Used Audi RS3 2015-2020 review

Some hot hatches shout about their performance, while others, like the Audi RS3, are more subtle. Be honest, upon first glance, would you understand the kind of pace it can deploy – that this RS3 can outrun an Alpine A110 sports car from 0-62mph?

If you answered yes, you have a good eye, but we think most people would think it a somewhat sporty family car and nothing more. That is until the traffic light turns green – and the RS3 accelerates swiftly and impressively but to a safe and legal speed, of course.

Engines & Performance: When it first arrived back in 2015, this generation of RS3 packed a 362bhp punch from its 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. However, a mid-life upgrade in 2017 replaced this with an all-new aluminium unit that upped the power to a staggering 394bhp.

Permanent four-wheel drive helps to keep all this oomph on the road, and results in some truly phenomenal acceleration figures: it dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in a mere 4.1sec, for example. The 2017 lat update also introduced the option of having your RS3 as a four-door saloon, which traded in a little of the hatchback’s practicality for what some would see as neater styling.

On the road be in no doubt this is a quick car. There’s plenty of pulling power from low down the rev range, and the RS3 is seldom stumped for speed. It makes a glorious noise, too, and its performance is effortlessly released through its standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Ride & Handling: Despite its hefty engine up front, the RS3 turns into corners with zest. Push it hard and the older car could run wide during fast cornering, whereas the post-facelift car better stays locked onto your chosen line. And you can even persuade the rear to step out slightly under power, if that’s the bag you’re in to. Just don't expect the RS3 to match the best hot hatches when it comes to driver involvement. You may be able to cover ground at an unbelievable rate, but the steering still offers little to no feedback and the car is almost too capable. It doesn't challenge you in the way that its rivals like the BMW M140i and Focus RS do, and can instead be driven hard almost instantly.

More positively, the RS3's standard suspension strikes a decent balance between body control and comfort. Yes, you’re always aware of bumps, but the car seems to move with the road rather than fight against it, while body roll is minimal. Tick the box for the optional adaptive dampers and you’ll find Comfort mode is significantly more comfortable, whereas Dynamic mode is too firm for most British roads.

Interior & Practicality: It would be disappointing if this super-sporting version of the A3 wasn’t finished to the same exacting standards inside, but worry not, it is. The minimalist design features plenty of soft-touch plastics as well as well-damped switches and chrome accents. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a lovely thing to hold, embossed RS logos on the Nappa leather seats add a touch of class and you get Audi’s Virtual Cockpit – a digital display that sits behind the steering wheel in place of conventional instrument dials – as standard.

If that’s not enough, you can add a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, diamond-quilted Super Sports seats and a wireless smartphone charger for compatible devices.

Space is good, too. There's generous room for two adults in the front, and the standard heated electric sports seats (with adjustable lumbar support) are surprisingly comfortable, yet also supportive when corning hard. In addition, three children can sit side by side in the back, even if the middle passenger’s backrest isn’t as comfy and there’s a small hump in the floor for them to straddle.

The RS3's boot is one of the biggest of any hot hatch, and it has a nice wide opening. The boot is also fitted with a height-adjustable floor that reduces the load lip and ensures there’s no step up to the rear seats when they’re folded down. The opening is a decent size and shape, too, while a through-load hatch is an option, allowing you to accommodate lengthy items, such as skis, without folding down either of the outer rear seats.

Interested in buying a used Audi RS3? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used Audi RS3s are available for around £21,000, if you're happy with a 2015/'16 model with around 70,000 miles on the clock. To lower that to around 40,000 miles, have around £27,000 at least.

If you'd prefer a late model (2019/'20), you'll need upwards of £30,000 in most cases.

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The official figure for the later, more powerful RS3’s fuel consumption is an average 34mpg, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 188g/km, and those cars registered before April 2017 will pay annual car tax based on that, so expect reasonably large bills. Those registered after that date will pay the current flat rate charge of £140 a year, plus a supplementary luxury car tax of £340 a year for cars costing over £40,000. Expect insurance costs to be hefty, too, as it sits in a high group 46, and servicing costs likewise, especially if done at an Audi dealer, which we would recommend.

Reliability

General feedback on the Audi A3 (as a whole) suggests a good level of reliability, with many owners enjoying years of trouble-free ownership. However, there have been reports of electronic and engine problems.

Dealer service has received mixed reviews. Many appreciate the professionalism and expertise of dealership staff, noting swift and proficient service. On the other hand, some owners have expressed concerns over high repair costs and long waits for service appointments.

Discover more about used Audi RS3 reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

There is only the one engine and trim option, and the automatic gearbox is your only option too. You can, however, choose between the hatchback (Sportback) and the four-door saloon. For its extra practicality, we’d choose the hatchback.

Our favourite Audi RS3: 2.5 RS3 Sportback

The BMW M140i is a staggeringly good hot hatch. Its performance is blisteringly quick, and its engine sounds great. The infotainment system is great, too, and the driving position ace. Its rear-wheel drive, so its handling is pure old-fashioned fun.

The Honda Civic Type R is quite brilliant, too. It handles brilliantly, yet is surprisingly comfortable and easy to live with. It’s an incredibly well-engineered machine that’s practical and enjoyable to drive.

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Interested in buying a used Audi RS3? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.