2004 Audi RS 3 an extraordinary vehicle

By Andrew Muzamhindo | Mar. 22, 2024

The 2024 Audi RS 3 is perfect for everyday driving because of its outstanding speed and agility. The hallmarks of Audi's dedication to elegance and quality include its driver-focused design, plush interior, and meticulous attention to detail.

Positives

Acceleration and handling is easy and fun.

Elegant interior with first-rate craftsmanship.

The smooth integration of technological systems.

Negatives

Costs more than competing products.

A vehicle with a small trunk.

If you share my belief that life is too short to drive dull automobiles, then the Audi RS3 is an attractive proposition for you. Indeed, Audis are reserved for the most refined drivers, who relish in the thrill of the open road in an engaging and comfortable car.

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2004 Audi RS 3 an extraordinary vehicle

Those looking for power and practicality will find the RS 3 to be a great candidate, thanks to its outstanding performance and intelligent driver-assistance technology. Of course, there are more luxury choices to choose from.

With its dynamic suspension and Quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 3 keeps its performance reserves in control, and its dual-clutch gearbox makes gear changes easy even for those without manual transmission skills.

All the amenities and entertainment aspects necessary for a pleasant journey are available to passengers. The BMW M2 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 are two of the RS 3's main rivals.

Updates for the year 2024

The RS 3's 2024 update includes optional red contrast stitching and carbon-fibre interior embellishments.

Trims

The entry-level model of Audi's prestigious RS lineup, which is renowned for its powerful and driver-centric vehicles, is the RS 3. The only available model level is an all-wheel-drive four-door sedan.

A plethora of standard features are included in the generous RS 3 package. These include a limited-slip differential, 19-inch alloy wheels, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights, fog lights, a power moonroof, memory side mirrors, auto parking assist, leather upholstery, front sport seats, a power driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10-speaker audio system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, in-car Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a digital gauge cluster.

Powertrain and efficiency

A 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 300 kw and 500 Nm of torque powers the RS 3.

Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox are both connected to it.

Sport suspension equipped with Audi's DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) technology and electromechanical steering with speed-sensitive assistance are features of the RS 3. Quick stopping power is provided by the Audi's large 14.8-inch front and 12.2-inch rear brakes.

Audi aficionados will recognise the RS3's odd five-cylinder engine as a throwback to the company's Group B rally vehicles and other previous streetable variants; this strange configuration is one of the car's most noticeable features. Both the previous and current models benefit from the engine's distinctive rumbling sound, which is caused by its unusual configuration of cylinders.

Fuel economy

The RS3's insatiable need for gasoline is one of the few sacrifices that prevents it from being truly practical for everyday use. The 2.5 TFSI is likely to be used to its full potential more often than not; therefore, Audi's claimed average consumption of 9.0 L/100 km seems ambitious. The 55-litre tank of gasoline in the Audi will be depleted fast if you tend to have a heavy right foot.

Interior

The cabin of the RS 3 is compact yet opulent, with plush materials used liberally throughout. With little paddle shifters flanking the steering wheel from behind, the seats provide enough support, and the wheel is comfortable to grasp. To make the most of the driving experience, the HVAC controls and infotainment screen are directed towards the driver. Although there is enough room for passengers in the rear seat, the trunk only has 11.3 cubic feet for goods.

Information and connectivity

The 2024 RS 3 continues Audi's tradition of producing elegant vehicles with user-friendly technologies. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is very intuitive and comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more, making it an exceptionally user-friendly system. Also, the navigation function is well incorporated into the driver gauge cluster, making it quite easy.

Safety

Crash testing high-performance sedans is expensive; thus, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have conducted tests on the 2024 Audi RS 3.

However, the RS 3 is equipped with a plethora of safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated headlamps, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.

Plus, extra safety features like blind-spot monitoring are up for grabs for purchasers.

Audi RS 3 vs the competition

The 2024 Audi RS 3 has competition with other compact but powerful autobahn cruisers. The BMW M2 may have more power and better handling than its competitors, but its coupe body style limits its usefulness. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 offers greater opulence and a lower price point than the RS 3, but it lacks the cutting-edge technology for which Audi is renowned.

My decision

The A3 RS 3 is the most powerful member of the A3 lineup; it is a small sports car with cutting-edge driver-adjustable suspension and 294 Kw power. Anyone looking for a comfortable but thrilling daily vehicle would find it perfect because of its roomy four-door design, improved safety systems, and dependable all-wheel drive.

There will be no more production of automobiles powered by five-cylinder engines.

The new RS 3 sedan is an astonishing achievement by Audi; it manages to be civilised and elegant while cruising about town, but with an additional dose of personality tinged by oversteer owing to revisions to the AWD system and the clever rear axle. It is no surprise that Audi is rushing to fulfil the unprecedented demand; the RS 3's farewell performance was really spectacular.

Specifications

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 3,8 s

Bore: 82.5 mm / 3.25 in

Charge system: turbocharger

Compression ratio: 10: 1

Cylinders alignment: Line 5

Displacement: 2480 cm3 / 151.4 cui

Emission standard: Euro 6d-ISC-FCM

Engine manufacturer: Volkswagen Group EA855 EVO series

Engine type: spark-ignition 4-stroke

Fuel consumption (average): 9,0 /100km

Fuel range (average): 611 km