2023 Audi RS 3 Review

From a quick glance at the compact 2023 Audi RS 3, you wouldn't think it was loaded with 400 horsepower or tuned for elite sports-car handling. Instead you might see a stylish mini-sedan that looks easy to park around New York City. That makes the RS 3 one of the sleeper hits among the rare breed of today's performance sedans, a car you might not notice until it passes you well above the speed limit. The only giveaway might be its array of colors that are as boisterous as its turbocharged five-cylinder powertrain.

Audi redesigned the RS 3 just last year and, among other upgrades, installed a new torque-vectoring rear differential. This gives the all-wheel-drive RS 3 a notably different character than the A3 or even S3. In the RS 3, power can be apportioned to each rear wheel individually, giving the car the feel of a rear-wheel-drive sports car. Driver-selectable modes further enhance performance, whether you want to cruise in a cushy suspension setting or slide out the tail end with some enthusiastic acceleration. There's even a Track mode, and an optional set of Pirelli tires specifically designed for track use.

We like the RS 3 and find it a competitive pick among the BMW M2 and Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to see if this pint-size powerhouse makes a case for a spot in your garage.