After more than 25 years since the introduction of the A3 lineup, the compact premium model evolved into a range of a few body shapes, but without dropping the original hatchback version.
When Audi launched the first-generation S3 in 1999, it tried to offer something special for the hot-hatch segment, and it managed to surprise its customers with the 210 hp sporty vehicle. When those ponies were not enough anymore, the carmaker stormed the market with the 340 hp RS3 in 2010. But in 2021, Audi raised the bar furthermore with a new generation: the 400 horses RS3.

Audi didn’t make the RS3 to be subtle at all. It wasn’t a sleeper by any means. Instead, it showed a very aggressive front fascia with a broad singleframe grille that sported an oval-shaped pattern. Its Matrix-LED headlights incorporated the daytime running lights, and a pair of huge side scoops adorned the lower part of the bumper. From its sides, the enlarged fenders, both front, and rear resembled those installed on the mighty Audi S1 from the ’80s.

Inside, the sport bucket seats provided high bolstered areas to keep their occupants in place while hard-cornering. In front of the driver, Audi installed a fully digital display in the instrument cluster and a second display for the MMI (multi-media information) infotainment system. The rear bench was profiled for two but featured three headrests and offered a 40/20/40 split-folding system that expanded the trunk space from a mere 283 liters (10 cu-ft) to 1,104 liters (39 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the carmaker kept the inline-five turbocharged engine configuration with a unique firing order of 1-2-4-5-3. To increase the cornering speed, the RS3 sat lower by 25 mm (1”) than its A3 sibling or 10 mm (0.4”) than the S3. A seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic transmission sent the power in all corners.

-The Audi RS 3 Sportback got refreshed in 2017 getting new bumpers, rims, and colors along with many other enhancements.
Other highlights include the Audi phone box, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 705 watts of power, and many driver assistance systems. In slow-moving traffic up to 65 km/h (40.4 mph), for example, the traffic jam assist keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can briefly take over the steering.
Also new in the Audi RS3 Sportback are the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when the driver is pulling out of a parking space.
The 2.5-liter straight-five engine engine was upgraded to offer 33 hp more than the predecessor and is also 26 kilograms lighter thanks to a new aluminum crankcase. The RS3 offered an impressive performance, running from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.1 seconds.
19-inch alloys as well as brake discs with a diameter of 310 mm were offered as standard. Optionally, buyers could choose carbon-fiber ceramic discs in front.
The interior was sporty yet incredibly comfortable, the sport seats were all wrapped in black Nappa leather (as standard) and had head restraints for the driver and the front passenger as an available feature.

The third generation of the Audi A3 was unveiled in 2013 and details for the RS3 were revealed in December 2014 and the sales started in 2015.
It was available as a Sportback or sedan.

The RS version of any Audi had to be strong and powerful. On the other hand, Audi had a long tradition with the 5-cylinder engine. It was the base unit for the mighty Audi Quattro that won the World Rally Championship. It was present on many other cars built by Audi. And it was needed for the RS3.

The compact, 5-door was faster than an Audi R8 supercar and need to show it. The front bumper was redesigned for the RS3 version. The Singleframe grille featured a high-gloss black, honeycomb-look grille and a frame in mat aluminum look. The blade integrated into the front apron extended upward into the air inlets to form a vertical dividing bar. The 19” light-alloy wheels were fitted as standard. In the rear, a roof spoiler was installed on top of the liftgate.

The interior of the RS3 Sportback was black with RS badges. The bucket seats were upholstered in Nappa leather and contrasting stitching. An option for carbon seat shell cut the weight with 7 kg (15.4 lbs) each. The driver information system included a boost pressure indicator, an oil temperature gauge and a lap timer. The instrument cluster was black with red needles and white scale.

The most important part of the car was the 5-cylinder turbocharged engine. Its 2.5-liter displacement offered 367 hp. It was voted the “engine of the year” for five years in a row. It was mated to a standard 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox.

When the S3 was no longer enough for the Audi fans, the German carmaker introduced an RS version, which calmed the spirits and opened the wallets.
The first Audi S3 appeared on the market in 1999. It was an all-wheel-drive compact hatchback that re-ignited the discussions whether a hot-hatch should be only 2WD. Audi didn’t bother to answer that and built the car. But the power provided by the four-pot engines installed in the S3 was just not enough anymore. And then, in 2010, the RS3 brought more power and technology.

The Audi A3 Sportback shared its body with the most powerful version from the lineup, but there were a few important differences, such as the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic fenders and the 19” light-alloy wheels. A silver trim surrounded the honeycomb grille at the front, while on the lower side, the carmaker installed functional air intakes. The LED daytime running lights and the Xenon headlights were standard. On the sides, the five-door hatchback sported different side sills, and in the back, a roof spoiler adorned the top of the tailgate.

Inside, Audi installed high-bolstered sport bucket seats with integrated headrests. With a leather-clad interior and piano-black trims, the RS3 offered a premium experience for all occupants. In the back, the carmaker installed a bench for three, but with limited legroom for the middle one. The displays on the instrument cluster featured black dials, red needles, and white numbers in a specific RS styling.

Under the hood, Audi installed a 2.5-liter inline-five engine turbocharged that provided 340 hp. A seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox was fitted as a standard, while the electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system took care to send the most torque to the wheel with the best grip.