It isn't long now until a new Audi RS3 is revealed to the world. Though even without seeing it, we know largely what to expect; after all, why mess with a winning formula? For a decade now, a beefier A3 with Audi's stonking five-cylinder motor has found plenty of fans, so more of the same is surely coming this time around. Indeed, for as long as the 2.5-litre engine can be used to power an A3, expect the RS3 to be popular - Audi stumbled onto something of a winner back in 2010. The mega hatch as we've come to know it now didn't really exist before the original RS3, and now its template - more than 300hp, standard automatic, four-wheel drive and a nicely appointed cabin - can be found pretty much everywhere.
That said, there are certainly some RS3s that are better than others. The first '8P' was cool but rather leaden, based as it was on a car that had been in production for many years even before its debut. The second generation 8V in 2015 improved on that base, but it wasn't until that car's 2017 facelift that we saw the best an RS3 could be. It still wasn't a dynamic masterclass, but engine revisions did reduce weight over the front axle to good effect. The good ones didn't last long, however: once the car was rehomologated for WLTP in 2019, exhaust particulate filters muted the soundtrack somewhat. Given the engine is one of the main reasons to buy an RS3, the new regs hit that car more than most.
What you want, then, for the best RS3 experience, is an 8V facelift that's pre-WLTP - a narrow window of opportunity. They are around, though, and even the odd saloon as well, which is arguably more desirable as the lesser spotted RS3. And because saloons are cooler than hatches.
This is the kind of car we mean, a 2018 four-door in Nardo Grey, with the sports exhaust, 20,000 miles and one owner from new. It looks as pristine as you might hope for something of this age and with this mileage, no less handsome than it was at launch four years ago. Given the generally fussier look of the new A3, it would be a surprise to find a replacement RS3 anymore visually appealing than this one.
The broad popularity of an RS3 is reflected in the used values: the best originals haven't dropped below £20k, and the first 8Vs are still close to £30,000; one of the final cars, registered last year, is almost £60,000. The saloon is on offer at £44,995, which makes it one of the more expensive currently available, but given the very cheapest only just sneak in below £40k it'll surely be spec that dictates choice as much as anything. On which front this one is looking very good.
Now, obviously, this sort of money opens all sorts of possibilities for those after a fast, stylish, desirable German sports saloon - nobody needs reminding of that. That the RS3 has retained its value so well is certainly encouraging for future, not least with a replacement due that surely won't be any faster or better to drive. But then Audi has a reputation for pulling rabbits out of hats when it comes to fast cars - so let's not be too hasty just yet...
SPECIFICATION | AUDI RS3 SALOON (8V)
Engine: 2,480cc, 5-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@5,850-7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 354@1,950-5,850rpm
MPG: 34
CO2: 194g/km
First registered: 2018
Recorded mileage: 20,000
Price new: from £45,865
Yours for: £44,995
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