Audi's RS division is responsible for the German marques' most admired vehicles. The RS badge signifies that Audi, in particular, is the creme de la creme of that model, a perfect balance between performance and luxury, and a rival to BMW M cars and Mercedes-AMGs. However, unlike their German rivals, the company has long been using all-wheel-drive, the famous Quattro system, which dominated Group B rally.

The S moniker of cars started in 1990, however, the harder and faster RS models began in 1994 with the RS2 Avant. The first RS embodied the brand's philosophy, built in partnership with Porsche, it was a fast and stealthy estate. A Porsche engineered 2.2-liter engine provided just over 300 hp and a top speed of 163 mph.

Evo described the car's grip as "unimpeachable," and this is where RS cars find their appeal, useable power. Quattro ensures that all the performance car's power sends the car forward instead of sideways. Audi replicated this success further with the RS4, an A4-based BMW M3 rival.

The number of RS models grew upward with the RS6 and RS5 and the elegant RS7 before turning their hand to fast SUVs like the RSQ3. Certain parts of the Audi range remain untouched by the RS badge, notably the R8, but also the A8 and A1. The RS3 is the most affordable model in Audi's performance range.

Over three generations, the RS3 has balanced performance and usability.

The First Generation

Audi RS3 In 2012
Via: Wikimedia Commons

In the same way, the RS6 Avant is based on the A6, the RS3 is based on the A3. Initially introduced in 1996, the A3 was Audi's first foray into the hatchback market, however their first hot hatch wouldn't come until 1999 in the form of the S3. Powered with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo engine partnered with an all-wheel drive system it shares a similar setup to the first-generation Audi TT.

According to Car Auto Portal, the underpinnings were "said to come from the de-tuned configuration of an Audi TT. It was reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful Audi TT model." A successor to the first Audi S3 came in 2006 as a modified version of the second generation car, but the first RS3 wouldn't debut until 2010, ready for 2011. With a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, the smallest RS car made quite the bang with its exhaust note that was reminiscent of a larger V10 engine.

The exterior had the RS treatment with plenty of chrome added to body panels and the silver wing mirrors, however, one RS feature remained missing, the twin oval exhausts. This RS3 had a twin exit exhaust on the left-hand side of the car's rear. Car and Driver coined this car "the ultimate compact hatchback", however, they did criticize the lack of a six-speed manual transmission with the dual-clutch system sometimes providing rough gear changes. The interior looked notably RS with bucket seats and bold stitching, but looking back, the cabin looks somewhat sparse and simple.

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The First Hyper Hatch

The Audi RS3 In Gray
Via: Audi.com

The first RS3 came before the heavy utilization of the MQB platform, meaning that the A3 didn't share all of its components with other cars. The third generation of Audi's hatchback launched for the 2013 model year, it was no longer the cheapest car in the range, with the A1 undercutting it and persuing the Fiat 500 buyer. Buyers would have to wait until 2015 for the next RS3.

Retaining the 2.5-liter engine, Quattro, and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission Audi leant into iteration as opposed to innovation. Auto Trader list as a reason to buy this model its "Supercar performance in a small hatchback", accelerating to 62 in 4.3 seconds, it earned the title of Hyper hatch. Importantly the car gained the twin oval exhausts, which have adorned the exterior of models like the B7 RS4. The RS3 may be smaller than other models it has managed to maintain the same philosophy of practicality as the RS2 Avant.

The previous car came only as a five-door Sportback model, Audi's name for a hatchback that has a little more boot space in the same vein as their estate car Avant models. The second RS3 launched only in this body, until two years later when Audi added the sedan body type to the range, turning the model into a smaller RS4.

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The Latest And Greatest

2022 Yellow Audi RS3 Sedan
Via: Audi

Audi's newest RS3 is based on the fourth-generation A3 and has launched in time for the 2022 model year. Once again, it comes in the five-door Sportback and sedan variations, has a more track-oriented cabin, and an even more aggressive body than in previous models. Audi is claiming a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds and "Even More Agility", power has been boosted to 400 metric horsepower.

The manufacturer has responded to criticism of the brand's often dull driving experience which its Quattro system provides. For 2022 a Drift Mode has been added, a functionality provided by the RS Torque Splitter. When Piston Heads gained access to the car for review, they wrote "it feels a bit counterintuitive because it needs so much throttle, but start slow, steer hard, punch that gas like you're a Fast & Furious extra, and it'll give you a bonafide powerslide", Audi hasn't quite got there yet in terms of being as fun as their rivals over in Munich but this third-generation is set to be an excellent addition to the brand's arsenal.

Audi does mention extended delivery times, citing "supply chain issues", however, the latest RS3 will soon be let loose on the motoring public. With a price tag of £51,475 and in the United States $59,500 before options, like its predecessors, the RS3 will be one of the most expensive hot hatches on the market but it offers more than most of the competition.