After a lengthy teaser campaign and far too many spy shots, this is the all-new Audi RS3. Featuring class-leading performance and the magical 5-cylinder engine, the 2022 Audi RS3 is confirmed for the 2nd half of next year.

Being a flagship performance product, focus is on the engine and claimed figures. While some will complain that the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine produces the same power as before, some clever tweakery has resulted in more torque. Figures of 294 kW and 500 Nm are on offer, with the 2022 Audi RS3 being said to sprint to 100 kph in a claimed 3.8 seconds and onto an optional top speed of 290 kph.

As we’ve mentioned before in a prior article, the all-new Audi RS3 will feature what’s called the RS Torque Splitter which cleverly sends power around the axles and wheels. In left-hand curves, it transmits the torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead to both wheels. It gets better, as the RS Torque Splitter can send all engine power to just one wheel. There’s also Drift Mode.

The all-new Audi RS3 features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox as well as a sporty exhaust system with fully variable flap control, plus Audi is offering an RS sports exhaust for even more noise.

Under the skin, the newcomer features newly-developed shock absorbers and a valve system that helps the suspension cope with rebound/compression, with Audi offering adaptive damper control as an option. The larger wheel camber, i.e. the wheels are angled more toward the road, results in a more precise steering response and increased cornering force. Compared to the Audi A3, the wheels on the front axle of the new RS 3 have just under one degree of additional negative camber.

At the rear, there’s a four-link design with separate spring/damper arrangement, subframe, and tubular stabilizer bar. The wheel carriers, which are stiffer than those of the Audi A3 and S3, absorb the increased lateral forces generated by the torque splitter. The RS‑specific progressive steering varies the gear ratio depending on the steering angle – as the steering angle increases, the gear ratio becomes smaller and steering more direct. It also assists based on speed and can be varied via Audi drive select.

The setup of the springs and shock absorbers is markedly stiff, and the body is 10mm lower than on the S3 and 25mm lower than on the A3.

As far as brakes go, the new RS 3 comes with bigger and newly-developed 6-piston steel brakes, with ceramics being available as an option.

Visually, you can spot the all-new Audi RS3 with a gaping front bumper which features a new-look honeycomb grille and new-look headlights and daytime running lights. The LEDs will light up the letters R S and 3 as well as a checkered flag when you lock and unlock the car. When the vehicle’s driving, there’s a checkered flag. The rear is dominated by large twin oval exhausts and an integrated diffuser. The new Audi RS3 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with a host of optional wheels available.

Inside, the new Audi RS3 looks very sporty. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is standard and boasts telemetry like g-forces, lap times and acceleration from 0‑100 km/h, 0-200 km/h, quarter-mile, and eighth of amile. A heads-up display is available for the first time on the RS3.

The RS sport seats with RS embossing and contrasting stitching really look the part and are available in Nappa as an option. The new-look 3-spoke RS steering wheel features zinc shift paddles and a 12 o clock stripe.

When is the new Audi RS3 coming to South Africa?

Audi South Africa confirmed its new performance model will be available in sedan and Sportback derivatives and should be making landfall around the middle of 2022.

Further Reading

New Audi RS3 features trick diff and drift mode

New Audi S3 Sportback and Sedan shown