The updated 2025 Audi RS3 Sportback and Sedan are due to arrive in Australian showrooms in August, completing the compact A3 family.
Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new A3 and S3, senior executive for corporate communications at Audi Australia, Claudia Muller, confirmed the facelifted RS3’s local timing.
“We’ll announce full pricing and specifications soon, but it’s likely to get here in August,” Ms Muller said.
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As before, the updated RS3 is powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, developing a healthy 294kW and 500Nm. Audi quotes a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.8 seconds.
While the powertrain is unchanged, stickier tyres have been fitted to improve the RS3’s performance credentials and provide greater comfort, while Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slicks remain available as an option in Europe.
Incremental performance gains have also been made via handling upgrades.
Torque vectoring via braking and chassis tuning tweaks offer faster cornering, helping the updated Audi RS3 to set a new class record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of seven minutes and 33.123 seconds.
It beat the BMW M2 by five seconds and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S by more than 10 seconds.
As with its A3 and S3 siblings, the RS3 has been treated to subtle design changes such as a revised front grille and intakes, redesigned daytime running light signatures, and revised head- and tail light elements.
At the rear there are also vertical side reflectors, black-framed oval exhaust tips, and an RS-specific diffuser. Three new colours are available with the 2025 RS3 – Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Daytona Grey in matte finish.
Carried over from the RS3 Performance Edition are optional, motorsport-inspired ten-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the most obvious change is the introduction of a new steering wheel with a flat top and bottom. As standard, the wheel is trimmed in perforated leather, although a suede finish is available as an option.
Two seat designs will be offered – standard Nappa leather sport seats, and optional RS bucket seats.
While Audi Australia won’t be drawn to share local pricing and specifications just yet, the current RS3 Sportback is priced from $95,175 before on-road costs, with the RS3 Sedan commanding a $2500 premium at $98,215.
Given the updated A3 and S3 range saw price increases across the board, we’d expect the same for the RS flagship.
We’d anticipate $3000-$4000 increases offset by enhanced equipment levels. It could be the first time we see the base pricing of the RS3 eclipse $100,000 – at least in Sedan guise.
Stay tuned to CarExert for all the latest, and share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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