2022 AUDI RS 3
2022 AUDI RS 3
Posted on July 29, 2021
There’s no denying the huge popularity of crossovers and SUVs, but there still seems to be a firm slot in the market for high performance sedans in various configurations. Mostly, they seem to come from Europe or Japan and the upcoming 2022 Audi RS 3 is a great example of the breed.
High-spirited driving enthusiasts prefer these compact, speedy and nimble-handling vehicles and there are lots of reasons to agree with them. The Audi RS 3 offers serious driving enjoyment coupled with sports car acceleration and handling. Alternatives include the Lexus IS range, Infiniti Q50 and Q60, Jaguar XE and a fair number of others.
The RS 3 looks for all the world like a racecar without the advertising and numbers. It’s ground-hugging, sleek and rather menacing, with bulging arches around the ultra wide wheels and very large air intakes where needed. It really does look the part of a “racer for the road,” but please don’t race in yours! There are also some very eye-catching colours on the roster.
The front of the RS 3 is notable for a large black honeycomb grill bearing the traditional and widely known four rings of the Audi brand. As auto historians know, the rings signify four German automakers that amalgamated many years ago under the Auto Union badge that later became Audi. Incidentally, Audi also offers a Sportback version of this car and it’s highly practical for road trips with its bigger load area.
The RS 3 lives up to its Audi Sport reputation with a very impressive powertrain. The car uses a 5-cylinder (rare nowadays) 2.5-litre engine developing 400-horsepower. Needless to say, response is outstanding and you’ll top 100 km/h in a scant 3.8-seconds. Find a safe place to try it and the car will take you all the way to a governed 250-km/h, but Audi says it’s capable of 290 km/h with the RS Dynamic Package. The transmission is an advanced 7-speed dual-clutch unit that will certainly shift faster than a manual, once the top choice for cars like this.
Audi engineers tuned the suspension to provide taut handling while keeping the ride comfortable. Similarly, steering response is fast and predictable. It’s worth remembering that these Audis are designed and engineered in a country where many roads allow unlimited speeds and drivers with appropriate vehicles make full use of that privilege.
The cockpit, like the exterior styling, was created to thrill even a jaded performance car lover. Apart from the comfortable, hip-hugging seats, the cabin is cleverly designed to make it a great place to enjoy the car’s performance prowess. Of course, every possible safety feature is there in case things do go amiss, but with its responsiveness, this car would be hard to get into serious trouble with. Expectedly, this will be an expensive car, but it packs a huge amount of technology and competition-refined acceleration and handling. You’d have to look hard to find many cars to match the new Audi RS 3.
Deliveries should begin later in the year at a price yet to be announced.
SPECS AT A GLANCE:
BODY STYLE: Four-door sedan
ENGINE: 5-cylinder 2.5-litre, 400-horsepower
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
PERFORMANCE: Zero to 100 km/h in approx. 3.8-secs
FUEL ECONOMY: Approx. 8.5-litres/100 km combined
PRICE: TBA