Audi means business as it refines the new RS3 further to get ride of those understeer comments once and for all! Say hello to the 2024 Audi RS3.
Audi is turning over a new page in its book. Quite frankly, it’s had enough of the understeer comments and the “Audis are boring to drive” ethos that has surrounded the brand’s performance models for years. This process started a few years back with, you guessed it, the RS3 (read my RS3 review here). It was the first time that an Audi RS could send up to 90% of its power to the rear wheels. In turn, that helped to rotate the car in the corner, rather than the front end push on wide. The added slip created a playfulness that the RS3s of old could only dream of. I voted it my favourite RS out of the current crop of cars for this reason alone.
That being said, Audi has decided that wasn’t enough. Not satisfied with its driving dynamics, the RS division has recalibrated the Torque Splitter further. The result? It lapped the Nurburgring 7.5 seconds faster than the pre-facelift car, and bested BMW’s M2 by 5.5 seconds to take the compact car crown. I’ll let you into a secret, all of this performance increase is down to the chassis changes, it has exactly the same amount of power as before!
Tell me more about the new 2024 Audi RS3
As mentioned, the biggest changes happen underneath, with the Torque Splitter redefined. Audi has also tweaked the algorithm for the vehicle dynamics controller. This controller acts as the car’s brain, controlling things like the differentials, stability control, electronic damping etc. The aim here was to make sure everything responds that bit quicker to enhance the overall product. Audi says these changes mean the new Audi RS3 is more eager to turn-in and has reduced understeer.
You thought Audi was done with tweaking the chassis? Pfft, don’t be silly. Those understeer comments must have cut deep because on this new RS3, its introduced something called Evolved Oversteer. Basically, it’s a fancy way of saying that in the RS Torque Rear mode, it will be easier than ever to initiate oversteer with steering angle, rather than just stomping on the throttle. It really wants you to enjoy driving this Audi RS3, and that’s a big win in our eyes.
As mentioned earlier on, there isn’t more power on tap here, so you still get 400hp and 369lb ft of torque from the 2.5-litre turbo engine. However, the audible experience should be improved thanks to an exhaust tweak. According to the press release, the new exhaust has a “consistent and fuller-bodied sound” after to optimising the exhaust flap control between 2,200rpm ad 3,500rpm. One of my complaints on the pre-facelift car was the need to rev the car out to get any audible pleasure, hopefully now this isn’t the case.
Any styling changes?
The changes on the exterior are few and far between, but do add in some more aggression to the model. The front grille is now bigger, the matrix LED lights have three different modes you can configure, and the rear diffuser gets a central reflector. Race car vibes. Spot those wheels? Yep, they’re new too and boy do they work!
Inside, it’s more of the same really. There’s a new flat-bottom and flat-topped steering wheel, a couple of red buttons on the steering wheel to switch between Performance and RS Individual mode and that’s about it.
How much does the new Audi RS3 cost?
Prices start from £59,510 for the hatch, while the saloon starts at £60,510. For your money, you do get some cracking standard fit tools, including Sonos 3D Premium Sound, a head-up display and the classic Nappa Leather. If you want the new wheel design you’ll need to stump up £64,160 (£65,160 for the saloon) for the Carbon Black edition. This also brings in darkened Matrix LED lights and naturally some carbon fibre items. And if you want to go faster than the standard 155mph limiter, you’ll need to opt for the top trim, the Carbon Vorsprung. This takes top speed to 174 mile, adds in a panoramic roof and more safety assist systems.
Here comes the kicker. To get the RS Individual, RS Performance and RS Torque Rear drive modes, you’ll need to opt for the most expensive Carbon Vorsprung edition at £68,650 (almost £10k on top of a standard RS3). Which is a shame, as that starts at £68,650. We’ll confirm if that is the case or whether you can opt for those modes as an optional extra. Please Audi, make it so.
If you love Audis then you won’t want to miss out on our end-of-season extravaganza! We’re bringing together some of the hottest German cars in the UK for one epic show at Goodwood Motor Circuit this October 5th. Don’t miss out on the German Car Festival!
