Audi's RS3 Is So Insane It Has To Be Our 2023 Car of the Year

The Audi RS3 shocked me this year. For the relative price, Audi gives you a pure stick of dynamite that goes 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and handles like it is glued to the pavement. The AWD system is insanely good, allowing for a true RWD feel with vectoring of 100% to either rear wheel. It has a Jekyll/Hyde dual-personality that allows for comfortable cruising when you need it but outright giggle-inducing fun when you want it. The best part? If you can't afford and RS3, there is an S3 with a lot of the same ingredients that make the RS3 so good. Can't afford an S3? The standard A3 has the fundamentals that make this generation the best in its class. You really can't go wrong unless you want to fit three abreast in the back seat. Otherwise, this is hands down the best car I drove this year and wholly deserving of the Car of the Year title.

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0:00 Introduction
1:30 Powertrain
2:43 Passenger Comfort
3:50 Interior
6:18 Driving Enjoyment
13:05 RS3 vs. S3 vs. A3
15:23 Final Thoughts

[gjtt]

I just saw a magazine review of this car doing 0-60 in 3.2 and 11.8 @ 118 (117.53) mph quarter mile stock. Wicked times stock and with just a tune and bolt-ons not much is going to pull away from you. Combine that with the looks, comfort, sound, awd, and tech and you have a perfect street car.

[ajeetm]

Not surprised Alex picked this car. I have a 2019 RS3 and the 2022 keeps what was great (5cyl, dsg) and fixed all the flaws (brakes, shocks, rear diff). It’s perfect. 👌🏼

[jiaweichen]

It’s a shame we don’t get the hatchback version.😢

[rodpaine]

Good accurate review as our now 2 years with our 2019 RS3 has been an on
going pleasure. Now retired and driving our RS 3 3 days a week on our favorite
country back roads 10am-2pm. Only change we made was to install 245/40/18
wheels/tires, as the 19" tires were very poor handling on our fast country back
roads with heavily aged surfaces. Now at 43, 256 miles this tire configuration has
proven to be a very good improvement. A great vehicle indeed!

[fzr]

Great car, alot of fun to drive. $65k in tango red with technology package and didn't pay a dime over msrp

[nickcheema]

Thanks for posting Alex, the RS3 is a fantastic vehicle.

[JDSFLA]

Excellent review. Great narrative as you drive along.

[dirckxd]

Glad to see such as positive review. Here over in Europe this car had less positive reviews compared to BMW and Mercedes... As an owner of a new A3 hatchback with a basic engine of 150HP (35 TSFI), I truly find it a fantastic car after 1, 5 years of ownership. Of course it is a matter of taste, but I love the design aspects, also of the interior.

[Wonderboy]

Can’t wait to test drive it! Thanks for the exciting review!🥳

[robsnow]

Good to see it on the list of best car, most big youtubers blew it off.

[jsfbay]

Happy New Years Alex and Brian (and everyone else we don't see on-camera)!

[brandon]

I do miss the sound of my 2018 RS3... One of the best cars I've owned.

[lakerfan]

Great car but how does one even buy it? I only see 7 dealer listings for it in the entire country.

[MrFrankieFiggz]

Awesome review. Glad you didn’t buy into the EV craze and make one of those your Car Of The Year. I’ve been driving Audi for 13 years straight. Had the ground-breaking 1st generation A5, now currently with an ‘18 A4 that I adore but will eventually upgrade to the S4. Thank you for giving this the praise it oh so deserves!

[Oaky]

I still love my 2016 A3 - It's hard to get rid of. Comfortable, quiet and run to drive

[Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan]

This is my dream sedan! Brilliant job Alex.

[jaycasbon]

Wow! Best review of 2022 - Awesomely detailed and enthusiastic for an amazing auto!

[sinappanis]

After buying my TT a few years ago the TTRS has become a bit of a dream car to me. I don't think I could ever bring myself to pay the extra 10k+ for a less practical but more stylish car though. I would probably end up saving the cash for the more useable RS3. Also the fact that in the states we have just lost the ability to buy new TTRS. Sad times for us I think coming ahead. Losing a lot of great cars.

[petercorrin]

Used to love my 16’ S3. Would love a new one.

[aallroad]

Great review ! Hope you'll make on for the long awaiting A3 Allroad coming around 2024