The Drive Report: Audi RS3

When launched in India, the RS3 will come-in completely built and as such, will command a premium, as far as hot hatches go.

Those who bow at the altar of V8s might disagree but very often, driving nirvana is found in hot hatches packing relatively modest-sized engines. Exhibit A: The Audi RS3. You may not have heard of this car because Audi’s RS-powered club in India includes more superlatively quick cars like the V6-powered RS5 and above. But a resurgent Audi India has, thankfully decided to include more accessible models to the country, and so, the RS3, which marks the entry-point to the RS cohort, is set to make its India debut later this year.

No, it’s not a detuned RS4. In fact, the RS3 sets itself apart from the rest of the RS-badged brat pack by ditching the 3.0-litre V6 for a 2.5-litre, in-line five cylinder turbo-petrol. This changes the entire equation in terms of its overall character and flavour. It still follows the simple diktat of “small car big power” to a fault but it adds a layer of nuance that several performance hatches of its ilk cannot boast of.

No, it’s not a brand new engine. This is the third generation RS3 and it makes pretty much the same 401 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. But it will be new to the Indian market’s woefully niche luxury performance hatch space, or if you prefer, compact performance sedan space. Power is sent to all four-wheels thanks to Audi’s proprietary Quattro tech but thanks to a rear differential, this can be turned into a rear-biased track tool with the press of a button.

New for 2025 are key upgrades to the chassis, particularly the introduction of a torque-split rear differential. Capable of directing up to 100% of rear axle torque to a single wheel, this innovation turns the RS3 into a dynamic and engaging driver’s car. Switch to RS Torque Rear mode, and the hatch adopts a lively, rear-biased personality that’s tailor-made for controlled drifts and spirited cornering.

Design

Although most might prefer the proportions of the sedan, the RS3 looks best in hatchback form. Particularly in this new shade of parrot green (Kyalami Green to be more accurate). Even though the A3 has been out of commission in India for a while, it won’t take more than a second to recognise this car for a super-powered A3, since it continues to retain the same essential proportions. Styling-wise, the RS3 cuts an aggressive figure without tipping into caricature. The wide stance, flared wheel arches, and honeycomb grille give it an unmistakably menacing presence. Large air intakes up front and a substantial rear diffuser, flanked by dual oval exhausts, complete the look.

Unlike the RSQ8 facelift which will also be making its way to India this year, the facelifted RS3 does come with some extensive changes to the interior. The flat-bottomed steering, the single touchscreen, actual tactile buttons including two big red ones underneath both horizontal spokes on the steering make this really look the part. It’s sportier, more stylish and better than anything you’ve seen on an Audi in India that isn’t an e-Tron GT. It’s crisp, highly configurable, intuitive and very high on quality like all Audi cars.

Performance

The racy cockpit, the bucket seats aren’t just an affectation. On a sub 5km racetrack in Northern Spain, the RS3 comes alive. Even though the track was soaking wet, the Quattro-equipped hatch managed to find considerable grip. It’s got a crisp linearity to the manner it delivers power with the straight-five lending it some added smoothness. It’s got a nice, rorty engine note thanks to Audi having tinkered with the exhaust flaps making the car louder at lower revs. In sedan form the RS3 holds the distinction of being the fastest compact sedan around the Nurburgring, so you know it’s been designed keeping track performance in mind. Switching to “RS” mode in its most extreme, and there’s plenty of sliding satisfaction to be derived out of throwing it into a corner.

But switch to “Comfort” and the RS3 proves it has the genteel mannerisms that any good road car must possess. It’s plush and feels long-legged like a good grand tourer must. Unlike the high-strung, tightly-wound nature of the more powerful Mercedes-AMG A45 S, the gear ratios feel adequately spread out, so you’re not rapidly shifting-up.

Verdict 

When launched in India, the RS3 will come-in completely built and as such, will command a premium, as far as hot hatches go. It’ll also be available in Audi’s “limousine” form, which is essentially the booted version of the RS3, which has been available for the last two generations of the car. When it arrives in India, it will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, but unlike that torpedo of a hot hatch (makes more power) the RS3 feels lighter, and its engine less tightly wound. It will command a premium no doubt, but its arrival will infinitely enrich Audi’s performance spectrum and the automotive landscape. For Indian roads, the RS3 might just be the most fun RS car you can drive.