Audi’s compact performance flagship, the RS3, has received a mid-life update for 2025, bringing with it a more aggressive design, upgraded standard features, and enhanced chassis tuning—though at a considerable cost. Australian buyers will now pay upwards of $104,800 before on-road costs, marking a price increase of nearly $10,000 over the outgoing model.
Set to hit local showrooms from mid-2025, the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan continue to be powered by Audi’s distinctive 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but offer subtle refinements to improve driving dynamics and user experience.
Pricing and variants
Audi Australia has confirmed the following pricing for the updated RS3 range:
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| 2025 Audi RS3 Sportback | $104,800 (+$9085) |
| 2025 Audi RS3 Sedan | $107,800 (+$9585) |
This marks the first time the RS3 has breached the $100,000 mark locally, positioning it firmly among premium performance compacts.
Powertrain and performance
While the engine remains unchanged, Audi claims further refinement to driving dynamics.
| Specifications | Audi RS3 |
| Engine | 2.5L 5cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 294kW at 5600-7000rpm |
| Torque | 500Nm at 2250-5600rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1640kg – unladen |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 3.8 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 8.2-8.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 litres |
| Fuel requirement | 98 octane premium unleaded |
Audi has fine-tuned the interplay of the torque splitter, ESC, and torque vectoring systems to ensure sharper handling and improved responsiveness.
Design and styling enhancements
The 2025 RS3 receives a visual update, including a new front grille, restyled bumpers, and updated LED light signatures. Several new paint options have been introduced, including:
- Progressive Red
- Ascari Blue (additional $650)
- Daytona Grey (new matte effect – pricing TBC)
All models ride on 19-inch Audi Sport wheels in a matte black finish, complemented by red brake callipers and darkened Matrix LED headlights.
Interior upgrades and features
Inside, updates include a new flat-top and bottom RS Sport steering wheel with satellite controls, plus a panoramic glass sunroof now fitted as standard.
Standard interior highlights include:
- RS sport seats in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching and heating
- 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Sonos 15-speaker, 680W 3D sound system
- 12.3-inch Audi RS Virtual Cockpit Plus
- Head-up display
- Wireless phone charger
- Carbon atlas interior inlays
- Tri-zone climate control
- Colour ambient lighting package
- Stainless steel pedals
Options and packages
Customers can further customise their RS3 with several packages:
Carbon package – $7400:
- Gloss carbon exterior trim including bumpers, side sills, mirrors, spoiler/diffuser
RS design dackage plus (Red or Green) – $2150:
- Dinamica microfibre trim
- Contrast seatbelts, air vent accents, and stitched floor mats
Standalone options:
- RS Ceramic Brakes – $10,800 (choice of calliper colours)
- Special 19-inch wheel designs – from $1200
- Additional interior inlays – up to $1900
Dimensions and practicality
Both body styles offer seating for five, though the boot space differs:
| Dimensions | Audi RS3 |
| Length | 4389-4542mm |
| Width | 1984mm |
| Height | 1417mm |
| Wheelbase | 2629mm |
| Cargo capacity | 282-321 litres |
Warranty and servicing
Audi backs the RS3 with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, alongside five years of roadside assistance.
| Warranty and servicing | Audi RS3 |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year Service Plan |
| Total capped-price service cost | $4010 |
Safety and driver assistance
While the RS3 itself is unrated, the related Audi A3 retains a five-star ANCAP rating from 2020.
Safety equipment includes:
- 6 airbags
- AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Park assist and 360° camera
- Exit warning and rear cross-traffic alert
Final word
With sharper styling, more technology, and dynamic enhancements, the 2025 Audi RS3 reinforces its position as a premium performance hatch and sedan. However, the upgrades come at a cost, pushing it into six-figure territory for the first time in Australia. Whether buyers see value in the revised package will depend on their appetite for performance and premium features in a compact form.
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