' 2015 / 2016 AUDI RS3 Sportback (8V) ' Test Drive & Review - TheGetawayer 

that's how you win credibility. By giving honest opinions. You mention relevant point's for the enthusiast so...again great review.

Stellar intro sequence! Great to hear your honest opinion also... Keep up the good work!

The aesthetic quality of your videos is light years better than anything else I've seen online. A smart car manufacturer would contract you to make 30 second commercials of their product for RU-vid. Are you alone in the realization of these reviews? Really the best.

My favorite video of you Guido! From the narrative about rebellion in the beginning, to the clear, no-nonsense criticism of the car's shortcomings. Love it!

my dream car

Bummer... was really looking forward to seeing the RS3 here in the states soon. I have a 2007 Volvo S60R with Haldex AWD and can appreciate the understeer comments as it too suffers from the same. However, a stiffer rear swaybar quickly solved that problem. Unfortunately, the Volvo platform never received much aftermarket support so tapping the Haldex to make it more rear biased was never fully developed. At least the RS3 has the capability and perhaps with some aftermarket magic and larger swaybar it may come alive... I'm not a fan of the electronic steering either, but everyone is moving this way it seems. I do like the S3 and it's received very nice reviews, but like you said, the RS3 engine is so nice. I can only imagine what a tune will do for this car. It seems that the potential is here with some electronic tweaking of the Haldex and perhaps steering if possible together with an ECM tune and stiffer rear swaybar. It's still on my shortlist along with the S3 and M3. Thanks for the review. Cheers from the states.

I just wanted to chime in and say that I think the majority of people who buy the RS3 are probably going for the practicality, appearance and engine/sound. The key thing with most Audi's is you don't have to be a superb driver to enjoy it's performance. It's easy - point and shoot performance. It's much easier to keep it under control (with little skill) than most BMW M or Merc AMG. Let's face it, few RS3's will ever see a track (other than by Audi fans) and that's fine. I don't think Audi ever intended this to be a 'drivers car', if they did - it would have had a manual option. I like the DSG simply because if I'm driving to work, I'd rather have the car change gear. The RS3, for me, packs convenience, practicality and performance into one expensive machine and I can't complain at it's shortcomings when taking that into account. Where it does appeal (to me at least) is in it's total package as an daily driver. It has a sweet engine, a great sound, an understated look along with the things I mentioned previously. I like that complete balance in the package, but appreciate most 'drivers' wont. It has compromises that are made in those areas. The S1 I drove was admittedly more 'fun' and I have also spent some time with the Gold R too and I will honestly say it is a much more 'fun' car than either of them. I still purchased an RS3 simply on the basis I just liked it more as a complete package. Yes the RS3 is probably too expensive but you are paying for the Audi badge (and that's not always a bad thing high residual values, quality, etc). Reviews tend to be very critical of Audi in general, but sometimes what one views as an advantage is another's disadvantage. To be fair, for my daily commutes, I'd rather be in the RS3 than in a M or AMG car.The RS3 can kick it's tail out, but only if you specifically request it with controlled input - I guess they just didn't really build the RS3 for this. I agree, the question could be asked "but why does it have the RS badge". If we look back, nearly every RS and every Audi has the same problem - understeer, no driver engagement, no feedback. It is not that Audi are not capable, they clearly are capable, as other VW group cars like the Golf R impress as a fun drivers car despite being pretty similar chassis set-up to the RS3. I think it is just they design their cars for a very specific customer that likes performance, sporty appearance and the fact you can pop your wife, kids and 10 bags in the boot. I don't regret buying the RS3, despite it's compromises as a sports car - it is a very usable daily driver that certainly makes daily commutes less mundane. To summarise I think it's a great car for someone who wants 60% family hatchback and 40% fun. If you want any other combination you simply buy something else that's more positioned for what you want. :-)To be honest, any one considering this car should simply test drive one to make up their mind.

Really like your review because you honestly tell the bad things of cars you tested rather than just praising and praising.

Great review. I think the average driver in normal conditions will never feel the quirky issues around handling. Most will be to scared to push into corners and therefore never noticing under steer.

I was excited to see this because it is on a list daily cars for me. Now I might have no choice but to hop into one... Excited. Thanks for this awesome review Guido! I know someone who already has one on order including Audi's "Individual" program to get is customized. So excited.

Good honest review as always. Audio balance spot on for me Guido.

What you say in this review is basically the same said by an italian magazine! Basically their main complaint was the lack of playfullness due to very invasive electronics that even when disabled were still watching over the car! The review is great as always, and I'm waiting for the M2 to come out, that will hopefully be something special!

The quality of your videos is second to none. Everything is great, from your editing work to your actual review. Very professional with great insight and a genuine opinions about each car. Good luck with all future endeavors, cheers!

Wow man thanks you so much ..for this review.. i love this little car !!

Guido...Guido...I asked you before about the new A45 but I did not actually look at this video... Now I have watched it, and I can say I admire your candor and loyalty, because I think in some ways it's more difficult to be so honest when you are not so famous and you are at risk every time you say something against a car maker - they can simply give you no cars anymore. You reminded me of a guy that is called Chris Harris, and I think it's quite a good compliment for a man who does this job. About the car, I was afraid about what you could say, because I read many reviews that weren't so enthusiatic...Audi did it again :(((

As always, great video Guido! Also, I appreciate the willingness to be honest/critical. Too many reviewers sound like they also work for the carmaker's marketing team.

Great review Guido! I love the looks and sounds of the RS3. That's surprising to hear that it has body roll like that and light steering. I'd love to see you test the new Ford Focus RS!

Another good review Guido. Keep these coming. We won't see these RS cars in the US. The only RS models we get is the RS7 and the RS8.. No more RS5 now. Thank you.

This is my favourite video in youtube...

That's my next car no matter what

I drove one last week and I agree with everything you said. I don't care how good the engine and the interior is, the Golf R is a much more enjoyable car to drive and you can use the extra money you saved on something more enjoyable weather it goes towards another car or a nice family holiday e.c.t.

Great intro! Love the engine sound, and your reviews.

I have a 2019 RS 3 and love it. I have a set of winter tires which gets me through anything during the winter..Grteat review Guido,

Another great review Guido! Hope your honesty won't stop them giving you cars to test. I really like your great work!

I think this might be my next car as I currently have an S3 if they can fix the suspension and steering issues. Hopefully the US version will have these issues fixed.

my dream car!

Great videos! Love that you review an auto by the way it drives and feels on roads and NOT the track! Live in Michigan and drive 25 miles one way on twisty and hilly backroads roads, similar to the "B" roads shown on your videos. Looking at the following summer only cars to purchase; Audi TTRS, Audi RS3, VW Golf R, Audi S3, and Audi TTS. If you had to choose from these, which would you prefer? Any particular reasons? Or any other suggestions that I should consider. By the way, love the grin and laugh when you accelerate hard during the testing. Proves to me you are having a BLAST! Thank you for the VIDEOS and keep up the good work!

Thanks for the high quality review (EN too) and your opinions. What you've said seems to match what some other media outlets state. But, I must admit that this thing sounds lovely going down the road!

Endlich mal jemand, der sich von reiner Beschleunigung auf der Geraden nicht blenden lässt. Nach dem Video und dem vom Golf R musst du aber unbedingt mal den neuen Focus RS testen, mir egal ob du Ford nur verspoilert vor der Dönertheke stehen siehst :D Wenn dich der Golf schon so begeistert, würde mich wirklich sehr interessieren, was du denn vom Focus hälst. Grüße und weiter so!

I think I will wait for the TTRs, should have the new modern styling, same 5 cyl engine. Hopefully they will improve the steering and suspension

Der Sound der neuen 5Zylinder Reihe ist wirklich gelungen. Das haben wir auf unser Testfahrt auch festgestellt:)

Isn't Audi's main selling point to have fast, safe and comfortable cars ? That's why they have the "quattro", four wheel drive, and softer suspension than a BMW. Valentino Balboni once said that the four wheel drive on the Gallardo makes everyone a good driver. I think what Audi buyers want is a fast and easy to drive car.

In my opinion speed and power are great but does not take too long before you get used to it. How a car handles in the bends and the actual feedback you get while driving are more important. I was keen on the RS3 but now may look at the Golf R for more fun factor

Great review Guido! I had a 2.4l, 5 cylinders Alfa Romeo 159 and really love the sound on the RS3 but the negative points you mentioned are really important, specially for a car with this price tag.

This car interior and engine is amazing! please get real

Your videos keep getting better and better. I was sort of surprised to hear your opinion, as most journalists loved it. I guess it's a good car for cruising, as it's rather soft and has a lot of punch with that engine. An M135i would be more enjoyable in the twisties with a manual and RWD... Still, with 68000 EUR you can get a lot of very very cool cars for cruising, including a used pre-facelift F10 M5 with not many kms on it...

Great review, I like your point of view on the car. I noticed you mainly review Euro cars, but I would love do see your opinion on the current model WRX (preferably non-sti).

Really great review, what an engine! Thanks for your honesty too! Looking forward to driving this car

Quality little car, and quality review as always. That 5-cylinder is a classic. Too bad the overall package is slightly disappointing. Cheers Guido.

I have one on order. Here in Australia a S3 is $75,000 the Rs3 in similar spec will run $100,000 so it is very expensive. For comparison, a 2016 A45 is $91,0000 and a Golf R around $59000 . Basically I wanted a supercar in speed, but with practicality to match. Its certainly not the most engaging car to drive, but I have another car specifically for track work and sunday morning mountain blasts. Its extremely fast, sounds amazing, can carry 5 people and other things a sports coupe can't, its easy to park, subtle enough to not draw TOO much attention, but mad enough that people who know cars know what it can do. For the 95% of the time it will be in the daily drive, there isn't much out there that will touch it. So while the car is not perfect by any means, those imperfections will never come into play most of the time, while I get to engine the positives every single day. A small part of the decision was the emotional one, I have had a RS4 in the past and loved it, and don't want something that big anymore. I went with Sepang Blue - and most of the options except the RS buckets and carbon brakes. Here in Australia the car comes with alot of stuff standard that is optional in other parts of the world (example - sports exhaust and blind spot warning)

Viewed your RS3 video review again; Many thanks! For 68,000 Euro's ... that's Cayman w/sport exhaust territory and with its front and rear luggage compartments ... dare I say "practical" .

Excellent review. Thank you, I subscribed. Hello from Florida!

nice Review and it is nice to give your honest opinion

I respect your honest review. I was hoping for more too.

honest and real good review! i share the same experiences! would always choose a Golf 7R over the RS3. the lack of steeringfeel is getting worse over pretty much all audi models. anyway, keep the great work up!

Love your videos....Bitte..bitte ..make more!! I love my 5000 CS Turbo that 5cylinder is bullet proof!! Sounds great as well.

great review as always.👍👍👍from your fan in San Francisco. do you think this car has to small interior???

I totally agree. I test drove the RS3 and the TTS back to back and the TTS is a much better driver's car. Then again, I think that misses the point somewhat in that the RS3 is a more practical purchase and therefore drives more practically.

That sound... brings back those Group B memories

Great video.I like the sound

it sounds like an upgraded suspension will help out a lot here. worst case get a much stiffer rear sway bar. the main key is to have a much stiffer rear spring setup. that will allow more over steer and less body roll.

Not my kinda car either but I really enjoyed watching the video. Your fall videos are simply stunning! Keep up the great work Guido! That "quattro" label on the front of newer RS models is so bad, looks like a cheap tuning add-on instead of something coming from a proper German brand. I believe it's optional but I wish they'd stop it.

Great review short and to the point.

Good review. Could you try M135i LCI and new A45 AMG as well?

. . I traded in my mint 2007 Audi RS4 for my new RS3 (awaiting delivery) . . 5 years of the RS4 was glorious . . but after several test drives I was hooked on the RS3 . . the engine is utterly superb . . having had 5 cylinder's Audis back in the day this car is a revelation . . and handling wise, I do not understand some testers continual insistence that over steer is the be all and end all of car handling . . they just do not know how to drive a 4 wheel drive car . . this car hands down beat my RS4 for fun around town and across country roads I know, . . the RS4 was a harsher riding, bigger, heavier car (+300kg) and no joy to drive on back roads or in town, accept at the lights (and I burnt through 3 clutches in 5 years, which is apparently average I found out!) it was more suited to the motorways/autobahn at above the speed limit . . but the RS3 is more playful in normal day to day, and for me way more comfortable . . so the RS3 can be a beast but she is also has a softer side that's better to live with as a daily driver

Rear ARB makes a huge difference.

I was going order one of these in the summer, so glad I didn't now. It sounds great but I haven't read/seen any positive reviews for. I ordered a CLA45 instead. Would love to see the new CLA45 or A45 facelift on here!

Very nice accurate review.

great video as always, the M135i/235i seem to get overlooked in this segment, rear wheel drive, well priced, though the looks may lack compared to the rest.

thank you for the hoenst review, great as always

I actually drive one of these RS3's. Im totally with you on your comments towards the halex clutch. It doesn't deliver what it was promised to do. On dry grippy surface it isn't able to transfer more than 40% of torque to the back. The 100% of torque that is supposed to be transferable to rear is theoretical (Only if the front is on ice and the rear is on grippy tarmac). The true problem is that, it takes to much time to engage the clutch fully, so drifting rather difficult. My setup up of that car is different due to my experiences with the earlier RS3 (8P) model. I've got the normal sport (not dynamic suspension) suspension and the optional 255s front which makes it better. Not truly good but better. I compared both cars with optional 255s both dynamic and non dynamic suspension. Comparing both you can tell that its quicker and far more fun to drive. But most interesting is the way the Halex clutch engages or better how its made to engage. Due to the "safety thinking" of Audi, the Haldex clutch actually disengages when going flat out. I figures it out when driving in the wet, while having a voltmeter attached to the Haldes. As soon as you try to make it drift while flooring it 100%, the clutch disengages. I actually have created a chart which shows under which circumstances it engages while driving!! (very important!! completely different when starting off on snow), so I'm only focussing in this regard on "does it drift"? Compared to the 8P you can say it does. Only if three parameters are within given limits while driving. First: You only have full transfer to the rear when the accelerator is in between 25%-60% of its possible travel. Less then 25% means not enough power but more than 60% means the clutch disengages slowly to somewhere close to 30% of its power to engage. Second: The steering angel mustn't be less than 10-15 degrees and more than 45 degrees. The third and that is sad, it's got to be moist or wet to have less friction, to actually start the rear tires to over rotate. On thing is sure: The Haldex clutch is the cheapest way of creating a 4-wheel drive system that enables the ability to control the torque in between two axles. And it comes with lots of disadvantages!! This nice hatch back is never able to show it true potential until someone puts a real transfer case (mid-differential) in it. Sad but true. Bye the way the real nice backfiring of the exhaust is fake and created by the engines fuel management. You easily figure it out when realising that it completely stops to backfire while lifting of the throttle. But it still is a quite good car, i prefer it to the A45. And I would by the next version.

Hey Guido, if money wasn't a option. Wich one would you choose? S3 or a RS3?! Grts Martin. Great video btw!

here is my 2K like for you Mr. Guido

Thanks for the review.I was considering buying this car (trading in my Scirocco R) but if it is not enjoyable then I will stick with my car as it is still a lot of fun to drive. But that engine note is epic.

Hey Eintracht Frankfurt sha la la la la! Great video, amazing car!

whats up!!! I bought my S3 because of your review and I was going to look at the RS3 but many reviews including your own say this is NOT what an RS should be, that's very sad since the engine is great!!! ***this car should have a Quattro system not the Haladex , Audi made a big mistakes with this car :o(

Great review! :)

Haldex... people always get this wrong. 50% is the most it can send to the rear wheels by virtue of how it physically works - unless you lift the front wheels off the ground, lol.

Thank you for the honest review, as always. I am not in the market for one of these hot hatches, but if I was, an AWD drivetrain setup to understeer, and numb steering, would put me off buying one of these for sure.

just wanted to leave a comment to support you. im already looking forward for the next video. mfg

I agree that this car is a bit of a disappointment after I had an extended test drive I wasn't that sorry to hand the keys back. I also felt that there seemed slightly less torque at the lower revs compared to my 2014 TTRS and was able to do a direct comparison. on the plus side I did like the high rev down change crackle and pops and also the super sports seats..Not much else. I do believe that a face lift RS3 is not far off and at about the same time as the mk3 TTRS both allegedly with a reworked 5 cylinder engine and new alloy block. let's see ay. Good to hear a honest review of the car and hence why I've subscribed to your channel, keep up the good work.

To be honest I'm little bit confused with the production of this model. It's clear that audi's RS lineup is known for their rapid and agile cars, but while the the S3 is a great combination of everyday usability and sporty character, the RS is really unnecessary for this body style. The TTRS though is a much better choice for this kind of experiences. P.S. Despite your passion to German cars, i would be glad to watch you testing the '15 challenger SRT392. Trust me, you would really like it!

I hope you're doing a Focus RS Review early next year! I really would like to know if the new AWD System is as good as they promote it, especially compared to the RS3 Haldex

Please drive the M2 as soon as you can get your hands on it.

maybe if you go with the 255 rear and 235 front tiers option it will reduce the understeer and maybe the Audi magnetic ride will fix the body roll I think. try one with these options and see if it makes any difference

Sounds like your review of the next TT-RS will be very positive then :)

"...and now is the time when we dance!"

Hi mate, great video! Love the filming and review. I have a question if I can please.. How do you consistently get the pops on downshift? I've had her for 2 days and can't find the formula.. I was going down a hill and it was easy to active but I see you getting it at low speeds and on flats. Please help because, well, it's awesome and I want it always :) Thank you, looking forward o more videos from you in the future. On the poor steering, for my I've got two kids so 2 doors are out. Any of the great sub 100k drives cars looks a bit low rent for my stage in life (feista st, megain rs) and I've been there and done the golf r, s3 apr stage 1 sedan and wanted this engine. So far so trilled.. I can't really hit corners like I did before kids and stuff and after a gentle stab in the mountains today to anybody that can relate to where I'm at will not regret it. It's the most fun I've had in a car in ages. cla amg to me had a shit interior, that screen is such an after thought.. M2, 2 door.. For a practical daily weapon that makes all the hard work worth while I'm super happy but will say that I'll never track it to push it that hard. I had a stage 2 apr golf r that I used to tear up the back roads and that was awesome, the s3 I never really loved.. The dynamic mode steering was so stiff and never rewarding.. fast but meh. Also interesting the wife hated the s3, said it hurt her neck. the rs3 is as fast (the s3 was apr) and she loves the way it drives. I think it's because the power is more linear and the power comes on so smooth and low down. I also expected the s3 to just be a s3 with a different engine. Not at all. There is minor interior tweaks that are the things that bugged me about the s3 and the stereo is so much better. Nothing in this price point sounds so good and is such a nice place to be in. Thanks again for the video and all the best!

Hi and thanks again for great review. In my opinion what you told about RS3 driving experience, seems to be that Audi RS3 is not for purists who like go-kart steering and absolute precision when in comes to cornering. Maybe it is just 1 fast autobahn cruiser for those who think S3 is not fast enough...? RS3 engine and sound is great! I was personally disappointed when i test drove S3 sportback 2009, it was so boring highway cruiser without any go kart feel. More luxury car than sports car i would say. Guido I am still waiting you test Renault Sport Megane 265 with cup package. Then you have car under your control which really likes twisty roads =) Antti

Fantastic video Giudo, very compliments. A question, in your opinion this S-TRONIC transmission, the paddle response in manual mode is comparable to a Pdk?? Thanks so much. Bye Bye Boss.

Hi getawayer, just wanted to say that i think you are my favourite car reviewer, and i was praying that you would review the RS3! But today im left somewhat deflated because I ordered mine last week! with the wider front tires and the dynamic package+. i was really hoping you would come out singing its praises but got the opposite. i Guess i was in the market for something that will be mainly used by my wife, 5 door, fast, safe, good engine, good make and good re-sale value...not to offend anyone but i dint want to go for a renault, honda and similar- which are probably/maybe more fun. im a sucker for the German cars and porsche havent got a shall 5door hatchback so it only had to be that or the a45 for me, sadly..so is the a45 better????,..its too late anyway..mine is on its way and i put almost everything on it. if u ever come to England after march your are welcome to drive it! im 2mins away from silverstone :) Rich

6:41 LOL. Just how I feel about every car produced in the last decade. NOTHING in the current market even remotely interests me. I drove my mates F30 328i to Le Mans this year and the steering was so bad I let him drive it all the way home. Really not surprised about your opinions on the RS3 but unfortunately thats what the current market wants. Shame for petrol heads and a great car for people who take top gear seriously. Just waiting for the world to go electric now as the final nail in the coffin!

Love yours videos👍🏻

Guido, any chance you can review the 2017 RS3 to see if there is any difference? I am interested in purchasing it and would appreciate your opinion! thanks

Hopefully the sedan version will at least handle better...

Not sure if anyone else has said it yet, but........NEW FOCUS RS. A lot less with a manual box and if you've been following the development, a car that promises to feel like a RWD out of corners with a DRIFT button and only a little less power. Only time will tell, but id be waiting to see what happens before putting any money down on a RS3 or A45 AMG. There will be those of course that only care about 0-60 times and which one has the most BHP but I'm hopeful about the Ford. (also built in Germany)

Guido - Given the imminent release in 2016 of the TTRS & the current Cayman GTS, which would you be keeping money aside for? Cheers

Guten Tag, könnten Sie mal den Mini R59 John Cooper Works als 3 Türer testen? Und Golf 7R testen, eventuell auch mit dem RS3 vergleichen? Vielen Dank im Vorraus und ein großes Lob für Ihre ausführlichen Reviews!

Hi. I live in Brazil. I have an AUDI S3. Have you enjoyed driving more the S3 than that RS3? I was thinking, in the future, to buy an RS3. Why did you enjoy more driving S3?

It's very interesting to me to see how rough the road appears when a car is driving at high speed on the Autobahn. Have you ever driven a car over 200mph on the Autobahn?

Hi Guido, any chance you are gonna test the new A45 AMG soon??

good review! but am I the only one don't like the sound too much?.

+TheGetawayer I'm looking at buying a premium hot hatch,so I'm thinking of buying either this Audi RS3 or the updated 2016 Mercedes AMG A45 4MATIC so can you please review the updated 2016 Mercedes AMG A45 so that I can get a clearer view on which one I can buy.

Did this car have the optional wider front tires!?!?!

Bravo!! 👍🏻

6:55 Ro-Ro-Rotate your Owl!

well as a performance every day drive car say a GT this is probably OK. This is not necessarily a track day car. I personally like a softer steering Great acceleration (not many cars will pass me. I like the auto when stuck in traffic but I find that Audi systems do interfere too much in general

S3 is classy

Another interesting review and very informative, so sad such a potentially wonderfully car is so spoiled (again!) Wake up Audi...