The 2025 Audi RS3: A Pint-Sized Powerhouse With a Fresh Makeover

Welcome to the new face of fierce performance: the updated Audi RS3. Get ready to be thrilled by this pint-sized powerhouse, now boasting an array of enhancements inside and out. And while the straight-line speed remains unchanged, there’s plenty more to excite you about this facelifted model.

Performance Unchanged, but Excitement Amplified

While the RS3’s heart – the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine – continues to pump out 294kW and 500Nm, it’s the improved handling that’s set to get your pulse racing. Expect to zip from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds!

What’s new? The RS3 now features standard stickier tyres for improved performance and comfort. For those looking for an adrenaline boost, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slicks remain as an optional extra.

Performance gains aren’t limited to tyres. The upgraded RS3 now boasts brake torque vectoring and chassis tuning tweaks for faster cornering, as proven by its impressive lap time of 7 minutes and 33.123 seconds at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, setting a new class record.

A Fresh Face: RS3’s Exterior Redesign

One look at the 2025 Audi RS3 and you’ll notice its sharper, edgier design. The hexagonal single grille, dual functional side intakes, redesigned daylight running lights (DRLs), and refreshed headlights give this beast a more menacing look.

But there’s more than meets the eye. The updated headlights display a checkered flag light signature and offer three individual DRL designs, selectable in the infotainment menus.

From the rear, the RS3 flaunts a new graphic, vertical side reflectors, black-framed oval exhaust tips, and an RS-specific diffuser. And with three new colours available – Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Daytona Grey in a matte finish, you’re spoilt for choice.

Revamped Interiors: Stepping Inside the 2025 Audi RS3

Inside, the RS3 greets you with a newly shaped steering wheel with a flat top and bottom, trimmed in perforated leather as standard, with an optional suede finish. Choose between standard Nappa leather sport seats and optional RS bucket seats.

While the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit remains unchanged, it now features Sport, Performance, and Runway views. You can access Performance mode via a new checkered flag button on the steering wheel, and RS Individual mode is tied to a red RS button.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system now comes with an in-built app store, adding to the RS3’s high-tech appeal.

Final Comments

The facelifted Audi RS3 is set to hit European showrooms at the end of August. As for Australian enthusiasts, the timing and pricing are yet to be announced. However, the current RS3 starts from $95,715 before on-road costs as a hatchback and $98,215 before on-roads for the sedan.

Stay tuned for more updates on the pint-sized powerhouse that is the 2025 Audi RS3.

For more on the Audi range, check out our in-depth coverage here.