We were denied the recently updated car for homologation reasons.
It’s available in the US.
The new RS 3 launched in mid-2021 for the 2022 model year.
Why is that you ask? Mostly because of a 401hp turbocharged 2.5L 5-cylinder engine that makes the sweetest most distinct noise – also, the small car is stupid fast. The Audi RS 3 is the final production car to come to America with this engine and Canada deserves to bask in its aural enchantment.
But wait. It was made clear by Audi Canada way back in December of 2021 that the new RS 3 wasn’t going to be available for purchase. The reasons for the decision, at the time, revolve around a mix between homologation costs and emission regulations, perhaps both, possibly neither. The point is that there’s now an iota of potential proof out there that leads us to believe that it’s coming back for the 2024 model year.
The hint? Fuel economy figures. If you dig online for about 15 seconds, you’ll find a line describing the 2024 Audi RS 3’s estimated fuel consumption numbers. And frankly, for a turbocharged 2.5L 5-cylinder pushing 369 lb.-ft. of torque and that is capable of launching the quattro 7-speed dual-clutch sedan to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, the estimated combined figure of 10.3L/100km ain’t that bad at all.
2022 Audi RS 3 | Photo: Audi
Considering this discovery, we expect that Audi Canada will make a formal announcement in the coming weeks. As for price, we think it’ll hover around the $80k mark as the RS 5 Coupé retails for $97,900. We’re basing this on the US pricing structure : $60,900 for the RS 3 and $77,900 for the RS 5 Coupé.
