Audi RS3 Delivers Thrills With a Touch of Refinement

The hot hatch segment is a battlefield, with automakers duking it out to build the most powerful and capable compact performance car. In the latest skirmish, Audi has reloaded its RS3 with a host of upgrades for 2023, proving it's still a serious contender worthy of your consideration.

At the heart of the RS3 beats Audi's iconic 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five cylinder engine. With 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on tap, it provides serious thrust, rocketing the RS3 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The five-pot pairs with a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi's venerable Quattro all-wheel-drive system for maximum traction.

But the RS3 is more than just straight-line performance. With an expertly tuned suspension, huge sticky tires, and an advanced torque-vectoring rear differential, this compact rocket carves corners with the accuracy of a surgical scalpel. The steering is hyper-responsive and the big brakes haul the RS3 down from speed with authority.

Where the RS3 differentiates itself is ride quality. While competitors like the Mercedes-AMG A45 can feel uncompromisingly stiff, the Audi manages to deliver an impressive degree of compliance and composure, even over badly paved roads. The adaptive dampers seamlessly transition between firm and comfortable, giving the RS3 a more refined demeanor around town.

Of course, that civility quickly turns to snarling ferocity when you summon the RS3's aggressive driving modes. The customizable settings allow you to tweak the steering, suspension, exhaust, and differential to your exact preferences for apex-clipping nirvana. Our advice? Turn everything up to its angriest setting and let the sweet sounds of that five-cylinder engine reverberate off canyon walls.

Inside, the RS3's cabin coddles you in typical Audi fashion with sumptuous materials, supportive sport seats, and the brand's latest MMI infotainment tech. You'll find plenty of real estate for both passengers and cargo, too. However, the dizzying array of chassis settings and modes can feel a bit overwhelming at first as you seek to find the perfect setup.

On the outside, the RS3 announces its intentions with muscular flared fenders, gaping air intakes, and an aggressive aero kit. The rear spoiler and oval exhaust pipes leave no doubt—this is one bad compact hatchback. Our test car's $57,250 Kyalami Green paint only heightens the RS3's gotta-have-it appeal.

With its exceptional blend of performance, comfort, and everyday usability, the 2023 Audi RS3 makes a strong case as the ultimate all-around hot hatch. It may lack the unhinged attitude of rivals, but that's exactly what allows it to so deftly walk the line between thrilling sports car and well-mannered daily driver. For enthusiasts seeking an ideal compromise, the RS3 is tough to top.

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