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£8k loss......................
In my signature block.....
I'm on iphone how do I see sig?
I had a low ball offer of £26000 on my S3, but at that it cleared the outstanding finance. I was hoping for a bit more, but that's just one offer and I wasn't in full negotiating mode as I think the sales manager was useless or trying it on. I wasn't ready to make the jump at that moment, and won't if the GMFV he pushed was right because it means they expect the RS3 value to nose dive.
I test drove the new RS3 today after much deliberation of what to order out of it and BMW's upcoming M2 and here's what I found.
First off looks, car isn't aggressive enough by a long way, I found the angles awkward and not sure why Audi are still banging along with the rotors that you see on everything from 1.8 diesels to this the top of the range model, the exhausts being oval somehow look out of place on a hot hatch and being fake the smaller real exhaust outlets are easily visible behind.
Interior things start to look up, SS seats look great but don't hold aswell as some of the recaros of rival models, the dash and steering wheel both look great and feel very high quality.
Next was the start up and noise, the engine sounds really gruff and great, the performance exhaust was throaty and almost V8 like.
After driving I found it to be very fast indeed, great grip in and out of corners, but on the limit id say understeer is still there in abundance, most people however won't ever see it driving day to day and if that's what your after then the new RS3 is pretty accomplished.
All in all I found it capable but flawed, not exciting but fast, not good looking but audibly great. A 50/50 sort of car for me.
I think the M2 will get my deposit if it can excite me more than the RS3, BMW obviously don't have the M2 to demonstrate but they let me take the M4 out because the similarities will be pretty obvious and that seemed a better car for a driver by far,also now BMW are doing deals the price of a decent spec M4 and well specced RS3 are extremely close, performance wise the M4 is a big step up according to my VBOX so I'd expect the M2 to be marginally faster than the RS3 in bone dry conditions.
All in all I like the RS3 but it didn't stir me, it is however the best hatch on sale at the moment
If I preferred the RS3 I was thinking of chopping it in for the RS3 and then getting the M2 as well if not I was just going to keep the A45 and get the M2 anyway, one for a daily and one for a fun summer blaster lol don't get me wrong being around 2 years newer the RS3 Mk2 was always going to progress over my A45 as it should but for the hit I'd take on it if didn't feel it was an enough of an improvement, I also don't think the facelift A45 that will be revealed at goodwood will be as big enough step up either though with a new bumper and another 20bhp and the upcoming A45s will be silly money.You looking to move from the A45 mate?
A45 AMG / A class facelift announcement will be at the LA motor show in November.If I preferred the RS3 I was thinking of chopping it in for the RS3 and then getting the M2 as well if not I was just going to keep the A45 and get the M2 anyway, one for a daily and one for a fun summer blaster lol don't get me wrong being around 2 years newer the RS3 Mk2 was always going to progress over my A45 as it should but for the hit I'd take on it if didn't feel it was an enough of an improvement, I also don't think the facelift A45 that will be revealed at goodwood will be as big enough step up either though with a new bumper and another 20bhp and the upcoming A45s will be silly money.
A45 AMG / A class facelift announcement will be at the LA motor show in November.
Its a while off yet as first deliveries are not until Q1 2016.
There is also going to be two states of tune for the AMG as seen in the new C class AMG. Output will only increase if you get the "S" version. The "normal" version will have similar price and bhp as current one. I think the same as you - it will be silly money.....
If I preferred the RS3 I was thinking of chopping it in for the RS3 and then getting the M2 as well if not I was just going to keep the A45 and get the M2 anyway, one for a daily and one for a fun summer blaster lol don't get me wrong being around 2 years newer the RS3 Mk2 was always going to progress over my A45 as it should but for the hit I'd take on it if didn't feel it was an enough of an improvement, I also don't think the facelift A45 that will be revealed at goodwood will be as big enough step up either though with a new bumper and another 20bhp and the upcoming A45s will be silly money.
No, New A45 facelift will debut at Goodwood this thursday. Full press will come next september in Frankfurt.
And first deliveries probably before 2016 (november or december 2015).
Basic version will be most powerful hot hatch again with 380-381PS (although still slower than current RS3).
A45-S version with 400PS, could be very similar or a little faster than RS3.
With better technology (first Merc with Upgraded Command supporting Apple CarPlay...)
Late 2015 or early 2016 M2 is coming, and maybe RS3 Facelift will be sooner than expected merged with A3/S3 early 2016 facelift. Including options like ceramic brakes, bucket seats, MIB-II platform with CarPlay and Android Auto, Virtual Cockpit, Matrix LED, and probably some engine update sharing power numbers with TTRS.
Debut and official launch are two different events. Sorry confused the both. My Mrs works for Merc hence I know bits.
Going on current Audi model cycles the facelift for the 8V should be announced some time late next year.
8P RS3 started deliveries 18 months before new 8V model launch.
New RS3 announced end of 2014, deliveries summer 2015. It's very reasonable to assume end of 2016 would be facelift time.
Four years seems to be the cycle with Audi going on recent models. Sept 2012 was when the 8V was launched so it will be some time next year. Has to be....
A3 8V was revealed at Geneva motor show (March 2012). Starting to sell at June 2012 with first deliveries in September.
8P RS3 is staying strong on used market. Saw this today http://www.duncanhamiltoncars.co.uk/cars-for-sale/audi-rs3-2-5-t-fsi-sportback/
Not cheap.