First and formal, I want to explain something. When people think of a RS car, you know it is a performance oriented car. We also know the price tags that come with it. However, the Audi RS3 is an affordable "entry" level RS vehicle if you will, but it can kick some butt at the same time. So what makes the RS3 such a good vehicle? Lets find out.
Myself recently just picked up a 2018 Audi RS3. I was upgrading from an Audi S4 which it's already a good car to begin with, and I jumped into the RS3 with really not many expectations, and let me tell you... It exceeded every expectations of mine. Let's talk about the performance first.
Performance
First and foremost, those that consider this car do so because of its performance. The car doesn't disappoint; it is wickedly fast. I still haven't figured out how to breathe when using launch control with my lungs pressed against the back of my rib cage, and the ease with which it increases speed just begs for trouble. Coming from the Audi S4, it is such a big difference. The instant torque from the S4 kicks you from the start, but almost maintains it throughout the gear so you get used to it. The RS3 has a single turbo which has some sort of lag, and it kicks you out of no where and keeps pulling. It's definitely a completely different sensation. The RS3 also has a very unique firing order and cadence, and when cold starting, it makes a very mechanical growl that is almost unnerving at first until you grow to love it.
The car also handles well. Despite a bad reputation in this regard, Audi's have made quite a bit of progress in reducing understeer and improving overall balance. Even though I don't drive many cars, I have a tendency to push them to their limits when I do. Finding your limits is part of learning how to drive a vehicle to its maximum potential. As a result, I'm confident that you can push the RS3 beyond what I ever could.
The BMW M2 and others are often compared based upon track times and performance stats, but in reality, this car drives hard, it is fun to drive, and the performance is certainly there. It will be interesting to see how it performs on the track, especially compared to B8.5 Audi S4.
A car's biggest selling point is its ability to perform well and then behave completely oppositely. In comfort mode, this car will make an easy mode of transportation for someone like your grandmother or conservative colleague. Overall, the interior is quite comfortable, and it resembles a sporty A3, with accents more noticeable to those in the know than to unassuming passersby.
Aftermarket Ability
Now let's talk about the fun stuff. Aftermarket modifications... The main thing that drew ME to this platform is how powerful and fast you can make this car with just simple bolt ons. A downpipe, intercooler, turbo inlet and a stage 2 ECU flash, and you can run low 10 seconds in the quarter mile. If you told people that couple years ago, they will laugh at your face and tell you to keep dreaming. But now this is the standard for the 5 Cylinder Audi RS3.
Put some drag tires on and E85 in your tank, you might even break 9 seconds if you are lucky. This is just absolutely absurd. While all this is happening, you can still perfectly daily this car and blend into the population if you want to. The car doesn't SCREAM fast, or obnoxious. To most people's eyes, it's just an Audi A3.
Now let's talk about the extreme. IF you are someone that want's to push the limit, a big turbo kit is totally on the table. Iroz Motorsport offers the IMS1000 kit which requires a engine rebuild, big turbo, DCT transmission plate and more. You car will break into the 1000WHP range. That is absolutely mental for a small family sedan. You can take this to a drag strip and compete with the big dogs like a non street legal drag car. Of course it comes with a pretty price tag, but it's the fact that you can and have the ability to do so it's what draws many people to this platform.
How does the RS3 stack up against competition?
The requirement for a sporty 4-door sedan, with the ability to fold down the rear seats, and preferably with a manual transmission, didn't provide a lot of options. I had my heart set on the Volkswagen Golf R due to its practicality, more power, and 4-doors, but it didn't excite me that much. I had a hard time rationalizing buying a more expensive Golf R, even if it was available with a manual transmission. It's true that the interior has a better fit and finish, but it was another one to me that made no sense.
After testing both BMW M3 models, I strongly preferred the E92, but I simply could not find one with a manual transmission, or the cold weather package, which would have provided folding rear seats. Although I never felt at home in the F80, I did find it to be a bit loud, brash, and fast. Especially when it came to the cockpit, the E92 felt much more familiar, and I think I would have enjoyed that car.
A RS4 Audi was also on my wish list. It is not only a fantastic looking car, but also a fun and rewarding car to drive, like the E90, which has a monster V8. Since they have a tendency to build up carbon, and I would have bought a 10 year old vehicle, I got a little nervous. After hanging out in the Audi world, I think I know more of what to look for and that it may have been a good way to go. Despite how good the 7-speed dual clutch transmission in the RS3 is, and even though it can shift much faster than I ever could, I do miss engaging the third pedal and moving through the gears.
Certainly, there are others that could be considered, but without starting a debate, the others weren't seriously considered for one reason or another, right or wrong. I think if I were to buy again today, I would try to find an E90 M3 or the 'right' RS4, but I don't regret my decision at all.
Conclusion
Many criticize the car for being too expensive, especially for its size. There are magazines that test 0-60mph happening in 3.6 seconds with the 4-door RS car. I also find it not to be a big car; it's about the same size as a B5 or B6 A4 from 18 years ago. These days, cars are so big that I can't understand them. While appearances are subjective, I think this car looks great and it sounds fantastic, something that doesn't seem to be subjective. The performance and comfort duality is perfect for my day-to-day needs, and I get excellent performance every time. While the car isn't perfect, very few are, it does seem to balance my wants/needs/desires pretty well. Plus, I get a smile from the heads I turn every time I hit that start button.
