Audi RS3
Five cylinders, all-wheel-drive, no apologies.
26 reviewers · 53 videos · 2 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its daily drivability, but split on performance and handling.
across 26 reviewers
"It feels like more than 394. That feels like 394 to the wheels."
TheTopher · ▶ 15:30"None. Yes, you heard it right. It’s not April fools. Not one single extra horsepower more is given to this limited edition."
Auditography · ▶ 3:26"It doesn't under steer anymore. It doesn't under steer anymore."
TheTopher · ▶ 6:55"this front end is vague just off center when you first start turning into a corner it's a little bit nerve-wracking"
Zygrene · ▶ 6:36"This is one of my favorite cars we've driven all year. I really like it."
TheTopher · ▶ 9:56"I just can't quite get into a Groove with this car because the front end just feels so well it doesn't have much feel at all"
Zygrene · ▶ 9:55"Personally, I think the RS3 is just a better value. Also, it holds value amazing."
Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 27:32"However, that still puts it $30,000 more expensive than the Golf R. Is it really that much better of a car despite sharing the same MQB platform?"
Zygrene · ▶ 16:53Performance
4.5/526 of 26 reviewerssplit“It feels like more than 394. That feels like 394 to the wheels.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 15:30“None. Yes, you heard it right. It’s not April fools. Not one single extra horsepower more is given to this limited edition.”
critical · Auditography · ▶ 3:26“This is genuinely a fast vehicle.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 24:49Handling
4.5/524 of 26 reviewerssplit“It doesn't under steer anymore. It doesn't under steer anymore.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 6:55“That wheel, brake, tire, suspension, that thing, that corner left and right, especially at the front, that is what makes this car truly special because it feels so sticky.”
positive · AutoTopNL · ▶ 11:42“The RS torque rear is kind of a drift mode as the computer sends the power to that outside wheel and twists you smoothly along the path into your next turn”
positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 14:03Fun to drive
4.5/526 of 26 reviewerssplit“This is one of my favorite cars we've driven all year. I really like it.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 9:56“And this car is just so entertaining to drive quickly.”
positive · MilesPerHr · ▶ 31:54“If you guys like a unique sounding engine, you're really going to love the way this five-cylinder sounds along with the pops and the crackles that it makes.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 8:09Daily drivability
4.5/525 of 26 reviewersstrong consensus“The long and the short of it is that the RS3 does feel like a more conducive daily driver.”
positive · MilesPerHr · ▶ 28:27“It's comfortable. It's fun to drive. You can fit things in it.”
positive · TopherDrives · ▶ 56:40“It's comfortable to drive around on a daily basis. It's easy to live with.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 6:03Value
3.5/525 of 26 reviewerssplit“Personally, I think the RS3 is just a better value. Also, it holds value amazing.”
positive · Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 27:32“I would buy this over this”
positive · Throttle House · ▶ 19:32“If I didn't need the rear doors... then I would feel zero remorse buying an RS3 over an M2.”
positive · MilesPerHr · ▶ 37:42Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- MotorTrend
2026 Audi RS3 First Test: Brilliant Five-Cylinder Sport Sedan Still Delivers
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe RS3 is a brilliant, high-performance machine defined by its unique engine, though its stiff ride and frustrating interior controls make it a demanding daily driver.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize engine character and all-weather performance over daily comfort and interior ergonomics.
- Watch out
- Stiff ride quality · Cramped rear seat · Frustrating touch-sensitive controls · Small trunk
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