My RS3 has been back to the dealers with noisy rear suspension and as the title suggests I've been given an S3 saloon with pretty much every option except pan roof and led lights. On the configurator it comes out to be around £41,500 rrp.
The RS3 takes a right bashing by current S3 owners so I thought I was in for a treat… Wrong! Its looks lovely but thats mainly because of the stupidly high spec on it. The service advisor drove it to the front of the dealership and I jumped in and turned it on, pretty much silence. I flicked it in to dynamic still nothing just idled higher, cheeky rev and still nothing except the metallic rustle that plagues the s3 and golf R. I set off home (Bolton to near Lytham, nr. Blackpool) and I was totally underwhelmed, as you floor it there is no theatre or drama just the sounds of a normal engine being strained. I'll admit the car felt quick, slightly lighter and slightly better in the corners but I'm not a racing driver and no intentions of ever visiting a track.
The car is perfect for someone wanting a 'sleeper' or the slightly more mature person that doesn't want to get bothered by boy racers but then again an RS3 in black or daytona and de-badged would probably be just as inconspicuous on a daily basis. I'm off back to the dealers this morning feeling really disappointed about the S3, it was the car I originally wanted after my a3 tdi and was still a possibility in the future if I ever had to cut back. However, on the flip side I can't wait to have my RS back. Having the s3 had confirmed it was worth the extra time, effort and money to get one and urge all S3 owners to take one for a spin before slating them as most seem to do.
P.s I popped to show my mum what I could of had and she loved it, when I asked why it was because it was didn't pop or bang, wasn't loud on a cold start and was a lot more sociable. Everything you don't want in a car at 23 like myself...
The RS3 takes a right bashing by current S3 owners so I thought I was in for a treat… Wrong! Its looks lovely but thats mainly because of the stupidly high spec on it. The service advisor drove it to the front of the dealership and I jumped in and turned it on, pretty much silence. I flicked it in to dynamic still nothing just idled higher, cheeky rev and still nothing except the metallic rustle that plagues the s3 and golf R. I set off home (Bolton to near Lytham, nr. Blackpool) and I was totally underwhelmed, as you floor it there is no theatre or drama just the sounds of a normal engine being strained. I'll admit the car felt quick, slightly lighter and slightly better in the corners but I'm not a racing driver and no intentions of ever visiting a track.
The car is perfect for someone wanting a 'sleeper' or the slightly more mature person that doesn't want to get bothered by boy racers but then again an RS3 in black or daytona and de-badged would probably be just as inconspicuous on a daily basis. I'm off back to the dealers this morning feeling really disappointed about the S3, it was the car I originally wanted after my a3 tdi and was still a possibility in the future if I ever had to cut back. However, on the flip side I can't wait to have my RS back. Having the s3 had confirmed it was worth the extra time, effort and money to get one and urge all S3 owners to take one for a spin before slating them as most seem to do.
P.s I popped to show my mum what I could of had and she loved it, when I asked why it was because it was didn't pop or bang, wasn't loud on a cold start and was a lot more sociable. Everything you don't want in a car at 23 like myself...