RS3 not met expectations
- Thread starter Benash20
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Same. I drove it the other week. It's very addictive to drive, sounds very good because of the 5 cyclinder, and you just want to put your foot down all the time. Problem is, there are no discounts being offered on it, and for the money the S3 is the better buy. Also, I was averaging 14mpg on my 1 hour test drive, which for me is pretty poor, considering an M4 can do better than that.
Drove it yesterday. I didn't order one put it like that.....
Going to start a thread later as I want to explore the key differences between it and the S3 and if it's worth the extra £7k. Have a few thoughts on it that wanted to share.
Going to start a thread later as I want to explore the key differences between it and the S3 and if it's worth the extra £7k. Have a few thoughts on it that wanted to share.
Having seen one in the flesh at Goodwood FOS, I was underwhelmed.
It looked like an S3 that had been put through the Halfords "go-faster" styling department.
The "quattro" front grill writing doesn't do it for me at all.
I like my four exhaust pipes, why would I want to pay more for just two?
The abs plastic that has been stuck on the rear wheel arches is hideous. I can only think that it is to comply with some bit of legislation. Just looks like an afterthought.
Otherwise interior styling is the same as an S3, other than the steering wheel with part alacantra / leather which looks a bit odd.
Im sure the engine is a peach, and the drive a bit more engaging then an S3, but I don't think it's worth the extra. A slightly tuned S3 could give an RS3 a run for it's money up until prison sentence speeds.
It looked like an S3 that had been put through the Halfords "go-faster" styling department.
The "quattro" front grill writing doesn't do it for me at all.
I like my four exhaust pipes, why would I want to pay more for just two?
The abs plastic that has been stuck on the rear wheel arches is hideous. I can only think that it is to comply with some bit of legislation. Just looks like an afterthought.
Otherwise interior styling is the same as an S3, other than the steering wheel with part alacantra / leather which looks a bit odd.
Im sure the engine is a peach, and the drive a bit more engaging then an S3, but I don't think it's worth the extra. A slightly tuned S3 could give an RS3 a run for it's money up until prison sentence speeds.
Oh and the RS3 is heavier than the Sportback
RS3 - 1520kg kerb weight - 238bhp per tonne
S3 Sportback - 1445kg kerb weight - 205bhp per tonne
A Stage 1 S3 tune (conservative 350bhp) - would make 242bhp per tonne (approx)
RS3 - 1520kg kerb weight - 238bhp per tonne
S3 Sportback - 1445kg kerb weight - 205bhp per tonne
A Stage 1 S3 tune (conservative 350bhp) - would make 242bhp per tonne (approx)
I found it a bit underwhelming when I took one out a few weeks ago with a mate who was a keen buyer. We didnt feel like we lost out when we got back in his Golf R. I dont see the value in the new RS3.
+1 on starting the thread.
I have to admit being an Audi first timer, I expected the S3 to be slightly more special or unique, rather than an A3 s-line with a bigger motor & brakes, but the RS3 just shouldn't still have the standard A3 body with different rear & front bumpers.
But having said that thought I still like my S3, especially the 4 pipes out the back, (it looks a much better than its VW cousin) but buy an RS3 and go back to 2 pipes ?
Spin140
Registered User
Can't believe the only difference you Guys noticed between an S3 and an RS3 was the exhaust pipes ! 
Personally I think the RS3 offers far more involvement, drama and an enhanced look over an S3, it is not the same at all.
Yes you could go stage 1 and have close to the performance of an RS3 but similarly you could go stage 1 on the RS3 and widen the gap yet again. Its not just about the straight line speed it about the whole package. For me it would offer an upgrade to what would be the ultimate prestigious hatch, expensive it is but not if you buy on PCP, the sky high residuals make this car far more affordable than you may think.
For the majority now who buy on PCP its better to look at the PCM payments rather than outright RRP, much easier to justify when using man maths to say "is it worth an extra £50 per month ?..." .
I have one on order for early next year but at this stage I'm not sure if I'll go ahead as for me the S3 cabrio is ticking far more boxes than I originally expected, plenty of time to think about it though with the waiting lists .
Don't dismiss the RS3 on RRP or the number of exhausts as that's missing the point imo
Personally I think the RS3 offers far more involvement, drama and an enhanced look over an S3, it is not the same at all.
Yes you could go stage 1 and have close to the performance of an RS3 but similarly you could go stage 1 on the RS3 and widen the gap yet again. Its not just about the straight line speed it about the whole package. For me it would offer an upgrade to what would be the ultimate prestigious hatch, expensive it is but not if you buy on PCP, the sky high residuals make this car far more affordable than you may think.
For the majority now who buy on PCP its better to look at the PCM payments rather than outright RRP, much easier to justify when using man maths to say "is it worth an extra £50 per month ?..." .
I have one on order for early next year but at this stage I'm not sure if I'll go ahead as for me the S3 cabrio is ticking far more boxes than I originally expected, plenty of time to think about it though with the waiting lists .
Don't dismiss the RS3 on RRP or the number of exhausts as that's missing the point imo
Had one for a few hours, wouldn't pay the extra over my S3, I'd rather put more option on and get the saloon and still save some £££. The Mrs said the extra noise made it sound more like a boy racer car!!!
The price is right next to a Porsche Cayman...I know which I'd be going for.
The price is right next to a Porsche Cayman...I know which I'd be going for.
The looks do nothing for me, dare I say it looks like a van with big alloys! the rotor alloys look so cheap. It has no sense of occasion.
Audi just can't seem to get the RS3 right like they can with the other RS models.
Its as if they don't want to put the money into the bodywork as they have on the others. And the cost!! ouch
Audi just can't seem to get the RS3 right like they can with the other RS models.
Its as if they don't want to put the money into the bodywork as they have on the others. And the cost!! ouch
I ain't driven one,my son has says it proper fast and optioned properly exterior wise looks awesome,don't get this thing map yer S3 and it will be just as fast,there may some truth in that,same could be said map yer Leon Cuppa R, but both won't be a RS,as for discounts they will appear next year,if one can afford it what's not to like simples
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Sell your S3, sell your RS3 or even your Golf R and then go and buy a Focus RS because at £29K it's going to give a lot of cars a bit of a headache. If its anywhere near as good as the last model there will be nothing to worry about.
I get what you're saying, but it has an interior by Ford, mechanically is very good indeed, can argue in some ways miles ahead handling wise than S3/RS3/Golf R, but the Germans do much better interiors that don't look like its been sourced for Halfords or Poundland, very much the same with a Subaru.
Blackwhite
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I've signed up for more news as it comes in on the Ford website
Will be going for a test when it's out.My only negative thoughts about the RS nailed there
+ yes going from an Audi badge to a Ford badge is a bit "Ohhh can I do it" lol.I know some will argue about the badge, but for most of us it's what we think, at the end of the day an Audi badge is more desirable (To most!).
Better than the S3, yes.
£10k better, nowhere near it.
Has the same issues the S3 has.
£10k better, nowhere near it.
Has the same issues the S3 has.
Your all mad I've mine coming in December...fantastic car great sound...more speed than you need..can't please everyone I suppose.
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Who ever is trying to convince everyone the s3 is better over the RS3 needs their head testing of needs to get themselves a lada
that would be the person who can't justify the 10+k difference between the cars.
The rs3 is worth every penny over the s3 it's all about them 5 cylinders 
I currently have a 2014 S3 sportback and before that had a 2011 S3 sportback , and I absolutely love it brilliant car.
I have recently test drove the RS3 and to be honest the difference is incredible , I would class the The S3 as a kitten compared to the ferocious RS3, I am S3 fan but the Rs3 is a completely different animal !!
Soon as I my test drive was over I went into the dealer and placed an order .....can't wait .....well worth the more money !!!
I have recently test drove the RS3 and to be honest the difference is incredible , I would class the The S3 as a kitten compared to the ferocious RS3, I am S3 fan but the Rs3 is a completely different animal !!
Soon as I my test drive was over I went into the dealer and placed an order .....can't wait .....well worth the more money !!!
what spec did you opt for?Yes common sense prevails...car is worth the money...you only live once enjoy
I ordered on the 25th July ....still no build week though!!!
I have change my spec several times ...ha ha
So after driving another demo with the dynamic pack I have changed the spec to
Cataunya red
Alu extended pack
Alu roof rails
Privacy glass
Titanium wheels
Audi sound system
Dynamic pack ( changed to this from tech pack)
Red calipers
Hold assist
Sad sat nav
Folding mirrors
Think that's it but will probably change it again !!
I have change my spec several times ...ha ha
So after driving another demo with the dynamic pack I have changed the spec to
Cataunya red
Alu extended pack
Alu roof rails
Privacy glass
Titanium wheels
Audi sound system
Dynamic pack ( changed to this from tech pack)
Red calipers
Hold assist
Sad sat nav
Folding mirrors
Think that's it but will probably change it again !!
Your comments sum up my views, S3 great car.. love it... but 4 hours with an RS3 made me order one there and then. Why do all these Audi haters keep being so negative.. is it jealousy or what.
I can't understand why any one would say the Rs3 isn't better than S3 .... It's like saying why buy an S3 when you can have a A3 2.0 TFSI !
majical
Rs3 Ordered
i think they all want one cant afford it and trying to make themselves feel better by saying it aint worth it.
Its that not the case, why would they be comparing and putting there time into seeing if its worth it.
just saying
Its that not the case, why would they be comparing and putting there time into seeing if its worth it.
just saying
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For those of you who have ordered, it is well worth the wait. Test drives are fine but I don't believe that you get a full understanding until you actually live with the car day to day. All those motoring journos and the like that took it apart after a few laps are talking *****. I learnt more in one day driving normal roads as a normal driver than I learnt in so called reviews.
Not everybody will agree on this car due to its price or justification of, but hey that's fine, if you can afford to spend that amount of money & you can justify it, carry on you will not be disappointed.
This car is a head turner & very very capable......at least I think so for my money.
Not everybody will agree on this car due to its price or justification of, but hey that's fine, if you can afford to spend that amount of money & you can justify it, carry on you will not be disappointed.
This car is a head turner & very very capable......at least I think so for my money.
This thread is an absolute joke lol, it seems like everyone has been itching to slag off the RS3 and it just needed that one person to start it off. Coming out of the woodwork like droves I see!
I would have an RS3 anyday of the week over the S3 and the main reason for that is the 5 pot noise, I'm sick of hearing these 4 pot golf r's, a45's and s3's on the road that sounds like fart machines gone mental...
The only think I hate with the rs3 is it's not agressive enough for my liking.. When you see an rs6 on the road from all angles.. YOU KNOW IT IS AN RS6! Where is the flared arches and the agressive stance? It's an RS ***.
It's not going to stop me ordering one again in October but Audi need to buckle up their ideas fast and stop ripping off their customers with bland rs3 models... I don't buy their stance that they designed the rs3 in a way so it caters for all markets and particularly ones that like to use it as a everyday car and not draw attention to themselves, well Audi, there are other models in you range that does that!!!! They are lazy that's what it is and don't want to spend the extra development cost to create something A LOT BETTER and we all know it.
I would have an RS3 anyday of the week over the S3 and the main reason for that is the 5 pot noise, I'm sick of hearing these 4 pot golf r's, a45's and s3's on the road that sounds like fart machines gone mental...
The only think I hate with the rs3 is it's not agressive enough for my liking.. When you see an rs6 on the road from all angles.. YOU KNOW IT IS AN RS6! Where is the flared arches and the agressive stance? It's an RS ***.
It's not going to stop me ordering one again in October but Audi need to buckle up their ideas fast and stop ripping off their customers with bland rs3 models... I don't buy their stance that they designed the rs3 in a way so it caters for all markets and particularly ones that like to use it as a everyday car and not draw attention to themselves, well Audi, there are other models in you range that does that!!!! They are lazy that's what it is and don't want to spend the extra development cost to create something A LOT BETTER and we all know it.
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As a previous S3 owner I must say I loved the car, but I'm loving the RS3 that much more( £ maybe not ). Both very capable cars in their own field. Yes you can modify the S3 to to be as 'quick' as an RS3, but.....
That's like me going onto the RS6 group & telling them I could modify my car to the same power as them for almost half the price....... I'd look a prize plum!!
Enjoy what you drive, that's the only bit that matters!
Now where's that Focus RS brochure
). Both very capable cars in their own field. Yes you can modify the S3 to to be as 'quick' as an RS3, but.....That's like me going onto the RS6 group & telling them I could modify my car to the same power as them for almost half the price....... I'd look a prize plum!!
Enjoy what you drive, that's the only bit that matters!
Now where's that Focus RS brochure
The S3 engine isn't an issue, it's the steering, AWD system, handling and seating position that are the main issues that lead to its lack of excitment.
The RS3 doesn't remedy enough of that to make it worthwhile IMO. Sure there are a few improvements, but they are minor and really needed to be major.
I have also never understood excitement about a 5 pot engine, having owned 2. A V8, always, a screaming V6 sometimes, but a 5 pot has never stirred the soul.
Should have been a saloon too, just isn't special looking enough I'm afraid.
That said its all about personal preference and priorities in life.
If you have the disposable income to hurl down the pan, then go for it - you are a long time dead.
In a couple of years time after the initial supply v demand issues are overcome anyone choosing a S3 or a RS3 will be mad.
Focus RS for under £30k is going to be a no brainer, and will be a more involving, exciting drive than Audi can get close to.
The RS3 doesn't remedy enough of that to make it worthwhile IMO. Sure there are a few improvements, but they are minor and really needed to be major.
I have also never understood excitement about a 5 pot engine, having owned 2. A V8, always, a screaming V6 sometimes, but a 5 pot has never stirred the soul.
Should have been a saloon too, just isn't special looking enough I'm afraid.
That said its all about personal preference and priorities in life.
If you have the disposable income to hurl down the pan, then go for it - you are a long time dead.
In a couple of years time after the initial supply v demand issues are overcome anyone choosing a S3 or a RS3 will be mad.
Focus RS for under £30k is going to be a no brainer, and will be a more involving, exciting drive than Audi can get close to.
Eigdoog
±§~Quadzackular~§±
I am a BIG Ford fan! I own an Sapphire cossie and an XR4i, also almost all my cars have been Ford but one thing is there EVERYWHERE! I see Focus ST's everywhere and it will be the same with the RS and thats one good reason i ordered an RS3. I also see a lot of S3's about and i wanted something everyone doesn't have. I fell in love with the Audi brand since i owned a A4 (18 months now) and find it hard to buy a Ford now as Audi have a way better build also look way better inside and out. Only Ford's ill be buying next is rather a escort cossie or a RS turbo S1.
The Focus RS looks so much like the Fiesta ST and i hate that shape, for such a big Ford fan i can't bring myself to like anything they have made for the last 5 years. Saying that a test drive will be on the cards but no matter how good it is ill still be looking forward to my RS3.
As for a re-maped S3 being the same kinda speed as an RS3, well ill just re-map my RS3 and **** the S3
The Focus RS looks so much like the Fiesta ST and i hate that shape, for such a big Ford fan i can't bring myself to like anything they have made for the last 5 years. Saying that a test drive will be on the cards but no matter how good it is ill still be looking forward to my RS3.
As for a re-maped S3 being the same kinda speed as an RS3, well ill just re-map my RS3 and **** the S3
I have to say that Im not impressed by the rs3 mainly because I dont like hatches. as superficial as that may be its not as stupid as arguing about the number of exhaust pipes. thats retarded.
Lol @ this thread - wanting to provoke responses
Hey at the end of the day .... The S3 is a great car and so is the RS3.
As noted, S3 is a sizeable step up above an S line and RS is a considerable step above the S so it's all relative about which model suits you best and that will bring many factors into play such as lifestyle, driving preference, budget, emotion etc etc.
I've had several Audi's including two S cars and for me the RS3 is worth every penny of its asking price and the car really excites me.
I've also experienced the RS3 first hand on track in the hands of a Pro and when you know what this car is capable of it really is a £40k bargain IMO. The sound it makes just seals the deal it's fantastic ! My TTS didn't make much noise but had great handling & good performance, my S5 is good in a straight line and makes a reasonable sound albeit artificially enhanced (which does slightly annoy me) ... The RS3 ticks every box: incredible performance, superb handling and makes a terrific sound
Hey at the end of the day .... The S3 is a great car and so is the RS3.
As noted, S3 is a sizeable step up above an S line and RS is a considerable step above the S so it's all relative about which model suits you best and that will bring many factors into play such as lifestyle, driving preference, budget, emotion etc etc.
I've had several Audi's including two S cars and for me the RS3 is worth every penny of its asking price and the car really excites me.
I've also experienced the RS3 first hand on track in the hands of a Pro and when you know what this car is capable of it really is a £40k bargain IMO. The sound it makes just seals the deal it's fantastic ! My TTS didn't make much noise but had great handling & good performance, my S5 is good in a straight line and makes a reasonable sound albeit artificially enhanced (which does slightly annoy me) ... The RS3 ticks every box: incredible performance, superb handling and makes a terrific sound
pat15312
Registered User
I don't agree with much of you post, however this single point is the reason why I don't constantly think about trading up my 3 door S3 for an RS3, which is closing in on being two years old now.
A saloon RS3 would be absolutely perfect for me and I would think there are a few others like me that simply don't like the shape of the 5 door sportback.
Simple solution don't buy one.. What is all this whinging about eh?
