Audi RS3 Review: The Total Package

Audi RS3 performance and traction

At first glance, the RS3 appears almost beyond reproach. It offers 335bhp, supported by a vast spread of torque, remarkable grip and traction, Audi's outstanding cabin quality, a practical five-door hatchback layout, respectable fuel economy provided you do not drive it flat-out, and even a relatively generous standard equipment list. So what could be the problem?

It devours miles of road with ease. Borrowed straight from the TT RS, the engine is always ready to respond. Through the middle of the rev range it has an effortless, understated strength, perfect for making rapid progress without drawing attention to yourself. When you do want excitement, however, the fireworks begin, hurling the car towards the red line before the seven-speed S tronic seamlessly selects the next ratio.

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Irresistible force meets immovable object: even this huge output cannot defeat the tyres' grip. Put your foot down when leaving a bend, then do it earlier, and earlier still. It launches itself out of slow turns, wet turns and virtually any other sort of corner. Nothing seems able to impede it. Nor do narrow or congested roads pose much of an issue; it is relatively slim, so it threads through openings and spots overtaking opportunities at which a supercar might pause.

Audi RS3 handling and driver feedback

Still, on high-grip tarmac, I did not grin as much as I expected. The RS3 performs its task faithfully: it turns, grips and accelerates. It might understeer a fraction if I reached its limits, even with the optional wider 255 tyres, but I rarely did. There seemed to be too little feedback and too few alternative ways to engage with the chassis. The lighter, shorter and lower TT RS feels more rewarding. On a greasier section of road, admittedly, the RS3 became more animated, although its steering still had little to say.

I kept wishing for a Golf R fitted with this engine. Primarily, I think, the distinction is that the Audi prioritises smooth, secure road-holding, whereas the Golf favours responsive, supple handling. Naturally, channel this much power through the Golf R's tyres and you would probably turn them into treacle.

Everyday Audi RS3 practicality

When it is not subjecting you to enormous g-forces, the RS3 is, like Audi's long line of five-door RS models, genuinely practical. It is also completely reassuring. The standard A3 is due for replacement next year, so elements of its cabin ergonomics are starting to feel dated, but the solid, high-quality feel of the interior quickly distracts from the price. Outside, it gains additional grilles, which are functional rather than merely decorative, along with exclusive wheels. Its front wings are widened to accommodate the broad track and are made from carbon fibre, saving a little weight while providing substantial bragging rights.

Therefore, if its cornering behaviour lacks that touch of fairy dust or emotional connection, you need only consider the whole package. Its pace in every condition and exceptional range of everyday talents make it impossible to argue against what racing drivers like to call a ‘total package'.