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The Pony Car Turns 602023 Audi RS3: It’s Fast, It’s Featureful
Audi has dramatically improved the RS3. Do we recommend it? We look at powertrain, interior options, and more. Read on to learn more.
What’s New for the 2023 Audi RS3?
While the underpinnings might be the same, pretty much everything else in the RS3 is either new or dramatically improved. Styling is far more aggressive both inside and out and the five-cylinder engine under the hood makes a tad more power too. Most important perhaps is the inclusion of a new RS Torque Splitter which allows the RS3 to slide around corners like it’s a Formula Drift competitor.
2023 Audi RS3 – audi-mediacenter.com | Shop Audi RS3 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Exceptional power delivery
Comfort mode is actually comfortable
Top-notch interior
Not a fuel sipper
Tight back seat
Love it or hate it styling
We’d love a RWD-biased RS3
2023 Audi Specs
- 401 horsepower from base engine
- 359 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 1 available trims
- 8.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Multiple drive modes are great
- Above-average driver assists
- Four-year powertrain warranty
2023 Audi RS3 Powertrain
Under the hood of every single new Audi RS3 is a 401-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It sends that power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In our experience, it’s one of the best if not the very best front-wheel-biased system we’ve had the pleasure of driving.
While there’s no way for the RS3 to actually disconnect the front axles from receiving some of the power on tap, it’s surprising how much this Audi can feel like a rear-wheel drive car. We had the chance to test the RS3 both on the road and on the race track and there’s no question that it’s a competent package.
Around town it’s probably the most comfortable small car in this segment thanks to a comfort mode that’s actually comfortable, quiet, and composed. Flick the RS button on the steering wheel (new for 2022) and you’ll hear and feel as the car seems to instantly transform into something far more sinister and speedy.
Our track time was spent in a car equipped with optional carbon ceramic brakes (Part of a $5,500 package that includes a 180 mph top speed and a carbon fiber engine cover) and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires ($450). With that equipment, the RS3 is an everyday driver that can punch way above its weight. Zero to 60 happens in as little as 3.6-seconds.
Finally, the new RS Torque Splitter deserves a little attention because it’s a game changer. Gone are the days of complaining about the old front-wheel-drive-biased Haldex system. This new kit allows 100% of torque being sent to the rear axle to be pushed to whichever tire is on the outside of a turn. That, in turn, makes it very easy to slide the RS3 around as though you were Ken Block in the next installment of Gymkhana. BMWs M division needs to watch its back.
2023 Audi RS3 Fuel Economy & MPG
Despite all of its track prowess, the RS3 is fairly fuel efficient. The EPA says that it’ll get 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. No, it’s not a fuel sipper, and mileage will of course depend on how heavy your foot is, but at least those numbers are possible.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Audi has been acing the interior game for over a decade and the RS3 continues that winning trend. Its seats are supportive and sporty without being too flashy or firm. Ergonomically, the cabin layout is spacious up front and Audi places controls right where you’d expect them to be. Physical buttons and switches are nicely paired with touchscreen features too.
The climate vents that adorn each side of the driver information display provide a cockpit feel that we really like too. The only odd choice we found was the wasted space on the center console. It seems like there should be more buttons or controls for such a large surface.
Despite that, there are small touches in the cabin that we think more than make up for it. For example, the door pulls are slender one-sided levers that look and feel special to use. The back seats are incredibly tight for taller adults and frankly, I didn’t fit when the driver’s seat was positioned for me.
Despite that, we see the RS3 as a competent commuter for a small family or someone who only occasionally needs to transport adults back there. The trunk is also diminutive but it’s big enough for a weekend away for a few folks. Audi fans who need more space might consider the A5, S5, or RS5.
2023 Audi RS3 Entertainment & Tech
Every RS3 gets the same infotainment suite which includes a 10.1-inch infotainment system along with a driver information display that Audi calls its Virtual Cockpit. As a unit, the two screens work together quite seamlessly to provide at least three major layers of data including two in the gauge cluster and a third on the center screen.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard features along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. Navigation is also standard and impressive all on its own with excellent directions, clear instructions, and an easy-to-use menu.
Safety Features
Standard safety features on the RS3 include forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Buyers can add adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring should they desire those features. This little sedan hasn’t been evaluated by the IIHS or the NHTSA.
2023 Audi RS3 Trims & Pricing
RS3 – $57,195
There’s really only one trim level since the RS3 is the top of the A3 lineup itself. It comes with the 401-hp five-cylinder engine mentioned above along with AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. No manual transmission is available.
Buyers who want more features can add different packages. Notable add-ons include a $750 Black optic plus package which adds black wheels along with black badges, an RS design package green which adds green accents to the interior (other colors are unavailable currently), and an RS Technology package which adds a heads-up display, Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus, traffic sign recognition, and an upgraded sound system. The Audi RS3 is available in Sedan or Sportback models.
Warranties
Audi covers the RS3 with a limited warranty and a powertrain warranty that covers the same four years or 50,000 miles. While that falls far behind some other brands in the automotive world, it’s competitive with other cars in this particular segment.
What we think
2023 Audi RS 3 – audi-mediacenter.com | Shop Audi RS 3 on Carsforsale.com
The Audi RS3 is one of the best cars we’ve driven all year. It’s fast, it’s featureful, and it’s practical enough that we could drive it every day too. That’s a rare combination and it’s fitting for a car that has the last five-cylinder engine available in a new car in America. Cars that are this capable at this kind of price point won’t be around forever so we say get it while you can.
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