2022 Audi RS3 price and features: Still cheaper than its Mercedes-AMG A45 rival despite price increase for new-gen model

Audi has increased pricing for its new-generation RS3 performance sedan and hatch, but it’s still more affordable than its key rival.

Pricing for the new RS3 in five-door Sportback hatch guise kicks off at $91,400 before on-road costs and opting for the four-door sedan adds a $2500 premium for a price of $93,900.

This is about $8000 dearer than the outgoing version in both body styles, but Audi Australia says the new version is equipped with about $10,000 worth of extra features over and above its predecessor.

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It is, however, cheaper than its clearest rival – the Mercedes-AMG A45 S – which is now officially in six-digit territory at $100,300 before on-roads.

The sports focused Audi is also well above the price of other warmed-up premium small cars including the BMW M135 xDrive hatch ($70,900) and Gran Coupe ($75,900) as well as the Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (from $64,300).

The new RS3 twins will replace the outgoing model that has been on sale in Australia since 2015 when they hit showrooms in quarter two, 2022.

As reported, the new RS3 retains the previous version’s potent five-cylinder TFSI turbocharged petrol engine pumping out 294kW of power and 500Nm of torque – 20Nm more than the previous generation – driving all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system using an updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new Audi RS3 gains ,000 worth of additional gear over the old model.

That makes for a 0-100km/h dash time of 3.8 seconds, which is 0.3s faster than the old model and just 0.1s quicker than the Mercedes.

Features that aid performance include adaptive dampers, RS Torque Rear mode for drifting, RS Performance mode designed for track driving, and an RS torque splitter that replaces the rear differential from the outgoing car.

Standard gear includes a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster that displays performance data like lap times, g-forces and acceleration times. Further vehicle information is found in the 10.1-inch touchscreen display in the instrument panel, while a standard head-up display shows speed and more.

RS sports seats feature RS embossing and contrast stitching, Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching in black, red or green and the RS3 has carbon-fibre trim and an Alcantara steering wheel.

Other standard gear includes power opening boot for the Sportback, heated, folding and dimming exterior mirrors with a memory function, metallic paint, wireless Apple CarPlay, power front seats, ambient lighting and a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat.

Safety wise it comes with rear cross-traffic alert, an exit warning, park assist and 360-degree cameras.

Four options packages are available, including a carbon package, matte aluminium styling package, RS design package plus and RS dynamic package plus.

2022 Audi RS3 hatch and sedan pricing before on-road costs