The RS-3 is a development of the RS-1 exhibited by Suzuki at 1985 Tokyo Motor Show. The RS-3 featured for the first time on the Tokyo motorshow in 1987. It was designed by Tatsumi Fukunaga.

It represent what might be called the interim stage in the on-going project to develop a midship sports for volume production. The design of RS-3, while retaining the image of RS-1, has been worked upon to meet Japanese safety regulations, and is extremely pratical.

Suzuki abandoned the midship engine principe in favour of the Cappuccino. However Mazda developed further with the AZ series.