Small, however mighty, the 2023 Audi RS3 is the most popular of the Audi A3 variants, of which we now have already sung reward. Yes, it shares fairly a bit with the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf, however such rational issues disappear when you’ve skilled this racy automotive tidbit, one with 50% extra horsepower of the 201-horsepower A3, and almost 24% greater than the 306-horsepower S3.
We examined a 2022 RS3, though it carries over unchanged for 2023. Pricing has been up to date to mirror present car value.
Overview
The Audi RS3 is a compact high-performance sports activities sedan that battles such luxurious compact stalwarts because the BMW M240i, Cadillac CT4 V-Series, Lexus IS 500, and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and is available in a single trim stage with a handful of choices. Our check automobile included Python Yellow paint ($595); the RS expertise Package with Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and head-up show ($2,750); RS Sport Exhaust with black suggestions ($1,000); a Black Optic Plus Package that included 19-inch summer time tires ($750) and Audi Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Assist ($350). In all, it value $67,090, a typical worth for this breed of high-performance compact sedans.
Exterior
The RS3’s design displays a refined menace that clearly states its goals for many who are paying consideration. The flared entrance fenders, two-inch wider entrance observe, and athletic footwear telegraph this car will fulfill your want for velocity.
Yet its measurement is ideal for city environs, to not point out conserving total weight down, which makes for stellar 0-60 mph runs. And its total demeanor, whereas aggressive, appears refined. The Matrix LED headlamps with a checkered flag design is a neat contact. And the $1,000 RS Sport Exhaust with black suggestions are menacingly large.
Interior
Compacts hardly ever get nicer cabins than this one, with supportive, agency quilted leather-based sport seats, ambient lighting and an instrument panel dominated by Audi’s Multimedia Interface touchscreen, or MMI for brief.
As is widespread in Audis, the instrument cluster view might be modified to quite a few totally different configurations, together with a performance-oriented, RS-specific format. Interior high quality is excellent, though rear seat legroom relies on the kindness of these in entrance. And truck quantity is meager, even for the category, measuring 8.3 cubic toes. Similarly, inside space for storing is minimal, with a surprisingly shallow heart console bin. But the quick stubby shifter is simple to make use of, and its diminutive measurement doesn’t rob area like a standard shifter.
Powertrain
The 2023 Audi RS3 is the one Audi offered in America possessing what many contemplate one of many model’s defining belongings: a five-cylinder engine. In this case, it displaces 2.5 liters and produces 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque by way of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Its four-wheel drive system is exclusive, nonetheless. Dubbed the RS Torque Splitter, it’s a torque-vectoring rear-axle differential, distributing drive torque to the rear axle and permitting for it to be absolutely variable between the rear wheels. Audi says the result’s higher stability, particularly on moist floor, and improved agility throughout quick cornering.
The RS Torque Splitter additionally will increase drive torque whereas cornering to the skin wheel to scale back understeer. The system is absolutely built-in into the RS3’s driving modes, which embody Comfort (largely front-wheel drive), Auto, Dynamic, RS Torque Rear (its most aggressive, for drifting) and RS Performance (for observe use to reduce understeer and oversteer).
The customary RS’s suspension sits 0.39 inch decrease than the Audi S3, and 0.98 inch decrease than A3 and is fitted with RS-spec springs, dampers, and sway bars.
Safety and expertise
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has solely rated the RS3 for rollover safety, for which it offers 4 stars. It has not rated the A3 in any respect, nor has The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Adaptive Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, and Park Assist are customary. Our automobile had Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Assist, a $350 choice. Lane Departure Warning can also be obtainable.
A ten.1-inch infotainment display permits the motive force to entry the automobile’s coolant, engine, transmission oil temperatures, in addition to the g-forces and tire stress figures. Adding the $2,750 RS expertise Package brings with it a powerful sounding Bang & Olufsen sound system and a head-up show that provides a margin of security throughout aggressive driving. The wi-fi gadget charger, situated on the middle console, is angled ahead and down and contains a rubberized mat, all of which hold your cellphone in place whilst you’re busy extricating the RS3’s efficiency.
Driving Impressions
Too small to be a grand tourer, the Audi RS3 satisfies with scorching quick acceleration, very good grip and total sense of civility, regardless of its uncivilized methods. Yeah, it may be noisy, however what did you anticipate? That stated, mild cruising reveals it to be the identical cozy, assured compact its less-powerful siblings are. But that’s the place the similarity ends. Push this pet in one in every of its efficiency modes, and every thing stiffens for extracting optimum efficiency. It’s a bit of wild man, one that permits for drifting regardless of its all-wheel-drive system, which makes it a complete mess of enjoyable. It’s very forgiving, which suggests you received’t spin out if you happen to’re much less skilled.
But even when indulging in its deep nicely of energy, you’ll discover its easy acceleration and distinctive engine be aware particular to Audi’s five-banger make it a real celebration of Audi’s efficiency heritage.
2023 Audi RS3
Dimension | L: 178.8 inches/W: 72.9 inches/H: 55.6 inches/Wheelbase: 103.6 inches |
Weight | 3,639 kilos |
Powertrain | 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engine, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD |
Fuel Economy | 20 mpg metropolis/29 mpg freeway/23 mpg mixed |
Performance Specs | 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque |
Price | $60,900; As examined: $67,090, together with $1,095 vacation spot cost. |
On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
The 2023 Audi RS3 shouldn’t be a automobile for librarians — until they’re wild and passionate. It’s a celebratory driving machine, one which recollects Audi’s efficiency heritage whereas updating with the newest cutting-edge tech. And it’s wrapped in a diminutive bundle that punches far above its measurement. It’s a small automobile that delivers large enjoyable.
2023 Audi RS3 – Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a 2023 Audi RS3?
Yes; it’s presently obtainable.
When are you able to order a 2023 Audi RS3?
Now. Prices begin at $60,900.
Which BMW is equal to Audi RS3?
Source: www.thedetroitbureau.com