The Audi RS3 facelift has just been revealed and it’s confirmed for South Africa in early 2025. Here’s a look at the updates.
The Audi RS3 facelift brings some cosmetic and mechanical upgrades to the party for 2025. There are no engine enhancements mind you, but we’d argue that the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder petrol engine makes enough power already.
As a reminder, the engine makes 294 kW and 500 Nm, with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission on duty. The 0-100 kph claim is pegged at 3.8 seconds which is one tenth quicker than its nemesis, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.
So, what’s actually changed then? Audi Sport has upgraded the chassis control system and added brake torque vectoring which essentially dials out understeer during high-speed cornering and allows drivers to apply more power when accelerating out of bends. Customers have the option of specialised Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres for track driving, but the vehicle comes standard with C-rated Pirellis.
Do these upgrades make a difference? Well, Audi set a Nurburgring record of 7:33.123, which is five seconds quicker than the BMW M2, which is one of its chief rivals.
You can spot the updated model with a new front-end splitter, new-look headlight and taillight signatures, carbon detailing as well as new air intakes. The cabin gets some updates too with a new style of steering wheel which have haptic controls instead of physical buttons.
The changes also include repositioned air vents, redesigned gear selector and the addition of a new chequered flag mode which activates a performance mode, while the RS button brings up the car’s individual mode where you can tinker with various settings like exhaust sound, engine responsiveness and so on.
When is the Audi RS3 facelift coming to South Africa?
Audi SA has confirmed its compact performance legend will be touching down locally in the first quarter of 2025. European dealers will be receiving their vehicles from October 2024. As before, the RS3 will be offered in sedan and hatchback body styles.
