Introducing The New Audi RS3
If you want a new hatchback that feels special on an ordinary Monday morning as much as it does on an empty Sunday road, the Audi RS3 is a very serious option. It gives you the pace, grip, and sharp responses you expect from an Audi RS model, but it still works as something you can use every day.
What sets the latest Audi RS3 apart from older versions is how much more adjustable and more polished it feels. The updated car brings in the torque splitter at the rear, which helps the RS3 feel more agile in quicker bends and more secure when the road is wet or broken up. The cabin also feels more focused than before, thanks to the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit with its RS-specific displays, RS bucket seats, and RS steering wheel controls that put your preferred settings close at hand.
If you want to find out how the new RS3 feels from behind the wheel, the best next step is to book a test drive.
New Audi RS3 Trim Options
| Trim |
Best For |
Key Features And Differences |
| Carbon Black |
Drivers who want the sharpest RS3 look with core performance features in place |
Usually focuses on darker exterior styling details, keeps the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and the RS-focused cabin, and gives the car a more stealthy finish. |
| Carbon Vorsprung |
Buyers who want the fullest RS3 experience with more luxury and convenience equipment |
Builds on the RS3 performance package with a richer equipment list, extra comfort and driver assistance features, and a more complete high-spec feel for everyday use. |
New Audi RS3 Running Costs
| Trim |
Engine And Drivetrain |
Combined Fuel Economy |
CO2 Emissions |
Running Cost Notes |
| Carbon Black |
2.5-litre TFSI petrol, quattro all-wheel drive, 7-speed S tronic |
Around 31 mpg combined |
Roughly 202 to 207 g/km, depending on body style and final specification |
Expect premium fuel, performance tyre, and brake costs to be higher than a regular A3, but the drivetrain is strong and well suited to year-round use. |
| Carbon Vorsprung |
2.5-litre TFSI petrol, quattro all-wheel drive, 7-speed S tronic |
Around 31 mpg combined |
Roughly 202 to 207 g/km, depending on body style and final specification |
Similar day-to-day fuel use to Carbon Black. Extra equipment can affect tyre choice, insurance, and replacement part costs, so it is worth comparing the exact car you choose. |
New Audi RS3 Safety Features And Rating
- Front emergency braking helps reduce the chance of a low-speed front-end collision in traffic.
- Lane departure warning helps if you start to drift on longer drives.
- Adaptive cruise control helps keep a steady gap to the car in front on the motorway.
- Rear parking sensors help when you are reversing into a tighter space.
- A rear-view camera makes it easier to judge kerbs, walls, and low obstacles.
- Blind-spot monitoring can warn you about traffic you may not have seen alongside the car.
- Traffic sign recognition helps keep speed limits clearer on unfamiliar roads.
New Audi RS3 Practicality And Space
- The RS3 Sportback offers enough boot room for a weekly shop, a couple of soft bags, or sports kit, while the Saloon gives you a slightly longer luggage area for everyday use.
- Split-folding rear seats help when you need to carry longer items without giving up all rear passenger space.
- The driving position is easy to settle into, so it feels comfortable on the school run, the commute, or a longer motorway trip.
- Supportive front seats help reduce fidgeting on longer journeys and hold you in place when the road gets twisty.
- Parking is easier than the performance looks suggest, thanks to clear visibility, parking sensors, and camera support.
- Cabin storage gives you the basics you need for daily use, including space for phones, drinks, and smaller personal items.
New Audi RS3 Tech And Convenience
- The Torque Splitter uses two multi-disc clutches at the rear to send power between the back wheels more intelligently. In everyday driving, that means the car feels more stable on wet roads, more precise coming out of roundabouts, and more confident when grip changes from one side of the road to the other.
- The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS Runway design puts speed, revs, and key performance data directly in front of you. That helps you keep important information in your eyeline instead of looking away at the centre screen.
- RS bucket seats give stronger side support than a standard seat, which helps on quicker roads, but they also make a difference in day-to-day driving by keeping you well positioned and reducing movement on longer journeys.
- The RS steering wheel with RS-mode buttons lets you switch key drive settings quickly, so you can move from a calmer daily setup to a sharper one without digging through menus.
- The 19-inch forged wheels do more than change the look. Because forged wheels are lighter than many cast alternatives, they help the steering feel cleaner and the suspension respond more quickly over rougher roads.
- The wider front fenders are not just for show. They cover the broader front track, which helps the RS3 feel more planted and more accurate when you turn in.
- Smartphone connectivity and Audi's infotainment setup make it easy to handle navigation, calls, and music without making the cabin feel cluttered.
Can I Buy A New Audi RS3 On Finance?
Buying a premium Audi does not have to mean paying for everything in one go, and Audi RS3 on finance can be a practical route if you want to manage costs in a way that suits your budget.
When you look at Audi RS3 on finance, your options may vary depending on the trim, deposit, annual mileage, and the agreement available on the exact car.
- PCP stands for Personal Contract Purchase. This can work well if you want lower monthly payments and more flexibility at the end of the agreement.
- HP stands for Hire Purchase. This can suit buyers who want to work steadily towards ownership with fixed monthly payments.
- PCH stands for Personal Contract Hire. This can be worth considering if you want to run the car for an agreed term without planning to own it.
For a full breakdown of how these options work, it is worth reading car finance explained.
Where Can I Buy A New Audi RS3?
When you are ready to move from browsing to buying, visiting a Vertu Audi dealership gives you the chance to see the car properly, talk through specifications, and get advice that suits how you actually use your car. That personal support matters with a model like the RS3, where trim, options, and finance choice can make a real difference.
At Vertu, you can expect strong customer service, whether you visit in person or start your enquiry online. Audi-trained teams can help you compare the RS3 with other performance and premium models, explain the latest features clearly, and talk you through part-exchange and finance options.
You can also browse other new Audi models and the wider selection of new cars in stock if you want to compare body styles, engines, or budgets before making a final decision.
New Audi RS3 FAQs
Is the new Audi RS3 easy to park in tight spaces?
Yes, it is easier to park than its performance image might suggest. Parking sensors and camera support help with day-to-day manoeuvres, and the steering is accurate at low speed. The wider body and flared arches mean you still need to judge space carefully, but the car gives you enough help to make routine parking straightforward.
Which new Audi RS3 trim should I choose?
Carbon Black suits buyers who want the cleaner, darker RS look and the key performance ingredients without paying for every extra available feature. Carbon Vorsprung makes more sense if you want a fuller equipment list and a more luxurious everyday experience. If you plan to use the car often and want fewer compromises on comfort and convenience, Carbon Vorsprung is the one to look at.
Are the tech features of the new Audi RS3 easy to use?
Yes, the main systems are easy to get used to. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit puts the key information directly in front of you, and the RS steering wheel buttons make drive mode changes simple. Once you have spent a short time with it, the layout feels focused rather than complicated.
What warranty cover should I expect on a new Audi RS3?
In the UK, a new Audi RS3 is typically supplied with a three-year manufacturer warranty, usually with a 60,000-mile limit, though exact terms should always be checked on the car you are ordering. If you are buying new, it is worth confirming what is included on the specific offer or vehicle package.
Should I choose a fixed or flexible servicing plan for a new Audi RS3?
If your annual mileage is predictable and you like the reassurance of knowing what routine maintenance will cost, a fixed plan can make good sense. If your mileage changes a lot from year to year, a flexible setup may suit you better. With a performance car such as the RS3, many buyers prefer the certainty of planned maintenance, and it is worth comparing this with the latest Audi servicing options.
What insurance group is the new Audi RS3 in?
The RS3 usually sits in a high insurance bracket because of its performance, value, and repair costs. A Carbon Black model is likely to be expensive to insure compared with a regular A3, and a Carbon Vorsprung version can be higher again depending on list price and equipment. The best move is to get a quote on the exact version you want before you commit.
