Audi RS3: A Review

Audi is a well-known global automotive brand that puts the oomph back into engineering. They produce high-quality vehicles that are at the pinnacle of automotive engineering and speed. When investing in an Audi, you invest in excellent handling, modern technology, and a high-powered engine.

This year, Audi released the RS3, a small sports sedan that packs a punch. While the 2024 model has no major changes, it has a number of small ones. Let’s examine what makes the RS3 special and worth the investment.

From 0 to 60 in 3.3 Seconds: Meet the Audi RS3’s Beastly Engine

So, let’s talk engineering. Everyone wants to know what is under the bonnet of the RS3. To Audi enthusiasts’ surprise, it contains an unconventional five-cylinder, 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine capable of producing over 400 horsepower, 369 foot-pounds of torque, and reaching 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds. It can also complete a quarter of a mile in just 11.8 seconds with a top speed of 117mph. 

When starting the engine, it has a signature thrumming sound that will make any automobile fan happy. The engine pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This transmission is intuitive and will deliberately downshift with little throttle inputs but will be less aggressive when you brake harder than expected. It has had an upgrade on brakes and a stiffer suspension, making handling a dream. 

It comes with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This system is rear-biased, so for drivers new to the road or not confident with a lot of power, this will make driving the car and handling its punch much more manageable. Under the vehicle sits R-compound track tires, providing the best grip so that you can get the best lap times or the best school run times, depending on your priorities. The RS3 is just as happy taking a drive to the local store as it is around a racetrack, and there is something alluring about that.

Interior highlights

The interior of the RS3 takes its design cues from the A3 and S3. All RS3 come with a matte carbon interior trim. If you upgrade the interior design and upholstery to the RS Design package, it now includes red stitching throughout the inside of the car. In its previous models, this stitching was green. Its dashboard is anything but minimalistic. There is a 10-inch center touchscreen with climate control buttons underneath, and for practicability, there is a built-in bin below that. To select gears, drivers will have to use a weird-shaped gearstick, but once the car is in motion, use can transfer to the paddles on the steering wheel. 

 Connectivity and Safety

For entertainment and connectivity, the center console can be controlled using touch, the buttons placed on the steering wheel, or through voice commands. It contains navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. If you are a technology fan, there is an optional package called RS Technology, which includes upgrading to Audi Navigation Plus, bang and Olufsen sound system, and a head-up display, which will set you back an extra $2750. 

Like all modern cars, the RS3 comes with many driver assistance technology options. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assists. 

 High quality, high price

Like all Audis, while they are high quality, they have a high price. The starting price of the Audi RS3 is nearly $63,000 with few optional extras. Several other packages are available, but most are cosmetic and aesthetic-based; if you are not interested in upgrading the interior or exterior of your car, you are better off saving your money. If running the RS3 around a racetrack is a priority, then you can add Pirelli PZero Trofeo R track tires, which are a bargain at $450. 

Its fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highways, again proving that this car likes to have the freedom to drive. Unfortunately, this model does not come with complimentary maintenance. However, it does come with a limited powertrain warranty that covers you for four years or 50,000 miles. 

Final Verdict on the Audi RS3

Overall, this is a fast and exciting release from Audi. It has everything you would expect in a small sedan from the German automotive brand, but this model boasts more speed and power than its predecessors. It’s the perfect investment for someone who values both power and practicality.