Used 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
S3 upgrade well worth it
Mike, Sherman, TX, 05/30/2018
2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
From the initial test drive you’ll notice the power compared to the S3. While the 0-60 is impressive, where you can really notice the difference is 60-100. The virtual cockpit is incredible, showing you g-force, power and torque all at once (or your full music info, map, etc.). Ride is noticeably stiffer but adjustable when needed unless you get the pricy dynamic plus (skip it and get … the other packages which give you more for your $).
2018 Red RS3
Jeff Allen, North Kingstown, RI, 06/16/2018
2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
I’ve had my car for a month now. I find myself inventing reason to drive it, trips to the store for no reason. It’s the only red one I’ve seen on the road to date. Powers great, handling is outstanding and the interior is both comfortable and nicely styled. It’s everything people are saying the RS is.
Nardo Grey Beast
Dustin Reed, Reno, NV, 02/17/2019
2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
RS3 performance is stellar. I ordered the car specd out how I wanted. Carbon brakes, black pack, etc. Was a little disappointed that the carbon brake package came with awesome front brakes and just standard rear brakes, the rear calipers are your run of the mill generic caliper, ugly. I live at elevation and have driven the car at sea level too, at 4500’ theres turbo lag, at sea level … its barely noticeable. I ordered the sport suspension too which is lower and comes with fixed non electronic suspension. It rides pretty well. Still needs stiffer rear roll bars but its livable. The steering is well, typical Audi electric steering. I cant put my finger on it but its just a little numb. My other car is a Lotus Evora S which probably has the best steering on the planet so comparing the RS3 to the Lotus really makes the steering feel subpar. But its the first Audi I’ve owned that doesn’t have a problem letting the rear slide around a bit if you want it to. You do have to drive it totally different than a normal car. It likes to be on the throttle just a hair when cornering to move some of the weight backwards off of the front axle. If you drive it like a normal car you will get what all the magazines complained of when they drove it, understeer. But if you fight the urge to drive it like you would a normal car and actually feed in some throttle when cornering it will surprise the heck out of you and steer neutral to oversteer. Actually will track perfectly where you want it to go with zero understeer. Its super fun. The transmission is typical Audi DSG. If left in comfort mode it will shift subtle and nice but shifts up way to quickly in order to be fuel efficient I suppose. If driven in Dynamic it will shift much faster but is pretty rough off the start, and it will not shift until it gets to redline, even if you let off of the throttle a little hoping it will upshift it sometimes wont. I often drive it in manual shift mode so that I have control and I like it much better. I do notice that compared to my last S4 the AWD is different, more focused on street performance than snow driving performance. The S4 did a little better in snow but the RS3 isn’t bad, its just more Haldex’y than Quattro.
Fastest car on the road, plus most fun
Justin Bandt, Dallas, TX, 08/24/2018
2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
Everyone compliments the looks of the car. It's so much fun to drive and sounds awesome. When it starts up or when the turbo spools and the gears shift, the pop of the exhaust is so cool.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro Sedan
What’s new
- Limited number sold in 2017, so this essentially the first year of full production for the RS 3
- Part of the second A3 generation introduced for 2015
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Potent acceleration and heaps of traction
- Pro:Well-trimmed cabin
- Pro:Enough practicality to serve everyday use
- Pro:Attractive, easy-to-use infotainment system
- Con:Snug back seat and small cargo area
- Con:Ride quality might be too firm for casual drivers
- Con:Front seats sits up too high for tall occupants
- Con:Some driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise, are optional
Which RS 3 does Edmunds recommend?
Available in only one trim level, the 2018 Audi RS 3 shifts your decision-making to the options list. Go for the Dynamic package, which will push the playfulness quotient and performance ceiling higher. We also like the Technology package for its connectivity features and Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. Skip the Dynamic Plus package if you value a forgiving ride quality.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Audi RS 3 Sedan
Driving
8.5If there's one thing that isn't in question with the RS 3, it's performance. Launch-control acceleration is stellar, braking is confidence-inspiring, and handling is incredibly accessible. But like a good sled dog, this little guy is happiest running at full speed, not trotting through the neighborhood.
Comfort
7.0There are concessions to make with most sport-oriented vehicles in terms of comfort. If not for the Dynamic Plus package, which adds a fixed suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes, the RS 3 would be more comfortable to live with. But it's not bad considering its performance level.
Interior
8.0Audi's control interface continues to be one of the most advanced and user-friendly in the industry. We are impressed by how easy it is to scoot into the cabin and how much legroom is available once inside. There are only a couple of minor issues concerning visibility and headroom to contend with.
Utility
8.0The RS 3 is an example of how subcompact sedans can still be very useful with smart design. Its trunk is about 3 cubic feet smaller than the class average, but because the cabin has been well thought out, there is less compromise than you might expect.
Technology
8.0With Audi's ever-bullish position on technology, the RS 3 doesn't disappoint — for the most part. An excellent audio and nav system are both pleasing and easy to use, and integrating your smartphone couldn't be more seamless. But we did expect more advanced driver aids at this price.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Audi RS 3 in Louisiana is:
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