2022 Audi RS3 (8Y)

Audi RS3 Sportback (2026) Review

FAST FACTS
Model: 2026 Audi RS3
Price: R1 498 200
Engine: 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: 7-speed automated dual-clutch
Power/Torque: 294 kW/500 Nm
0-100 kph: 3.8 seconds (claimed)/3.82 seconds (tested)
Claimed fuel consumption: 9.0 L/100 km
Luggage capacity: 282-1 104 litres

Verdict

Cynically, the facelifted Audi RS3 Sportback doesn’t bring revolutionary changes to the party (it arguably already had the majority of boxes ticked). Should you buy one, then? Given the very likelihood this is the last iteration of 5-cylinder Audi RS3, it looks set to become a collector’s item. The fact that it’s sensational to drive and exceptionally quick, too, only cements its legendary reputation, and it’s unlikely we’re going to see anything quite like it again. Search carefully for a well-specced option for the best value.


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Is Audi's new RS3 Competition Limited worth £80k more than a Mk1?

They may be separated by 15 years, but these two hot hatches share the same magic under the bonnet

Some have called the new Audi RS3 Competition Limited a £100,000 hot hatch. That's not quite fair: it’s only £93,000. Meanwhile, a leggy Mk1 RS3 can be scooped up from the classifieds for around £11,000 to £13,000.

But the fundamental point remains. There is an £80,000 gulf here, despite both cars offering essentially the same recipe: five-cylinder thrills stuffed into a posh German hatchback.

To see if that premium is actually worth it, Audi helpfully tossed me the keys to an immaculate 2011 Mk1 RS3 from its heritage fleet while on the launch for the new car.

Let's start with the Competition Limited. It’s incredibly rare - limited to just 750 units globally, with a mere 11 making it to the UK. Audi justifies its staggering price tag (a solid £30,000 premium over a standard RS3) with some serious chassis upgrades.

Ingolstadt’s finest have bolted on manually adjustable coilovers, slapped ceramic brakes on the front and binned 4kg of sound deadening to help amplify that glorious, guttural wastegate flutter. Inside, bespoke gold seats finally inject some much-needed life into the cabin, even if having to manually adjust them at this price point feels like a bit of an insult.

On a back road, it is an all-time great. Turn-in is razor-sharp, body control is absolute and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is ruthless, even allowing you to dive into the limiter should you get greedy with your right foot. There’s a bit of low-speed hesitation, but there’s not getting round the fact that it is devastatingly quick and phenomenally planted.

www.autocar.co.uk

Audi wants £100,000 for the ultimate new RS3. We drove a £20k original to see if it’s worth it | Autocar

They may be separated by 15 years, but these two hot hatches share the same magic under the bonnet
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk

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