New Audi RS 3 revealed: five-cylinder hot hatch updated for 2024

• Visual updates
• Five-cylinder engine remains
• Prices start from £59,510

Having shown off the new S3 hatchback earlier this year, Audi has at last revealed the hotter of its hot hatchback duo – the new Audi RS 3. It’s been updated for 2024 with a host of visual changes, but the oily bits under the tweaked metalwork remain largely unchanged. As before, it’s available as both a hatchback and a saloon, and both will go on sale later this year costing from £59,510.

What do I need to know about the new Audi RS 3?

The Audi RS 3 has been the German brand’s halo hot hatch since the first iteration went on sale in 2011. Over the past 13 years, there have been numerous changes to the chassis, styling and interior, but one component has remained constant throughout: the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. The unusual engine made the outgoing RS 3 one of the quickest – and best-sounding – hot hatchbacks on sale, so we’re pleased to report it’s been retained for the updated car.

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It doesn’t produce any more power or torque for 2024, with peak horsepower still standing at 394bhp. That can’t match the 416bhp of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, but it’s a whole 100bhp more than the updated BMW M135. Like before, that power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Audi’s ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive setup, although the system is still front-wheel biassed. 

The ‘torque splitter’ rear differential – used in the new Volkswagen Golf R – is carried over from before, but has been recalibrated to make the RS 3 more precise. Elsewhere, there’s a new torque-vectoring by braking system designed to improve agility through high speed corners, plus more aggressive tyres as standard.

Outside, the new RS 3 gets the updated LED headlights and tail-lights from the regular A3, with more muscular bodywork and a pair of oval exhaust tips. There’s a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels and Audi will continue to offer Kemora Grey and Kyalami Green paintwork exclusively for the RS 3. There are a few tweaks inside, too, including a new steering wheel with shortcut buttons for the RS driving modes, plus new interior lighting, upholstery and trim materials.

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How much does the new Audi RS 3 cost and when can I buy one?

The Audi RS 3 range starts from £59,510 – that may seem like a lot for a hatchback, but it’s still around £4,000 less than the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. The RS 3 saloon costs £1,000 more than the Sportback hatch, and both will go on sale in the UK later this year. Upgrading from the entry-level model to ‘Carbon Black’ specification adds £4,650 to the bill, while fully-kitted ‘Vorsprung’ models command a further £4,490 on top of that.

Fancy a different take on the German hot hatchback? Read our review of the new Volkswagen Golf R…