The Bottom Line: What is a RS 3? The RS 3 is the performance version of the small 3 series sedans built and sold by Audi. The RS stands for RennSport, and you know it’s an RS model by all the RS logos on the exterior and interior of the car. Translated from German it means Racing Sport, and it should come as no surprise that the RS models are centered around the race track versions of Audi vehicles, and it’s called a hot hatch sedan.

 

As the Audi RS 3 is a high performance compact luxury sedan, it has probably changed the entire hot hatch class forever. Audi’s 2.5L liter 5 cylinder 401 HP horsepower RS3 was built for the race track, but is comfortable enough to drive on a daily basis, and it’s longer, wider and meaner than before. It has flared fenders, big wheels and tires, over 400 HP horsepower, and boasts a new electronic rear differential that enables a drift mode.

 

This week Audi sent me a 2022 RS 3 sport sedan to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this RS 3 model starts at $58,900. The options on the press car are: the RS technology package for $2,750, the RS sport exhaust system with black exhaust pipe tips for $1,000, the Black Optic Plus package for $750, and the Audi side view with rear cross traffic assist package for $350.

 

The MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,095 destination charge, came to: $64,845. After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total out the door and in your garage purchase price came to: $72,951. At just under $73 Grand this Audi RS 3 high performance compact sedan is right at the top of the class for speed, handling, and comfort, in a 401 HP horsepower car.

 

The Audi RS 3 is wicked fast and has the suspension to match the power, and it comes with a substantial brake package, right from the factory. The front and rear disc brake rotors are huge, and have red painted calipers. The front discs are ventilated steel 375 mm rotors, with 310 mm rear disc brake rotors, and has a set of 6 piston front disc brake calipers as standard equipment. This RS 3 can stop on a dime, and still give you change.

 

The Audi RS 2.5L liter inline 5 cylinder engine is mated to an ultra responsive 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission with Quattro AWD all wheel drive, and this driveline gets the RS 3 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, on its way to a governor limited top speed of 159 mph. The formula for being really quick is simple: take a lightweight car, put in a big and powerful engine, add the tires, brakes and suspension to control the speed and handling, and you have a super fast hot hatch sedan.

 

This is an Audi, so luxury and technology are a big part of the package. The RS 3 has front power, adjustable lumbar, and heated, Nappa leather front seats with honeycomb stitching, a panoramic sunroof, dashboard carbon fiber trim inlays, the Audi smartphone interface, Audi cruise control with lane guidance, Audi drive select with road modes, an Audi virtual cockpit dashboard, LED interior lighting, Homelink garage door openers, heated, auto dimming, power folding, exterior mirrors with memory, parking assist sensors, a 40/20/40 split folding rear seat with power lumbar, and a 3 spoke multifunction leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and a RS power mode button.

 

Tech upgrades include: a head up display with traffic sign recognition, an Audi Plus navigation system, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 3D sound, an RS sport exhaust system with black exhaust tips, the Black Optic plus package with a set of 19″ five Y spoke design alloy wheels in a matte black finish, black Audi logo rings, black Audi badges, a black painted roof, and the Audi side assist with rear cross traffic assist package. The Black Optic plus package makes the RS 3 look as sinister as it is fast.

 

When you’re ready to buy a new hot hatch, the 2022 Audi RS 3 Luxury Edition sedan should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s one of the fastest and capable sport sedans for sale in the hot hatch class. Call, click or visit your local Audi dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2022 Audi RS 3 Sport Sedan. And remember, that the base price for a new RS starts at only $58,900. Audi – Advancement through Technology.

 

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive”© And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today”©.

 

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a “Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense”© editorial  provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy”© is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net