Audi RS 3 joins other VW products on Car and Driver 10Best List 2018

Volkswagen, continuing its success, has added another vehicle to Car and Driver’s 10Best Car of the Year listing for 2018. At this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker saw the Audi RS 3 added to the 10Best list.

Magazine praises driving experience

The publication had praise for its design and the driving experience its editors found. “The ride is the only aspect of the RS 3 that is forgiving. The car’s structure is unyielding,” the magazine’s editors said in their assessment. “The body is so stout, if you hit a pothole, you feel bad for the pothole. If the RS 3 were a professional boxer, it’d be nicknamed the Ingot from Ingolstadt.”

The editors were right to laud the RS 3. For example, the all-new RS 3 sedan features an all-aluminum 2.5-liter turbocharged five-speed. The powerplant mates to a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission. The powerteam produces 354 pounds-feet of torque.

By opening the flaps of the RS 3’s exhaust system, the driver can control the distinctive engine note. The RS 3 can move from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and has a top end of 155 mph in standard form. When you equip it with the optional Dynamic plus package, the RS 3’s performance moves into supercar territory with a 174-mph top end.

Performance-oriented member of the family

The RS 3 is the performance-oriented member of the A3 family. Using the Audi Singleframe® grille with three-dimensional honeycomb design and quattro® script, the RS 3 tells you instantly it is serious about its sporting nature. The twin-oval RS exhaust pipes and rear diffuser with aluminum-matte finish with vertical struts confirm it, alluding to the car’s performance.

On the inside, Audi has paid attention to detail with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions. To provide better support for the driver, the sports seats feature sharply contoured side bolsters while the standard acoustic windshield helps reduce cabin noise. The front seats turned in Nappa leather with contrasting diamond-stitching, feature four-way lumbar support for driver comfort.

The all-new RS 3 offers not only outstanding performance but also integrates Audi’s benchmark A3 model line technology, including its virtual cockpit.

Qualifiers must new or updated

To be eligible for Car and Driver’s 10Best Car, vehicles must be new or significantly updated with a base price of less than $80,000. Vehicles must also offer value, excel at its mission and deliver an overall enjoyable driving experience. Here's where you can find more information.

Source: Audi