The Rarest Spec Today is Character

As we said in our video: “The good old days are here, right now, in this car.”‍

PERFORMANCE – RAPID, WITH A TOUCH OF TURBO DRAMA

We clocked 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds with two people on board - just a hair off Audi’s 3.8-second claim. So yes, it’s quick. But what really stood out wasn’t just the speed - it was the small but noticeable turbo lag. That little delay before the boost hits adds drama, and when it does, it slams you back in the seat in the best kind of way. It’s a throwback feeling in a modern package. The DSG "S tronic" gearbox is also basically flawless. One of the best-tuned dual-clutches out there.

HANDLING – THE TORQUE SPLITTER EARNS ITS KEEP

Throw the RS3 into a corner and it rewards you. Initial turn-in is sharp, if slightly numb, but once committed, the chassis comes alive. Thanks to the torque-splitting rear diff, the car can push more power to the outer wheel mid-corner to help it rotate. And it’s not just marketing - you can feel it. It makes this RS3 feel like no Audi hot hatch before it. Understeer is mostly gone. If you don't believe me, go and try it.

SOUND – A FIVE-CYLINDER LOVE LETTER

It really can’t be overstated - this car sounds phenomenal. Think “half a V10,” but more raw. It’s a mix of mechanical snarl and musical tone, at once aggressive and strangely beautiful. That five-cylinder rhythm is unmistakable, and honestly, it’s a huge part of what makes the RS3 feel unique. Outside of its platform siblings (RS 3, Formentor VZ5), nothing else on sale today sounds like it. That's because there are no other mass produced 5 cylinder performance cars out there. Get one while you can, I reckon.

“As we said in our video... The good old days are here, right now, in this car.”

RIDE QUALITY – DUAL PERSONALITY DONE RIGHT

In Comfort mode, the RS3 can cruise around town like a normal A3 - quiet, composed, and easy to live with. Switch to Performance mode, and things firm up fast. You’ll feel bumps and a little bit of road texture, but it never gets punishing. It’s not raw or razor-edged, but it strikes a sweet spot for fast road driving. You feel just enough to stay connected without tiring you out or feeling completely removed.

EXTERIOR STYLING – SHARP ALL ROUND

Audi has stuck to its evolutionary playbook here - no wild styling, but heaps of sharp details. The squat stance, aggressive rear diffuser, and angular lines make it look muscular without being overdone. The side profile and rear three-quarter view are particularly strong. But the front can be a bit polarizing. The oversized grille merges awkwardly with the headlights, giving it a bit of a “masked face” look that not everyone will love. Subjectively, of course.

INTERIOR – PROBABLY BEST IN CLASS

It’s still based on the A3 platform, so don’t expect Bentley-level opulence. But within the segment, the RS3’s cabin feels sporty, cohesive, and higher quality than most rivals. The jet-fighter-style vents flanking the steering wheel are a cool touch, the infotainment is cleanly integrated without being a stuck-on tablet or huge bloody IMAX, and the seats hit the sweet spot between comfort and support. The new steering wheel suits the cabin well, and I'm unreasonably happy about the red RS buttons. My only minor gripes are that the Sonos sound system lacked bass, and the upper dash could use some stitching to elevate the feel.

VERDICT

Assuming you’re okay with small cars (or even if you think you’re not), this is one of the most compelling hot hatches or compact performance sedans you can buy right now. It’s fast, well-balanced, surprisingly practical, and dripping with character. In a sea of increasingly "same-same" performance cars, the RS3 is alive, loud, and proudly different. Take it for a spin. You'll see what I mean.