Test drive, thorough inspection and comprehensive evaluation of the 2022 Audi RS3, a supercar in a compact sedan suit
The 2022 Audi RS3 is an anomaly, it is known that there are engines with four cylinders or six V6, or V8, or even V12 … all of which are commonly used in the automotive industry. But a five-cylinder engine? You may not have heard much about him. Audi is the only automaker still producing a five-cylinder engine, which is home to the new 2022 Audi RS3. It’s the latest model with its great noise and endless thrust.
The 2022 Audi RS3’s five-cylinder engine has been carried over from the same previous car, and has been boosted for the new model, producing 401 horsepower and 396 pound-feet of torque while retaining the signature Audi, all-wheel drive system as it is with some modifications, and the overhauls have significantly improved its performance. big.
The 2022 Audi RS3 sedan, weighing in at 3,649 pounds, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds on its way to an optional top speed of 180 mph. Combined with the fact that it has standard six-piston brakes, and semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, makes it track-ready.
The 2022 Audi RS3 takes a lot from the current A3, there is a great similarity in the upscale interior design, and it offers a luxurious driving experience despite its small size. And the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 competes. So does the new generation of the 2022 Audi RS3 have what it takes to beat the best small rocket from AMG ?
New Audi RS3 2022
After a hiatus for 2021, the sporty variant of Audi’s smallest sedan returns this year . The 2022 Audi RS3 enters its second generation, and it draws many touches from the completely redesigned A3 and S3. While the three share a platform, interior dimensions, and many similar features, the A3 is powered by a turbo-four with 201 hp, and the S3 has an engine with 306 hp.
The exterior design of the 2022 Audi RS3
The current A3 is a gorgeous sedan, so it makes sense that the 2022 Audi RS3 didn’t leave the design studio until it became a bold exterior design car, adding a massive black honeycomb grille fitting for large RS cars, and low, wide air intakes. The sport suspension also lowers the ride by 0.4 inches compared to the S3, giving it a more eye-pleasing look.
Other RS-specific details include a rear spoiler in gloss black or optional carbon fibre, a sports exhaust system with two elliptical false tips, and a rear bumper with integrated diffuser. I especially love the matrix-design LED headlights, which feature a unique checkered pattern and entry sequence that illuminates the RS-3 on the driver’s side.
The 2022 Audi RS3 is offered in a wide range of colors, some free and others at an additional cost. The $750 Black Optic package takes care of looks and aesthetics, offering black wheels, black badging and a black roof, while the $2,750 Carbon package adds carbon fiber mirror caps, a rear spoiler and side sills.
Engine of the 2022 Audi RS3
One of the most unique elements of the 2022 Audi RS3 is its unusual five-cylinder engine. Its single cylinder count gives it a unique and pleasing sound, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter, producing 401 hp. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that engages smoothly under hard braking.
The 2022 Audi RS3 offers standard all-wheel drive that includes a torque-vectoring rear differential with drift mode. The 2022 Audi RS3 has been upgraded with sportier brakes, stiffer suspension settings and a unique set of wheels on high-performance tyres. The 2022 Audi RS3 we drove produced exhilarating sounds and was, as it were, an unmistakably feisty car on the racetrack. It was also comfortable when driving quietly on normal roads.
2022 Audi RS3 powertrain performance
Although there are no mechanical changes, Audi has retuned its unique engine, turbocharged it to produce 401 hp and 396 lb-ft of torque, up 7 hp and 15 lb-ft over the outgoing model. And with more power, the 0-60 mph time dropped from 3.9 to just 3.6 seconds. Top speed is capped at 155 mph, but speed can be unlocked to 180 mph via the Dynamic Plus package.
The five-cylinder engines date back to Audi’s racing history, and they emit inviting growls that sound more akin to a V10 than the four-cylinder engines used by most competitors. It makes the RS’s sportier sound more present, although some resort to the aftermarket to make it louder.
This package adds larger carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fiber hood. Power is delivered to the quattro all-wheel drive system via a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that shifts smoothly during normal driving, but quickly in traffic. And despite its impressive performance, the 2022 Audi RS3 delivers reasonable fuel economy: 20/29/23 mpg city/highway/combined.
More impressive than the power increase is the new RS Torque Splitter, seen for the first time in an Audi product. It replaces the typical rear differential with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch on each driveshaft. The system can split all rear torque to either rear wheel for full torque vectoring, and even enables RS Torque Rear mode, allowing the RS3 to pull off stunning RWD-style drifts.
Driving impressions of the 2022 Audi RS3, the tame beast
Driving the 2022 Audi RS3 is like experiencing a Volkswagen Golf R boosted to the max. This should come as no surprise, given that both cars ride on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, have dual-clutch transmissions and all-wheel-drive systems that can distribute more torque to the rear axle. The RS3 has a unique personality thanks to this particular engine. And the RS3 delivers similar performance to the more expensive Audi RS4 and BMW M3, and in our tests, it managed to hit 62 mph in a staggering 3.8 seconds.
This acceleration is thanks to the standard Launch Control system that allows for the perfect launch every time, plus a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that takes care of shifts much faster than you could hope for with a manual clutch.
There is nothing lacking in the performance of the 2022 Audi RS3. Launch control brutally whisks you off the line to 60 mph. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission lets the engine rev before its clutch assemblies engage, sending the car into a measured launch before executing a powerful shift into second gear. From there, the five-cylinder engine pulls hard to its redline before quickly shifting into the next gear. That’s supercar acceleration wrapped in a small sedan’s envelope.
As for the rest of the experience, Audi’s urbanization policy pays off in the direction of everyday drivability. The standard RS sport suspension includes Dynamic Body Control with two modes: Comfort and Dynamic. And even in Dynamic mode, the 2022 Audi RS3’s ride is smoother than the CLA 45’s standard setup, which means you can drive it for longer without having to adjust. This is a car that we are happy to drive every day, and occasionally take it to the racetrack.
If you tend to drive your 2022 Audi RS3 on track, this little car will surprise you. It offers optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R Performance semi-slippery tires and has supercar-like grip for just $450, helping the RS3 stick to the ground like glue around corners and turns. And thanks to the RS Torque Splitter we were able to spin the car by sending more torque to the outer rear wheel.
The interior design of the Audi RS3 2022 is truly sporty
The RS3 is based on the S3’s cabin, though it’s more aggressive to suit the RS stance. Notable changes to the cabin include RS-specific sports seats with six-stitching and an RS-specific steering wheel with RS mode button. Premium Nappa leather seats are standard.
The RS Design Package Micrommata Green Dinamica adds matching touches with seat stitching, air-ventilated center rails and seat belt trim. This package also includes RS logo floor mats and Matte Carbon Atlas trim.
Technology in the 2022 Audi RS3
And as far as technology is concerned, the RS3 comes well-equipped with a 10.1-inch MMI touch screen as well as a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit with several layout modes. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and park assist are standard.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the 2022 Audi RS3
The RS3 isn’t a big car, so don’t expect big spaces. However, the rear seat is much better than the CLA, with rear passenger space of 35.2 inches of legroom and 36.6 inches of headroom. It’s wider than the CLA, which offers only 33.9 and 35.7 inches in the coupe-like Mercedes.
At 8.3 cubic feet, trunk space is less impressive, 2.6 cubic feet less than the outgoing model and 3.3 cubic feet less than the CLA. And the rear seat splits in 40/20/40 proportions, so you can load longer items, and one seat can be folded down and the rest can accommodate one or two passengers.
Infotainment of the 2022 Audi RS3
Based on the infotainment system used in the A3 and S3, the RS3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dash. It can be controlled by touch, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charging are also available.
The quality of the 2022 Audi RS3 is perfectly balanced
The RS3 benefits from the upgrades that Audi introduced on the A3 and S3, taking evolution to a new level in terms of aesthetics and powertrain. The RS3 is among the best-looking Audi we’ve seen and the interior is still excellent and tasteful. It’s also a road-going car that’s fiercely sporty on the track. It’s a tricky formula, but Audi has nailed it.
Previous RS3s have always been solid performers but lack the dynamic quality we’d hoped for. When AMG hit a bombshell with the second generation CLA 45. Audi developed its car.
Fuel economy of the 2022 Audi RS3
The 2022 RS3 is rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. For more information on the RS3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Safety and driver assistance features in the 2022 Audi RS3
The RS3 offers a combination of standard driver-assist technology plus options like adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available
Maintenance and warranty costs for the 2022 Audi RS3
The Audi Limited Warranty and powertrain are competitive with other German automakers.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- There is no free scheduled maintenance
Value for money for the 2022 Audi RS3
The 2022 RS3 starts at just under $60,000 and few options are available. We recommend the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R summer tyres.
Features of the 2022 Audi RS3
- The unique five-cylinder engine looks amazing
- Driving it feels better than ever
- High-quality materials inside the cabin
Disadvantages of the 2022 Audi RS3
- Less storage space on the standard model
- Not as aggressive in appearance as some alternatives
- The gearbox can be jerky in town
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