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Audi RS3 - MPG, running costs & CO2 (2017-2021)

The RS3's powerful engine is dedicated to performance not efficiency

Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
MPG, running costs & CO2 Rating

2.0 out of 5

The quest to give the RS3 more power with each new version doesn’t come without efficiency sacrifices.

Audi RS3 MPG & CO2

Both Saloon and Sportback offer claimed overall fuel consumption of around 30mpg, a little thirstier than previous, less powerful versions. It also means the RS3 is just behind the 32.8mpg of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, partly because the Mercedes has a smaller, 2.0-litre engine. If you drive the RS3 with any kind of enthusiasm, you can expect the mpg figure to tumble to nearer 20.

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CO2 emissions of over 210g/km mean both models occupy the highest 37% bracket for Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax, while a price of over £40,000 means road tax will cost £475 each of the first five times it’s renewed. Thereafter it reverts to a £150 yearly charge.

Insurance group

The official insurance group rating for the RS3 Sportback is 46, which is slightly higher than the group 44 rating of the Mercedes A45 AMG.

Warranty

Every Audi sold in the UK comes with three-year/60,000-mile warranty, although the mileage is unlimited in the first two years. This can be extended for up to five years/90,000 miles for an additional £550.

Servicing

Yearly servicing might not cost much more than any other Audi A3, but you can expect to spend far more on consumable parts, particularly if you regularly make full use of the RS3’s performance. The wide, 19-inch tyres are costly and brake parts won’t be cheap, either. Be particularly aware, if you choose the option, that replacement ceramic brake discs are extremely expensive, too.

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Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    RS 3 TFSI Quattro 5dr S Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £60,140

Most Economical

  • Name
    RS 3 TFSI Quattro 5dr S Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £60,140

Fastest

  • Name
    RS 3 TFSI Quattro 5dr S Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £60,140

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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