2019 Audi RS 3

Wireless charging, a phone signal booster, extended leather upholstery, plus two USB ports and a 12-volt outlet for the rear passengers join the inventory of standard equipment. The fixed sport suspension is now available as an individual option. Audi has also adjusted horsepower figures. Whereas the 2018 RS 3 had 400 horsepower, the 2019 version is rated at 394 hp. Same engine and same torque figure of 354 lb-ft. See the 2019 Audi RS 3 models for sale near you

This much power and agility in such a compact package makes for a compelling proposition. Do make sure there's enough in the budget to select the Driver Assistance and Technology packages. But we'd probably stick with the adaptive suspension. Find an Audi RS 3 for sale

The 2019 Audi RS 3 ($57,195) 5-seater small premium sport sedan comes in one well-stocked trim level with several options.

Standard equipment includes 19-in alloy wheels wearing summer performance tires, full LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive sport suspension, variable-ratio steering, 8-piston front brake calipers with ventilated discs, ventilated rear brake discs, a rear lip spoiler, keyless entry/ignition, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming/heated/power-folding side mirrors, selectable driving modes (adjusting steering assistance, gear shift points, suspension settings and throttle responses), a tilt-and-telescoping flat-bottomed steering wheel that's covered in leather and Alcantara (simulated suede, but lighter, so it's used in many actual racing cars), dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front sport seats with 8-way manual adjustment (including extendable thigh support)/4-way power lumbar adjustment, extended Nappa leather upholstery, ambient LED cabin lighting, stainless steel pedals, front/rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, a self-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-in infotainment screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, wireless charging, a phone signal booster, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker audio system, a CD/MP3 player, HD/satellite radio, SD card slot, USB ports front and rear, and two 12-volt outlets.

A Technology package adds the Virtual Cockpit configurable 12.3-in driver's information display, navigation with a touchpad controller featuring handwriting recognition, Wi-Fi and a 705-watt/14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The Driver Assistance package brings adaptive cruise control with stop/go, automatic high beams, and active lane-keeping assistance.

For more extreme tastes, a firmer fixed sport suspension can also be selected as an individual option.

Trunk space measures just 10 cu ft., not great even for a compact sedan. Anyone carrying longer items on a regular basis, such as golf bags, should make sure they fit properly (or give up golf and go driving instead). The rear seats can split and fold in 40/40/20 fashion.