This is the 2022 Audi RS3, which is easily the most aggressive interpretation of the humble Audi A3 platform. The RS3 first hit the scene in Europe, more than a decade ago. It did all the rational stuff that you’d expect from a hot hatch along with offering up a sporty drive. Over the years, it has evolved to offer more power and better dynamics.

Now, RS models are rare as they come, but the Audi RS3, after skipping a year is making a comeback to the United States, with some fairly substantial upgrades. This is especially true for some big additions made to the drivetrain, all in a bid to retain the crown for the ultimate performance compact sedan. So here's what has Audi done to transform the A3 into a drift machine for the road.

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2022 Audi RS3 Performance And Capability

The Audi RS3 is available both as a four-door hatchback or sedan, however, only the three-box form will make it Stateside. Under the hood, just like the original Quattro and the previous-generation RS3, lies a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Audi has extensively tinkered with this mill raising power from the 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine that now produces 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

Coupled with a seven-speed S Tronic transmission, power goes to all four corners via Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The soundtrack out of the box is pretty raucous, but you can further enhance it with the optional RS sport exhaust system ($1000).

The Haldex-type coupling on the old RS3 makes way for an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch installed on each rear wheel half-shaft. This optimizes engine torque distribution to the rear axle and, among other things, enables RS Torque Rear, a driving mode specifically developed for drifting.

Audi RS3 Driving Modes

• Comfort
• Auto
• Dynamic
• RS Torque Rear
• RS Performance

Other updates include a revised camber of 0.5 degrees and RS' exclusive progressive steering system, which alters ratios based on steering angle. The basic RS sport suspension incorporates freshly developed dampers as well as a unique valve system.

The RS3 comes with Dynamic chassis control and RS Sport suspension as standard, sitting 0.98 inches lower than a regular A3. As for brakes, slotted discs as standard on the RS3. In terms of top speed, Audi has a limiter on the new RS3 at 155 mph which can be raised to 175 mph. With the optional Dynamic Plus Package ($5,500), the speed limit can be further increased to 180 mph.

This package also sees the installation of front ceramic brakes while regular steel discs sit at the rear, with red brake calipers at both ends. It saves up to 22 pounds in weight. Also, Audi will happily sell you a set of Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires ($450), for which you'll need to sign a disclaimer because these are semi-slick motorsport tires not really designed for street use and they only work well in warm and dry conditions.

The new Audi RS3 outperforms its predecessor in terms of outright pace. It can demolish 0 to 62 mph and comes up in 3.8 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the previous model. The RS3 managed a sub-8-minute time at the Nürburgring.

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Exterior Design

Let's talk styling. It all starts with the super aggressive front facia. Audi has expanded the front grille to allow the engine to breathe better, up to 20% better than the outgoing model. The massive grille and its glossy black surround, with air intakes for additional cooling capacity, dominate the front end. It’s all trimmed into the RS3's signature hexagonal "mesh."

The standard Matrix LED headlights have their own locking and unlocking animations, where they proudly display the letters R-S-3, eventually turning into a DRL with a chequered flag.

You also have a minor visual reference to the original Audi Quattro. The front fenders have a slit-like vent (not functional) that harks back to the 80’s rally legend. Other aerodynamic improvements include more aggressive side skirts, a rear bumper with the same hexagonal mesh as the front bumper, and a small lip spoiler.

The gloss black rear diffuser has Audi RS's trademark dual oval exhaust outlets on either side completing the tail-end of this baby RS. Gloss black trim pieces and finishers on the front spoiler, mirror housing, and window surround will contrast well if you choose to go with a color like Kyalami Green seen here.

To add more panache to your RS3, you can spec it up with a couple of options. Choose the Carbon Package ($2,750) and you get carbon mirror housing, carbon rear spiler, and carbon sill inlays. The Black Optic Package ($750) will replace the standard 19-inch rims for another set of 19-inch 5-Y-spoke wheels finished in matte black, black Audi rings and badges, and a black roof.

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Interior Quality And Technology

The dashboard features the same basic design as you'd find in the current A3 or S3, Audi has considerably spruced it up. While the angular design might seem like in those cars, it certainly suits the RS3's character much better. Audi has thrown in some bucket seats as well with a hexagonal pattern, ideal to hold you in place when you're out drifting with your RS3. They are eight-way adjustable and have lumbar support as well.

You have three optional interior themes to choose from. The cabin is available in all-black, with the optional contrast red or green stitching. Do note that the contrasting green is only available as part of the optional RS Design Package ($1,500) that'll also get you the seat shoulder and center bar of the air vents finished in Micrommata green Dinamica, green edging on the seat belts, floor mats with RS logo and green stitching on the piping, center console in high gloss black and carbon atlas matte inlay and an Alcantara steering wheel.

A few of the distinctive interior features of the 2022 RS3 Sedan are as follows:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather-wrapped RS steering wheel
• 12.3-inch MID with an updated interface
• Nappa leather seats with power adjustability and heated options
• Leather and carbon-fiber trims

With the latest Audi MIB 3, the updated infotainment system is now more intuitive and incorporates a bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen display compared to the outgoing generation. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument displays Shift lights, G-force, acceleration times, lap times, and even quarter-mile times. Besides this, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sat-nav, satellite radio, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity come as standard.

The optional RS Technology Package ($2,750) will add a full-color heads-up display, Audi Connect Plus (6-month trial subscription), Audi MMI Navigation Plus, Traffic sign recognition, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound.

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2022 Audi RS3 Price And Availability

The 2022 Audi RS3 retails at an MSRP of $58,900. Add another $1,095 as a mandatory destination fee to that number, bringing the grand total to $59,995. But a nicely spec'd well-optioned RS3 should see that number cross $75,000. Check with your local Audi dealer for availability as you may face delays due to the ongoing chip crisis.

Configure your Audi RS3 here.

Safety

The Audi RS3 comes with a good level of safety equipment as standard

• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Pre-collision braking system
• Post-collision braking system
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane-departure warning
• Blindspot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert system
• Advanced stability control

Audi side assist with rear cross-traffic assist ($350) is an option you can check while configuring your RS3. While the NHTSA hasn't tested the 2022 Audi A3 yet, the IIHS gave a Top Safety Pick to the outgoing model.

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Main Competition

As far as direct competition for the new RS3 goes, you've got two cars from its compatriots. The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and the BMW M2 are also fighting for supremacy in the compact performance sedan/coupe space. Here's how the numbers stack up.

Prices for all three cars are in the high 50s. The Mercedes comes in at $56,950 and features with a posher cabin, four doors, and AWD, but it is the least powerful in this company. The BMW meanwhile is only available as a coupe and RWD with similar power figures, albeit with a bit more torque thanks to that in-line six.

Up until now, if you wanted to have tail-happy fun, the BMW was a no-brainer. But now with some clever trickery and new features, the 2022 Audi RS3 has upped the ante and it can on paper, run rings around the Beemer.

FAQ

Q: How Much Will 2022 RS3 cost?

The 2022 Audi RS3 costs $58,900 MSRP, with an additional $1,095 towards destination fees.

Q: How fast does an RS3 go 0 60?

The 2022 Audi RS3 is blisteringly fast and can get to 60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds.

Q: Is the 2022 Audi RS3 coming to US?

After skipping a year, the Audi RS3 made a comeback to the U.S. for the 2022 model year, bringing some fairly substantial upgrades.

Q: Why is the Audi RS3 so fast?

The 2022 Audi RS3 is so fast because it features torque-vectoring rear-differential, which extends its capabilities in corners to drifting, and this is despite packing Quattro all-wheel drive.