The 2024 Audi RS 3

Audi’s RS division is objectively killing it in the meanwhile. The famed efficiency model is persistently pumping out glorious 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 recognized flaws or limitations. The result’s a lineup that’s one of many strongest the model has supplied 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 often shine your manner. 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 lots 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 system that’s grow to be 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 % of the accessible torque to the rear axle. It could 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 high pace. It achieves these stats thanks partly to its quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends energy to all 4 wheels through that aforementioned quattro system, making contact with the highway through Bridgestone Potenza Sport rubber. 

I do know studying via a regurgitated spec sheet isn’t significantly thrilling. Nonetheless, I record these on the high 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 may 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 vivid pink, and also you’ll be met with a surprisingly spacious cabin. Though technically the smallest RS mannequin, it presents ample head, shoulder, and leg room whereas leaving loads of area for the second row. As such, it’s a small automobile that doesn’t really feel like one, providing comparable area to Audi’s aforementioned flagships. It’s a feat made attainable by its simplified middle console and minimal dashboard structure that provides to this ethereal really feel. 

This tester sports activities an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel as a part of its $700 RS Design package deal, an additional I’d assume twice about contemplating how continuously a automobile like this will likely be used and the fabric’s accelerated put on. Look via different inside highlights, akin to its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, angled central infotainment display, and decreased bodily button providing, and also you’ll but once more be reminded of Audi’s pricier merchandise. Apart from the plain footprint distinction and a few added trim bits, driving within the RS 3 versus an RS 6 or 7 isn’t as totally different an expertise as you may anticipate. 

Level its nostril in direction of a twisty highway, nonetheless, and the Audi RS 3 will reward you as you decide up the tempo. Get its tires as much as the right temp, and also you gained’t be met with the understeer that’s frequent in each the lesser-priced S3 and its Golf-derived siblings. With its trick rear differential routing energy and maximizing the accessible grip, this little sedan strikes via 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 trend, its five-cylinder lump is a low-end torque monster. It hits you with a burst of energy as you bounce off the road or shoot out of a good bend with lots left over to capitalize on the straights in between. Due to how rapidly its dual-clutch auto strikes via gears, the RS 3 feels even faster than its on-paper stats counsel, delivering true sports activities automobile 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 practically an inch decrease than a typical A3 however manages physique actions excellently underneath heavy braking, tight cornering, or off-the-line acceleration. 

The result’s a automobile that isn’t solely straightforward to drive thanks partly to a lot of its {hardware} extending its capabilities however one which delivers confidence-inspiring efficiency. It’s the form of automobile you’ll be able to construct up your tempo with, because it stays very constant as you method its limits. 

If the Audi RS 3 is so good, why isn’t it a extra fashionable selection amongst lovers? Nicely, I’ll provide you with two. Regardless of handing you a sports activities automobile beating efficiency on demand, it does so with out at all times thrilling the senses. Its steering could also be sharp, gentle, 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 super speeds. 

The second is maybe essentially the most related to patrons at this worth level, and that’s its value. 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 akin to its $2,750 Carbon Package deal, $2,500 RS Expertise 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 value the identical or extra, however it exists in a phase the place patrons are inundated with glorious decisions. Once you consider that, virtually the whole lot it competes with is simply as fast, simply as tech-filled, and arguably simply as handsome, it’s the driving expertise that’ll encourage 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 highway, from its trick differentials, distinctive quattro system, and quick-shifting dual-clutch. Nevertheless, regardless of delivering this super pace, it doesn’t at all times talk it to the fanatic piloting it. 

Given Audi’s current observe file of updating its present lineup to tug the perfect out of a given mannequin, maybe the RS 3 must 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.