Test drive, thorough inspection and comprehensive evaluation of the 2022 Audi RS3 supercar in a small sedan suit
The 2022 Audi RS3 is an anomaly of cars, as it is known that there are four-cylinder or six-cylinder V6, V8, or even V12 engines… all of which are commonly used in the automotive industry. But a five-cylinder engine? You may not have heard of him much. Audi is the only automaker that still produces a five-cylinder engine, housed in the new 2022 Audi RS3. It is the latest model with its great noise and endless thrust.
$59,995
The new version of the small sedan with the turbo five-cylinder costs $2800 more than its predecessor. The 2022 Audi RS3 has a starting price of $59,995. It has a 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine and all-wheel drive.
The 2022 Audi RS3 five-cylinder engine has moved from the same car as the previous car, and it has been enhanced for the new model, producing 401 horsepower and 396 pound-feet of torque while retaining the Audi signature, and the four-wheel drive system is the same with some modifications, and the repairs significantly improved its performance big.
The 2022 Audi RS3 3,649-pound sedan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds on its way to an optional 180 mph top speed. Combined with the fact that it has standard six-piston brakes, and semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, it’s track-ready.
The 2022 Audi RS3 has taken a lot from the current A3, there is a great resemblance to the high-end interior, and it offers a luxurious driving experience despite its small size. It competes with the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. So does the new generation of the 2022 Audi RS3 have what it takes to beat the best small rocket from AMG, we launched the 2022 Audi RS3 on a road flight that we record in the following lines.
New Audi RS 3 2022
After a hiatus for 2021, the sporty variant of the smallest Audi sedan returns this year . As the 2022 Audi RS3 enters its second generation, it draws many touches from the completely redesigned A3 and S3. While all three share a platform, interior dimensions and many similar features, the A3 is powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, and the S3 has a 306-hp engine.
The exterior design of the Audi RS 3 2022
The current A3 is a great sedan, so it makes sense that the 2022 Audi RS3 didn’t leave the design studio until it went bold with the exterior, adding a massive black honeycomb grille that fits larger 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 appearance.
Other RS-specific details include a rear spoiler in gloss black or optional carbon fiber, a sports exhaust system with two forged oval tips, and a rear bumper with integrated diffuser. I particularly liked the matrix-style 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 appearance and aesthetics, offering black wheels, black decals and a black roof, while the $2750 Carbon package adds carbon fiber mirror caps, a rear spoiler and side sills.
Engine for Audi RS 3 2022
One of the most distinctive elements of the 2022 Audi RS3 is its unusual five-cylinder engine. The single cylinder number gives it a unique and pleasing sound that is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter, producing 401 horsepower. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that works smoothly during hard braking.
The 2022 Audi RS3 offers all-wheel drive as standard that includes a torque vectoring rear differential with drift mode. The 2022 Audi RS3 has been upgraded with higher-performance brakes, tougher suspension settings and a unique set of wheels on high-performance tyres. The 2022 Audi RS3 we drove produced exhilarating sounds, and was, by nature, a distinctly feisty car on the racetrack. It was also comfortable to drive quietly on normal roads.
The powertrain performance of the Audi RS3 2022
Although there were no mechanical changes, Audi re-tuned its unique engine, and fitted it with a turbocharger to produce 401 hp and 396 lb-ft of torque, 7 hp and 15 lb-ft more than the previous model. With more power, the 0-60 mph acceleration time was reduced from 3.9 to just 3.6 seconds. The top speed is set at 155 mph, but the speed can be unlocked to 180 mph via the Dynamic Plus package.
The five-cylinder engines hark back to Audi’s racing history, and emit an inviting roar that sounds akin to a V10, better than the four-cylinder engines most competitors use. It makes the RS sportier sound more presentable, although some resort to after-sales service to make it even louder.
This package adds larger carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fiber bonnet. Power is channeled to the quattro all-wheel drive system via a quick-shift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that shifts smoothly during normal driving, but quickly in crowded conditions. Despite its impressive performance, the 2022 Audi RS3 offers reasonable fuel economy: 20/29/23 mpg city/highway/combined.
Most impressive of the increased power is the new RS Torque Splitter, which was first seen in an Audi. It replaces a typical rear differential with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch on each shaft. The system can split all rear torque to either of the two rear wheels for use in all torque vectoring, and even enables RS Torque Rear mode, allowing the RS3 to pull off stunning RWD-style drifts.
Driving impressions of the Audi RS 3 2022 Tamed Beast
Driving the 2022 Audi RS3 is like experiencing a Volkswagen Golf R that has been optimized 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 character thanks to this special engine. The RS3 delivers similar performance to the more expensive Audi RS4 and BMW M3, and in our tests, it hit 62 mph in an astonishing 3.8 seconds.
That acceleration is thanks to the standard Launch Control system that allows you to take a perfect launch every time, as well as the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that takes care of shifts much faster than you’d hope with a manual clutch.
There’s nothing lacking in the performance of the 2022 Audi RS3. Launch control brutally snatches you off the line at 60 mph. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission allows the engine to spin before its clutch trains engage, sending the car into a calculated launch before making a powerful shift into second gear. From there, the five-cylinder engine pulls hard into its red line before quickly shifting to the next gear. This is the acceleration of a supercar wrapped in the casing of a small sedan.
As for the rest of the experience, Audi’s urbanization policy pays off towards everyday driveability. The standard RS sports suspension includes Dynamic Chassis Control with two modes: Comfort and Dynamic. Even in Dynamic mode, the 2022 Audi RS3’s ride is smoother than the standard setup of the CLA 45, which means you can drive it for longer without the need for tweaks. This is a car that we are happy to drive every day, and sometimes take to the track.
If you’re inclined to drive your 2022 Audi RS3 on the track, this little car will surprise you. It offers the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R Performance semi-skid tires and has supercar-like grip for just $450, which helps the RS3 stick to the ground like glue around corners and turns. Thanks to the RS Torque Splitter, we were able to spin the car by sending more torque to the outside rear wheel.
The interior design of the Audi RS 3 2022 is really sporty
The RS3 is based on the cabin of the S3, although it is more aggressive to suit the RS mode. Notable changes to the cabin include RS-specific sport seats with hexagonal 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 accents with seat stitching, center air vents and seat belt trims. This package also includes floor mats with the RS logo and Matte Carbon Atlas inserts.
Technology in the Audi RS 3 2022
And as far as technology is concerned, the RS3 comes well-equipped with a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen display as well as a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit with several design modes. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and park assist are standard.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the Audi RS3 2022
The RS3 isn’t a big car, so don’t expect big spaces. However, the rear seat is much better than the CLA’s, 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 inches and 35.7 inches in the coupe-like Mercedes.
At 8.3 cubic feet, boot space is less impressive, 2.6 cubic feet less than the outgoing model and 3.3 cubic feet less than the CLA. The rear seat is split 40/20/40, so you can load taller items, one seat can be folded down and the rest can seat one or two passengers.
Information and entertainment for the Audi RS 3 2022
Based on the infotainment system used on the A3 and S3, the RS3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen display mounted in the middle of the dashboard. 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, Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charging are also available.
The quality of the 2022 Audi RS3 is perfectly balanced
The RS3 takes advantage of the upgrades that Audi introduced to the A3 and S3, taking the evolution to a new level in terms of aesthetics and powertrain. The RS3 is among the best designs we’ve seen from Audi, and the interior is still excellent and tasteful. It’s also a street-friendly car with aggressive track performance. It’s a tough formula, but Audi has done it successfully.
Previous RS3s have always been strong performers but they lack the dynamic quality we had hoped for. When AMG introduced a bombshell with the second generation CLA 45. Audi developed its own car.
The fuel economy of the Audi RS3 2022
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 Audi RS3 2022
The RS3 offers a combination of standard driver assistance technology as well as options such as 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 Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available
Maintenance and warranty costs for the Audi RS 3 2022
Audi’s Limited Warranty and powertrain are a competitor to other German automakers.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
Value for the price of the Audi RS 3 2022
The 2022 RS3 starts at just under $60,000 and a few options are available. We recommend the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R summer tires.
Features of the Audi RS 3 2022
- A unique five-cylinder engine that looks amazing
- Its driving looks better than ever
- High-quality materials inside the cabin
Disadvantages of the Audi RS 3 2022
- Less storage space on the standard model
- Not as aggressive in appearance as some of the alternatives
- The gearbox can be jerky in the city
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