Ara Blue Opinions?

Spinstorm

Registered User
Joined
Feb 21, 2017
Messages
2,078
Reaction score
1,232
Points
113
I picked up my Ara Blue RS3 Saloon on Thursday evening and I went for Blue because its my favourite colour but I am really not sure about Ara Blue. Don’t get me wrong I love the car and I am not about to wrap it or anything but I was curious on the consensus from those on here who have an Ara car or have seen it.

First of all my thoughts; I am 75% for liking it. On a miserable cold day (like today as I write this) it is way too bright. As I parked it in the town centre where I am I was surrounded by several cars that in this weather look like they are same colour, a Mercedes, a Toyota etc. It looked too bright and stupid.

Now I know from collecting the car in bright light it sparkles and looks beautiful and in the dark is seems to get darker which I love. My parents are not a fan of the colour. It seems to be a bit of a love it or hate it colour.
 
Sepang Blue is by far the better colour, and a shame it's not offered on the RS3. However, there was a Ara Blue S3 saloon round the corner from me for a short while (they've moved) and I have to say, I didn't mind it. It's lighter than I normally like. Think it looks better in sunshine though, as when I looked at an Ara Blue RS3 saloon inside a showroom, I was put off by it.
 
Sepang blue got my vote all day but didn’t do it on the facelift :(. Ara not that big a fan of tbh.
 
Just picked up my ara blue s3 . Love the colour , I thought it might be to “ loud “ but it’s not . Having the black edition trim compliments it I think


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Nowt wrong at all with Ara Blue Crystal...The term Cystal comes from larger metallic particles Audi uses in the paint mix,beautiful shade of blue very very similar to Audi's old Sprint Blue from the 8P S3 ....to be honest barring Exclusive paints, l think the RS3 Saloon looks best in Daytona grey,the Saloon no matter what model full stop, suits Daytona the best,but that's just my personal taste.
To be honest my mums not really a fan of the colour of my car, neither am l lol but l will need too put up with it for 2 years or so as will you lol.....so stop stressing yourself out over the colour...... its Gorgeous....Ara was initially a Exclusive colour by Audi on the new R8 v10 plus and was seen only on this car
 
  • Like
Reactions: Audi Bairn, Broonie22 and Snake Pliskin
I originally loved it and wanted it on my RS3 when it was exclusive on the PFL, but gladly a mate bought a S3 in Ara and I quickly went off it in a few weeks. Yes it looks good, but on a dark miserable day I really haven’t got a lot of look on it.

Racing Blue FTW!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snake Pliskin and oli356
I originally loved it and wanted it on my RS3 when it was exclusive on the PFL, but gladly a mate bought a S3 in Ara and I quickly went off it in a few weeks. Yes it looks good, but on a dark miserable day I really haven’t got a lot of look on it.

Racing Blue FTW!


Can you type that post again......Kinda makes no sense barring you dont like Ara blue....lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snake Pliskin and AudiNutta
I'm growing to like Ara blue a bit more... I still think I prefer Sepang and especially in the showroom I didn't like Ara, but I am starting to like it more.. albeit, rarely see it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan and Jassyo06
l remember last year when Ara was added to the paint line up every new member wanted their S3 in this colour....the problem with Sepang....is every 3rd "S" designated Audi is painted with it.........very very common colour its even on run out S-Line models now Q5,A1,A6,A7....But its been a money spinner for Audi.....ergo
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan
I picked up my Ara Blue RS3 Sportback a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I can't wait to get the car detailed and see the crystal pop in the summer sun.

I was going to go for exclusive paint but felt Ara Blue really suits the RS3 and (currently) is a really rare colour too.
 
In bright light or night it looks amazing... just like this photo when I collected my car from the dealer. But on a dismal day I need sunglasses as I approach it. And without that light to emphasise its a special crystal paint it just looks like a metallic blue that everyone has.

3F8218A3 C2FA 44D4 B1EC 02FD5F21B31C
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan, Broonie22, S3tuart and 5 others
In bright light or night it looks amazing... just like this photo when I collected my car from the dealer. But on a dismal day I need sunglasses as I approach it. And without that light to emphasise its a special crystal paint it just looks like a metallic blue that everyone has.

View attachment 148214
This picture shows the different shades from varying light that the flakes in the paint react to. Looks great in this pic :thumbs up:
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan and Snake Pliskin
l remember last year when Ara was added to the paint line up every new member wanted their S3 in this colour....the problem with Sepang....is every 3rd "S" designated Audi is painted with it.........very very common colour its even on run out S-Line models now Q5,A1,A6,A7....But its been a money spinner for Audi.....ergo

This.

Ara is a nice colour but I find it a bit common (that said, so is the Navarra Blue on my S3). Theres quite a few manufacturers doing similar colours, especially on Merc A classes and the newer Nissans
 
its a belter :whip: but i would say that.

honestly I thought i would be seeing more Ara S3s on here and on the roads, but I aint really
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan, Broonie22, Jassyo06 and 1 other person
If it helps mate, I have second thoughts about my red in certain conditions too..

I personally like the blue though, even if it is bright.
 
Sorry, not an Ara fan.

Too many Q2's killing the rarity of the colour now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06
I'm a fan, but then I own an Ara Blue S3 so I would say that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bells, Broonie22, Jassyo06 and 3 others
Actually, I prefer the look of my Ara Blue on overcast and rainy days. In the full sun it kind of washes out. In artificial light at night or in parking lots with fluorescent lighting it is a knockout. Also I have had a ton of compliments on the colour which no other car I have owned has received as many wows on the colour. I am still a big fan of Sepang though. Sepang in the sun, Ara on overcast are my thoughts.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JDHOWELLS
lovely colour but a bit like Lapiz blue on the Golf R and Carbon Steel Grey on the Golf GTi/D

It's exclusive to that model so every one has it.

I don't think any colour is the perfect choice, certain cars look best in certain colours. Have to agree with @jassyo06 (it was going to happen sooner or later) The saloon really suits Daytona but I can't really decide what looks the best on the hatch (even Nano looks pants in some lights)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06
lovely colour but a bit like Lapiz blue on the Golf R and Carbon Steel Grey on the Golf GTi/D

It's exclusive to that model so every one has it.

I don't think any colour is the perfect choice, certain cars look best in certain colours. Have to agree with @jassyo06 (it was going to happen sooner or later) The saloon really suits Daytona but I can't really decide what looks the best on the hatch (even Nano looks pants in some lights)

Nano looks pants; I have to disagree.. I love Nano in all lights! One of my favourites
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris43
I really like Ara in certain lights but not fond of it when it shows up too light.

I’m biased but out of the non exclusives Navarra is the best blue, looks good in all lights, despite mine being covered in grime it still shines through nicely in the sun.

I really really like Daytona, had that on a TT, always looked clean.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snake Pliskin
I really like Ara in certain lights but not fond of it when it shows up too light.

I’m biased but out of the non exclusives Navarra is the best blue, looks good in all lights, despite mine being covered in grime it still shines through nicely in the sun.

I really really like Daytona, had that on a TT, always looked clean.

My S3 was a Navarra saloon. I wanted the RS3 in that colour but at £2,400 for a colour that is available for a much much lower price on the S3 I just couldn’t stomach it.

I went for Ara as it’s the only included blue colour - but like I said it’s very much a love hate feeling. Neither of my parents like the colour but I have had compliments from other people who have seen the car.
 
Only ever seen Ara up close twice (one being @MattSedg); I think it's absolutely amazing. I'd never liked it based on photos, but in the flesh I think it's incredible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MattSedg
My S3 was a Navarra saloon. I wanted the RS3 in that colour but at £2,400 for a colour that is available for a much much lower price on the S3 I just couldn’t stomach it.

I went for Ara as it’s the only included blue colour - but like I said it’s very much a love hate feeling. Neither of my parents like the colour but I have had compliments from other people who have seen the car.
Didn’t realise Navarra would carry such a premium on a RS. Don’t get me wrong I’d happily swap the s3 for an Ara RS.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan and Jassyo06
Clicked on this thread **** am l in the RS3 8v.....Section.....lol only kidding it just shows yoy the popularity of the A3/s3 .....MEMBERS ARE FAR MORE ACCOMODATING........kiddin....RS3 guys...Paint colours are as Subjective as....SAY the Shape of a Burd,some guys like buxom burdz,l prefer Long legged thin yins.....with pert...little.....###....anyway....lol

As for Exclusive paints......man there hard work.....ye want te wrap em cotton wool, knowing how much ye stupidly paid for it........really yer Para...about it constantly....not worth stressing out over,l have spent £1422 bangers on detailing tools/products alone since Xmas.....**** a shoulda got a Ara RS3 instead.....over all it would av been cheaper.....but l wanted to be different.......Gonna go for a Exclusive Lambo blue colour the next time on my A1 facelift.......lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan, Rolly12, MattSedg and 1 other person
Clicked on this thread **** am l in the RS3 8v.....Section.....lol only kidding it just shows yoy the popularity of the A3/s3 .....MEMBERS ARE FAR MORE ACCOMODATING........kiddin....RS3 guys...Paint colours are as Subjective as....SAY the Shape of a Burd,some guys like buxom burdz,l prefer Long legged thin yins.....with pert...little.....###....anyway....lol

As for Exclusive paints......man there hard work.....ye want te wrap em cotton wool, knowing how much ye stupidly paid for it........really yer Para...about it constantly....not worth stressing out over,l have spent £1422 bangers on detailing tools/products alone since Xmas.....**** a shoulda got a Ara RS3 instead.....over all it would av been cheaper.....but l wanted to be different.......Gonna go for a Exclusive Lambo blue colour the next time on my A1 facelift.......lol
you mean RS1? :rockwoot:
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan and Tom.H
I've got pics in a bit of a mix of lights

Night with artificial light
LIoFruF.jpg


Night with flash
oAjDzMG.jpg


Day in the sun
G2LnNl2.jpg


Miserable day
AtteHwn.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan, Pinky1959, Jimbob76 and 7 others
I've got pics in a bit of a mix of lights

Night with artificial light
LIoFruF.jpg


Night with flash
oAjDzMG.jpg


Day in the sun
G2LnNl2.jpg


Miserable day
AtteHwn.jpg
Yours looks spot on in every shot there, not too bright in any of them. May be it’s the coating and products.

The blue S3 on the grill makes such a difference.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan, Powerenhancer, Broonie22 and 1 other person
I've got pics in a bit of a mix of lights

Night with artificial light
LIoFruF.jpg


Night with flash
oAjDzMG.jpg


Day in the sun
G2LnNl2.jpg


Miserable day
AtteHwn.jpg
whats not to like, in all light conditions
 
  • Like
Reactions: NevMan and Jassyo06
Yours looks spot on in every shot there, not too bright in any of them. May be it’s the coating and products.

The blue S3 on the grill makes such a difference.

Cheers mate, the blue is a nice subtle touch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06
f3a3e7b92e5e7e24cbf8480828910320.jpg

Don’t give a **** what anyone else thinks!
I love the colour and the car! Still in love like a love sick school girl!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pinky1959, Broonie22, JDHOWELLS and 5 others
I really like Ara too - for me the best thing is how it look on a dull day. It really pops.

We all like different things I guess...
 
I know what jassyo06 means about Daytona on a saloon, I had a A4 BE plus/nav in Daytona that looked great but the shape and proportions of the 3 door, I think really suits Ara. Looks good in any light whether it is washed or not.
Image
Image
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06
Hey Spinstorm.
Now you've had the car a few weeks what are your thoughts on Ara Blue? Hope you've grown to love it.
The S3 looks good in most colours but for me Ara is a must have, I think it's stunning, which is why I've got an S3 saloon on order in that colour.
As people have already said, colour choice is a very personal thing.
When I was in ordering mine there was a custard yellow (think that's the right name) S3 saloon black edition on display. I personally thought it looked awful but a week later it was gone as someone else didn't agree and had bought it!
All down to personal taste - and colour blindness.
C.
 
Before picking up this car i was very unsure about Ara, sepang was always my favourite. I’ve now had the car a week in this unbroken sunshine and I have to say Ara is just on another level, didn’t think I’d ever say that! The crystal paint in the sun just dazzles like $1million. I’ve already got so many comments about how good it looks, and against the black pack and pano-roof it just looks amaaaaaazing. Still can’t believe it’s available on Q2 like but heyho, it’s still pretty rare!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ron240, Tom.H and MattSedg
Before picking up this car i was very unsure about Ara, sepang was always my favourite. I’ve now had the car a week in this unbroken sunshine and I have to say Ara is just on another level, didn’t think I’d ever say that! The crystal paint in the sun just dazzles like $1million. I’ve already got so many comments about how good it looks, and against the black pack and pano-roof it just looks amaaaaaazing. Still can’t believe it’s available on Q2 like but heyho, it’s still pretty rare!
It's the nuts man, as you say, pretty rare which is surprising considering how many sepang s3s we're about
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pook
It's the nuts man, as you say, pretty rare which is surprising considering how many sepang s3s we're about
I think part of the reason I was unsure is because photos just don’t do it justice in the slightest. Even my pics fresh from the detailers look good, but until you actually see it in the flesh in the sunshine, no picture comes close.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MattSedg