Audi’s RS division is objectively killing it in the mean time. The famed efficiency model is constantly pumping out wonderful merchandise, be it the overachieving discount that’s the RS Q8 or the thrilling and versatile RS 6. It’s even gone as far as to replace present fashions by introducing Competitors packages and Efficiency fashions that basically repair any identified flaws or limitations. The result’s a lineup that’s one of many strongest the model has provided in current reminiscence.
Exist alongside this band of overperformers, although, and it turns into straightforward to get misplaced within the combine, for the highlight to solely sometimes shine your method. That appears to be the case with the tiny however mighty Audi RS 3.
Even dwelling in Los Angeles, with its uncommon mixture of congested metropolis streets and tons of of miles of twisting canyon roads, seeing Audi’s entry-level RS stays a rarity. But, each time I drive one, I’m left feeling that it’s a particular machine. Be it the sound of its turbo inline-five, the sports activities car-fighting grip of its chassis, or its sheer versatility and curb enchantment, it’s clear that overlooking the RS 3 is setting your self as much as miss out.
The Audi RS 3 counts on a formulation that’s develop into synonymous with the model that constructed it. It rides on a modified model of VW Group’s MQB Evo platform, shared with the usual A3 and the eighth-generation Golf. Nevertheless, it advantages from a wider entrance observe, beefed-up bodywork, enlarged air intakes, and a bespoke quattro system. Though it’ll nonetheless ship most of its energy to the entrance axle, it incorporates a brand new RS torque splitter, permitting it to ship as much as 50 p.c of the out there torque to the rear axle. It will possibly then cut up that torque even additional, sending as much as one hundred pc of it to a single wheel.
Powering the least costly RS is among the rarest engines nonetheless on sale within the US, a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five that develops 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That’s sufficient to propel this 3,649-pound sedan to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds earlier than persevering with onto a 180 mph prime pace. It achieves these stats thanks partially to its quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends energy to all 4 wheels by way of that aforementioned quattro system, making contact with the street by way of Bridgestone Potenza Sport rubber.
I do know studying by a regurgitated spec sheet isn’t significantly thrilling. Nonetheless, I checklist these on the prime of the web page as a result of to know how these elements come collectively to make the RS 3 such a particular machine, you first need to know the way a lot consideration to element went into its improvement. It isn’t only a brawnier S3 or an upmarket Golf R; it’s extra akin to a downsized RS 6 or 7, and you’ll really feel that from the second you set off in it.
Settle into its bolstered leather-based seats adorned with a hexagonal sew sample completed in vibrant pink, and also you’ll be met with a surprisingly spacious cabin. Though technically the smallest RS mannequin, it affords ample head, shoulder, and leg room whereas leaving loads of area for the second row. As such, it’s a small automotive that doesn’t really feel like one, providing comparable area to Audi’s aforementioned flagships. It’s a feat made doable by its simplified heart console and minimal dashboard format that provides to this ethereal really feel.
This tester sports activities an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel as a part of its $700 RS Design bundle, an additional I’d suppose twice about contemplating how ceaselessly a automotive like this will likely be used and the fabric’s accelerated put on. Look by different inside highlights, reminiscent of its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, angled central infotainment display, and diminished bodily button providing, and also you’ll but once more be reminded of Audi’s pricier merchandise. In addition to the plain footprint distinction and a few added trim bits, using within the RS 3 versus an RS 6 or 7 isn’t as totally different an expertise as you would possibly anticipate.
Level its nostril in the direction of a twisty street, nonetheless, and the Audi RS 3 will reward you as you choose up the tempo. Get its tires as much as the correct temp, and also you received’t be met with the understeer that’s widespread in each the lesser-priced S3 and its Golf-derived siblings. With its trick rear differential routing energy and maximizing the out there grip, this little sedan strikes by tight bends like a downsized Nissan GT-R. It’s grippy, and regardless of weighing 3,649 lb, it’s agile too.
In typical Audi vogue, its five-cylinder lump is a low-end torque monster. It hits you with a burst of energy as you soar off the road or shoot out of a decent bend with loads left over to capitalize on the straights in between. Because of how shortly its dual-clutch auto strikes by gears, the RS 3 feels even faster than its on-paper stats recommend, delivering true sports activities automotive rivaling efficiency.
At the same time as you come as much as a bend at full pace, its upsized six-piston brakes with 14.8-inch rotors up entrance and a 12.2-inch set within the again simply reign within the RS’ added tempo. Extra importantly, they drop 22 kilos of unsprung weight whereas delivering constant and reliable efficiency. Paired with the usual RS sport suspension, the RS 3 not solely sits almost an inch decrease than an ordinary A3 however manages physique actions excellently underneath heavy braking, tight cornering, or off-the-line acceleration.
The result’s a automotive that’s not solely straightforward to drive thanks partially to a lot of its {hardware} extending its capabilities however one which delivers confidence-inspiring efficiency. It’s the sort of automotive you possibly can construct up your tempo with, because it stays very constant as you strategy its limits.
If the Audi RS 3 is so good, why isn’t it a extra well-liked selection amongst fans? Nicely, I’ll provide you with two. Regardless of handing you a sports activities automotive beating efficiency on demand, it does so with out at all times thrilling the senses. Its steering could also be sharp, mild, and exact, however it’s virtually devoid of suggestions. This theme continues whether or not we’re speaking about its numbed brakes or overly-isolated cabin. It, paired with a still-too-quiet sports activities exhaust system, leaves you feeling considerably disconnected, even whereas shifting at large speeds.
The second is maybe essentially the most related to consumers at this value level, and that’s its price. For 2024, the Audi RS 3 carries a base determine of $62,795, together with a $1,095 vacation spot price. My tester, together with extras reminiscent of its $2,750 Carbon Package deal, $2,500 RS Know-how Package deal, and $1,000 RS Sports activities exhaust, to call a number of, is available in at $70,690. For context, that locations it inside placing distance of the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, the BMW M2, and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S.
It’s not that the RS 3 is overpriced, particularly when you think about that rivals price the identical or extra, however it exists in a section the place consumers are inundated with wonderful selections. If you think about that, virtually all the pieces it competes with is simply as fast, simply as tech-filled, and arguably simply as handsome, it’s the driving expertise that’ll inspire somebody to pay up for one.
Audi has constructed an incredible little sedan with the RS 3. It’s quick, straightforward to drive, and packs a really attention-grabbing powertrain. Moreover, it’s full of tech that enables it to demolish a again street, from its trick differentials, distinctive quattro system, and quick-shifting dual-clutch. Nevertheless, regardless of delivering this large pace, it doesn’t at all times talk it to the fanatic piloting it.
Given Audi’s current observe report of updating its present lineup to drag the very best out of a given mannequin, maybe the RS 3 ought to be subsequent in line to obtain a Competitors pack or a Efficiency mannequin. It actually has the bones to capitalize on it, and it’s particular sufficient to deserve it.
