Audi's £100k RS3 Competition: A Glorious, Limited-Edition Swan Song for the Five-Cylinder

Daily Car

30/04/2026

Audi is celebrating the iconic five-cylinder engine with a special, limited-edition RS3 Competition. This high-performance hatchback, priced at a significant £93,000, boasts a range of upgrades aimed at enhancing its driving dynamics and exclusivity. With production capped globally, this model represents a poignant farewell to a legendary engine before stricter emissions regulations take hold.

Key Takeaways

The Audi RS3 Competition is a limited-edition model celebrating the brand's five-cylinder engine.
It features adjustable coilover suspension, stiffer rear stabilizer, and ceramic front brakes.
Production is capped at 750 units worldwide, with only 11 allocated for the UK market.
The car is priced at £93,000, a substantial increase from the standard RS3.
This model marks a potential swansong for the five-cylinder engine due to upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.

A Collector's Item with Enhanced Performance

The Audi RS3 Competition is more than just a car; it's positioned as a collector's item. With a global production run limited to just 750 units (585 hatchbacks and 165 saloons), and a mere 11 hatchbacks destined for the UK, exclusivity is guaranteed. Audi UK has even reserved one for its own heritage fleet, underscoring its significance.

While the heart of the beast – the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine producing 394bhp – remains unchanged from the regular RS3, the Competition model receives significant performance enhancements. The engineers have reduced sound-deadening and firewall insulation, saving 4kg and making the engine's character more audible to the driver. This, combined with a stiffer rear stabilizer and adjustable coilover suspension, promises a more engaging driving experience.

The Sound and Fury of the Five-Cylinder

The unique firing order of the five-cylinder engine is central to the RS3's appeal. It starts with an industrial 'twang' and vibrates with a pleasing intensity when pushed past 7000rpm. The distinctive wastegate flutter at 4000rpm adds to its character. Despite not screaming like some engines, it 'barks' at a higher pitch when revved, especially with the exhaust flaps opening earlier in Dynamic and RS drive modes.

A Premium Price for a Special Edition

Audi is asking a premium for this special edition, with the RS3 Competition priced at £93,000. This places it significantly above the base A3's starting price of £30,895. The car also features aesthetic upgrades such as matt-finished accents, heritage badges in red, grey, and black, exclusive Malachite Green paint, and 19-inch matt gold wheels. These elements, combined with the performance upgrades and limited production, justify its elevated status as a collector's piece and a fitting tribute to a legendary powertrain.

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