The compact premium sports sedan from Audi returns with the classic 5-cylinder engine and a raft of improvements.

Audi’s RS3 sedan has all the hallmarks of a great car, with a few tricks up its sleeve to help its cause; as it vies for approval in its quest to become the best all-round premium compact sedan.

As Audi explains in the press release for the 2022 Audi RS3 on its website, this car combines style and driving fun in a package which is most appealing.

It should be appealing, too – it is up against stiff competition from the likes of BMW with its M2 and Mercedes-AMG’s CLA45.

We take a look at the highlights of the sleek new Audi RS3 sedan and see why it stands out against its rivals.

One thing’s for sure; the color in Audi’s press images for the RS3 sedan certainly stands out, hopefully there’s more beneath the skin, too.

According to Audi’s aforementioned press article on the Audi RS3 Sedan; “Nürburgring record lap-time setting, RS 3 Sedan rejoins Audi Sport lineup as impressive RS entry point”.

They are keen to talk-up the car’s performance and real track potential and the numbers are impressive: thanks to a great-sounding 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, 401 hp and 369 lb-ft are available, providing the car with enough power to reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

The car is both slightly more powerful and quicker than the outgoing model, and in addition can reach speeds of up to 180 mph on a track.

Audi says that “Additionally, the all-new Audi RS 3 set the lap record for compact cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a time of 7 minutes 40.748 seconds”, which is very quick indeed.

Helping this performance prevail is an ‘RS Torque Splitter’ working in conjunction with the Quattro all-wheel-drive to provide a fully variable power output to both rear wheels, improving agility and stability.

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That 5-cylinder engine comes with heritage and character as standard – along with the thoroughly modern and capable drivetrain, it has all the makings of a satisfying and fast sports sedan.

However, the performance is just one aspect of what makes a great sports car and so the styling of the Audi RS3 remains clean, sharp and clear about its intentions.

Looking resplendent in neon green, the car is unmistakably an RS3 but includes creases in all the right places; the corporate grill up front is large and black, with glossy-black trim surrounding the grill and other parts of the car.

The front LED lights look aggressive and up back the two large exhausts offer a clue to the car’s performance – the Audi RS3 sedan is a compact premium sports sedan, which has grown up and is ready to take on anything you can throw at it: but the good news continues on the inside.

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Audi says that there are five drive modes, which offer varying levels of feedback, performance and character.

The RS Torque Splitter is fully-integrated into the drive mode selector, and along with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission and RS Sport Suspension - plus Dynamic Chassis Control - can change the car with the swivel of a knob.

As you climb inside the cabin, you are greeted with a plush and sporty interior, replete with colorful highlights and sport quilted-leather seats.

The good news continues with the all-important infotainment system, Audi says “the standard equipped 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit displays pertinent performance data through a new ‘RS Runway’ design. Additionally, the Audi virtual cockpit also includes an exhibit of g-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0-60 mph, 0-125 (200 km/h) mph, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile”.

Those fine Nappa leather seats also include ‘8-way power movement with 4-way power lumbar and driver memory’, alongside a fancy multifunction leather steering wheel and a special RS color in varying places about the cabin, called Micrommata green Dinamica.

This RS3 sedan, with its characterful engine, capable drivetrain, and well-executed styling, is slated to arrive around summer 2022 – Audi says it is expected to carry an MSRP of around $58,900 before any extra charges.

Although the new BMW M2 isn’t yet on sale, the M240i Coupe xDrive on BMW’s own website starts at $48,000 and includes all-wheel-drive and can reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

It makes 382 hp from a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, and from the outside is more understated and less aggressive-looking than the RS3 Sedan from Audi.

It’s a similar story with the CLA45 where the exterior styling is refined and elegant rather than sporty and noisy – but inside, the cabin is highly-detailed and perhaps the best place to be of all three cars, all things considered.

For just under $56,000, the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Coupe also makes 382 hp from a turbocharged engine and can also reach 60 mph in 4 seconds.

The new BMW M2 may turn out to be king of the compact sports sedans when it surfaces; but until then, the focused and fashionable Audi RS3 looks to like a great choice for both track days and daily drives.

It’s bold and stylish in all the right places, and has been subtly improved in almost every area – a modern car with a heritage under the hood.

Hailing from Britain, the home of both MG and Aston Martin, Dave is no stranger to sports cars. Or a little rain. When he's not busy working his day-job or writing songs and pretending to be a musician; Dave indulges his obsession with cars by writing and researching diligently, so that he can inform and convert other people to the dark side.