Audi's most accessible RS model delivers sports-car-beating performance from one of the rarest powertrain configurations on sale.

Review: The 2024 Audi RS 3

• "Audi’s RS division is objectively killing it at the moment. The famed performance brand is consistently pumping out excellent products, be it the overachieving bargain that is the RS Q8 or the thrilling and versatile RS 6."
• "Be it the sound of its turbo inline-five, the sports car-fighting grip of its chassis, or its sheer versatility and curb appeal, it’s clear that overlooking the RS 3 is setting yourself up to miss out."
• "The Audi RS 3 counts on a formula that’s become synonymous with the brand that built it. It rides on a modified version of VW Group’s MQB Evo platform, shared with the standard A3 and the eighth-generation Golf."
• "In typical Audi fashion, its five-cylinder lump is a low-end torque monster. It hits you with a burst of power as you jump off the line or shoot out of a tight bend with plenty left over to capitalize on the straights in between."
• "Given Audi’s recent track record of updating its current lineup to pull the best out of a given model, perhaps the RS 3 should be next in line to receive a Competition pack or a Performance model. It certainly has the bones to capitalize on it, and it’s special enough to deserve it."

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The 2024 Audi RS 3 Gallery

The 2024 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS division is excelling with a lineup of high-performance vehicles like the RS Q8 and RS 6, known for their exceptional quality. However, the smaller Audi RS 3, though less common on the roads, is a standout that shouldn't be overlooked. Built on the VW Group’s MQB Evo platform, the RS 3 boasts a powerful 401-horsepower turbocharged inline-five engine, advanced quattro system, and impressive handling capabilities. Despite its compact size, it offers a spacious and luxurious interior, making it feel like a downsized version of Audi’s larger RS models.

On the road, the RS 3 delivers sports car-like performance with sharp handling, strong acceleration, and reliable braking. However, its steering and cabin experience may feel somewhat disconnected to enthusiasts, and its price point places it in competition with other strong contenders in the segment. While the RS 3 is a remarkable car, some feel it could benefit from further enhancements, such as a Competition package, to fully realize its potential and better communicate its thrilling performance to the driver.

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