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By Drew DorianOverview
Take one look at the RS3, from its large front air intakes to the massive tailpipes, and you know it's ready to rock. This little German pocket rocket blends aggressive exterior styling, genuine athleticism, a finely crafted interior, and the desirability of the Audi brand—but it ain't cheap.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
With a 400-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder under the hood, this small sports sedan has the muscle to back up its menacing appearance. It boasts a redline of 6900 rpm, and the rip of its distinctive exhaust note sounds amazing the whole way there. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission routes torque to all four wheels; in our testing, the RS3 hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Audi's most direct competitor is the Mercedes-AMG CLA45—a similarly nimble four-door with almost the same footprint—but managed a slightly slower 3.8-second run to 60 mph. The BMW M2, although only offered as a two-door coupe, is also a decent analogue to the RS3, but it needed 4.0 seconds to reach 60 mph in our testing. The RS3 feels razor-sharp, with responsive steering and an agile suspension. Its ride can be rough over pockmarked pavement—especially with the optional sport suspension—but if you're looking to maximize the RS3's fun potential, it tightens things up so you can really throw down.
Interior and Technology
The RS3's interior is borrowed from the lower-powered S3 and the entry-level A3—which isn't a bad thing. It's a well-built cabin with plenty of tech features and more than a few surprises, such as the infotainment screen that rises out of the center of the dash upon startup or the optional digital gauge cluster with integrated Google Maps. Front sport seats are stylish, comfortable, and supportive and adults will easily find enough room in the first row. Back-seat occupants are treated to well-cushioned chairs but passenger space is tight.
