But anyway.
As the topic is about the RS3, these are my thoughts, even before I've driven it.
The 5-cyl engine is heavier than the 4-pot. This will do nothing for the already inherent understeery characteristics.
For me to even consider a RS3 purchase - I need more radical bodywork (more flared arches), better under steer management, revised suspension that doesn't feel like broken pogo sticks in each corner. More steering feel would be good too.
I read that as a step towards managing the under steer, they are going to put wider lower profile tyres on the front. Radical
Tweaking the Haldex software will only change so much, at the end of the day, due to the mechanical limitations, you can only ever get 50% of the drive (not torque) to the rear. So, unlike a car with a centre diff, there is no inherent static torque bias ratio in the Haldex setup. The new RS3 will never be rear axle led.
So, for me, as lovely as the 5 cyl engine sounds, if it doesn't drive or handle properly, I'm looking elsewhere. R400 or A45 Black Ed. Maybe RS4.