AUDI RS 3 Sportback Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi refreshed the RS3 lineup in the summer of 2024, and even though it didn’t add any ponies to the inline-five turbocharged engine under the hood, it still came with goodies for motorsports fans.

While Volkswagen was credited for creating the hot-hatch segment, Audi deserved the merits for elevating that term to the super-hot-hatch status when it launched the first generation of the RS3 in 2011 and dropped the 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) acceleration time under five seconds. Then, the horsepower war between the four-ring brand and other German automakers continued and forced the Ingolstadt-based automaker to become more creative and its engineering team to squeeze more ponies from the inline-five powerplant under the hood. As a result, in 2021, Audi launched the third generation of the RS3 with enough performance to stand next to some supercars, even though it could carry five people plus some luggage on board.

The 2024 Audi RS3 Sportback had a redesigned front fascia that featured a broad hexagonal-shaped black grille. Audi said that the design was inspired by the Audi Sport quattro S1, which won first place in the 1987 Pikes’ Peak hill climb race. There were barely any body-colored elements on it, mainly on the bumper. Another upgrade for the car’s look was the new headlights featuring matrix LEDs with three signature lights that the driver could select.

Like its predecessor, the 2024 Audi RS 3 Sportback was available exclusively as a five-door affair. Its enhanced exterior didn’t differ too much from the 2021 model year. However, the car received new 19-inch alloy wheels with an option for a 20-inch set. Audi offered the vehicle with sports-oriented tires and even semi-slick ones for those looking to use the RS 3 on a race track. Out back, the redesigned rear fascia meant that the car received vertical side deflectors that echoed the one from the front. However, there were fewer black trims, such as the functional diffuser placed on the lower side of the bumper that integrated the big oval dual exhausts.

Like the first generation of this nameplate, the 2024 Audi RS 3 Sportback was focused on performance. As a result, the interior was covered with acres of Alcantara that didn’t create reflections on the windshield. Furthermore, the automaker added an option for carbon fiber sports seats with integrated headrests that could hold their occupants in place during high-speed cornering. Fronting the driver was the 12.3-inch screen of the Audi Virtual Cockpit running its latest software update. Its configurable display allowed users to see what was important to them, and that included a shift light while the car was in manual driving mode. Besides the buttons that controlled the infotainment system, the hexagonal-shaped steering wheel featured two additional red knobs that engaged the Preformance or the RS individual mode, respectively.

Under the hood, there was no surprise. The automaker installed the same 2.5-liter inline-five turbocharged powerhouse as on the non-facelifted version. However, the automaker upgraded driving modes and allowed customers to drift their vehicles better, thanks to an advanced electronic system that also took steering angle into account, not just the acceleration pedal and the lateral g-forces.

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.