Yahoo Autos Editors’ Picks February 2023 | Audi RS 3, electric G80 and a longtime favorite
In this month’s set of Editors’ Picks, we see a wide variety of vehicles earn our recommended status. The Audi RS 3 is a truly stellar sedan with a killer engine, great handling and still enough comfort for daily use. Genesis finds its way onto the list again with its electric version of the G80 midsize sedan, and Volvo’s XC90 still charms after all these years.
In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get an Editors’ Pick designation. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in January that earned an Editors’ Pick.
2023 Audi RS 3
Quick take: The Audi RS 3 keeps the passion alive with a superb sounding 5-cylinder engine and a torque-vectoring rear differential that massively ups the handling fun. Its interior is a little bland, but it's still a handsome Audi on the outside.
Score: 8.0
What it competes with: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, BMW M240i, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, VW Golf R
Pros: Epic engine sound, fun AWD system, great handling and acceleration, attractive exterior styling
Cons: Interior doesn't pop, expensive for its size
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "If you love a special engine, the Audi RS 3 is a car for you. Few powertrains sound and feel as special as the 5-cylinder engine in the RS 3, and the ferocity with which it accelerates will have you laughing your head off with every pull. The sheer performance out of this little machine is extraordinary, and I'd recommend it to anybody shopping for a small, luxury sports car daily. All that said, I wish Audi could've sorted out better steering and a suitable interior. As-is, both of those factors are negatives in a car that is almost all upside."
In-depth analysis: 2023 Audi RS 3 First Drive Review: To hell with business cases
2023 Volvo XC90
Quick take: The XC90 may be old now, but key updates and a timeless design ensure it's competitive as ever. The Scandinavian interior design appeal has never faded, and now the Google-based infotainment system is fresh and snappy. Even the Recharge PHEV is an awesome alternative with great range and strong electric motor.
Score: 7.5
