Audi RS3: A farewell to the legendary hot hatch

And then there’s the noise it makes. Some call it a warble, some say it sounds like a baby V10. To my ears, both are valid. That extra cylinder and its firing order make for one of the most distinct and evocative sounds in all of motoring. 

It’s this recipe of horsepower and drama that makes the RS3 such a special car, and this latest version is arguably the best. It’s a facelift of the model I drove back in 2022. The front and rear bumpers are new, and inside there’s a squarer steering wheel and a stubbier gear selector. But the most important update is a reworked exhaust that is more vocal in the sportiest RS Performance setting. The pre-facelift model I drove was tragically muted; this new one sounds considerably more titillating. 

Oddly, even though the all-wheel drive system is said to be unchanged, this facelift model feels more neutral on initial turn-in. Its predecessor turned more eagerly, like a golden retriever chasing its favourite ball. Still, this is a mighty enjoyable car. It goes where you want it to, and all the while it feels exciting, helpful, and reassuring. All those complaints of nose-heaviness and understeer that plagued the earlier 8P and later 8V generations of the RS3 do not apply to this new car.

Also, the ride remains as refined and as pliant as before. Even on poor roads, the RS3 rides with a level of composure you do not expect from a 400hp hot hatch. If comfort is a priority, the RS3 is more amenable than both the Mercedes AMGCLA45S and A45S.

You see, the RS3 really is one of those rare performance cars that covers all bases. It’s fast and exciting, but it’s also comfortable and practical. It seems like there’s nothing it can’t do. Furthermore, in the context of hot hatches, it stands out for its more exotic motor. In Singapore, where the cost of car ownership is tragically high, this breadth of abilities makes the RS3 a more sensible purchase – even if the price tag starts at a hefty S$465,999. If this is the end of the RS3, then there’s no question that it will go out on a high. 

Availability and pricing

The Audi RS3 is available now and prices start at S$465,999. For more information, visit Audi’s website.