Audi RS3 2023: over 800 orders received for the smallest and hottest RS model

Audi has very strong demand for its new-generation RS3 hyper small car, holding over 800 orders

If you want a brand-new Audi RS3, you’re going to have to wait up to a year for one, with Audi saying there are already over 800 orders for the hyper Sportback hatchback and sedan.

Audi Australia’s corporate communications manager Shaun Cleary said that the new-generation of small RS cars have been incredibly popular.

“We’ve got very strong customer demand and we’re holding over 800 orders, which shows extraordinary popularity, so we’re looking forward to seeing the RS3’s popularity continue into this generation,” he said.

The all-new Audi RS3 Sportback and sedan variants

Cleary added that despite the long wait times, Audi is working toward getting cars to Australia sooner.

“For a customer to place a new order from the factory now, we’re probably looking at about a 12 month wait. We are working very closely with HQ and have been in recent months to try and make some more production available so we can hopefully deliver more cars sooner.”.

Audi RS3 changes to specification

The sedan looks particularly good in green!

There have been some changes to specification for the Audi RS3 since it was revealed, such as the option to ditch certain luxury features to beat the queue and access certain examples as quickly as possible.

Some of the features that could be deleted at the time include the 360-degree camera system, massaging front seats and the blind-spot monitoring safety system, the latter of which is not a mandatory safety feature on new cars.

Cleary gave an update recently and added that “it’s best in every case for customers to speak to their individual dealer” when it comes to specification options.

The 2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder engine is a warbly alternative to the units from AMG

Quick facts about the new Audi RS3

The new 8Y Audi RS3 is powered by one of the last turbocharged five-cylinder engines in existence. It produces 294kW of power and 500Nm of torque and sends that grunt through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Power remains the same over the outgoing model, however torque is up 20Nm. A torque-splitting rear differential helps aid oversteer rather than understeer in what Audi calls Drift Mode.

Audi RS3 2022 drifting hatch — The Audi RS3 can drift properly for the very first time!

Inside the RS3, Audi has fitted the latest technologies including a 12.3-inch digital driving cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.