Audi RS3 | Amazing Engine, Normal Car 

The RS 3 has always been one of my favourite Audi vehicles. It’s small, but it packs a huge punch. That 2.5L turbocharged 5 cylinder is a gem of an engine.

5 cylinders are premium engines. I drove a manual TT RS stage 2 tuned for years. Engine sounded amazing. Car was tons of fun

the RS3 is one of my "realistic" dream cars. i aspire to own one in the future. I love the way Audi 5 cyl engines sound, and as an added bonus this engine can make really good power with basic modifications.

"It's a joy to drive" To hear this from Mark is awesome. Given how critical he is, this does it for me.

I purchased one about three weeks ago from Audi Flatirons near Boulder, Colorado. There was no dealer mark up, and the buying experience was fantastic. I have driven it multiple times over Lizard Head Pass (elevation just above 10,000 feet) from Telluride to Rico and back. The RS3 is made for winding mountain roads like this one, and the car is awesome. I can feel the back end rotation being helped by the RS torque splitter, helping minimize understeer. On corner exit, I have to get on the throttle earlier than a RWD car so that it pulls through the corner. The engine feels under-rated at 401 HP even at these very high elevations, and sounds absolutely glorious. It is intoxicating. The Audi MMI display can be adjusted to display three main views, including traditional round dials, and the runway display in this video. The interior plastic could be better, but then again, I don’t have a need to touch it everyday. The seats are perfect, the steering wheel is beautiful and has a lot of controls on it, the interior colors can be customized, and the dash layout is nicely done with an integrated center display (not stuck on like most other car manufacturers). Dare I say it, the car is a steal at $60-$65K. As a reference point, my current track car is a GT3 RS.

I got to say, I always notice the quality work you guys do on your audio. The only YT channel that lets me enjoy high(er) end stereo speakers.

A RS3 Sportback would be all that I want in a car

Worked for company where I had to deliver these kinds of cars to RU-vid reviewers and car journalists. I got a chance to take the long winding back roads to deliver the 2023 Audi RS3 and I LOVED IT! Car really can be enjoyed every day for every drive as a daily. Super responsive and the sounds are unbelievable.

Seeing the genuine smile on Mark's face said a LOT about this thing 👍

My old Ford Focus RS (Mk2) had a volvo 5cyl - and that put 360hp through the front wheels alone. I always wanted a 5cyl with AWD as it felt like the perfect combo. 5cyl engines are just one of the best sounding things. Like tiny V10s. The sound never ever got old and even though people often hated the style of the Mk2 Focus RS, they changed their minds entirely after they drove it. I need to get one of these someday.

A few years back, Audi Canada had a driving experience day where they had the RS3, RS5, TTRS, RS7 and R8 V10 at the dealer and you could take each one out for a test drive loop. All of these cars were fun and that v10 is a unbelievable experience. However, the RS3 and TTRS were by far my favorite. They just feel so light and that 5 cylinder is such a special engine.

I don’t know why, but I’ve always had a soft spot for performance Audis.

I've had a 2018 RS3 for almost 5 years. I love it. Impossible to get bored of the sounds it makes. Performs well at drag racing, autocross and daily driving my kids to school in any weather. In wintery conditions you get plenty of the sidways fun that people in warmer climates won't get to experience, and my car doesn't have the torque splitter.

Just discovered this channel. Like your format. 👍🏻 I’m 2 months into my ‘21 TT RS. I saw the window closing on ICE and this amazing 5cyl turbo, and wanted the purest version of it. I never thought I’d own a car that encouraged me to leave the radio off. The engine sound is just sublime. Couldn’t be happier.

That engine note is amazing, kudos to your sound engineer for capturing it so well.

My favourite Audi of all time which I will own one day!

The title sums up the car really well

Love the sound, my roommate had a 5 cylinder Volvo C30 and it sounded wicked

First of all thanks for finally reviewing a five cylinder Audi. I have been asking for the TTRS review for years. I’m not tracking my car and I have winter conditions five months of the years. So the TTRS have been the perfect sporty weekend car for me all year round. Glad to see you still somewhat enjoy driving the RS3. This is a great review.

The best RS3 review, hands down. I especially like the technical commentary lacking in other reviews. Great video.

At its initial MSRP, its an excellent value for the money. That being said, at what I have seen some dealers price the car, it stands no chance. I got quoted for $75,000 for one, for that money I can get a solid M5 with about 25,000 miles on it from 2018/19. If you want this car, wait a year for the car market to calm down and then you’ll have negotiating power. Additionally, wait until after Christmas, like end of January, to go into a dealer to guy the car, thats when sales are slow and youre likely to get the best deal. Do not buy a car in the summer.

Great video as always! Love my 2020 RS3 because of the duality - Comfort mode for the daily A to B work drive, and then Dynamic mode for the spirited weekend drive. Great sound, whether it’s coming from the B&O or the 5 cylinder. Glad you both enjoyed it!

My only experience with a 5 cylinder was in a VW Transporter panel van with a 5-speed manual and the engine was a naturally-aspirated diesel. As you can imagine, it was slow as hell but you basically drove the hell out of it everywhere just to do normal road speed. It could only do 135km/h maximum. It sounded really, really cool and is up there with the most fun vehicles I've driven.

Well, I guess I was wondering "what if my GLI was AWD and 5 cylinder with a loud exhaust" and this is the answer! Man, that thing plays a CHORD through the exhaust. That's amazing.

I'm already a huge fan of the RS3's exhaust note but holy crap I was not ready for how amazing it sounded during the track impressions.

Hey Mark, I understand many of the cars you review their limits cannot be approached on the street safely/legally but will we see street drives again? Or a hybrid of the two? Personally I love seeing them being driven on the street with Jack and your take.

This is the most in depth analysis of the RS3 review I’ve seen yet. Thank you for this.

So glad y’all did this, thank you!

I got a 2018 and have been waiting for this review for years son!

Great video. You guys are equally entertaining even if you’re only reviewing a Camry. Please keep up with the videos!

I love the quality of this channel, the level of production is definitely the best.

Wow I was waiting for this review for years and it slipped through my sub feed. Glad I finally got to watch it

Thanks for the review! I was one of those waiting for 40 years. :)

5-poppers all have that warm overtone in the sound. Makes me miss our old crusty Volvo 850.

The architectural/mechanical analyses you guys do on this channel is seriously good 👍

I kind of wish they would have updated the TT RS so that it could have gotten the diff from this gen RS3, but i get why they didn't. It's awesome you guys finally got one to review!

My first car was a base model golf with the 5 cylinder. Even though the engine in that form wasn't quick, it was still significantly peppier than other cars in its class (at the cost of fuel economy compared to a civic or corolla), and the engine had so much character for what it was. I really wish VW would throw the 5 cylinder and the VR6 in more vehicles because I'd much prefer it to the 4 poppers. A golf R with a turbo 5 cylinder or VR6 (like the R32) would be a great way to separate it from the GTI. I understand why they don't but it'd be neat.

I'd always passed the S3 and and RS3 off as ticky-tacked A3s. Guess I couldn't have been more wrong. Aside from the price tag and markup, I'd seriously consider this car for my next vehicle. Can't wait for your review of the GR Corolla.

That's why I like watching this channel even though I've seen at least six videos on this car I still learn something new

I had a Jetta with the NA 2.5L, it wasn’t fast and it was 12 years old but that sound made the drive so much better. I’m happy to see some version of that engine get some love from the geese men!

Great review, as usual.

I was waiting for this video. I love this turbo blue color.

Thank you for your thorough reviewing. It's much different than the regurgitation of info you find on the manufacturer's website. I was swaying between this and an m3 but I'm glad you guys enjoy this car... I just put a deposit down and wait time is around 1 year.

What is there to hate about this car? A show of hands all who are going to the track today or EVER. Nobody. I'm tired of you track people. This is a great daily driver that can run down the majority of cars in its class and a lot costing more. Enjoy it instead of trying to find reasons to wine about it.

Blue RS3 owner checking in. As mentioned in the video, the aftermarket transforms these cars. From tunes, to suspension, to full aftermarket turbo builds. You can run E85 with no hardware needed.

Nevermind the "regular" $70,000 to $100,000 car. I just want to know if the Kirkland Signature t-shirt deal is still happening or did the deal fall through?

Surprisingly good video. These guys know what they’re talking about. Subscribing.

You guys do a great job, thank you!

Your explanations never made me disappointed, nice video as always. Aggressive exterior, normal interior.

Finally! Big fan of the RS3 but then I love the old Audis. As an owner of a C4 original S4 aka the URS4 this car screams perfect daily. Problem is that when they started dropping to low 40k’s prices and Covid crap went nuts and it out it outside my wallet. Fast forward and we are car shopping again but looking for a truck as a family hauler lowes runner camping do it all vehicle. Only so much $ to play with and that’s my reality. I will own an RS3, just probably in 4years. Also, tune this baby with E85 and add a ton of HP. The aftermarket loves this car and this car loves the aftermarket. Easy to make safe reliable all day power on this platform. Back to my beautiful URS4 and thanks for this video!

Excellent video. Many thanks!

Great video! Love the tech details!!!!

Another great review. If you could include 2 items in your reviews going forward I think it’s be a nice addition 1-interior decibel level. We always hear this car or that car is quiet, but actually testing the quiet level at say 35mph and 75 mph would be cool. 2-as you mentioned this is an expensive car. Would be cool if at the end, or wherever, you just mention, if you don’t have $72k for this car check out car B and car C. They are similar to car A and will save you 10k and 30k respectively

What a sound, what an engine!

Great review, glad to see you finally got in a turbo 5 cylinder. I like the older RS3 better. I've had my old turbo 20 valve S6 for over a decade. I gotta work at making it sound even better... And faster. I may pick up an RS3 someday.

+1,, Top Shelve review... This review saves face for my RS3 choice or lack thereof. ..

Can you guys please start including a 'Hot Lap' for you reviews where you just show an entire lap going flat out? Your channel literally has the best automotive content around, and it would be awesome to get just a little more of you guys pushing the cars. Keep it up and you will be dominating the space soon!

I always get a big smile on my face seeing Mark and Jack giggling like little kids on the track.

My buddy has a ratified built rs3. It is absolutely insane. It does not stop pulling planted like no other. 800hp in a 5 cylinder, not to mention he has 90k miles on it and daily drives it. 45k miles on the build.

I have the previous Gen (8V) RS3 and it’s been the best car I’ve personally owned. Such awesome performance in such a small, nimble package.

Always loved the RS3!

No ventilated seats in a $75K "luxury" car is a pathetic omission by Audi. Golf R comes standard with that feature for $45K.

Mark nails it when he points out that the key to driving this car fast on the track is to drive it like a front wheel drive car. I've seen too many reviews of the RS3 and TTRS where the reviewer tries to drive it like a rear wheel drive car and complains about how bad the understeer is. I own a TTRS and have owned many front wheel drive performance cars, and you can drive this car very fast with the right technique. The 2.5 five cylinder is also a gem of an engine. Extremely smooth and sounds so exotic. That being said, the cheaper the spec on this car, the better the value. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is probably a better value at MSRP, but at least where I live, the current markups put it near six figures.

I had 2018 , what a special engine loved it . Sound is priceless, stage 1

This is my freaking dream car! I just hope they would bring it here to Canada

A Golf R with the 5-banger would be the ideal package. Sedans are a shrinking class…

So I'm doing some work in my home office with this video playing off to the side listening in but not watching. That is until you put it on the track and I heard the engine! Looks like finally there's a spiritual successor to the 6-speed Volvo S60R! Love the sound, not so much the price nor chassis dynamics. I think I'd go for a CT4-V Blackwing over this one unless I lived somewhere that needs AWD.

Was lucky enough to get this at msrp in SoCal. Happy with the purchase.

I wanted to add something to this as i own a ttrs and know alot of people in the community with rs3/ttrs First and foremost there is a ton of options available for less money that provide more of a car from a daily driver aspect. Even within audis own line up. For example as s4 slightly used is much cheaper then a rs3 and with bolt on mods it can easily be in the 10 second range just like the rs3 For me where this car makes sense is when you go to build it. Lets say you want a 8 second car and you want the car to be a daily and drive normal on the streets there is few cars that can do this. The gtr being one of them. But for half the price of fully building gtr, you can build a rs3 and you would have no idea its pushing that power untill you floor the car. You can literally make 1000whp on stock cams and have normal drivability. Not to mention with just a clutch upgrade these transmissions are known to hold over 1000whp Any mustang,camaro,vette,supra, will never be able to do what this car can do fully built and maintain drivability so perfect. And thats whats special about this car to me and why i bought it. If you just want to do simple mods to the car there is better options for less money,. But if you really want to throw money at it. The ttrs/rs3 shine

At this point I don't even care what car comes out. Dealerships have ruined any dream of getting any car at MSRP or even close to it. You want a Civic LX? Here's your 5K adjustment. Can't wait for dealerships to follow Tesla, turn into a "Gallery" and just cut the BS out of buying a car. Hopefully Ford does what they say they are going to and other manufacturers follow..

Thanks for the video guys - as always you do a terrific car review. I was interested if the RS3 was that much better than the S3, and I think probably not, given the extra cost for 1 more cylinder.

AWESOME REVIEW! TBH Given the similarity between this and golf R I'd go for the R if I am into this. but with the current market/markups neither are attainable or worth it lol. Excited for the summer reviews now there is no more "It was wet out there and this car have summer tires so we couldn't push it"

I wasn't sure about this vehicle until the technical overview. Really did make me Choose Loving Kindness.

The Block in the RS3 is literally half a Huracan. This sedan is very impressive IMO & a rare breed 5cyl Turbo plus Quattro whats not to love other than the price tag..

I had the 2017 RS3. Overall loved it but it ate up the front pads so fast I had to put on some super loud track pads (I used to do 1~2 track days a month only, but the OEM front pads were gone after 5 track days)

You guys are spot on with regards to the interior build quality. I have owned my 8Y rs3 since November 2022 and there have been some issues. Love the motor but I am not sure it's a long term car for me. Should mention that I bought mine at MSRP, do not overpay for this car.

Supposedly for emissions reasons, the 5 cylinder motor can no longer be sold in Canada. So we don't get this anymore. That said the Golf R is creating more power than it says it does from it's EA888 and is a steal of a deal in Canada.

The fact that we don't get the hatchback version of this in the US market is criminal. It would make it worth tolerating.

The fact that you guys have not done the r8 or tt yet this makes up for it lol 😂. Good video 🤗

I love my 2018 RS3!

That car does sound amazing. I'd like to drive it all out now and see how much fun it is. I like what Mark and Jack Sparrow talked about in the driving section. I am used to FWD cars and like that about them. But then again there's nothing like controlling a rear end with a lot of power. (:

I had an '18 and loved it!

A very entertaining video.I suspect your licenses and insurance costs are now lower with your reviews on the race track, but I miss the hooning around the cornfields.

Would love to hear your take on the S3. The middle car between the A3 and RS3.

9:02 umm... are we going to talk about how the brake cooling scoop is made of plastic and held on with zipties? On a $70,000 car?

Great review. 4 seconds quicker than the Type R at the ring would have made a good mention.

Would love to see you guys review the 2022 TTRS.

8:29 exactly what I want to see. My $70k+ Audi with factory zip ties on the control arm

The 07k is an amazing engine just sucks it's only available in the rs3 sedan in the states now since the ttrs was killed off and the hatch isn't being brought over. The engine still is facing the wrong way too.

You guys are good, I now have a lot more respect for the RS3 after watching this.

MIND BLOWING

This car is so weird. The A3 is legit milquetoast and they added one of the more exciting drivetrains you can get today.

Great daily for the winter.

Best outro todate

Excellent video, great car.

here's 1/4 of a nice wegmans cheese board

It’s funny to me many reviewers criticize the size of the A3, but once it’s an S or RS they seem to drop their complaints about it being too small. Personally, I like this compact sedan, regardless of which engine is in it. But $70K+ is just way too much money for this. Great car, insane price tag.

Thank you! Finally 😁!

Awesome car and Awesome video 👌

It's one of the best engines in production. Full stop.