assist with rear cross-traffic assist will cost you $350 on top of that.

Reliability

JD Power hasn't conducted any consumer surveys on the RS3 for quality and reliability, but the A3 on which it's based scored a high 84 out of 100 in this regard. This is also backed up by a diminishing recall history over the last three years, with 2022 RS3 models suffering from two recalls while the 2023 range only has one recall listed for missing weight capacity information. 2024 models are free of recalls at the time of writing.

All 2024 Audi RS3 models have warranty cover spanning four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, along with four years of roadside assistance.

Warranty

Design

We're fans of small sedans that are dressed up to the nines, and the exterior design of the Audi RS3 is one of the best mergings of the sports sedan concept, in our opinion. Setting it apart form lesser A3s are dual oval exhaust tips, a high-gloss black front spoiler, Matrix-design LED headlights, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. Blacked-out exterior accents are also standard on the RS3, with the prominently darkened grille being testament to this. The RS3 runs on 19-inch wheels with a black finish and wrapped in summer tires.

The Carbon Package will add carbon mirror housings, a carbon rear spoiler, and carbon side sill inlays, and equipping the RS sport exhaust system fits black tips onto the outlets. For even further differentiation, a black roof can be optioned on, which stands out when you select one of the high-visiblity colors on offer.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Audi RS3 A Good Car?

As far as competition goes, the Audi RS3 punches above its weight in many ways. Its potent five-cylinder engine makes more power than its immediate Mercedes-AMG rival, and it's even quicker than the more powerful BMW M2. It's not the plushest interior in the class, and it's a little short on trunk space, but if those are the reasons you're shopping in this segment, you're likely to be disappointed in most offerings. For those who want a sizzling compact sedan that can still do the school run, the RS3 is one of the best; we love it for its zeal and arresting good looks, not to mention its exciting driving experience.