Audi RS3 review

No real surprises here: the RS3 has a very nice interior, although UK-spec cars do lack a touch of extra pizzazz that would really make it feel special. All models get the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit up front with various new screens and readouts, everything from torque split to a g-meter and lap timer.

Thankfully there’s also a new digital central rev counter so that you don’t have to try and figure out the annoying ‘RS runway’ dial option.

The standard 10.1-inch central infotainment screen is starting to look a little dated but still works well and connects to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto seamlessly. The haptic ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel mean it's only a matter of time before you turn the radio on by accident in a tight bend. The separate climate control panel has been retained so Audi clearly knows that physical switchgear is best.

Does it feel special?

All cars get a Nappa leather arrangement, with standard RS front seats, although you can have the eco-friendly Dinamica microfibre/leather as a no-cost option or upgrade to proper bucket seats for £2,500. It all creates a suitable atmosphere that lifts the inside of the car over the humdrum, everyday A3 and there’s now more ambient lighting to liven things up a little. But special? Hmm, not quite. It could do with flashing more of its wild side in here.

It’s roomy and comfortable for front seat passengers, slightly less so in the rear whether you go for the saloon or the Sportback, but nothing too extreme. Pretty much what you would expect from this class of car, and it’s all put together very nicely. As it should be.

Is it still practical though? 

The addition of the torque splitter on the rear axle means that the bootspace has shrunk by 50 litres from second to third gen RS3. Still, in the Sportback there’s a decent 282 litres of boot space with all the seats in place and 1,104 litres if you fold the rear ones flat. We'll forgive it, just this once. The saloon gets a more traditional shaped boot but with 321 litres of room.