Bought me a new TT RS in late 2017, revised front brakes but still no OPF. Best decision ever. It's my car for the special occasions besides also having a Golf 7R as a daily. Once every year the RS is been driven through the Alps for some days and the car, the engine, make these tours so special. The groups we drive in have lots of fast BMWs and Porsches, usually lots of them GT branded, and the RS does not stand back on those at all. The engine is a riot, it's core heritage of the old Group B rallye Audis back in the days, especially the S1. There's so much to love in these cars. Shame they are often very much underrated.
I just went into a dealership in Australia and they wanted 130k lol. They also lied and said it had ceased production and the one they had in the showroom was the last one 😂 I laughed at her and walked out
Still have mine from end 2017 in mythos black. I decided to keep it and to make a full detailing on it (Big refresh, polish, protection and full black) should be done in a few weeks, second life for my car. At the same Time, buying a New daily in order to protect the RS3 from eating too many KMs for the next 5 years 👍 I love the car, the noise, the feel !
Got an A3 35 tfsi sline and have never had a particularly sporty car before but it honestly handles so well and is great on country roads. Definitely enough performance for most people with a practical chassis. Do hope that suv craze dies and people go back to hatchbacks.
If it’s like the S3, there should be a button on the end of the indicator stalk to turn off lane departure warning - you have to hold it down for a couple of seconds. With a short press, the same button will turn on and off the lane keep assist in adaptive cruise. I went for the S3 saloon (it looks better to my eyes and I wanted the bigger boot) and it’s more than fast enough. I’m sure I could get used to the extra performance in an RS3 though!
You can go one better than this with an OBD11 or similar. You can change the Lane departure to "Remember last setting" so if you have it off, it will stay off when you start the car. Very easy to do too.
Great video Pete👍 I’ve just upgraded my S3 (8Y) to the RS3 in Daytona grey carbon black edition. The difference is night and day with that five-cylinder
Just picked up my RS3 Vorsprung saloon in kemora grey, as you say, get the engine whilst you can! Interior cheap yes, no option to spec anything fancy which is a shame. Also side assist (lights in wing mirrors) and 3D surround view now missing, so more cutbacks. Motorway, 100 mile trip approx I averaged 39mpg so well impressed. Overall, bought it for a few months of fun, not long term, so performance wise it’s spot on!
A bit of history: Using wider wheels/tires on the front of a nose-heavy performance car makes sense, but Audi was not the first to do so. That was my idea when I was Product Manager for the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. Thanks, Audi, for confirming my idea.
I bought an 8Y RS3 sedan/saloon and love it. I think it’s a brilliant car; well rounded and very usable. Great review; it sounds like you’re addicted and need to buy one. 😉
That sounds never gets old. Sounds like a Lamborghini V10, can truly amplify it with an aftermarket exhaust. I like the sportback edition more than the regular one
Got to be the saloon version. I have a 8v s3 saloon which is such a capable car in all weather like we have in britain. Would only change it for 5cycl audi however the price has became unrealistic im afraid. Great video btw really enjoyed it 👍
I own an RS3, admittedly the PFL model but I bought it for that engine and that sound. My love of rallying and the Quattro, it’s unique sound made it my dream car and when I had the money, the RS3 was a no brainer. I’ve got the new one on order but I know I’ll miss the PFL’s sound over the 8Y because it is far better than the new OPF strangled cars which is such a shame. But as you say, get one now as these petrol monsters will sadly be a thing of the past and I for one will miss them.
I ❤ the rs3 engine. My only criticism is the interior looks (cheap) and it not being a manual. Prefer a golf r interior seems bigger inside for some reason, just wish it had a 5 cylinder then it would be perfect! Nice vlog as always mate 👍
I'd be totally honest Pete, and it's something I'm considering myself as I'm not blown away by the interiors and prices of the latest VAG stuff. I'm genuinely looking at Mk7. 5 Golf R's. That EA888 engine is still a fine engine, the 4wd intrusive until needed and way better interior ambience! Plus, £25 will buy the best on the market. Hope this keeps you awake at night, cos it does with me! 😂😂
I have the A3 35TFSI - although half the power (and half the fuel consumption) it is 80% of this on the UK roads. You can really feel how superb the chassis is
I have the A3 40TFSI atm, but just put a deposit down on an S3. They are doing good dealer contributions for Audi customers, got 5,250 off list price on a PCP
Very good looking car. I own a dark blue 5yr old Audi A3 Tdi with S-line trim and love it. Old style gear selector and physical buttons! 😉 Practically does everything we need and I've got 2 kids. I can also confirm you can get a road bike in the back (seats down obviously) without having to take the front wheel off
The RS3 just looks better than the S3, particularly in the hatch form. The only thing that would put me off buying one is that they're a bit of a theft magnet. Plus, you probably couldn't go anywhere without someone with a large exhaust and LEDs wanting to race you.
I had the last gen RS3 after having an S3, and the difference was phenomenal! I've since had a baby and moved up to an RS4. But I can say hand on heart, I don't connect with the RS4 like I did my RS3. I miss that car every day. That engine noise was spine tingling compared to the rather boring sounding RS4.
Great review but neither the S3 or the RS3 tick the ‘drivers car’ box in the way the Porche or Lotus can. That said, if you have just a single car garage then I can see why the RS3 would tick a lot of other boxes.
I have a 9month old S3 sportback, not sure it really is 100 hp less than the R/S as it seems to be quicker than it should for 306hp. I just struggle to justify the extra 20k over what is a pretty sorted car already. The only downside is there isn’t a car conversation that doesn’t include something along the line of “why not an RS3”
I'm not the biggest Audi fan, but the Sportback RS3. Enough room to get your bike in, minus a front wheel maybe or decent luggage space with the dogs on the back seat etc.
Had my Vorsprung saloon for 20 months now, mine was £56k when I ordered it. Love it but a few frustrations. Gearbox needs a proper tune - 1st to 2nd in manual takes about 3 days! Sound is brilliant but a few pops and burbles would be nice. No flat bottomed steering wheel in the Vorsprung but the extra kit (head up display, sunroof etc) makes up for it and monthlys was only £1 more than the Carbon Black edition 😮 On a long run at motorway speeds you can get high 30's mpg or even 40+ if youre really careful. Oh, and Pete, Kemora Grey is a no cost paint option (what I went for😊). In conclusion, an awesome, if flawed, car.
Epic indeed. I would be happy with a standard A3 Sportback tbh. It's all the car I need. I wonder if any EV will ever be described as Epic in the future. Hmmmm. Have to go and have a little cry now.
I like any hot hatch very much. This one is typical Audi shooting-break style: it just looks great! I'd take it engine-free, though, if I had the choice.
I had never driven an Audi Quattro until a couple of years ago I very nearly bought one of the first SQ2's and took it out for a unaccompanied Test Drive and I was a bit underwhelmed by it but that has not put me off my love for the Quattro in all it's iterations. I think it would have to be an RS3 for me and although the Sport back is more practical I do like the saloon and would probably buy that as we have another car which some may say is an SUV but let's not get into that can of worms. A very good car and will we see one adorn Tracey's side of the new garage in due course ?.
I'm not sure if I read the comment on Hamza's channel but someone wrote they had one and got rid of it due to the slack in the drive train and the laggy nature of it down low.. Awesome looking and sounding car ..
Always got to be the RS (shame you can't get it in a manual), always preferred the sportback as it gives the rear passengers more headroom, doesn't really matter though - as they won't get in it because there's no space for their legs (I notice you didn't get in the back, unless I missed that bit). 👍
Hi from Oz, got a beautiful new Audi RS3 8Y White with Carbon Pack ($115K with Audi Service included) this year. Engine is simple amazing, and like stated is what you buy this car for. Agree on the interior comments, but it should be more noted that the touch points are really nice... steering wheel (including the shift paddles), seats , media system etc. Drive modes, Auto is like eco, laggy and not well executed. Individual setup is one click away... wish could be chosen default. Great honest review
@@allanh8977 Hi, no sunroof. I had to wait 1.5 yrs for the car. Had ordered in July 2022 and got this year 2024. Dont believe the wait times are that long and MY25 is likely last model
TBH, having owned and sold an S5 & RS4, I just find them exceedingly dull to drive. They do have all the performance, they are silky smooth, they are well made, comfortable, well equipped. As a 'car' I can't fault them, as a 'drivers car' they fall well short every time. No steering feel, understeer, poor brake modulation, no manual option, heavy (feeling), dull responses and dulled feedback. We drove ours to Switzerland and back and even my wife couldn't remember the journey. In my 4 years of S5 / RS4 ownership I can't remember one single stand out drive or moment, in fact I barely remember owning the cars at all. The only evidence I have is its on your lockdown video series.
To be fair, that's exactly what they're about so much so in an attempt to give the new RS3 a little more driver engagement, they've engineered in a drift mode. Don't buy a modern hot hatchback with four wheel drive if you want driver engagement as technology has all but killed the driver involvement. I guess its about stopping kids buying these cars and putting themselves in a ditch 😮
Excellent video, thanks. I've an 8Y RS3 in Australia with very similar specs (except for the white painting on the wheels) and absolutely love it. The only thing that I would change is probably an OPF delete to let the 5 pot engine sings bit louder. Interesting, here in Australia, all RS3s come with colour stitching on the seats (mind is red of course) which look a lot better. You can also get a designer package as an option.
Interesting review Peter. My friend owned one of these cars pre-OPF and the noise was lovely. The car was unbelievable at getting you from A to B in s ridiculous timeframe and it had an air of quality. BUT, it never struck me as a car that you would get out of bed early on a morning to drive, not in the way you would certain other vehicles which chimes with the comment you made during the review. As a daily with the typical UK weather challenges it makes sense, however, so does a Golf R? Your end of vlog reaction to the Alpine R passing was insightful :). Cheers, Kevin.
It is a great car for sure, and that engine is a killer! That said, it's an A3 with attitude and feels like an A3 inside (I have tested). I felt similar with the RS5 which I owned for a little while. Now have a C8 RS6 and that is spectacular inside (as is the A6 in general), but still does not meet the build quality of my previous C7 RS6.
RS3 all the way + Sportback for sure & what a car phenomenon car & that engine Wow incredible !!👌🏻 Ive been looking for one for myself as I really don't want an EV & this is like you say one of the best engines out there for just day to day living wow!!👌🏻👍🏻 Great video as always Pete 👍🏻
That engine is the last of its kind. When I eventually chnage my Golf GTI, this is on my wish list - £50k for a used one and yes Daytona Grey is THE colour. Can I ask you about the wheel - it seem gigantic compared to the flat bottom one. Is that how it feels? Thanks
Hi Ped As an existing Audi owner & fan, SOLD. Have to be sportback for the added practicability. Would accept minor drawbacks, gear controller, lack of real space in the back, but I do not buy a car for relatives or friends. Price a bit off putting, but I am sure better buys will be available on 2nd hand market.
RS3 hatch (saloon is not sold in my market but I'd buy the hatch regardless). The character of that engine is worth the price tag alone. I'd hope that Audi updates the A3 platform soon because the infotainment is a generation old now and it shows.
Agreed slightly . Own a M340 , will be sliding to RS3 soon . 5 cylinder is calling my name . Don’t get me wrong , the M340 is perfect . Just love the rowdy group B sounds
Great Machine. We have the Sport Back in Daytona Grey however its an S Line Competition Hybrid which is somewhat slower but suitable as our daily driver. The interior of ours is fairly similar to the RS3 so agree that for this money I would expect a more up market interior in an RS model!
I have a carbon sportback in tango red with the RS Dynamic Pack. I fitted the entire red RS styling pack into mine, transforms the interior. literally. The red vents actually look great, the RS mats too. I got the seats and red stitched leather trim from Poland - from a brand new RS3 that had been in a crash, but the seats were immaculate. The only thing I didn't change was the steering wheel, as mine is flat bottom and I quite like it in normal leather. Why Audi UK chose not to offer the design pack is beyond me, almost everyone you speak to would have had it. Oh, sold all the original seats and trim very easily on eBay, so almost broke even on the upgrade.
Lovely looking and colour car..it’s a lot of money for the car but it’s a lot of car. As someone who currently lives in London the insurance would be crazy expensive even for me as a masters (distinction) 53 year old. Can’t you turn off lane assist by pressing the button on the end of the indicator stalk. So is one now on your shopping list.
Brillant review and car Pete! My favorite and so much easier than its big brother RS6, I agree. Just so you know how lucky you are, in France you need to add 43 179€ carbon tax onto the initial price!!! Adds up to over 100 k€! Crazy! But naturally affects very few French models apart from the Mégane RS, so there you are. Max carbon tax reaches 60k€. Madness. Cheers, Tom
Was it the Caliper upgrade or the cooling plate? I’ve got the standard calipers and a backing plate which works really well but would love to take it a step further..
A3/S3/RS3 are all good-looking cars. And the Daytona grey is nice but very common across all Audis. I'm not a fan of black wheels, and during your walk around, I thought they looked kerbed.
We went CLA45 for the engine and it was a saloon. Whilst it’s not a 5 cyclinder it’s comparable decision because we wanted that mega Merc 4 Cyclinder powerhouse over the detuned 250. Practicality i totally get the sport back but I much prefer the saloon looks wise. Just looks a tad more grown up and sophisticated just in my opinion.
Agree with what you're saying about the gear selector. I have similar in my Peugeot 208 and I find myself having to look down to find it. They're not quick enough if you want to do a quick maneuver either.
I agree with you that you do not get the same driver involvement with the Audi that you get with the Porsche - my Quattro TT Roadster does everything well but not exciting whereas my previous 987 Boxster was more engaging.
A fast, awd, powerfull sport hatchback, what's not to like? And much more classy and discrete compared to a boy racer A45... I may like previous version more.
“Buy it for the engine while you still can” LOL what a headline to get views. Guess what? This car will always be available on the used market. It’s never going away lol
I've never looked at the new shifter up close. How do you put it into and keep it in manual mode? Using the paddles puts it into manual but it reverts back to auto after a little while With my 18 RS3, shift it to the side and it's permanently manual shifting. That shifter doesn't even have 'M' and doesn't look like it could be moved other than up/down either on that new one?
Prefer the all black wheels. Everyone will have their own take. Having owned an A3 with the Trapezoid wheels, they’re hard to maintain and have repaired.
Had my RS3 8Y carbon sportback for just over a year now, mine has the RS pack with ceramic brakes. Lots to like about the car, mine is Tango Red, looks awesome, gets a lot of second glances and favourable comments. But it's not all good - the B&O system is crap, I mean really crap when compared to other S and RS Audis I have owned with B&O ir even Bose. I don't get why this doesn't get picked up by reviewers and some even think it's good..., it's certainly a common gripe on forums and you have to do a lot of messing around to get any kind of decent sound from it. Some of the interior trim is very cheap and nasty, but the black plastic trim inside is just horrible, I have to wipe it down almost every time I get out of the car, else it would look a mess. Yep, the lane departure nonsense, I got a friend to decode it, else you have to hold the button for 4 seconds on the stalk to cancel it. Forget and you risk an accident, what a stupid thing. Then the drive select, which in my car is super glitchy; had back to Audi three times, still not sorted. The car often starts in Dynamic, which is should not do. Then the faff of starting it - having to select Individual every time as it won't start in that mode. Loads of people have reported these issues. Final gripes, the paint job is poor, chips very easily and the windscreen got damaged on mine after a stone the size of small pea hit it as 45mph. Seems Audi have used cheap glass and yeah, I had to change the wipes as they smeared, also cheap crap. I fitted Bosch Aerotwins and problem solved. Mine came with Bridgestones, which I was not impressed with. On anything but a bone dry surface, under full throttle they would lose traction. Now on Michelin PS4s and the difference is very noticeable. On the plus side, it's been a great car so far. Superfast when you want it to be, not a lot can keep up with it. The ceramic brakes are awesome, the handling is night and day better than both the 8V RS3 I had and the TTRS I had after that. It's comfortable, good driving position too - the 8v was crap in that respect for me. I've had 39mpg from mine as well, with an average of 31mpg. Not bad for a car that does 180mph and sub 4 seconds to 60mph. I'd also say, get the Carbon, not the Vorsprung. It just looks so much better with the rear wing and carbon skirts/mirrors. Plus, flat bottom steering wheel on the Carbon Edition, not that horrible wheel from a bus. Finally, these are not a common sight on the roads. I waited nearly 2 years to get mine and have seen very few on the roads, which I quite like. Cheers...
