2024 Audi RS3 Review: Is The 401-HP 5-Cylinder AWD Pocket Rocket Worth It?

The Audi A3 has enthralled us with its fun-to-drive nature for almost three decades now. Over the years, we’ve cherished it in 2-door and 4-door hatchback, sportback, and even convertible variants. I still clearly remember the very first RS3 model, which was welcomed into the U.S. lineup in late 2017. It was a car I eagerly waited to get my hands on, and my expectations were more than met. Fast-forward to 2024, the RS3 has now evolved into a newer generation, with beefier underpinnings, and is claimed to be more hardcore. In fact, the 2024 Audi RS3 is the hottest small car in Audi’s current lineup. This odd-cylindered, pleasingly odd-sounding compact sports sedan is a superfast, super-engaging driver’s machine. It continues to sport Audi’s proprietary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which has been given a rear-biased configuration to make it more drift-friendly. The 2024 RS3 can hit the 60 mph mark in around 3.3 seconds. I had the chance to extensively test out this turbocharged mouse and had a lot of fun in the process.

5 Cylinders And 10 Times the Thrill: 2024 Audi RS3's Formula For Fun

The 2024 Audi RS3 is powered by a rather unconventional 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 engine. It is currently the most powerful production-spec 5-cylinder engine, cranking out 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. This weird beast won the International Engine of the Year Award in the 2.0-2.5-liter segment for nine consecutive years from 2010 to 2019. Does the mightier engine and beefier underpinnings make the 2024 Audi RS3 better than its S3, and Golf R siblings? YES, and you can see that it is a big yes. The RS3 is now more engaging than ever. I’ll specifically give credit to the rear-biased all-wheel-drivetrain. On the technical side, it comes equipped with a trick rear differential that can distribute 50% of the torque between the rear wheels. On the road, this translates to - FUN.

Drift-Friendly Drivetrain And RS Drive Modes

The RS3 successfully delivers traits that were earlier exclusive to rear-wheel-drive cars. It’s not a full-fledged drift-king, but boy, you can send it sidewards with ease. The RS3 has two characters, both of which are praiseworthy in their own ways. It is an aggressive, extremely attractive runner in its usual modes, and a playful, little go-cart in its Dynamic setting. First, let me explain the truckload of drive modes offered in this little monster. So there are the usual Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic modes which can be selected using either a button on the dashboard or via the touchscreen. But then the heart of the matter are the RS modes exclusive to -you guessed it- the RS model. The RS Individual mode allows you to configure essentially everything to your liking, including the drive aggression, suspension stiffness, steering response, and exhaust note. It took me just a few minutes of tinkering to set the RS3 to my preferred configuration, and it made all the difference.

Explosive Power, Aggressive Transmission And Impressive Dynamics

Coming to the handling side, the RS3 shines bright in that respect too. I liked the overly aggressive nature of the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, especially in the RS modes. With the exhaust set to its highest setting, the aggressive downshifts did give me a euphoric sensation. However, I still wish the soundtrack was a bit louder. Also, while the shifts were satisfyingly quick during acceleration, I found them lacking a tad bit while hard braking. This wasn’t a problem as the all-wheel-drivetrain, strong brakes, and sticky performance rubber always kept my confidence on the upside. The 2024 RS3 is best enjoyed around the twisties. Sure, it is superfast on a straight line, but its full potential is evident during high-speed cornering.

Whatever Audi has done with their torque-splitting tune to eliminate understeer, it has worked to a considerable extent. Understeer specifically, because while it feels rear-biased in Dynamic mode, otherwise it has a little front-wheel-drive-ness to it. It doesn’t take away any fun, but it can be sensed in some instances. However, the RS3 is miles ahead compared to the less hardcore Audi S3 and VW Golf R and its own previous generation. Credit for this primarily goes to the wider front track, and tires with additional negative camber. Furthermore, the RS3-specific front underpinnings including the subframe, control arms, and anti-roll bars endow it with a distinct driving character. In essence, during the seven days and over 400 miles I drove this little machine, It kept on supplying me with a grin on my face. The only thing I could ask for more was steering feedback. The steering wasn’t satisfyingly communicative unless pushed to the limits. I didn't have the chance to take it out to a track, but I’m 101% sure that it would deliver a similar or even more exciting experience.

Is It Comfy? Is The Interior Impressive? And How Much Does It Cost?

As for the interior, the cabin is sporty-looking and well-appointed with features. The space inside is essentially identical to the lesser S3 and A3 models. However, the RS3’s front sport seats provide an enhanced wraparound feel (although not as tightly as some competitors) that conveys the impression of driving something more potent. The dashboard and center console are impressively designed. Audi has neatly integrated red touches of sportiness into the all-black interior. The control layout is also nice, with the right touchscreen to physical button ratio. I’m glad that they didn’t go with the everything-crammed-into-a-screen approach. It is assumable that VW group has learned their lesson from the downfall of the Golf, which in its upcoming generation relinquishes the annoying touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls.

People of all shapes and sizes will be comfy in both rows of the RS3. The cherry on top is that the ride quality is surprisingly good. You’ll have to trust me on this, but even in the RS modes, the 2024 Audi RS3 manages to soak-in bumps pretty well. In Comfort, I would say that it is super comfy and that makes it an exceptional daily driver. Overall, this turbo-5-cylinder compact rocket is worth every penny. And that number starts at around $63,395. However, adding options drives up the price. Regardless, for less than $70K, the 2024 Audi RS3 is a visceral, engaging, thrilling, and surprisingly comfy proposition.