The 2026 Audi RS3 ($78,250 starting in Canada, $66,100 starting in the US) was recently refreshed but still stands fast as the last turbocharged 5-cylinder engine on the market. With some new upgrades and design changes, Thomas and James were curious how this new RS3 fares as a sporty daily driver, and how it compares to its competition. Does it provide what you would expect of an Audi RS model? And is it worth the premium over the Golf R? Thomas and James can’t wait to find out! We hope you enjoy the episode. Subscribe!
Videography: Karston Chong and Daniel Mason
Editing: Daniel Mason
Sound: Harrison Dickson and Daniel Mason
Magical Genius Logistics Planners: James Engelsman and Joey Alford
Was present: Thomas Holland
EXTRA THROTTLE HOUSE!
https://www.youtube.com/c/ExtraThrottleHouse
Throttle House Merch!
https://www.thethrottlehouse.com/merchandise/
Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/thethrottlehouse/
#Audi #RS3 #5Cylinders
3:46 I wish Thomas wouldn’t cut James off so much. It’s kind of annoying how is type A personality is constantly battling with James to be talking. Like here, James didn’t even get to finish his thought, they went on to talk about what Thomas started saying 😒 so…. The good news issss??
I mean TBH my Tesla Model 3 Performance is both quicker AND more under the radar than the RS3… instant torque and gas prices made me stop caring about my cars making vroom vroom noises ⛽️
the "penis" not the Chicken Nugget?
Do ya'll know if there is any validity to the rumor that VW is gonna put the 5cyl in the 2027 Golf R?
"All I can smell is the schawarma burp you did 5 minutes ago". You guys always crack me up. I'm here for the laughs, thanks guys!
1-2-4-5-3 ❤
2:47 this sound/engine is not unique to this car anymore, Cupra Formentor VZ5 is back in the new gen as well.
Definitely not worth the 66k they want for that 😂🤦🏽♂️
I've got the new RS3 in the same colour, Daytona Grey, and it's an absolute sleeper. It's unasuming and people don't usually pick it, so I dodge a lot of bogans who have no idea what they're near.
I wish we got the hatchback in Canada.
If audi cared so much they wouldn't be disconnecting the 5 cyl 😢
Pretty sure the Cupra Formentor vs5 now has this engine also, so not the only car with this engine
The interior looks cheap and tacky.
nice font
It looks like a camry in a way
I think it looks beautiful, and personally, I think Audi is making some of the only consistently good looking cars every new generation. This is coming from a certified Audi hater
If the average new car in the US sold today is above $50k, and it is, 😊then honestly, what's an extra $16k for this?
Hope that ice treatment isn't the same stuff used on the roads im on or you're quickly ruining that car.
If only that engine would fit in something with a full-time AWD, like an Evo.
All audi's look boring and lack any form of imagination. Nobody buys an audi with an actual color. That says alot
Will you do a RS5 review now that North America is slated to get them for 26/27? It looks like Audi may have finally decided that BMW needs to take a second place.
8:45 smells like schnitzel😂 Mmm Audi 🔥
Beamers are getting uglier while Audis are getting sexier
Not a fan of the huge grills on cars now days, that big open catfish look is terrible.
Also, I feel for this price you could get a used Golf R and mod the crap out of it and make more power for about the same price or less.
I was hours away from pulling the trigger on a Golf R to be responsible . Then I saw this video and I got in a progressive red 26 RS3 the next day. The pure joy on my face every time I get in it is well worth the premium. Keep up the videos!
ICE performance is irreplaceable.
Annnnd Audi just announced the end of the 5cyl production. Happy to have grabbed a 2026
"What if it was a hatchback?"
For now, we can still dream tax-free. So,
What if it was a small wagon?
Only real nitpicks from me are the lack of a manual and a hatch in the US. I'm a Toyota/Honda boi at heart, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't lust after this car.
The WRX just gets lamer, and lamer.
2:50 You can get the 5cyl in the Cupra Formentor VZ5. Much better looking, with a much nicer interior and quite a bit cheaper. Way, way more spacious.
The BMW X3 M50 is about the same starting price in Canada and has been clocked at 3.89 Secs. 0 – 60 and is much more practical. However the RS3 can be tossed about with a lot of fun.
So we don’t care about haptics on the steering wheel?
Unfortunately like all the recently facelifted Audis it’s a step backwards especially the interiors
Test drove one. The gearbox is a bit clunky. Same gearbox as the VW Transporter
It’s nice! But I would still take an M2 over it…come to think of it…I would take a Mustang Dark Horse over it…in terms of fun & driving dynamics they both are better than this Audi.
I agree with James it’s such a good daily. But come to think of it…I would take a Tesla Model 3 performance over it…if only criteria is daily & fast. And with all the money I save from buying cheaper MP3….i will load up a file of actual LF-A V10 sound so I can play it if I get tired of serenity of no noise on my daily traffic clogged drive. Or when I am going super fast to grocery store. I might even get a used Miata with left over money from buying MP3. 😉
Erm SEAT/Cupra Formentor gets the 5 pot. So just a little wrong
The outside looks pretty nice but that screen heavy interior looks gaudy and ugly as f**k