We drove a $67,000 Audi RS3 and found that it's a 400-horsepower speed demon designed to take on the best from BMW and Mercedes

Sep 8, 2018, 18:45 IST

The Audi RS3 debuted for the 2017 model year and is based on the brand's successful ...

... A3 sedan.

It's also a step up from the mid-grade Audi S3 sedan, which was a finalist for Business Insider's 2015 Car of the Year Award.

With a starting price of under $55,000, the RS3 is the most affordable way to gain entry into Audi Sport's lineup that includes the mighty RS 7 and ...

... The R8 supercar.

In the marketplace, its rivals include BMW's delightful M2 and ...

... the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.

While its rivals from BMW and Mercedes are decidedly road-going specialists, the Audi's rally DNA shines through its quattro all-wheel-drive system and ...

... the turbocharged, five-cylinder engine lurking under the hood. More on the engine a bit later.

Lookswise, the RS3 is a handsome little beast.

It maintains most of the A3 sedan's aesthetics but adds a few performance-minded flourishes like the 19-inch titanium-finish wheels and matte-aluminum Singleframe front grille.

The subtle decklid spoiler and dual, black-tipped sport exhausts are also nice performance touches.

The RS3 is a truly compact affair at just 176.3 inches long. That's 2.5 inches shorter than a Ford Focus sedan.

The interior is one of my favorites. Like the A3 on which it is based, the RS3's cabin is a masterclass in minimalist chic. It's simple yet sophisticated.

The cabin is also impeccably put-together, with fine, diamond-stitch Nappa leather and elegant metal accents. Audi doesn't let its RS3's sporting nature diminish comfort and luxury for its occupants.

In front of the driver is an Alcantara and leather sports steering wheel. Beyond it is a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster.

The screen is home to Audi's award-winning, reconfigurable virtual cockpit system.

The center stack is dominated by a seven-inch TFT screen running Audi's MMI infotainment system.

The system is controlled using a center console-mounted rotary dial complete with a touchpad and handwriting-recognition technology.

The screen can also be retracted at the push of a button.

The RS3 is also loaded with a host of available luxury, safety, and tech features.

Out back, there's 10 cubic feet of cargo space. It's sufficient space for groceries and a couple of suitcases.

The Audi RS3 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 400-horsepower, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It's mated to Audi's seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission and the brand's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The Audi RS3 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 400-horsepower, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It's mated to Audi's seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission and the brand's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system.

According to Audi, the RS3 can make the run from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with an artificially limited top speed of 155 mph. The top speed limiter can be raised to 174 mph if you option the $4,800 Dynamic plus package.

According to Audi, the RS3 can make the run from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with an artificially limited top speed of 155 mph. The top speed limiter can be raised to 174 mph if you option the $4,800 Dynamic plus package.

So, what's it like to drive?

Our verdict.

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We drove a $67,000 Audi RS3 and found that it's a 400-horsepower speed demon designed to take on the best from BMW and Mercedes

The Audi RS3 debuted for the 2017 model year and is based on the brand's successful ...

... A3 sedan.

It's also a step up from the mid-grade Audi S3 sedan, which was a finalist for Business Insider's 2015 Car of the Year Award.

With a starting price of under $55,000, the RS3 is the most affordable way to gain entry into Audi Sport's lineup that includes the mighty RS 7 and ...

... The R8 supercar.

In the marketplace, its rivals include BMW's delightful M2 and ...

... the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.

While its rivals from BMW and Mercedes are decidedly road-going specialists, the Audi's rally DNA shines through its quattro all-wheel-drive system and ...

... the turbocharged, five-cylinder engine lurking under the hood. More on the engine a bit later.

Lookswise, the RS3 is a handsome little beast.

It maintains most of the A3 sedan's aesthetics but adds a few performance-minded flourishes like the 19-inch titanium-finish wheels and matte-aluminum Singleframe front grille.

The subtle decklid spoiler and dual, black-tipped sport exhausts are also nice performance touches.

The RS3 is a truly compact affair at just 176.3 inches long. That's 2.5 inches shorter than a Ford Focus sedan.

The interior is one of my favorites. Like the A3 on which it is based, the RS3's cabin is a masterclass in minimalist chic. It's simple yet sophisticated.

The cabin is also impeccably put-together, with fine, diamond-stitch Nappa leather and elegant metal accents. Audi doesn't let its RS3's sporting nature diminish comfort and luxury for its occupants.

In front of the driver is an Alcantara and leather sports steering wheel. Beyond it is a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster.

The screen is home to Audi's award-winning, reconfigurable virtual cockpit system.

The center stack is dominated by a seven-inch TFT screen running Audi's MMI infotainment system.

The system is controlled using a center console-mounted rotary dial complete with a touchpad and handwriting-recognition technology.

The screen can also be retracted at the push of a button.

The RS3 is also loaded with a host of available luxury, safety, and tech features.

Out back, there's 10 cubic feet of cargo space. It's sufficient space for groceries and a couple of suitcases.

The Audi RS3 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 400-horsepower, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It's mated to Audi's seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission and the brand's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system.

According to Audi, the RS3 can make the run from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with an artificially limited top speed of 155 mph. The top speed limiter can be raised to 174 mph if you option the $4,800 Dynamic plus package.

So, what's it like to drive?

Our verdict.