The fastest hot hatch in the world feels like a half-million-dollar supercar when you close your eyes and concentrate on its gut-churning G-Force and thrilling soundtrack. So naturally, that kind of sensory experiment is best conducted from the passenger seat of the Audi RS3.
There is a unique, musical quality to the five-cylinder, highly-loved engine beneath the bonnet, which calls to mind Audis R8 V10 or the Lamborghini Huracan. And that hatchback returns the bark, delivering a ruthlessly quick boost. Audi claims a sprint time of 3.8 seconds to 100km/h (easily beating Porsches latest 911 Carrera), but independent testing suggests that it is considerably quicker.
There is little doubt that it is the best-performing RS3 to date, especially when it comes to driver involvement. And it is far more practical than two-door sports cars, considerably easier to live with daily. It is just as fun to drive as any other hatchback around town, with slick power delivery and a multi-mode damper system that does a decent job at maintaining composure through the bumps.
Outstanding ergonomics and impressive infotainment features enhance its everyday charm. Factor in the exceptional engine, and the result is something worth drooling over.