RS3 the pacesetter is made better

2025 UPDATE: SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FUN TO DRIVE

- Mark Jones

Audi's RS 3 was the compact performance car that set the benchmark for BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz's AMG to chase a few years ago.

It was the first of the trio to break into previously unheard-of territory by doing a sub-four-second 0-100 km/h run, while the rest were just breaking out of the 5s.

So, what has changed since 2022 when the current generation Audi RS 3 was launched?

First, we will talk about the Audi and then get into where the competition has moved to.

You now have wider fenders, revised front and rear bumpers, revised rear diffuser and larger exhaust tips, to go with a new lighting signature and grille sans RS badge.

Inside you'll immediately notice the new Alcantara covered steering wheel that is now flat on the bottom and the top. You will also notice all the carbon fibre inlays, hence the Carbon Edition name.

What you won't immediately notice, unless you took serious notes while driving the 2022 model, are revised RS displays and gauges.