Audi RS3 Sedan Review

The competition in the luxury performance sedan market has become increasingly fierce, and the demand from young consumers for models that combine brand character with strong power has been steadily rising. The Audi RS3 Sedan, as a popular candidate in this segment, is set to hit the market on August 20, 2024. The core selling point of this vehicle lies in its unique 2.5T five-cylinder engine, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration of just 3.8 seconds, while continuing Audi's iconic quattro all-wheel-drive system. Many performance car enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating whether it can carry on the sporty DNA of the RS series. The purpose of this test drive is to evaluate the overall performance of this new car in both daily driving and extreme performance scenarios, providing potential buyers with a realistic reference.

The exterior design of the Audi RS3 Sedan immediately reveals its performance-oriented nature. The front fascia features a large honeycomb grille paired with sharp air intakes on both sides, which not only enhance aerodynamic efficiency but also intensify the sporty atmosphere. The body side profile is sleek with 19-inch multi-spoke sports wheels paired with red brake calipers, creating a striking visual impact. The RS-specific badge on the C-pillar is a direct symbol of its identity. At the rear, the round quad exhaust layout on both sides is very noticeable, and the LED taillight assembly is smoked, offering high recognizability when illuminated. The overall design retains Audi's family styling while enhancing performance attributes through detailed touches.

Sitting in the cabin, the interior style of the RS3 Sedan adopts a minimalist sporty approach, with the center console tilted towards the driver for easier operation. The seats are made of Nappa leather and Alcantara material stitching, featuring RS-exclusive badges and side bolstering for strong support. The steering wheel has a flat-bottom design with paddle shifters and a driving mode selection button, offering a solid grip. The center display features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the MMI intelligent system, supporting CarPlay/Android Auto integration and delivering a smooth user experience. In terms of configuration, popular features such as a fully digital instrument panel, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround view camera, and BO audio system are all equipped, with the overall material quality and craftsmanship aligning with the positioning of a luxury performance car.

In terms of space, although the RS3 Sedan's wheelbase data has not been fully disclosed, real-world experience indicates that the front row offers ample headroom and legroom, with wide seat adjustment ranges to ensure comfort even for passengers up to 185cm tall. The rear space is relatively compact, with approximately two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. While it is adequate for short trips, longer journeys may feel somewhat cramped, particularly because of the raised center floor that affects the comfort of the middle passenger. In terms of storage capacity, the front door pocket storage compartments and the central armrest box provide practical space, and the trunk offers a regular capacity of about 335L, which is enough to meet the luggage needs for daily commuting or short trips.

The powertrain is the highlight of the RS3 Sedan. It features a 2.5T five-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 294kW (400PS) and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system. During actual driving, the power delivery in standard mode is relatively smooth, with a light start suitable for daily commuting. When switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes very sensitive, and deep acceleration delivers a strong sense of thrust. The officially claimed 3.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration indeed provides a remarkable sense of speed during real-world testing, making overtakes almost effortless without needing to pre-plan distances. The gearbox has a clear shifting logic, with proactive upshifts and quick downshifts. In manual mode, the responsiveness of the paddle shifters is particularly sharp.

In terms of handling, the RS3 Sedan's steering is precise, with minimal dead zone and clear directionality, giving the driver plenty of confidence. The suspension system adopts adaptive damping adjustment, effectively filtering road bumps in standard mode to ensure a certain level of comfort; in sport mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, significantly enhancing support. Body roll is minimal during cornering, and the chassis exhibits strong cohesiveness. When navigating consecutive bends, the all-wheel-drive system distributes power effectively, and the rear follows well, demonstrating exceptional agility. The braking system offers a linear pedal feel with ample braking power. During emergency braking, the vehicle's posture remains stable, providing a strong sense of security.

In terms of daily driving comfort, the RS3 Sedan offers impressive noise control, keeping wind and tire noise within acceptable levels during high-speed driving. The engine noise is relatively quiet at low RPMs but transitions to the unique, deep roar characteristic of a five-cylinder engine at high RPMs, creating an engaging atmosphere. The seats are not only supportive but also feature soft cushioning, ensuring that long drives are not fatiguing. As for fuel consumption, given that it is a performance car, the combined fuel consumption is approximately 9-11L/100km. It may be higher in congested urban conditions, but on highways, it can drop below 8L, which is in line with the expectations for a car in this performance class.

Overall, the core advantages of the Audi RS3 Sedan lie in the powerful performance and unique sound produced by its distinctive five-cylinder engine, along with its precise handling capabilities. Meanwhile, the interior configuration and brand appeal align well with the positioning of a luxury performance car. Compared to its counterparts such as the AMG A45 S or BMW M2, the RS3 Sedan has a certain edge in terms of the stability of its all-wheel-drive system and the smoothness of daily driving. It is suited for those who seek performance yet want to balance it with daily commuting requirements. If you are a young driver who loves driving, values brand reputation and performance, and occasionally needs to tackle daily commutes, the RS3 Sedan is an excellent choice. This car combines performance and luxury seamlessly, providing thrills on track days while being practical for everyday use. It is a well-rounded luxury performance sedan.