Rs3 Sportback 2019
The sports exhausts adds to the aural drama, although there are fewer of the characteristic pops and bangs than we remember; Audi claims this is a direct result of incoming stricter EU-wide car noise regulations. Regardless, it's far more emotive than the often artificially enhanced turbocharged fours of most rivals.
The engine remains just as eye-popping in terms of its relentless accelerative ability. Whatever the revs, the response is seamless: once past a hint of lag, the combination of a near-instant 354lb ft of torque with a snappily shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox means the RS3 just picks up and fires itself down the road in a manner that leaves your brain struggling to comprehend that you're in a five-door hatchback. The only thing missing, perhaps, is a greater build-up of power in the upper echelons of the rev range, down to the motor's flat torque curve.
Just as remarkable is its ability to settle down and play the smooth operator when called upon. Pull it out of the racier driving modes and it becomes docile, even refined, with a smooth low-rev delivery and well thought-out gear ratios. The RS3 also has a less busy and stiff ride than the TT RS, albeit one that's still firmer than the S3's or a Golf R's, even with adaptive dampers in play.
Dynamically, the RS3 still plays up to the age-old fast Audi tropes of being hugely grippy, predictable and safe. But there's less understeer than you would have found in an RS of yesteryear; the engine is lighter and the four-wheel drive system is clever, even allowing the faintest element of mid-corner adjustability these days. Yes, the BMW M2 Competition is distinctly more engaging on the road or on a track, but it can't match the RS3's crushing all-weather ability.
Should I buy one?
The purchasing decision here depends on whether or not you can stomach paying more than £50,000 for a hatchback. At least a saloon is also available for those that can't.
That the RS3's performance and engine character is impressive should be in no doubt. We're also absolutely certain that, on the right road and in the right conditions, the term "supercar-baiting" is entirely appropriate. But it's also compelling as an everyday driver, retaining enough of the standard A3's refinement and comfort to not be a chore to commute in.
But the fact remains that a £9000-cheaper S3, or for that matter a £12,000-cheaper Golf R, offers 90% of the performance, stability and entertainment, is similarly unfazed by poor weather, just as practical and, so long as you spec adaptive dampers, even more comfortable when required. All three are also advancing in years, due to be replaced soon by fresher equivalents.
With that kind of rationality that usually factors in a new car buying decision, the RS3 is perhaps a bit difficult to justify. But for those who can appreciate the uniqueness and allure of what's under the bonnet, it might just be a price worth paying in times where such motors are becoming harder to come by.
Audi RS3 Sportback Sport Edition
Where Aberdeenshire, UKPrice £50,285On sale NowEngine 5cyls, 2480cc, turbo, petrolPower 395bhp @ 5850rpmTorque 354b ft @ 1950-5850rpmGearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automaticKerb weight 1530kgTop speed 155mph (174mph withoptional limit removal)0-62mph 4.1secFuel economy 29.7mpg (WLTP combined)CO2 195g/km (WLTP)Rivals Mercedes-AMG A45, BMW M2 Competition
Source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/first-drives/audi-rs3-sportback-sport-edition-2019-uk-review
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