Audi RS 3 Driving Review: Testing the Hot Hatch in Tenerife

Tenerife offers a driving landscape that tests every single aspect of a vehicle. We wanted to see how a high performance hot hatch handles the dramatic elevation changes and incredibly tight corners of this volcanic island. The Audi RS 3 seemed like the perfect candidate for our latest road test, offering a blend of compact dimensions and serious power. We spent three days driving across the island to understand exactly what this car feels like on these specific roads.

On paper, the RS 3 has the exact dimensions you want for narrow Spanish mountain passes, combined with an all wheel drive system that promises absolute confidence. We pushed this car across different microclimates, from sunbaked coastal highways to freezing alpine altitudes, to find out what it is actually like to drive here. It is an experience that demands a car with dual personalities, and we were eager to see if the Audi could deliver.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

The journey usually starts on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road is characterized by long fast sweepers and heavy tourist traffic. Here, the RS 3 feels completely relaxed. The suspension in comfort mode absorbs the expansion joints well, and speeds of 90-120 km/h feel completely effortless. The cabin is quiet enough to hold a normal conversation, and the steering is light and predictable.

Turning off the coast and taking the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide changes everything. You ascend to 2,100 meters above sea level in a remarkably short distance. The air gets incredibly thin, and you experience a massive temperature drop as you break through the cloud layer. We were driving the Automatic 2.5 L five-seat model for this stretch. The turbocharged engine completely ignores the altitude. It pulls hard out of every hairpin, and the Quattro all wheel drive system grips the cold volcanic tarmac with absolute certainty. The brakes inspire huge confidence when you are heading downhill, never fading despite the steep gradients.

Then we took it to the TF-436 descending into Masca. These are extremely narrow cliff hairpins where small cars have a distinct advantage. If you are in a large SUV, you will be sweating every time a local bus comes the other way. The compact footprint of the RS 3 makes it incredibly agile here. We also tested the Automatic 2.0 L five-seat model on these tight technical sections. The steering is sharp, allowing you to place the front wheels exactly where you need them inches from the stone walls. You can dart into small passing places with ease.

Up in the north, the Anaga forest roads present a totally different challenge. It is frequently damp, extremely twisty, and often misty. Driving another standard RS 3 variant through the dense laurel forests, the surefooted nature of the car gave us immense confidence on wet leaves and slippery asphalt. The chassis communicates exactly what is happening beneath you, making it a joy to pilot through the endless sequence of blind corners.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The RS 3 is a masterpiece of grip and acceleration. It devours mountain roads with a ferocity that few sports cars can match, yet it remains incredibly easy to drive. The compact dimensions mean you never feel like the car is too wide for the island roads, which is a common complaint with wider supercars here. It gives you the confidence to enjoy the drive rather than worrying about scraping the paintwork.

However, we must be honest about the drawbacks. The ride is undeniably firm. Even in its softest setting, you will feel every pothole on the older rural routes. If you are looking for a magic carpet ride, this is not it. Furthermore, the exhaust note is thrilling on an empty mountain pass but can feel slightly obnoxious when you are just trying to quietly navigate a sleepy village at dawn. It is a car that demands attention, whether you want it to or not.

Practical notes

When you return to civilization, you have to deal with the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas. These areas are notorious for tight parking and strictly enforced blue-line meters. The RS 3 fits perfectly into standard European parking spaces. The parking sensors and cameras are invaluable when squeezing between poorly parked rental cars in crowded underground lots.

Fuel consumption is something you need to monitor closely. Climbing 2,000 meters in a high performance car drains the tank rapidly. You will want to fill up before tackling the Teide national park, as petrol stations are sparse up high. Luggage space is adequate for two people with large suitcases, or four people with weekend bags, but it is still a hatchback. Starting from EUR 345/day, it is a premium choice, and it absolutely feels premium inside with excellent build quality and supportive seats.

Verdict

Tenerife is an island of extremes, and the Audi RS 3 is a car built to handle them all. It is small enough for the terrifying drops of Masca, powerful enough to ignore the thin air of Mount Teide, and grippy enough for the damp shadows of Anaga. If you want a driving experience that elevates your holiday from a simple beach trip to a genuinely memorable motoring adventure, this is the car to choose. Just be prepared for a firm ride and frequent trips to the petrol station.

Where to book the Audi RS 3 Sportback in Tenerife

If this one sounds like your kind of drive, you can check dates and prices for the Audi RS 3 Sportback hire in Tenerife directly. Prefer to compare first? Browse all Audi rentals in Tenerife, sports car hire in Tenerife, car hire in Tenerife.