ryan710981

I would definitely say so. Maybe someone else knows this, but being a 2022 right now, how long is this generation expected to last (i.e. what will be the last new model year for this RS3?)

I just started a lease on an S5 Sportback and want to know if I'll have a shot at it! lol

Glisse

^^

2028

Smith837

Tradeoffs. There are definitely performance advantages to the RS and I like the smaller package of the 3 in some ways. The styling is really nice inside and out, and the dash is more current (no more screen slapped on there like in the S4). That said, I'm not a fan of paying so much for a car and (still) getting way too much cheap plastic on the interior -- especially the interior door handles -- but that's a small gripe.

I really miss the flat bottom steering wheel on the S4, but not sure that's a difference between the '22 RS3 and the S4, since I believe the '22 US RS models also lose the flat bottom.

There will be a new S4 soon, too. 2023? Not sure if that will be hybrid, given the rumors about the next RS4. I hope there will be a combustion engine only version of the S4. But if they go hybrid, I'd seriously consider an S3 or RS3 at that time.

Unfortunately, the S3 has never had great lease programs compared to the S4. On a buy, it's a different story. Either way, the RS3 will be at a completely different price point -- I'm guessing ~ $75-$80K here? Plus, with crappy lease programs, one will be paying an even heftier premium for it.

wooster

Is the new RS3 no longer a fwd biased Haldex system, but now a true Quattro?

Smith837

Great question. They've ditched the Haldex all-wheel drive system for a new RS Torque Splitter.

Read about it here:
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2022-audi-rs3-debuts-rs-torque-splitter
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictur...litter-teaser/
https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/mo.../overview.html

davyjordi

so it's kind of in purgatory now? half in haldex and half in torsen?

Waylandguy

Audi’s in general don’t lease well. I used to sell them several years ago. BMW would crush us on leases.