2022 Audi RS 3

2022 Audi RS 3 Review

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　Given the popularity of small luxury SUVs, you'd probably understand had Audi kicked its A3 sedan to the curb after the last generation sunsetted for the 2021 model year. There are certainly easier-to-come-by dollars for an automaker to be sure. But give credit to Audi for keeping the entry-level luxury sedan flame lit because here we are not only with a redesigned 2022 A3 but also the continuation of the gonzo RS 3.

　　The A3 and its performance-minded S3 variant make a respectable amount of power, at 201 horsepower and 306 hp, respectively. But it's the even more extreme 2022 Audi RS 3 that has us dusting off the old race helmet for a track day. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five, which is exclusive to the RS 3 and TT RS, pumps out 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That's admittedly a modest increase of 7 hp and 15 lb-ft compared to the previous model, but it's appropriate in scope and mission for a car like this. Plus, the five-cylinder's distinctive, warbling sound is worlds more interesting than the typical four-cylinder's.

　　Audi has focused a lot on improving the RS 3's handling performance. To that end, the RS 3 now features what Audi calls a torque splitter as part of the standard all-wheel-drive system. This new rear differential can vector additional torque to the outside rear wheel as you go around a turn to help the car rotate a little and make it feel more lively and nimble. There's also a Torque Rear mode, which can shunt all torque through one rear wheel — perfect for inducing tail-happy oversteer on a racetrack. Other upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension (with adaptive dampers), a more expressive exhaust system and an aerodynamic body kit. Also on the options list are track-ready Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires and front carbon-ceramic brakes.

　　The RS 3 is part of an exclusive class of small high-performance sedans. Its most direct rival is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45. Beyond that you'll need to consider coupes such as the BMW 2 Series or move up in price to the likes of the Audi RS 5 and BMW M3. Read our test team's Expert Rating below for a deeper dive into the RS 3's capabilities and character.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the RS 3 drive? The RS 3's centerpiece is its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. It has a unique sound and delivers stunning performance. In our testing we recorded a 3.9-second 0-60 mph run on California's 91 octane fuel, making it quicker than Mercedes' AMG CLA 45. (zzdcar is based in Los Angeles.) But the RS 3 doesn't deliver full thrust until you feed it 93 octane fuel, and once we added an octane booster the RS 3 chipped 0.3 second off its 0-60 time. That's exceptional, but residents in states that can't get 93 will wish the RS 3 could make that happen without having to add a bottle of octane booster with each tank.

　　Though it delivers crushing speed, the experience of getting there isn't as evocative as we'd like. It's not that it doesn't drive well; it's that the way the RS 3 goes about delivering its almost bewildering performance is anodyne. The Audi RS 5 left us with a similar coldness. It feels like the RS 3 keeps the driver an arm's reach away from the experience thanks to nearly lifeless steering and electronic aids that filter your inputs. If you want something visceral, the RS 3 might not be the best choice.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the RS 3? Audi's RS-badged cars have historically done a good job of balancing comfort and performance and the RS 3 is no different. Even in the suspension's stiffest mode, lumps and bumps form the road surface only rarely make their way into the cabin, a rare trait from a car with such high performance aspirations. You will notice plenty of road noise thrumming its way through the cabin due to the RS 3's 19-inch wheels and high-performance Pirelli tires. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth mentioning.

　　The RS 3's specialized sport front seats only add to the cabin's comfort level. They're covered in soft leather and uniquely supple. They aren't as firm and don't hold on as tightly as the seats from some competitors, but we'll take that trade-off for a bit of added everyday usability.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below