{"id":32152,"date":"2025-10-13T11:06:39","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T09:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=32152"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:46:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:46:06","slug":"new-audi-rs3-sedan-trades-speed-for-a-more-playful-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/new-audi-rs3-sedan-trades-speed-for-a-more-playful-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"New Audi RS3 Sedan Trades Speed for a More Playful Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Audi RS3 has long been a benchmark in the compact performance segment the car that pushed BMW M and Mercedes-AMG to raise their game. A few years back, it was the first to crack the sub-four-second 0\u2013100 km\/h barrier, while its rivals were still climbing out of the fives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what\u2019s new with the 2025 Audi RS3 Sedan? A lot has changed since the current generation debuted in 2022. Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sharper-styling-and-subtle-refinements\">Sharper Styling and Subtle Refinements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Audi has given the RS3 a fresh look with wider fenders, redesigned front and rear bumpers, a more aggressive rear diffuser, and larger exhaust outlets. A new lighting signature and cleaner grille design now without the RS badge complete the exterior tweaks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-66.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32158\" style=\"width:494px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-66.png 640w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-66-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-66-150x75.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-66-450x225.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Inside, the steering wheel gets a bold update with Alcantara wrapping and a new flat-top-and-bottom shape. Whether you like it or not, it adds a distinct character to the cabin. Carbon fibre inlays, part of the Carbon Edition trim, give the interior a sporty, premium edge. Audi has also refined the RS-specific digital displays, though the changes are more noticeable to those familiar with the older model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-616482326\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-features-of-the-2025-audi-rs3-sedan\">Key Features of the 2025 Audi RS3 Sedan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>Specification \/ Update<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Engine<\/td><td>2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Power Output<\/td><td>294 kW<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Torque<\/td><td>500 Nm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Drivetrain<\/td><td>Audi quattro all-wheel drive<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>0\u2013100 km\/h<\/td><td>4.07 seconds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Top Half-Mile Speed<\/td><td>220 km\/h<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Transmission<\/td><td>7-speed dual-clutch automatic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Suspension<\/td><td>Adaptive dampers, revised for better agility<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Exterior<\/td><td>Wider fenders, new bumpers, diffuser, larger exhaust<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interior<\/td><td>Alcantara flat-top-bottom steering wheel, carbon inlays<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Price (South Africa)<\/td><td>\u00b1 R1.6 million<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-more-playful-performer\">A More Playful Performer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the hood, the legendary 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine remains unchanged, producing 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through Audi\u2019s proven quattro system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The real transformation comes from the chassis and handling setup. Audi has tweaked the adaptive dampers, reworked the differential to allow more rear-biased cornering, and widened the rear track for added grip. The result is a more agile and engaging driving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On paper, it\u2019s actually slightly slower than before: 0\u2013100 km\/h now takes 4.07 seconds, compared to the 2022 model\u2019s 3.92 seconds. At the half-mile mark, it\u2019s also down by 9 km\/h 220 km\/h versus 229 km\/h. But in return, the RS3 is far more composed and playful through corners. It\u2019s a car designed to entertain, not just chase straight-line numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-67.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32159\" style=\"width:578px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-67.png 640w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-67-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-67-150x75.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-67-450x225.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3589527544\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-competition-check-bmw-pulls-ahead\">Competition Check: BMW Pulls Ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mercedes-AMG hasn\u2019t made any big moves since 2022. The A 45 S still puts out 310 kW and 500 Nm, good for a 0\u2013100 km\/h sprint in 4.15 seconds. BMW, however, has turned up the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The M2 lineup has evolved significantly. From the original 272 kW model to the current 338 kW\/550 Nm version, BMW has kept its compact coupe at the sharp end of the segment. With its new eight-speed automatic, the M2 now blasts from 0\u2013100 km\/h in 3.86 seconds and reaches 235 km\/h at the half-mile a full 15 km\/h quicker than the RS3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The M2 is, without question, the faster car. But this isn\u2019t about beating BMW. It\u2019s about how much better the RS3 itself has become.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-68.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32160\" style=\"width:570px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-68.png 640w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-68-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-68-150x75.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-68-450x225.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-verdict-a-better-rs3-even-if-it-s-slower\">Verdict: A Better RS3, Even If It\u2019s Slower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 Audi RS3 Sedan, priced at around R1.6 million, may not top the acceleration charts, but it offers a more rewarding drive. With its sharper handling, improved balance, and everyday usability, it\u2019s arguably the best version of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/motoring\/audi-rs3-sedan-carbon-road-test-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RS3 <\/a>yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For drivers wanting something different from the usual hatchbacks and coupes or those with a small family this sedan strikes a perfect balance between performance, practicality, and fun. Audi didn\u2019t just build a faster RS3. They built a better driver\u2019s car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/new-audi-a5-sedan-arrives-sa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Audi A5 Sedan Arrives in South Africa \u2013 Pricing and Features<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Audi RS3 has long been a benchmark in the compact performance segment the car that pushed BMW M and Mercedes-AMG to raise their game. A few years back, it was the first to crack the sub-four-second 0\u2013100 km\/h barrier, while its rivals were still climbing out of the fives. So, what\u2019s new with the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":32161,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"The Audi RS3 has long been a benchmark in the compact performance segment the car that pushed BMW M and Mercedes-AMG to raise their game. A few years back, it...","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,48],"tags":[1696,10239,11106],"class_list":{"0":"post-32152","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-car-reviews","8":"category-transport","9":"tag-audi","10":"tag-car-reviews","11":"tag-latest-car-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32152"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32162,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32152\/revisions\/32162"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}