Audi RS3 2022 Review

In recent years, the competition in the high-performance compact sedan market has intensified. Consumers pursuing the ultimate driving experience are no longer satisfied with the power output of conventional hot hatches; they value a balance between track-level handling and daily practicality—2022 Audi RS3 public is one of the key players in this niche market. As the entry-level performance car in Audi’s RS series, it is equipped with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 400 horsepower and peak torque of 500 Nm. These parameters offer a significant advantage in its class, leaving many car enthusiasts curious about whether it can juggle the dual identities of a “track weapon” and a “daily commuter.” In this test drive, we will focus on testing its power response, handling limits, and everyday comfort to see if it truly deserves the title of “king of hot hatches.”

From afar, the 2022 RS3 public maintains the compact silhouette of a compact sedan, but its details reveal its identity as a performance car. The front features Audi’s signature honeycomb grille, complemented by exaggerated air intakes on both sides, delivering strong visual impact; the contours on the hood enhance its muscular look. The 19-inch five-spoke wheels paired with red brake calipers further underscore its sporty character. The rear’s signature design includes a dual-side, quad exhaust setup, while the taillights are smoked for a high level of recognition when lit. The overall design retains Audi’s refined aesthetic while highlighting its performance orientation, making it a head-turner on the road.

Inside, the RS3 public’s interior layout is similar to the regular A3, but the materials and configurations have been significantly upgraded. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with carbon fiber trim and an Alcantara steering wheel, providing a tactile and visually premium feel. The 10.1-inch central touchscreen supports CarPlay and Android Auto with a smooth operation experience; the fully digital instrument panel can switch to an RS-exclusive interface, displaying performance data like turbo pressure and G-forces, catering to driving enthusiasts. The seats feature a sporty bucket design with strong support and come with electric adjustments and lumbar support, ensuring comfort even during long drives.

In terms of space, the RS3 public has a body size of 4542mm×1851mm×1431mm and a wheelbase of 2630mm, aligning with the mainstream standards of compact sedans. The front row is spacious, with sufficient headroom and legroom for a 180cm tall passenger; the rear row's space performance is average, offering about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, which is suitable for short trips but may feel a bit cramped on long journeys. As for storage, the central armrest box in the front and the door panel storage compartments are quite practical in terms of capacity, while the trunk offers 335 liters, adequate for daily commuting or short trips.

The RS3 public’s core strength lies in its power performance. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds. During actual driving, the throttle response is extremely sensitive at startup, and even slight pressure provides a strong pushback sensation. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission shifts even faster, and turbo lag is almost negligible, making mid-range acceleration and overtaking effortless. Even at high speeds, pressing the accelerator deeply still delivers noticeable power output, with ample power reserves.

In terms of handling, the performance of the RS3 public is equally outstanding. The steering wheel is precise, with very little play and clear responsiveness. The suspension system is tuned for sportiness, providing strong support. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, giving the driver ample confidence. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations while retaining a certain level of road feel, balancing handling and comfort. The four-wheel drive system can distribute power promptly during cornering, enhancing vehicle stability and maintaining good grip even on slippery surfaces.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested an average of 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers under mixed driving conditions, with approximately 11 liters in urban settings and around 7.5 liters on highways. For a high-performance car, these figures are considered moderate. Regarding braking performance, the braking distance from 100 km/h is about 35 meters. The brake pedal feedback is linear, and the braking force is strong, providing a great sense of safety.

As for driving comfort, the RS3 public delivers commendable results. The vehicle's sound insulation is impressive, with wind and tire noise well-controlled during high-speed driving. The seats offer excellent support and wrapping, ensuring comfort even during long drives. In terms of energy recovery, the RS3 public, being a fuel-powered car, does not have an energy recovery system. However, the smoothness of the transmission shifts ensures no apparent jerks during daily driving.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2022 Audi RS3 public lie in its powerful performance, precise handling, and good daily usability. Compared to its peer, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, the RS3 public offers similar power figures but might have a pricing advantage. Compared to the BMW M2, the RS3 public falls slightly short in terms of handling but offers better daily comfort. It is suitable for those who seek both performance and everyday usability, such as young driving enthusiasts and families who value balanced capabilities.

Overall, the 2022 Audi RS3 public is a high-performance compact sedan that balances both performance and practicality. It not only delivers an exceptional driving experience on the track but also meets the needs of daily commuting. If you are a driving enthusiast in need of a performance car for everyday use, the RS3 public is undoubtedly worth considering.