Audi RS3 (Typ 8Y)

After a year of waiting since the arrival of the current Audi A3, the ultimate version known as the RS3 has arrived in sedan and Sportback form, and this means party time for speedo boys who have waited long enough to get their filthy hands on the latest version that promises to be as awesome as the previous RS3.

The RS3 (priced at 62,000 Euros plus additional costs) and the RS3 Sportback (priced at 60,000 Euros plus additional costs) are back in the Typ 8Y generation and the latest versions promise to be as enjoyable to drive as the previous model, something that speedo boys are looking forward to.

At first glance, the new versions are like the normal Audi A3 8Y, but with the RS3, this is what these A3 models looked like after last night in Ibiza. Such party animals they, and when you check through the design and its interior, it smells like one of the frat boys on steroids. Now that's manly, but just like the normal A3, speedo boys can get easily plagued by its minimalist interior layout because like the normal model, you don't get buttons and dials to adjust the touch screen sat nav's volume.  You get buttons only on the climate control. Period.

Anyway, with the beefed-up exterior design and a dark interior theme that smells manly for hot hatch standards, the new models' performance and dynamics are something to spark a conversation about. The new models retained the same 2.5L TFSi engine from the previous model. Sure, it produces the same 400PS power output as the original but they've managed to add 20Nm of torque to make it 500Nm, allowing it to rev as much as 7000rpm. Mated to an S Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it can go from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds and with an optional extra online, it can go up to 290kph, that's 10kph quicker than the previous model.

Aside from the improved performance, the new RS3's dynamics are getting more enjoyable than ever because underneath, the old model's rear axle differential has been replaced with a torque splitter that comes with a special feature that makes the RS3 drift like a rear-wheel-drive car. Not a Focus RS as such but it feels so addictive and enjoyable. Couple that with the RS sports suspension and the ceramic brake system, along with other improvements, the result is a mild but menacing ride that speedo boys will never forget. Once they drive it, it's prime time.

Is this the best RS3 Audi ever made? It's a 3-to-2 split decision but either way, the all-new RS3 range, in sedan and Sportback forms, loves to party through the roads and tracks like a real party animal. Although speedo boys are getting problems with the interior, the fun-to-drive character is still pretty much alive and kicking and looks like we are feeling the jealousy from within, wishing we want to experience one of these on our own terms. This is the RS3 that is too cool to be ignored for Gen Z.

Photo: Audi

2018MY Audi RS3 Sportback und Limousine

About two years ago, Audi launched their most powerful hot hatch in the stable, the Audi RS3. With its 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 367PS of power and 465Nm of torques, it could have been the most powerful hot hatch ever created by the Volkswagen Group until the currently-facelifted A45 AMG backlashed it with 380PS of power, which is kinda sad. Now, there's a new RS3 that promises to revolve the patterns in super hot hatch hierarchy and more.

2018 Audi RS3 Sportback

2018 Audi RS3 Limousine

Here it is, the new version and at first glance, it looks slightly different than the old, pre-facelifted RS3 until you get to see what's under the bonnet. The 2.5L TFSi engine as we all know it is now upgraded so now it produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Mated to an S Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it can go from 0 to 100kph in 4.1 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. 280 if you go for an optional performance package.

The fun doesn't stop there because apart from the added performance, there's also the first-ever RS3 Limousine variant, delivering the same thrills from the Sportback, now with the four-door saloon look to make your day as thrilling as the Taken trilogy films, whatever it takes.

It's great to have Audi reclaimed its rightful throne from Mercedes-AMG for their most powerful hot hatch ever made and with all that power output that surprises speedo boys the most, have the dynamics ever changed now that the RS3 has been revised since our first encounter? Uh, sadly, I don't think so.

Of course, even though the RS3 has been given wider track and a sporty suspension setup, it still is very mild to drive in the corners and even with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, it just feels like an overpowered front-wheel-drive car that can fracture an arm in seconds when turning hard on the bends, especially those with prosthetics. This car can hurt you more than the car itself and even if you try turning hard on the corners, it would be very difficult for a mild and menacing car to get out so you need to be prepared with some painkillers while going on a track day with this car.

What about taking it on the normal roads? Well, because this is a high-performance variant of the Audi A3, be it saloon or hatchback if you may, chances are they might notice you slightly because they can easily mistake you for a normal A3 and of course, being slightly incognito in the public roads, there are some features that can draw some attention to the public apart from the noise that doesn't seem too intimidating to some. One such noticing feature is the special RS screen on the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is great on track days, but on normal roads, this is a clear example of why this world has gone with the dogs. Think of it like the villain from Austin Powers going on a shopping spree at the department store and that would be proper comedy if you take this hot Audi for a stroll around the metropolis but this is no laughing matter because in terms of accommodating with the normal crowd, that sport-tuned suspension adds some drama to your daily commute and taking it from points A to B, there's going to be some yelling to do when they confide about you and that RS3.

The pricing is what you should be worried about because the Audi RS3 Sportback is priced at 54,600 euros, and the saloon starts at 55,900 euros and they're about more expensive than its rivals from Mercedes-AMG. Sure, their newest RS3 range reclaimed the throne from the A45/GLA45 but in terms of dynamics, they're still mild and menacing because they still don't have the aesthetics of a Ford Focus RS and without it, be prepared for some cruising with a bruising. 

Photo: AUDI AG

Mini JCW (F56) vs. Audi RS3 Sportback (8V) vs. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E OPC/VXR

Back when the new generation Mini was launched, the latest model is no longer a Mini in terms of size. It's more of a Wumbo if you ask them. Despite its go-kart handling promise that Mini delivers for the new model, it doesn't cut the mustard when it gets through tight spaces and it doesn't feel like what the old Mini does in its heydays.

2015 Mini John Cooper Works

So, what do we have here? I'm sensing jealousy from anyone who haven't tried this one out yet. Yes, this is the high-performance version of the new Mini, it's called the John Cooper Works, and for this new model, Mini claims that this is their most powerful car in the family tree, although I'm not particularly sure that this is their best bet in the world of hot hatches.

It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque. When mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, 0-100kph takes about 6.1 seconds and a top speed of around 246kph. That sounds like a quick car for a quick getaway from your nana's house but because all good hot hatches need to be good at handling, how was it? Is it better than the Cooper S any person had one?

Thanks to its track-honed suspension setup as well as Brembo brakes and special alloy wheels made specifically for this model, the new model isn't half bad to thrash around in the corners. Since this car is all about being a beginner's luck, any driver can drive one before getting advance through luxury sports cars and high-end exotics. Perhaps this is more of a crash course for those who are new to the track day scene, eh? What about taking on the city roads? Is it worth it? Well, not quite because since this is still a wumbofied Mini, your best chance is not to drive it on the tights because you'll be getting a hard time surviving on small spaces much as the normal new Mini does.

Yes, it might still be as big as the normal Mini, but to be honest, the new JCW mixes the things that are right with the things that are wrong so even though this is worth of a challenge, this is still a well accessible track day car you can use it anytime just as long as it doesn't get to situations that doesn't cut the mustard.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

If you're opening to suggestions that the new Mini JCW is lacking power, perhaps you should better off with this; the all-new Audi RS3 Sportback.

Think of the new RS3 Sportback as a posh version of its cousin, the VW Golf R, but unlike the Golf R, this new RS3 comes with a 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 367PS of power and 465Nm of torques. It's the most powerful hot hatch ever created by the Volkswagen Group, and even though this is more than the pre-facelifted A45 AMG, the currently-facelifted A45 AMG backlashed it with more power, which is kinda sad.

Anyway, because this is Audi's most powerful hatchback in the range, it's 0-100kph time is 4.3 seconds while the top speed electronically limited to 250kph or you can go for an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph, which is definitely a fast hatch full-stop.

Of course, good hot hatchbacks don't rely on straight-line performance, and how does the RS3 fare well as a track-day car? Sadly, it's very challenging. Even though it has a four-wheel drive powertrain, driving the new RS3 is like trying to survive a bull riding competition for years and when it sees a corner, best to prepare some painkillers over this one because it's too much grip and understeering can be a pain in the neck. If this car understeers, it's like you've got choked by an angry German who got his schnitzel messed up.

So, would you recommend it? Well, in terms of speed, the new RS3 is a clear bet but in terms of track day use, perhaps this new model warns the drivers that it will going to send them to the chokey. Man, someone's going to get choked by this hot hatch when it understeers.

2016 Opel Corsa OPC

2016 Vauxhall Corsa VXR

If it's affordability you're after, how about this? The new Opel Corsa OPC (Vauxhall Corsa VXR). Now, according to the pricelist, the new Mini JCW costs around 29,900 Euros while the new RS3 starts at 52,700 Euros. The newest version of the Corsa OPC/VXR starts at a very accessible 24,650 Euros (18,375 Pounds) and what you have here is a pocket rocket with very accessible handling that makes it popular among car enthusiasts.

Of course, its 2.0L turbo engine produces the least amount of power when compared to the new JCW and the new RS3, but unlike the other two, it's compact and nimble enough to cut through corners like a game of fruit ninja. Juicy.

It feels generous, it feels accessible, and when getting through the tightest of situations, it's not half bad at all. This is definitely the ideal hot hatch you can have if you're in a mood for some track-day fun.

So, what's your pick? Well, when you compare these hot hatches, chances are very random because a few might go for the new JCW, some might go for the new RS3, while most might go for the hot Corsa. Above all, the newest Corsa OPC/VXR is their best chance because even though it's not as powerful as the others, it's a very accessible hot hatch that you can use it all the time as long as they're not involved in any shenanigans on the city,

A very aggressive hatchback

What a mean looking face!

Appeared via the November Speed DLC, the new 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback is one red-hot hatchback that you can only try this on Forza Motorsport 4. On straight lines, this hatchback performs a perfect launch because of its 4WD drivetrain but because of this layout, perhaps the handling is wasn't as sharper as the Renaultsport Megane because it's somewhat heavy.

A Tale of Two Latecomers

When I tried out round the Top Gear Test Track, it did better than my modified Starion but relax, take it easy, there are other B-class cars that are way better than my RS3 full-tuned to B-Class standards. Because this one's colored red, just imagine if you were at the Red Team of a game of Top Gear Soccer, you could be the captain of the team.

Nope, it's not official...yet.

A car like the Audi RS3 can be somewhat very unresponsive when it comes to cornering because of its weight but it takes a lot of practice to master the fundamentals of the new Audi RS3 Sportback.

A big-time mob threat

As some found out a few moments ago, we read something from the Top Gear magazine, and they rated the Audi RS3 Sportback a 12 out of 20. The staff must have preferred the sound of the engine but the electric power steering was a huge disadvantage. Guess their proof from Top Gear were right, maybe this RS3 Sportback is hard to handle on tight corners, especially at the Nurburgring. Right now, I'd better suit up my Stig costume and drive the RS3 Sportback round the Top Gear Test Track while listening to the theme song of Twin Spica.

Two cars that are too little too late but worth trying it

The Audi RS3 Sportback

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe

Two of these high-performance compacts arrived a little too late of their lifespans but worth getting used to. When I compare both of these high-performance compacts, what can I expect? Both the Audi RS3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series M Coupe are highly offensive and both of the turbocharged engines are set to the offensive because they are trying to defend something.

However, I'm not going to see who's got the offense. Let's hand the comparison over to our friends from Auto Express shall we?

Audi RS3 Sportback

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback

An absurdly late arrival in the Audi A3 range is the high-performance version of the A3 Sportback that is even more better than the S3 Sportback. The Audi RS3 Sportback is the latest addition to the Audi RS lineup, which consists of incredibly high-performance Audi vehicles offered such is the TT RS and RS5.

With the fire-breathing 2.5L 20V engine, the RS3 accumulates a mind-numbing power output of 340 PS/5400-6500 RPM and the torque output of 450Nm/1600-5300 RPM. Overall, the RS3 Sportback's top speed reaches to about 250km/h and it reaches 0-100km in just 4.6 seconds. The standard transmission for the RS3 Sportback is a 7-speed S Tronic transmission that allows the driver to switch either in Auto mode or in the enjoyable Manual mode.

My thoughts about the RS3 Sportback:
Is the arrival of Audi's spellbinding RS3 Sportback a little too late? In my highest expectations, I think Audi brought this hot hatch a little too late because of their hectic schedules.

Despite that, I think that the RS3 Sportback is one major major fun-to-drive hatchback because of its high-performance 2.5L TFSi engine, S tronic transmission, quattro technology, and everything that most European car addicts want to be tempted by the seductive power of the RS3 Sportback.

Once you step inside, you maybe undergo several WTF (what the fudge) moments when you take it for a spin.

Photo: Audi AG