178 Used Audi RS3 cars for sale

The range topping RS models are designed by Audi with a focus on providing greater performance from the company's existing range. It stands for RennSport, which translates into English as Rally Sport or Racing Sport. As the name suggests, this sub-brand within the German manufacturer's line-up brings more power and performance to popular Audi models.

Absolutely, both the hatchback and saloon models are practical vehicles, providing performance and power alongside everyday usability. Of the two variants, the Sportback offers the greater practicality thanks to a larger 335-litre boot, although the saloon is only a fraction behind with a 315-litre boot. The real difference is with the rear seats folded down, the hatchback extending to 1,175 litres, compared to the saloon's 770 litres.

The safety experts at Euro NCAP rarely test high-performance cars so the RS3 does not have a safety rating of its own. However, it is the top-spec model of the standard Audi A3, which has been rigorously tested receiving a full five stars in 2020 and back in 2012. The RS3 has the same safety features and is available with a driver's assistance package that adds a host of assist tech, such as Audi Active Lane Assist and Pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition.

The latest Audi RS3 Sportback can reach an incredibly fast 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds. It continues to use a turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine like previous models, but increases the brake horsepower from 335bhp to 394bhp, which gives it that extra edge and performance power. The top speed of the Audi RS3, in both hatchback and saloon variants, is electronically limited to 155mph, although for those wanting more this can be increased to 174mph for an extra fee of £1600.

Currently, the Audi RS3 is still only available with the company's 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. Whilst a manual gearbox would certainly add to the driver's involvement for a car this size, the RS3s automatic setup allows it to reach those impressive acceleration times with greater ease.

The Audi RS3 Sportback new is available from £46,885, whilst second-hand models can be enjoyed for around £18,500. The all-new RS3 saloon is expected to have a similar starting price as the Sportback, ranging from £45,000 to £50,000.