Audi RS3 8Y
Five cylinders, all-wheel-drive, no apologies.
61 reviewers · 142 videos · 40 hours watched · 2 press articles
Reviewers are split on performance and handling.
across 61 reviewers
"this thing absolutely flies. You know, it might be small on the outside, but it has big-time power."
Car Confections · ▶ 14:31"None. Yes, you heard it right. It’s not April fools. Not one single extra horsepower more is given to this limited edition."
Auditography · ▶ 3:26"it is hard to believe when you're behind the wheel of this that this, you know, traces back to a front-wheel drive architecture. And a big part of that is because this has the torque splitter."
Car Confections · ▶ 18:18"this front end is vague just off center when you first start turning into a corner it's a little bit nerve-wracking"
Zygrene · ▶ 6:36"Oh my gosh, this has got to be one of the best sounding cars that is for sale right now."
Car Confections · ▶ 15:08"I just can't quite get into a Groove with this car because the front end just feels so well it doesn't have much feel at all"
Zygrene · ▶ 9:55"I'm actually really surprised at how well this car soaks up the bumps. Uh it doesn't feel like it's going to beat you up like some other performance cars that I've tested."
Redline Reviews · ▶ 18:16"because this is an RS3 the front seat is as far back as the driver would want it to be so there's zero leg room there for the back passengers"
MrHowMuch · ▶ 3:49"Personally, I think the RS3 is just a better value. Also, it holds value amazing."
Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 27:32"I could never personally justify spending the money on it. It's just I Yeah, I haven't got past that."
Seen Through Glass · ▶ 19:52Performance
4.5/561 of 61 reviewerssplit“this thing absolutely flies. You know, it might be small on the outside, but it has big-time power.”
positive · Car Confections · ▶ 14:31“It feels like more than 394. That feels like 394 to the wheels.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 15:30“This Turbo 5 puts out 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and sounds unlike anything else on the road.”
positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 4:03Handling
4.5/560 of 61 reviewerssplit“it is hard to believe when you're behind the wheel of this that this, you know, traces back to a front-wheel drive architecture. And a big part of that is because this has the torque splitter.”
positive · Car Confections · ▶ 18:18“It really has impressively little understeer, you know? Typical Audi. It has a tougher time here, but it's really turned out well.”
positive · Autoblog · ▶ 10:00“It doesn't under steer anymore. It doesn't under steer anymore.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 6:55Fun to drive
4.5/561 of 61 reviewerssplit“Oh my gosh, this has got to be one of the best sounding cars that is for sale right now.”
positive · Car Confections · ▶ 15:08“This is just a ton of fun in a car, you know, a real pocket rocket... you buy it mainly for the sound. It's so good.”
positive · Autoblog · ▶ 10:14“This is one of my favorite cars we've driven all year. I really like it.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 9:56Daily drivability
4.0/561 of 61 reviewerssplit“I'm actually really surprised at how well this car soaks up the bumps. Uh it doesn't feel like it's going to beat you up like some other performance cars that I've tested.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 18:16“when driving slowly the gearbox shifts really smoothly the engine doesn't really feel like a performance car engine everything settles down”
positive · Remove Before Race · ▶ 24:38“the suspension is really shockingly comfortable even though we have 30 series tires up front even out on gravel roads even out on rough pavement the composure level we find here is epic”
positive · A Auto Buyers Guide · ▶ 13:32Value
3.5/560 of 61 reviewerssplit“I could never personally justify spending the money on it. It's just I Yeah, I haven't got past that.”
critical · Seen Through Glass · ▶ 19:52“It cost 108,000. Are you kidding me? ... it feels like every time I want to enjoy this car, the price tag just kicks in my head and makes me feel guilty for enjoying it.”
critical · azizdrives · ▶ 2:30“Personally, I think the RS3 is just a better value. Also, it holds value amazing.”
positive · Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 27:32Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- MotorTrend
2026 Audi RS3 First Test: Brilliant Five-Cylinder Sport Sedan Still Delivers
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe RS3 is a brilliant, high-performance machine defined by its unique engine, though its stiff ride and frustrating interior controls make it a demanding daily driver.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize engine character and all-weather performance over daily comfort and interior ergonomics.
- Watch out
- Stiff ride quality · Cramped rear seat · Frustrating touch-sensitive controls · Small trunk
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