Overview

What's New for 2019

Audi only makes the RS 3 in a single trim. Still, the car comes with plenty of standard equipment, making it feel anything but stripped down. The car features 19-inch alloy wheels with a 5-arm-blade layout, plus summer performance tires, full LED headlights that are also automatic, headlight washers, LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, power adjustable/auto-dimming/power-folding/heated side mirrors, rear lip spoiler, plus unique body treatments like the side sills, front and rear fascias, oval exhaust tips, as well as the rear diffuser.

When it comes to technology, Audi includes HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a full-color driver information screen, ten audio speakers, USB port, Bluetooth streaming audio, keyless entry and ignition, Audi pre sense basic, Audi drive select, and automatic wipers.

The cabin also comes with a number of fine amenities, including Nappa leather upholstery, heaters and power adjustments for the front seats, 40/40/20 split-folding rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows and locks, panoramic sunroof, ambient LED interior lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror with digital compass, and illuminated door sill plates. A flat-bottom steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps add a sporty touch to the space.

An RS 3 comes with a factory invoice of about $56,000 and an MSRP of about $60,000. Just remember that as a member you enjoy great benefits when visiting your Certified Dealer. Instead of the usual car shopping hassles, you get pricing right up front, saving you time and money.

Under the hood of the Audi RS 3 sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine. It’s quite potent, with a peak 400 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to it is a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which channels power to all four wheels through the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is also standard.

According to Audi, The RS 3 can do 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds, plus on a track it can hit 155 mph, with the option to have that increased to 174 mph.

Audi keeps the interior color scheme for the RS 3 simple. You can get Black Nappa leather upholstery with Rock Gray contrast diamond stitching and perforation, or optional Black Nappa leather with Crescendo Red diamond contrast stitching and perforation. It also offers either Aluminum Race or Carbon Fiber inlays. While the interior materials might not reach the same level as other Audi models, the cabin does feel premium and well-built.

Some details feel almost like an afterthought. The infotainment screen, which pops up from the dash does have a nice placement for seeing what’s on the screen without looking down, but it doesn’t quite match the thoughtful composure of the rest of the cabin. The physical controls on the other hand have simple designs and are large enough to find easily, so you can change the air temperature or other settings without trouble.

You’ll find the sport front seats are supportive and soft, with large bolsters that make them great to sit in for long periods. The rear seats aren’t nearly as comfortable, while legroom and headroom are both extremely constrained. Up front, most taller adults should be able to fit without too much trouble. Cargo space in the rear is average for this type of car.