RS3 Reviews - getting negative?

[Schuey]

There have been plenty of reviews & comments on the new RS3 and there still seems be be a strong sense of people being either underwhelmed or just unimpressed due to one aspect of the car or another. Now in the interest of fairness I guess very few cars could ever be described as perfect & it's quite clear that the RS3 is not one of those cars, so let me sum it up from my perspective as a soon to be owner:

It's Expensive!

Yes it is but I work hard so why not. If you want cheaper or better value for money, don't buy an Audi...

It's too discreet!

Isn't that what a lot of RS Audis are all about? I like the fact that people can pass me @ 70mph on the motorway being totally clueless as to what it is.

It's not loud enough!

Arriving at or home from work with your ear drums stinging from the exhaust noise would be the last thing I'd want to experience. You have to consider that RS vehicles are pitched at a certain market just like any other car & not every RS3 owner wants a big bore exhaust droning away every journey. But you have options, pay for the dynamic pack or wait for an aftermarket option.

The A45 or BMW M cars are better?

This is an Audi forum, we're always going to be a little bit biased. But if you chose to buy something else, enjoy it.......

You can get a 2nd hand Porsche or whatever for the same price!

But it's most likely a few years old & out of manufacturer warranty so for me, a bit risky with potentially high repairs costs.

The RS3 MK1 is better & £20K cheaper

Well I live in an 1800's house but I don't sit around under candle light in front of an open fire waiting for a pan of water to boil while the wind blows through........Sometimes improvement & progress is needed.

In 6 months they'll be heavily discounted

If you want an ex demo/launch car then yes most probably they will & the launch control will be well & truly run in for you by then! Personally though, spending north of £40K I want to be the first owner.

Now I have got that out in the open I don't feel like pressing the cancel order button!

Seriously though, I know this is expensive & possibly underwhelming for some who have experienced better 4 sec 0 -60 cars, but I haven't, it's my hard earned & I am really looking forward to its arrival.

Once a few people start to actually live with these cars day to day then I'm sure we'll get some more meaningful reviews.

 

[josedebardi]

Bang on!

 

[Yorrick]

It's the macho journalists who p1ss me off most, saying how a BMW is so much better at going sideways on a race track, in the dry. How about on a normal road, in the wet? I know where I plan to spend more of my time: traction control on, bumpy greasy road, not in the ditch with the journalist who's having more 'fun'.

 

[Foxtrot_Oscar]

Well said. At the end of the day it is what suits you and what you are prepared to pay for something. Internet forums are fun, but you shouldn't use them for making decisions or give in to virtual peer pressure and go with the flow. If we all liked the same things it would be boring.

I get the overriding feeling that many are simply talking themselves out of it as it is more expensive and people expect that as it is more expensive, it should look completely different and be more aggressive, and so on. I have to say that when I first saw it I was a little underwhelmed with the looks, because it was so familiar to me being an 8V S3 owner. But you are paying for that engine and the stuff hidden away underneath, like Mag ride which was a revelation compared to the S3 characteristic bounce in corners. The noise, the speed, the feeling are things you can't sum up with a look at photos or a walk around a static display car. I really like my S3 and it's foibles, it does what I want and I'm not interested in boy racer rubbish spouted by some. I could learn to love the RS3 after my initial test drive, enough to accept it costs more.

At the end of the day it won't be for everyone and as this is a forum, it automatically attracts a more negative view point. You rarely get overly positives on an internet forum.

In terms of journos, XCar nailed it. The rest seem to think its a track car or in the same category as a Golf R. Says it all really.

 

[RYuill]

Well said. Haters will always hate. No car will ever suit everyone's needs. I'm fully aware the RS3 won't be perfect in every way but for what I'm looking for, it is.

Audi........ Take my money.

 

[THQuattro]

There have been plenty of reviews & comments on the new RS3 and there still seems be be a strong sense of people being either underwhelmed or just unimpressed due to one aspect of the car or another. Now in the interest of fairness I guess very few cars could ever be described as perfect & it's quite clear that the RS3 is not one of those cars, so let me sum it up from my perspective as a soon to be owner:

It's Expensive!

Yes it is but I work hard so why not. If you want cheaper or better value for money, don't buy an Audi...

It's too discreet!

Isn't that what a lot of RS Audis are all about? I like the fact that people can pass me @ 70mph on the motorway being totally clueless as to what it is.

It's not loud enough!

Arriving at or home from work with your ear drums stinging from the exhaust noise would be the last thing I'd want to experience. You have to consider that RS vehicles are pitched at a certain market just like any other car & not every RS3 owner wants a big bore exhaust droning away every journey. But you have options, pay for the dynamic pack or wait for an aftermarket option.

The A45 or BMW M cars are better?

This is an Audi forum, we're always going to be a little bit biased. But if you chose to buy something else, enjoy it.......

You can get a 2nd hand Porsche or whatever for the same price!

But it's most likely a few years old & out of manufacturer warranty so for me, a bit risky with potentially high repairs costs.

The RS3 MK1 is better & £20K cheaper

Well I live in an 1800's house but I don't sit around under candle light in front of an open fire waiting for a pan of water to boil while the wind blows through........Sometimes improvement & progress is needed.

In 6 months they'll be heavily discounted

If you want an ex demo/launch car then yes most probably they will & the launch control will be well & truly run in for you by then! Personally though, spending north of £40K I want to be the first owner.

Now I have got that out in the open I don't feel like pressing the cancel order button!

Seriously though, I know this is expensive & possibly underwhelming for some who have experienced better 4 sec 0 -60 cars, but I haven't, it's my hard earned & I am really looking forward to its arrival.

Once a few people start to actually live with these cars day to day then I'm sure we'll get some more meaningful reviews.

Its a lovely car and if you work hard and buy one then i say lucky you, it would not bother me what other people say.

 

[Scottyg]

I just wish I could afford one.

 

[CraigI]

Ah some are hitting the point in the buying process whereby doubts are creeping in and a bit of self justification is required to help you over the line.
Thoughts towards paying off mortgages, using some of the extra cash to benefit the family instead of yourself, putting the cash into a bond/account for your children - basically anything that the cash would be better used on than an expensive car and benefit the whole family instead of taking the selfish option.

This is when you group together like minded individuals to confirm that you are indeed doing the right thing by spending £50k on an A3.

This happens a lot. Last time it happened to me, I downgraded the car I had ordered. Stay strong people!

Ignore reviews. It's an Audi - never going to be the best in its class, if you like it buy it and live with the fact there is better available.
The other considerations are harder to get over.

 

[u3sport]

These are my reasons to wait:

1- Saloon model.
I like more saloon design. Waiting for it, or at least to be sure is going to be released only for USA.

2- Car Tech.
I think all current <2015 cars are technologically outdated, like last version of an old generation (2003-2015).
Starting 2016, lot of cars are going to be "connected cars". 2016 new versions or facelifts will feature upgraded tech systems with Carplay, Android Auto support, and other connectivity options.

 

[mister.c.]

Exactly the same with so many new cars. Like the new TT. So when there is an issue with the new car once folk have it, which there will be, then expect the defenders to defend (whether it is their earlier model that clearly is much better) or those who have invested their hard earned in the new 0 discounted (to them) option trying to maintain enthusiasm/ justify their purpose. And being partisan with their choices.
Tis the way of the world and car forums, football teams, brands of phones, and so on.

 

[TheFiftheElement]

I wish people would keep their opinion on how people afford, or choose to pay for cars to themselves. It's really no one else's business. If you want to spend 50K on an Audi then good for you, it's not my place or anyone else's to comment on whether it's a good deal on PCP, or you should be paying more of your mortgage off. It's entirely up to you how you spend your hard earned .. I never see how these comments or arguments lend themselves to taking about cars.

I think the new RS3 will be a cracking car, and it was on my shortlist to replace my current S3. For me, when I change my car I like to sit in and look at something different, and the RS is too similar to the S3. It's probably the one area I feel that Audi could have done a better job. I'm not 100% convinced by the front and rear bumpers, or the alloy wheel choice. I do like the red interior pack though. For me it should have had more distinctive wheel arches and a better choice in alloys.

I'm changing my S3, for a number of reasons. Mainly a lack of character, soft throttle response, and I don't think it sounds special enough. All the exhaust options don't disguise it's a 4 pot, and the video I watched yesterday of an S3 with a Miltek cat-back made it sound like a bag of spanners. It's not about speed, the S3 is seriously quick, even more so with a remap, but that won't sort the pogo handling or the fact it's just not very tuneful.

That's where the RS3 wins for me, that 5 pot and the sports exhaust. With hindsight I should have waiting another year, kept my immaculate Mk1 TT and changed it for an RS3, with mag ride.

 

[NormantheDog]

So what's on the list? Everything that was on my list had a six month waiting list and having waited 6 months for the Golf R only to be rejected I was over the moon to be offered a car in a couple of months and with discount. I don't normally like to be the 'first' with a new model but sort of had no choice or rather it was a no brainer for me.

 

[TheFiftheElement]

I've replaced my S3 with an S4 BE saloon in Ibis White.

I've decided I'm never owning another car with a 4 pot turbo engine again, unless I make an exception for a Scooby as at least they have a nice characterful burble (unless they keep using those equal length headers), so that ruled out Golf R/400 or the A45/C45 AMG.

RS4/RS5 was a bit expensive for me, as was the new M3 (and I'm not sure I could have lived with the cold start bag of spanners sound). C63 AMG would have been a few years old, and much more expensive to run. My budget could run to a 997 911 but the engine issues put me off, Boxster/Cayman no use as I do need rear seats. Lotus Evora was an outside bet, but my buddy has just picked up an Evora S Sports Racer so a) I can't have the same car as him b) interior isn't errrm too nice and c) rear seats are a joke.

It's due for delivery @ September so I did have around a 15 week wait when I placed the order. Fully aware it's an outdated model, probably depreciate like hell, however it has a lovely 3.0v6 supercharged engine I can (hopefully) remap to @400 BHP, with an instant throttle response and a nice 6 cylinder howl (artificial or not, it's 8 billion (official fact) times better than the sound of the S3).

 

[Yorrick]

Good choice if you want something that's more of a change from your S3. Totally agree re the sound a car makes - it's so important.

 

[billyali86]

I've replaced my S3 with an S4 BE saloon in Ibis White.

I've decided I'm never owning another car with a 4 pot turbo engine again, unless I make an exception for a Scooby as at least they have a nice characterful burble (unless they keep using those equal length headers), so that ruled out Golf R/400 or the A45/C45 AMG.

RS4/RS5 was a bit expensive for me, as was the new M3 (and I'm not sure I could have lived with the cold start bag of spanners sound). C63 AMG would have been a few years old, and much more expensive to run. My budget could run to a 997 911 but the engine issues put me off, Boxster/Cayman no use as I do need rear seats. Lotus Evora was an outside bet, but my buddy has just picked up an Evora S Sports Racer so a) I can't have the same car as him b) interior isn't errrm too nice and c) rear seats are a joke.

It's due for delivery @ September so I did have around a 15 week wait when I placed the order. Fully aware it's an outdated model, probably depreciate like hell, however it has a lovely 3.0v6 supercharged engine I can (hopefully) remap to @400 BHP, with an instant throttle response and a nice 6 cylinder howl (artificial or not, it's 8 billion (official fact) times better than the sound of the S3).

Mrc stage 2....almost 500bhp

 

[Schuey]

Lotus Evora was an outside bet, but my buddy has just picked up an Evora S Sports Racer so a) I can't have the same car as him b) interior isn't errrm too nice and c) rear seats are a joke.).

The Evora actually has an interior AND seats?! Wow......When I bought my Elise I thought someone had stripped it out before I collected it. Lotus are improving then !

 

[TheFiftheElement]

Yep the Evora has nice bucket seats (hold you so much better than Audi 'sports' seats, and a wee bench in the back. The interior is Ok, just looks a bit kit car for me. It's supposed to be more of a Sports Tourer than an outright track/B-road car ...

It does sound epic mind you, and he's gone and order all the Comotec stuff for it, so will shortly be running @ 400 BHP.

 

[Dippy]

I guess I don't tend to pay much attention to reviews because its just so hard to find one done by a neutral reviewer. But I'm sure you'll agree that even the 'perfect' car would get negative reviews from some people, especially on the web, because that's what they like to do.

I don't think I'm alone in forever questioning my decisions about which car to buy. Should I have bought that one instead? Should I wait for the new model? Did I get enough of a discount? Should I care that someone else criticises my choice?

Sod it. Do your research, make a shortlist then choose with your heart and you'll always have made the right choice. There will always be other cars and some will be better, and that's just the way it is.

The RS3 was on my shortlist. Every day I wonder if I should have ordered one instead of the S5. I guess I'll only stop wondering after I have my stage 2 tune...

 

[TheFiftheElement]

@Dippy almost as soon as a new car is on my driveway, I'm questioning whether it's the one I should have bought or what I could have next .. I know fine well when the S4 lands I'll wonder if I should have waited for a Mustang or looked at the blue Evora at Edinburgh Lotus.

Everyday is different, cold & wet day with a long trip in front of me then I'll be more than happy in my S4, could be I'm just pottering around town and in a good mood and I'd wish I'd kept my JCW. Long summer day, just me and the missus and I'd want my RS60 Boxster on the driveway.

I think that's just the way it is with us people interested in cars .. I do wonder what it's like to just think of them as a mode of transport and be totally not fussed

 

[SilureMark]

I can only comment that I am very glad I did not order one before seeing it in the flesh and driving one. I would have been rather disappointed if I had. The new RS3 left me feeling quite underwhelmed. Would have been better to call it a S3+ as that's all it really is. Used it might be more appealing, but at £45k plus for a decent spec, I'd rather save ten grand and stick with the S3, you won't feel like you're missing out either. I struggled to work out if the RS3 I drove was any quicker than my S3. It didn't handle any better. The only thing it did do better was the noise, but even that got a bit tiring. I'm not sure I really want all the crackles and farts every time I lift off the throttle. It doesn't even look that special. if truth be told. Nope, I'm out...

 

[CraigI]

I can only comment that I am very glad I did not order one before seeing it in the flesh and driving one. I would have been rather disappointed if I had. The new RS3 left me feeling quite underwhelmed. Would have been better to call it a S3+ as that's all it really is. Used it might be more appealing, but at £45k plus for a decent spec, I'd rather save ten grand and stick with the S3, you won't feel like you're missing out either. I struggled to work out if the RS3 I drove was any quicker than my S3. It didn't handle any better. The only thing it did do better was the noise, but even that got a bit tiring. I'm not sure I really want all the crackles and farts every time I lift off the throttle. It doesn't even look that special. if truth be told. Nope, I'm out...

Agree with you entirely.
Not special enough to merit the cost of upgrading from a S3.
TTS on the other hand, if you can do without the rear seats, it's well worth it!

 

[jaypers777]

I personally think that many of the negative comments are from S3 owners justifying why an RS3 isn't worth it. It's a better car, but at a cost. Like the S3, it also is far from perfect. I would probably like one, but don't want to spend the extra £10k. I could, but I've only had my S3 for 6 months and want to get my money's worth. And I love my S3. I'm also pretty sure I would love an RS3. I'm looking forward to seeing the collection pics on here and see how everyone gets on with the car. I know for a fact that there will be a lot of very happy owners.

 

[Scottyg]

Not an S owner of any variant. I have the smallest Diesel engine in the A3 range. And you know what? It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. If you can say that about your car then it doesn't matter how much it cost or how much power it has. If you smile when you drive it you've chosen the correct car.

 

[jaypers777]

Not an S owner of any variant. I have the smallest Diesel engine in the A3 range. And you know what? It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. If you can say that about your car then it doesn't matter how much it cost or how much power it has. If you smile when you drive it you've chosen the correct car.

Well said.....that's all that counts really. Something about Audi that does this (I'm on my first and smiling!) .

 

[Dippy]

TTS on the other hand, if you can do without the rear seats, it's well worth it!

So Audi is still putting seats in the back of the TT? They must have had a job lot of seats they need to get rid of as they're using up space at the factory. Someone said "just chuck them in the back of each TT and hope no-one notices".

 

[CraigI]

So Audi is still putting seats in the back of the TT? They must have had a job lot of seats they need to get rid of as they're using up space at the factory. Someone said "just chuck them in the back of each TT and hope no-one notices".

The only good thing is that they will fold down and make the boot bigger.
As far as any rear seated passenger is concerned they are virtually pointless (including children/toddlers), and it would quickly become a pain in the ***.