1/16/2024 0 Comments New world rs3![]() The engine’s odd number of cylinders gives it a unique thrumming soundtrack that was particularly pleasing on the outgoing model and remains so in this new one. ![]() One of the most distinct elements of the RS3 is its unusual five-cylinder engine, which Audi geeks know harks back to the brand’s Group B rally cars and many of its streetable models of the past. We’d also opt for the available RS Technology Package-mainly for the Bang & Olufsen Sound System-as well as the RS Sport exhaust system with black tips and Pirelli P Zero Troffer R summer tires. If we were to spec our own, we’d splurge for the Daytona Gray Pearl Effect paint which would pair nicely with the carbon fiber goodies included in the Carbon Package. Just don’t spec it in Kyalami green.The 2023 RS3 is available in a single trim level with relatively few options. ![]() More than that though, the RS3 now feels like it’s starting to get really comfortable in its own skin it’s a confident, worthwhile, capable car, with a side order of madness not far off. You’ll feel like you’re going faster in the A45, but you probably aren’t. It’s not as visceral as something like the Merc – despite being the same power and also AWD – but the fact that it feels like it’s more on your side makes it just as quick. It’s certainly not slower though – and especially not on a bouncy B-road – this is probably as fast an A to B point car down an unknown road as you’re likely to get short of something with rally stickers and a roll cage. Where the Merc is angry and pointy and hard, the Audi is more cultured, better damped and much less aggressive. So is this the best megahatch on the market? Well, the main competition comes from the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, a similarly speedy, similarly priced 400-ish bhp AWD hatchback. The RS3 is a really good car on the right kind of wrong road, and it’s usable for much more of the year than more exotic options. The onus is on the driver to pick the right combination, which is a lot of pressure for both car and driver, but when you get there it’s brilliant. The best of the RS3 is buried under layers of customisable options, data and a capability in any conditions. Yes, the ride can nibble a little at bad surfaces, but you could absolutely have this as a daily driver without compromising your spinal integrity. The good thing is that the high-quality ride translates when going slowly. Weirdly, the Sportback hatch feels a bit keener on the twisty stuff, and the saloon a tad better at high speed stability, but that could be simply preconception – it’s the same gear underneath. But once you start to trust the car and give it more aggressive inputs, it becomes remarkably neutral. ![]() If we’re being very picky, the car can feel a little too front-wheel drive on very slick roads, although that’s probably the safest option, to be honest. If the tyres are in contact with the floor, they’re working, and they work hard for the RS3. You don’t get knocked off line, the steering is very accurate, even if it’s not the most chatty of systems – and nothing skips. But the best bit is the damping, because it makes all the systems feel remarkably natural – on a bumpy, unknown B-road, this would be the car to have. The engine warbles away, grip is consistent and strong, body control just the right side of telling you what’s going on without leaning. The first jab gets you RS Performance mode. Worth persevering with though, the initial bit is a faff, you can programme your settings to be applied with a double press of the RS button on the steering wheel. If you want to put the time in you can get your own fine-tuned set-up out of the car, but it’s all a bit annoying at first.
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