The Audi RS3: A Hyper Hatch with a Thrilling Experience
When it comes to hyper hatches, few cars come close to matching the Audi RS3's performance and agility. With its sporty setup and big wheels, this car is built for speed and handling. In fact, I found myself filtering through traffic like crazy on my first test drive, only stopping when necessary. The steering was light and responsive, making it easy to navigate tight corners and twisty roads. Despite the soft suspension setting, which might seem counterintuitive for a sporty car, the RS3 handled bumps with surprising ease.
However, there were some quirks to get used to. The automatic gearbox felt jerky at times, particularly when maneuvering in tight spaces. I had hoped that this would improve with more use, but it remained a bit of a nuisance during our test drive. Fortunately, once I got onto the motorway, the RS3's adaptive dampers took over, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The seats were also surprisingly comfy, making long drives on the motorway a breeze.
But acceleration was where the RS3 truly came alive. I took to the track with my trusty timing gear and specialist helmet, eager to see how quick this car would go from 0-60 mph. The result? A blistering 3.85 seconds – right in line with Audi's claimed performance figure. But what about on a closed road? I decided to test the limits of this car further, pushing it hard from standstill to 60 mph and beyond.
The results were impressive: an astonishing 3.6 seconds for the 0-60 mile dash, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. And when it came time to test out the quarter-mile, I was thrilled to discover that the RS3 could indeed deliver a sub-12 second elapsed time – beating my previous best with the RS4.
So is the new Audi RS3 worth considering? In my opinion, if you're looking for the most thrilling driving experience possible, this car should be at the top of your shortlist. With its incredible acceleration and agile handling, it's a hyper hatch that truly lives up to its name. Of course, as with any high-performance car, there are trade-offs – the automatic gearbox, in particular, feels a bit jerky at times.
But overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the RS3's performance and driving experience. If you're looking for a car that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel, look no further than this Audi. Just be prepared to treat it with some respect – accelerating hard from standstill can be a bit of a handful, as I discovered when launching onto the track.
In conclusion, the new Audi RS3 is an exceptional car that deserves serious consideration from anyone in the market for a high-performance hatchback. With its incredible acceleration and agile handling, it's a thrill to drive that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Just be prepared for some quirks along the way – but overall, this is a car that truly delivers on its promise of delivering an unforgettable driving experience.
What About Its Rivals?
But how does the RS3 compare to its rivals? The Mercedes-AMG A45S and BMW M2 are both formidable contenders in the hyper hatch segment. In my tests, I found that the A45S was actually faster than the RS3 over 0-60 mph – although the RS3's quarter-mile time was still impressive. The M2, on the other hand, felt a bit more refined and comfortable to drive, but lacked the sheer acceleration of the RS3.
Ultimately, though, the Audi RS3 stands out as one of the best hyper hatches on the market today. With its incredible performance, agile handling, and comfortable ride, it's a car that truly delivers on its promise of delivering an unforgettable driving experience. Whether you're looking for a thrilling ride or simply want to treat yourself to something special, the RS3 is definitely worth considering.
Tips For Buying Your Next Car
So if you're in the market for your next car, what should you look out for? As I mentioned earlier, cup holders on Audi's sport seats aren't very supportive – so be sure to get a cup holder that fits snugly before buying. Also, take into account the quirks of the automatic gearbox and treat it with some respect when driving hard.
Finally, make sure you test drive your chosen car in different conditions – from motorways to twisty roads and even on a closed track. This will give you a true sense of how the car handles and performs under real-world conditions. And don't be afraid to take your time, try out different features, and get a feel for what it's like to drive this incredible machine.
Conclusion
The new Audi RS3 is an exceptional car that deserves serious consideration from anyone in the market for a high-performance hatchback. With its incredible acceleration, agile handling, and comfortable ride, it's a thrill to drive that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. So if you're looking for a car that truly delivers on its promise of delivering an unforgettable driving experience, look no further than this Audi RS3.