Audi RS3 8Y
Five cylinders, all-wheel-drive, no apologies.
45 reviewers · 85 videos · 2 press articles
Reviewers are split on performance and handling.
across 45 reviewers
"It feels like more than 394. That feels like 394 to the wheels."
TheTopher · ▶ 15:30"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 doesn't under steer anymore. It doesn't under steer anymore."
TheTopher · ▶ 6:55"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"This is one of my favorite cars we've driven all year. I really like it."
TheTopher · ▶ 9:56"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"The long and the short of it is that the RS3 does feel like a more conducive daily driver."
MilesPerHr · ▶ 28:27"it feels like an mqb based hatchback... it's a bit plain... the driving position's a bit high"
Autocar · ▶ 5:32"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
4.5/545 of 45 reviewerssplit“It feels like more than 394. That feels like 394 to the wheels.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 15:30“None. Yes, you heard it right. It’s not April fools. Not one single extra horsepower more is given to this limited edition.”
critical · Auditography · ▶ 3:26“This is genuinely a fast vehicle.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 24:49Handling
4.5/543 of 45 reviewerssplit“It doesn't under steer anymore. It doesn't under steer anymore.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 6:55“That wheel, brake, tire, suspension, that thing, that corner left and right, especially at the front, that is what makes this car truly special because it feels so sticky.”
positive · AutoTopNL · ▶ 11:42“The RS torque rear is kind of a drift mode as the computer sends the power to that outside wheel and twists you smoothly along the path into your next turn”
positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 14:03Fun to drive
4.5/545 of 45 reviewerssplit“This is one of my favorite cars we've driven all year. I really like it.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 9:56“And this car is just so entertaining to drive quickly.”
positive · MilesPerHr · ▶ 31:54“If you guys like a unique sounding engine, you're really going to love the way this five-cylinder sounds along with the pops and the crackles that it makes.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 8:09Daily drivability
4.0/544 of 45 reviewerssplit“The long and the short of it is that the RS3 does feel like a more conducive daily driver.”
positive · MilesPerHr · ▶ 28:27“It's comfortable. It's fun to drive. You can fit things in it.”
positive · TopherDrives · ▶ 56:40“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
3.5/543 of 45 reviewerssplit“Personally, I think the RS3 is just a better value. Also, it holds value amazing.”
positive · 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.”
critical · Seen Through Glass · ▶ 19:52“I would buy this over this”
positive · Throttle House · ▶ 19:32Hear 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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