Upgrade your Audi RS3 with a bodykit

The Audi RS3 is already a head-turner straight out of the factory. With its aggressive stance, Quattro performance, and signature RS styling, it doesn’t take much to make it stand out. Still, for enthusiasts who want to give their RS3 an even more distinctive look, a bodykit is one of the most popular upgrades. But with so many options available, how do you know which kit is right for you? Let’s break it down.

1. Define your style

Every RS3 owner has a different vision. Some want to push the car closer to a race-ready look, while others prefer subtle tweaks that enhance the design without shouting for attention.

• Track-inspired: Wide fenders, deep diffusers, and functional splitters for that motorsport feel.

• OEM+ style: Clean and subtle upgrades that look like they came straight from Audi.

• Aggressive street look: Bold bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers to give your RS3 a dominating road presence.

Knowing your style helps you filter out the hundreds of kits that won’t fit your vision.

2. Choose the right materials

Just like with other performance cars, the material of your bodykit matters a lot in terms of durability, weight, and cost.

• ABS plastic – Cost-effective, durable, and ideal for daily drivers.

• Fiberglass – Lightweight and easy to shape, but can be fragile if you drive on rough roads.

• Carbon fiber – Lightweight, strong, and ultra-premium. Perfect if you want performance benefits along with aesthetics, but it comes at a higher price.

For an RS3, many owners lean toward carbon fiber for its sporty image – but ABS remains a smart option if you’re aiming for practicality.

3. OEM vs aftermarket RS3 kits

Audi offers some factory-inspired styling through OEM parts, but if you want something truly unique, the aftermarket is where you’ll find variety.

• OEM kits: Perfect fitment, factory finish, and a design language that integrates seamlessly with your RS3.

• Aftermarket kits: More aggressive designs, often inspired by motorsport. Fitment can vary, so stick to brands that are known in the Audi community for quality.

Forums and RS3 clubs are a great place to learn which aftermarket brands deliver the best results.

4. Don’t overlook fitment and installation

One of the biggest mistakes RS3 owners make is buying a kit that isn’t designed for their exact model year. Audi slightly adjusts designs across generations, so make sure the kit you choose is RS3-specific and matches your model year. Poor fitment can cause gaps, rattles, or paint issues later on.

Also, consider whether you’ll be installing it yourself or hiring a professional. Some parts, like diffusers and grilles, are easy to fit, while wide-body kits usually require professional installation and paintwork.

5. Set a realistic budget

Bodykits for the RS3 can range from affordable add-ons to high-end full conversions. Keep in mind:

• The kit itself (ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros or dollars)

• Painting and color matching

• Professional installation

• Possible extras like exhaust tips, custom grilles, or aero parts

It’s better to save for a quality kit than to go cheap and regret the fit and finish later.

6. Get inspired by the community

The Audi RS3 community is huge – from Instagram builds to car forums and YouTube channels. Before making your final decision, check out real-world examples of RS3s with the bodykit you’re considering. Seeing how it looks on the same car you drive can prevent disappointment.

Final thoughts

Upgrading your Audi RS3 with a bodykit is one of the best ways to make it truly your own. The key is to balance style, quality, and budget. Decide on the look you want, choose the right materials, and make sure you buy from a reputable brand.

A well-chosen bodykit doesn’t just add personality to your RS3 – it makes every drive feel that little bit more special.