After years of being forbidden fruit, Audi’s RS3 has lastly made its strategy to the US. Nevertheless, quite than the hot little hatch that we have been lusting after from afar, our RS3 is an angry-but-cute, high-powered sedan. Beggars cannot be choosers, I suppose.
Having lived with the 2018 RS3 sedan for some time now, I’ve began to care much less and fewer in regards to the silhouette. The superb efficiency it affords is simply that good. Plus, the aggressive little subcompact is packing a number of the greatest cabin tech within the enterprise.
Prime tier tech
Beneath all the go-faster bits and styling upgrades, the RS3 is simply an A3 (duh), so it nonetheless affords all the superior tech that we have come to like from Audi.
That features a model of the automaker’s Multi Media Interface (MMI Contact) with 4G LTE connectivity, Nvidia-powered graphics and Google Earth satellite tv for pc imagery. Within the RS3, you will discover the acquainted touch-sensitive, knob-based bodily controller on the middle console, controlling a seven-inch central display screen. I like that this motorized display screen may be hidden away when the automobile is parked or when driving calls for my full consideration.
MMI is considered one of my favourite infotainment suites when utilized upmarket in bigger automobiles just like the Audi’s A5 and A7, so I really feel assured in calling it among the best on this a lot smaller, cheaper subcompact phase. Nevertheless, when you’re not in love with it, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary — although interacting with these interfaces and not using a touchscreen takes a little bit of getting used to.
Onboard navigation with visitors information — a part of a $three,200 Know-how package deal — options actually sensible voice management and 4G LTE-powered on-line point-of-interest search is kind of good. The Google Earth integration provides a pleasant bling issue, however I personally most well-liked the legibility and ease of the maps with the satellite tv for pc imagery overlay.
Accessible driver assist tech is acquainted to Audi’s lineup. Customary options embody Audi Pre-Sense ahead collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a rear digicam and entrance and rear ultrasonic parking distance sensors.
My mannequin wasn’t outfitted with the non-obligatory $1,400 Driver Help Package deal that might convey adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go, lane preserving steering help and automated excessive beams. I did not actually miss these options, however contemplating the RS3 will seemingly be a every day driver, this can be a package deal value contemplating.
Digital Cockpit
One of many highlights of Audi’s tech is the wonderful 12-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which makes an look within the RS3’s bodily cockpit as a part of the aforementioned Know-how pack.
Digital Cockpit permits the driving force to show and have restricted management over many of the mostly accessed infotainment options inside the instrument cluster utilizing steering wheel controls. The show may be custom-made to show a visit pc, a reside map, the present audio supply and extra.
The RS3 additionally options particular efficiency screens which might be solely obtainable on RS fashions together with a lap timer, g-force meter, horsepower and torque readouts and extra. There’s additionally a particular “Sport” show mode that reconfigures the Digital Cockpit to point out solely efficiency data with a big central tachometer.
I notably like that within the RS3, Digital Cockpit implies that I can retain entry all the commonest infotainment options with out eradicating a hand from the wheel — heck, I may even drive with the principle MMI show hidden away.
Digital Cockpit beneficial properties a number of new efficiency monitoring methods when outfitted on RS fashions.
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400-horsepower inline five-cylinder engine
OK, now for the enjoyable stuff. The RS3 is powered by Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Audi’s five-banger has a fairly distinct sound that is enhanced by the RS’ sport exhaust, to not point out the severely wholesome grunt of 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Launching the RS3, I used to be stunned to note a little bit of turbo-lag off the road — odd given how nicely Audi’s four-cylinder engines have eradicated this delay. Nevertheless, the lag is gone after only a second, changed by a satisfying surge of energy and acceleration. I ought to be aware that I solely seen the lag on launch; as soon as the turbo is spooled up, it stays alive as you up- and downshift.
Talking of shifts, I actually want the RS3 got here with a guide gearbox, although its seven-speed dual-clutch “S-tronic” automated modifications gears faster than I might ever hope to. The transmission is mated to a “bolstered” model of Audi’s sport Quattro all-wheel-drive system for higher torque administration.
The RS3’s customary Quattro system contains a rear-biased torque break up, however very impartial dealing with.
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After participating launch management, the RS3 is nice for a Zero-60 mile-per-hour dash in simply three.9 seconds and sounds wonderful doing so. With all 4 wheels clawing on the pavement, there’s nearly no tire squeal on launch, so you may have simply the burble of the exhaust and the g-forces to maintain you firm.
When you get going, the Quattro system defaults to a extra rear-biased torque break up program for extra dynamic energy supply when cornering. Torque vectoring on the rear axle varies energy supply laterally mid-turn to additional elevate your nook exit pace.
Adaptive suspension and dealing with
Holding the 19-inch wheels and tires gripping the tarmac is a normal magnetic trip suspension. This always adapts damping drive whereas providing a superb steadiness of trip consolation and responsiveness.
My instance is provided with the $1,450 Dynamic package deal that provides distinctive wheels and staggered tires (wider on the rear than on the entrance), purple brake calipers and that Sport exhaust system that I am unable to cease mentioning. Even with the rear-biased Quattro energy supply, I used to be happy at how impartial the RS3 felt round a nook. There was a superb sense of rotation and an excellent feeling of suggestions and management, however even when testing the grip of the seat bolsters with the nook pace, the RS3 at all times felt sublimely secure, by no means squirrelly.
The RS3 felt extraordinarily impartial and planted within the corners. That is a straightforward automobile to drive quick.
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Relative to its best rival, BMW’s M2, the Audi tends to really feel a bit extra relaxed and comfy. I would not thoughts driving this automobile to work day-after-day. Nevertheless, the trip is unquestionably firmer than its less-power S3 equal, or a Volkswagen Golf R.
I feel that is a pleasant center floor, particularly for a top-trim high-performance model of an entry-level luxurious automobile. Realistically, this shall be somebody’s solely automobile, so it is necessary that it is participating, however not punishing every day over potholes, poorly maintained highways and the like. I feel Audi nails it right here.
If, nonetheless, you spend extra time on the monitor than I do, then maybe the non-obligatory fastened sport suspension — a part of a $four,800 Dynamic Plus package deal that additionally provides ceramic brakes and an elevated 174 mph pace limiter — is value contemplating.
How I would spec it
The 2018 Audi RS3 feels at house on the thrilling mountain roads close to Roadshow’s San Francisco HQ whereas remaining surprisingly comfy whereas commuting. I would not thoughts every day driving this unhealthy boy in any respect. Nevertheless, given the best way it delivers energy and tackles corners, homeowners who do not a minimum of often hit the race monitor or autocross Audi’s little mighty mouse are most likely not profiting from this important price ticket.
The 2018 Audi RS3 begins at $55,875 together with a $975 vacation spot cost. For reference, that is twice as a lot as the bottom A3 and $15okay greater than a Golf R or Civic Type R. As examined — with premium paint, Know-how and Dynamic packages — my automobile’s worth stretches to $62,475. The one choice lacking that I would think about is the $1,400 Driver Help package deal, which makes every day driving safer and extra handy.
As I discussed, the RS3 compares properly with BMW’s M2. The Audi is a little more conservative, however I feel additionally only a bit simpler to reside with as a every day driver. The BMW, which has a guide transmission and correct rear-wheel drive, might be the higher monitor software. Lower than $500 separates the 2 when comparably outfitted. Personally and subjectively, I give the sting to the Audi primarily based on my driving model and habits, however you’ll be able to’t actually go flawed both manner. Simply purchase each.