2024 Audi RS3 Refresh Revealed | Price, Specs & Release Date

• The refreshed Audi RS3 has been unveiled with a new design and added features
• Available as both a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon
• Starts at £59,510 for the hatchback, with the saloon priced at £60,510
• Retains the five-cylinder petrol engine with 394bhp and 500Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system
• Improved powertrain calibration, updated torque-splitting rear differential, and a new torque-vectoring by braking system for enhanced driving precision
• Aggressive new exterior design, updated lighting, and a redesigned interior featuring a new steering wheel with RS mode controls
• New 19-inch wheel design, with two unique colour options - Kemora Grey and Kyalami Green - plus a matt grey finish
• Standard high-performance tyres, optional Pirelli Trofeo R tyres (overseas), carbon ceramic brakes, and an RS Sports exhaust
• Enhanced dashboard upholstery, customisable lighting, and improved material quality throughout the cabin
• Offered in three versions - Base, Carbon Black, and Vorsprung - with additional luxury features and equipment in the higher trims

The updated Audi RS3 has been unveiled, showcasing a fresh design and added features for this popular high-performance vehicle. It will be available as both a five-door hatchback and a four-door saloon when it goes on sale later this year. Pricing begins at £59,510 for the hatchback, with the saloon priced at £60,510.

Enthusiasts of the RS3’s iconic five-cylinder petrol engine will be pleased to know it remains unchanged, still delivering 394bhp and 500Nm of torque. Power is managed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system similar to a Haldex, with a torque-vectoring differential mounted on the rear axle.

Although the engine’s output remains the same, Audi has made several technical adjustments aimed at enhancing driving precision. These include recalibrating the powertrain’s software and introducing new parameters for the torque-splitting rear differential. Additionally, a torque-vectoring by braking system across both axles is now in place, designed to improve agility during high-speed cornering. The rear differential’s ability to induce oversteer has also been refined for a more natural feel.

Visually, the RS3 now sports a more aggressive look, including updated front and rear lighting, and a redesigned, bolder front end. The wide arches from the previous model have been retained, and the rear features a new lower bumper with a vertical reflector. Inside, the cabin has received subtle upgrades, such as a new flat-top and bottom steering wheel, which includes quick-access controls for the RS and RS Individual modes.

In terms of interior enhancements, the cabin now features a new upholstered element across the dashboard, more customisable interior lighting, and improved material quality at key touchpoints such as the steering wheel and door handles. Audi aims to restore the sense of quality that some felt was lacking in the current generation.

For the UK market, three different models will be available: Base, Carbon Black, and Vorsprung. The Carbon Black and Vorsprung models come with price increases of £4,650 and £9,140 respectively but include significant upgrades in standard equipment. The Carbon Black features carbon fibre elements and darkened headlights, while the Vorsprung adds luxurious touches such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive dampers, and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function. However, it’s worth noting that Audi UK will not offer the carbon fibre-backed bucket seats available in other markets.

As mentioned earlier, the refreshed RS3 design will go on sale starting from September 2024 and will also be available to lease around that time period.

Please visit our Audi leasing page for more information about the current RS models available.