New ‘spy’ images of the Audi RS3 hot-hatch hint at what’s in store for the mid-life refresh of rival Mercedes-AMG A45.
the facelift Audi RS3 has been seen testing for the first time ahead of its highly anticipated release next year.
Outside, the RS3 maintains an aggressive look with wide wheel arches and distinctive dual-exit exhausts. The front fascia has received a subtle styling tweak, adopting a wider shape Audi grid design
Additionally, the side air intakes appear to have been reshaped, while the camouflage on the rear bumper suggests a revised bumper design.
The interior remains under wraps and it’s unclear if there will be improvements to the design or technology.
Under the hood, the updated RS3 is expected to retain the current car’s turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, developing 294kW and 500Nm, less than its main rival, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which delivers 310kW and 500Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.
The outgoing model claims a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, thanks to all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The level of disguise on this prototype suggests that the wrap won’t come off the 2024 Audi RS3 until later this year or sometime next year.
Orders for the Audi RS3 were stopped in Australia earlier this year – as reported exclusively by Drive – after the lead times for the high-performance model were extended to two years.
“The facelift in Europe will come at a particular time in the [RS3’s] lifecycle and we will pick up on that facelift shortly after,” said Matthew Dale, national product manager for Audi Australia. Drive in February.
“But in terms of time, we don’t have a definitive time right now. But we would try to align that in some way with the communication to our customers. [about the status of order books] to ensure… transparency.”
The charge The 2024 Audi RS3 was tested for the first time first appeared in Drive.
