After numerous years of not getting RS-badged Audis, it looks like the German automaker is making a conscious effort to bring more examples of the fast, all-wheel-drive vehicles over to America. The RS3 is one of the more recent vehicles to make its way to our part of the world and Doug DeMuro loves it.
Seems kind of odd, right? When it comes to RS models in the U.S., the automaker currently offers four models – the RS3, TT RS, RS5, and RS7. The RS7 is probably the one the majority of enthusiasts would go with, as it offers supercar performance with the practicality of a sedan. The “Performance” variants are powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that make 605 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot more than what the RS3 has.
The compact sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder motor that makes 395 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s a Ford Fiesta ST sized gap between the two. But, as everyone’s favorite reviewer claims, that’s the perfect amount of power. It’s a usable amount that you can actually enjoy on the road. He has a point there.
Another thing that is seen as a plus is its size. The other RS-branded cars are much bigger, making them more of a hassle to drive if you’re the kind of person that likes to dart in and out of traffic. Or, more realistically, if you live in an urban area that requires you to parallel park, you’ll be a lot happier with the sedan’s size.
But the best thing about the RS3 is the way it feels when you’re behind the wheel. Its five-cylinder engine is peppy and the dual-clutch gearbox is quick to rifle off gear changes. At the end of the day, he claims the RS3 is the best new Audi on sale.
I know DeMuro doesn’t do comparisons, but I would really like to see one between the RS3 and the M2, which he called the best M car when he reviewed it.