@@wabbadabdab5473 you did? Congrats men I am still dreaming of this rs3 my neighbour got a rs3 2017 limo. Do you know how fucked up it feels when someone else is driving everyday your dreamcar and hearing the sound of the exhaust every day... I am depressed now
I just love how all Audis look, so stunning. Especially this one. Really, Audi in general has an ability to make cars with aggressive, yet somehow calm looks . Just great mixture! Love it.
I love audi and mostly i think you are right but for this kind of money and power, the car should look way more aggresive than a standart a3. I can compare cars with my mum, she got a 1.4tfsi a3.
Just wanted to say thanks for the review. Ended up buying one back in July after watching the vid and going for a test drive. Picking it up next week :)
+Kieran Smith Thank you for the positive feedback - it's always very much appreciated. Hope you enjoy your new car - make sure you leave a review on our website!
Its well out my league but hope you enjoy it. Looks a great all round car for everything. Ive got an Abarth 595, I couldnt afford the Audi but im happy enough :)
Three hot hatch reviews in a row but I'm not complaining! That 5-cylinder engine is a masterpiece, I would go as far as saying it justifies that price tag.
sakoudas Oil consumption is relatively high in the RS3. It's a performance car and the fluids should be checked fairly regularly. It doesn't drink as much oil as cars like the RX8, but high oil consumption is something that a lot of owners do comment on! Hope this helps.
it's faster than an r8, it's got a better infotainment system and is miles cheaper. The only difference is that the r8 looks amazing. This thing looks like any other a3. That's the beauty of it. It doesn't look special but is ridiculously fast. You'll really have a laugh with this car in traffic light races.
But at the same time, isn't 52k cheap for an 'Audi R8 with a big boot'? Definitely a car to keep an eye out for in the 2nd hand market given a few years passing I reckon...
Interestingly, this thing is as quick to 60 as the Lamborghini Countach QV5000 was in the 90s. It was quoted as 4.2, but it didn't quite get there. That is absolutely bizarre.
I absolutely LOVE this car. But i am sad that Audi is pricing it so high. We don't have it yet in the US, though im excited to see it in sedan trim, but in dollars it would be around $65-$70k. So a golf R is $39k, audi S3 is $49k but then RS3 $65k ? Thats c63amg / bmw m4/m3 money!!!
emireitor It's ridiculous how cheap cars are in the US, a M3 or C63 for around 65k? Fucking hell. The M3 starts at 160k in Australia which is about US$123k and the C63 starts at 166k which is about US$128k.
Haha. The M3 costs £121,000 (+taxes and options) and M4 £119,000 (+taxes and options) in India. An Aventador here would set you back nearly £800,000 with some options and taxes! Even cars like the 5-series cost £60,000+.
Aww that's adorable man A BMW M4 is selling 780,000 in Malaysia meanwhile an aventador is nearly 4 million Talk about taxes all country in the world gonna lose their shit compare to our dear country
Do a review on the Toyota Land Cruiser V8, haven't seen anyone else do a review of it and I think it would be a great SUV to test out in general. Hope this comment is taken on board.
leiya107 is that oil consumption or fuel consumption? some German engines do use oil; can be significant enough that you may need to top up during a long road trip.
It's hard to argue with the price by saying £52K for a hatchback! Firstly it's not just a hatchback (the latest is even more powerful), therefore the price reflects that it is a serious bit of kit. Secondly, don't add the options! Speccing any such car, gives an enormous price. The basic price of £40K is realistic for a beautifully finished high performance, very useable car. If you want a vehicle where you skill is supreme, then get a van....and a VW California can be £60K.
I’ve been searching for an RS3 with the “adaptive dampers” as you mention in this review but I can’t find a mention of them on any adds. Even the ones that say “top spec” “epic spec”. Dose the RS3 come with adaptive dampers as standard or do they call it something else....or have I just not found one yet?
Hi there, just here to ask a question. I have a mk4 Golf and it really needs some new paint. I want it to be a beautiful dark blue color (metallic) that doesn't break the bank, and so far audi's "Sepang Blue" is my favourite and I believe it's not that expenssive (correct me if i'm wrong)... can someone recommend some other dar blues maybe? Thanks.
+vivalaphill The rs3 engine is not underrated by -20hp like you suggest. lol And it doesnt matter if you get 430hp when you remap an rs3. The rs3 is 15k more expensive (atleast) then the s3 and if you are not filthy rich it's not worth the money over the s3 when a simple remap will give you the same power as the rs3. And tbh, i'll take the s3 over the rs3 anyday simply cause i don't like hatchbacks in the first place.
Nice review as usual Mat! I've got one on order, but with Audi themselves reckoning that most buyers will opt for around £8,000 of options the cost can really mount up. I could only justify the price I paid by selecting to spend only a small amount on options, for what is essentially still an A3.
Beautiful car. I'd probably wait for a comparison between this and the upcoming Focus RS though before deciding. For the price of this Audi you could buy the Ford AND go on a few round the world holidays!
***** If you're considering the Focus RS, you wouldn't be looking at the RS3. If you're considering the RS3, you wouldn't really look at the Focus RS. They're targeted at two different groups of buyers.
Mirokism Both cars are very similar in size and power, and the new RS also has a more toned down look than the previous version. In theory, the perceived "image" is the only other differentiator, but even bankers and posh people will buy a Ford if it suits them, since being rich doesn't necessarily mean you have forgotten about value for money.
***** It really depends on what's important to you. If a banker wants to travel to and from work in a nice luxurious interior then the Focus RS is already out of the question. If you look at them from a technical perspective then yes they are similar, but in the real world they offer completely different things to different people.
***** as someone who's got a Golf R DSG due for delivery next month the gearbox was a major selling point. Ford, Honda, Peugeot, etc are way behind on getting proper dual clutch systems in their top models. This left me a choice of Merc, BMW, VW/Audi/Seat. Also from a styling perspective the RS is far too boy racer for me, I'm 32 and there's no way I'd want it sat on my driveway even though I quite like it. It's just too extreme and I don't want the mid-life crisis jokes.
Drove both PFL and newer FL, I'm one of the few that preferred the PFL. Sounds light years better, has more than enough power and tbh I prefer the look over the FL.
Great car but like everyone else it's too expensive..95K in AUD starting price before options...lots of other cars in that price range I'd be looking at before buying a hatchback
1:20 anyone knows the reasons why he launches with brake and 4000rpm? I have seen people doing with the GTR also, but I have no idea why they are doing so. Anyone can share their knowledge? Appreciate :)
CK Leong Launch control sets the car rolling in the quickest, most consistent way. It's basically an additional rev limiter that holds the car at a specific RPM while the driver is at full throttle. 4,000rpm is a pretty common number, but it varies depending on the engine and whether there's a turbo (holding it at 4,000rpm helps generate boost). As soon as you come off the brake, all that lovely power goes to the wheels!
+CK Leong if your car has launch control the computer would do it all for you , if it doesn't you've gotta figure it out on your own, 4000 is a good starting point.
+koyuki4848 Thanks for the clarification. I think A45 has it, but I heard keep using launch control is not good for the car. I have seen some people launch with 3000 or 5000 too, but more often to see people launch with 4000 and I was wondering why :)
it is like paddle shifters, a cool tech to have and show off once in a while or when u just got a new car, but for daily drive probably won't use it :)
Not even close to half, Gallardo is so pure and Incredibly with that V10 NATURALLY ASPIRATED Engine. Gallardo 2004 is one of the best sounding cars ever made
Great car, but why have a automatic gearbox on a hot hatch? don't feel as connected to the car as a driver. Hate this modern era of cars, where the electronics play the part, save weight and money by not using as much material on the bodywork then cram it full of electronics
surely the golf R and the latest S3 are more evenly matched at 300bhp. My s3 does the job just fine for me can't really see the point in another 10 grand for another 60 odd bhp..
50,000+ shit a brick that price is stupid. Despite the fact its a great car I would go off and buy the Honda type r because its just as fast and doesn't cost 50,000.
This is my dream car at the moment
Mine too!
Same m8
I feel your pain comments 💜 I have now achieved this dream, you can to, work hard and stay positive people. The law of attraction works for all?!
@@wabbadabdab5473 you did? Congrats men I am still dreaming of this rs3 my neighbour got a rs3 2017 limo. Do you know how fucked up it feels when someone else is driving everyday your dreamcar and hearing the sound of the exhaust every day... I am depressed now
is it still dream car?
I just love how all Audis look, so stunning. Especially this one.
Really, Audi in general has an ability to make cars with aggressive, yet somehow calm looks . Just great mixture! Love it.
I love audi and mostly i think you are right but for this kind of money and power, the car should look way more aggresive than a standart a3. I can compare cars with my mum, she got a 1.4tfsi a3.
OMG that 5-zylinder audi sound from my childhood, my dad used to drive 2.3 audi 100 in the 90`s. i am in tears of nostalgia..
I quit my job to watch carbuyer
Excellent car, noise, performance, utility, practicality. What is there to hate?
Great review Mat. Again.
the price lol
Killa Magnum i have to agree =)
The automatic transmission. PERIOD !!!
@@killamagnum9718 ^repairs and reliability issues
I'd have to change pants every time I change gears...
Nour Nachabe Imagine parking this car in a tight spot, switching between 1st and revers few times... For that you need a lot of pants :)
Leo Nidas I'd have to get a pants factory then
Made my day 😂😂😂😂
So changing gears with an automatic makes you wet your pants? You are quite easily to impress. LOL
Disappointing that you label the Golf R as a slower alternative, when it has proved itself too be equal if not better on the track than the Rs3
Just wanted to say thanks for the review. Ended up buying one back in July after watching the vid and going for a test drive. Picking it up next week :)
+Kieran Smith Thank you for the positive feedback - it's always very much appreciated. Hope you enjoy your new car - make sure you leave a review on our website!
Its well out my league but hope you enjoy it. Looks a great all round car for everything. Ive got an Abarth 595, I couldnt afford the Audi but im happy enough :)
+Simon George It's a very nice car!
Hello Kieran smith just sponsor me to get even a Toyota vitz i will appreciate
You still have it?
Test drove one of these, ultimately too small for me but the performance is, frankly, outrageous!
Three hot hatch reviews in a row but I'm not complaining! That 5-cylinder engine is a masterpiece, I would go as far as saying it justifies that price tag.
Amazing! I know if I could afford to buy this car then I've made it! I'm not a huge Audi fan per se but this car is stunning!
Bonkers car, bonkers reviewer. Let us know what you think about this crazy-fast Audi.
Carbuyer time to up your production to 60fps
Please tell us about oil consumption
sakoudas my 2007 TFSI takes 1L/5000km
sakoudas Oil consumption is relatively high in the RS3. It's a performance car and the fluids should be checked fairly regularly. It doesn't drink as much oil as cars like the RX8, but high oil consumption is something that a lot of owners do comment on! Hope this helps.
This RS3 is very fast . It's actually 0.1 slower than M6 or M5 in 0-62mph
We love you Mat! Oh and the car isn't too shabby either. No one should buy it at that price, but it's a great car.
it's faster than an r8, it's got a better infotainment system and is miles cheaper. The only difference is that the r8 looks amazing. This thing looks like any other a3. That's the beauty of it. It doesn't look special but is ridiculously fast. You'll really have a laugh with this car in traffic light races.
Its not faster than the R8, the MMI system is the same in both cars... What?
Yes it is faster than the v8 version of the r8
***** nope, the R8 V8 with S Tronic does it in 4,2 seconds Audi RS3 does it in 4,3
wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R8 4.6
You sir, are wrong
***** nothing there... 4,6 is with the manual transmission, S-Tronic= 4,2, I did it in 4 secs flat with my own car, its faster than the RS3
Wow, Matt was young once upon a time 😂
Mat, your the best, I love your comments.
Still my dream car... STILL CAN'T AFFORD IT
Picking mine up on Tuesday 1st March :-) Drove it on a test drive and loved it
that price just broke my heart, what a machine.
But at the same time, isn't 52k cheap for an 'Audi R8 with a big boot'? Definitely a car to keep an eye out for in the 2nd hand market given a few years passing I reckon...
Ryzza5 Yes indeed ,RS models tend to hold strong in the residual department though.
Gorgeous, I might buy one in 15 years :D .. Stick with my 2011 TDI for now lol.
Did you buy it yet?
Good review of a great road car, can't wait till mine is delivered in January
The sound reminds me of a V10.
I went in on yesterday with 405 bhp it's mad 😳
Interestingly, this thing is as quick to 60 as the Lamborghini Countach QV5000 was in the 90s. It was quoted as 4.2, but it didn't quite get there. That is absolutely bizarre.
How far mat has come lol 😂😂😂
I like the A3 very much but I love the engine in this.
Carbuyer any plans to review the Jag XE? Would be eager to see Mats opinion on it, looks like a cracking motor.
I absolutely LOVE this car. But i am sad that Audi is pricing it so high. We don't have it yet in the US, though im excited to see it in sedan trim, but in dollars it would be around $65-$70k. So a golf R is $39k, audi S3 is $49k but then RS3 $65k ? Thats c63amg / bmw m4/m3 money!!!
emireitor It's ridiculous how cheap cars are in the US, a M3 or C63 for around 65k? Fucking hell. The M3 starts at 160k in Australia which is about US$123k and the C63 starts at 166k which is about US$128k.
Mirokism yes but you guys have kangaroos
Haha. The M3 costs £121,000 (+taxes and options) and M4 £119,000 (+taxes and options) in India. An Aventador here would set you back nearly £800,000 with some options and taxes! Even cars like the 5-series cost £60,000+.
Aww that's adorable man
A BMW M4 is selling 780,000 in Malaysia meanwhile an aventador is nearly 4 million
Talk about taxes all country in the world gonna lose their shit compare to our dear country
BluesEyePeas Which currency?
Excellent review mate :)
My Favourite Car
Why no mention of the A45?? think it's more of a direct competitor than the golf R.
Great deals to be had on this on the lease market.
Do a review on the Toyota Land Cruiser V8, haven't seen anyone else do a review of it and I think it would be a great SUV to test out in general. Hope this comment is taken on board.
Epic performance and sound! Though them wheels look old!
You need to do a review on an Audi S3!!
Fast forward to 2024 and an RS3 is almost £70k
Love this car
Carbuyer oil consumption? Very important aspect of a car that is driven flat out.
sakoudas Educated guess would be around 25-30 mpg in the real world
sakoudas Answered this in a higher-up comment but yes, oil consumption is high compared to a conventional car!
leiya107 is that oil consumption or fuel consumption? some German engines do use oil; can be significant enough that you may need to top up during a long road trip.
Too bad it's so expensive.
It's hard to argue with the price by saying £52K for a hatchback! Firstly it's not just a hatchback (the latest is even more powerful), therefore the price reflects that it is a serious bit of kit. Secondly, don't add the options! Speccing any such car, gives an enormous price. The basic price of £40K is realistic for a beautifully finished high performance, very useable car. If you want a vehicle where you skill is supreme, then get a van....and a VW California can be £60K.
A real shame they don't make them in Sepang Blue any more, unless you order Audi exclusive paint.
When are you going to do the new Audi Q7 review?
i wonder how much it will be in the US..
Those shoes are really nice - I wonder what brand they are
I’ve been searching for an RS3 with the “adaptive dampers” as you mention in this review but I can’t find a mention of them on any adds. Even the ones that say “top spec” “epic spec”. Dose the RS3 come with adaptive dampers as standard or do they call it something else....or have I just not found one yet?
Hi, it's called the dynamic pack, adaptive dampers, sports exhaust and top speed lifted to 174mph.
Hi there, just here to ask a question. I have a mk4 Golf and it really needs some new paint. I want it to be a beautiful dark blue color (metallic) that doesn't break the bank, and so far audi's "Sepang Blue" is my favourite and I believe it's not that expenssive (correct me if i'm wrong)... can someone recommend some other dar blues maybe? Thanks.
Ming blue
I think I will wait until the price drops Down then sneak in and buy one 10 years maybe Haha it's all good as long as you get one 👊🏿
super awesome car. reminds me of the rs2
I dont consider a hatchback without a 3 dr version a hot hatch. 5 doors are not hot at all
A45 Amg, the Rs3 or M135i
After seeing this review I would rather get this
Wow dat car is super bonkers!
Arnold Negga Correct.
I would skip the optional farts exhaust and debase for more sleeper mode.
This car is a pure beast and I would happily give my A6 up for it!, but the price is just to to high!
New top gear host???
my dream car... it is fast and plenty of space for my bicycle in back :)))
In Malaysia, this car probably cost around US$ 200,000. Maybe a little bit less. So sad :(
You can also just buy the S3 and remap it. Same power as the RS3 then but offcourse without the sexy exhaust.
+SynQ86 ehhm you won´t get 380-390 hp from a S3, because RS3 engine is underrated.
remap the 2.5 5 cylinder peach and you are looking at 450hp.....
+vivalaphill The rs3 engine is not underrated by -20hp like you suggest. lol And it doesnt matter if you get 430hp when you remap an rs3. The rs3 is 15k more expensive (atleast) then the s3 and if you are not filthy rich it's not worth the money over the s3 when a simple remap will give you the same power as the rs3. And tbh, i'll take the s3 over the rs3 anyday simply cause i don't like hatchbacks in the first place.
SynQ86 wait a few months and lets see what will appear ;)
it definetly is. it was tested at 4.1-3.9 0-62 multiple times...
actually 12k but ok.
How does it compare to the cheaper S3 ?
More expensive and faster. Ok?
S3 s tronic 0-60 in 4.8??
Love the car
Nice review as usual Mat! I've got one on order, but with Audi themselves reckoning that most buyers will opt for around £8,000 of options the cost can really mount up. I could only justify the price I paid by selecting to spend only a small amount on options, for what is essentially still an A3.
That kind of cash for "just" inline 5-cyl? Sometimes Audi logo is just a bit too expensive, isn't it?
Beautiful car. I'd probably wait for a comparison between this and the upcoming Focus RS though before deciding. For the price of this Audi you could buy the Ford AND go on a few round the world holidays!
***** If you're considering the Focus RS, you wouldn't be looking at the RS3. If you're considering the RS3, you wouldn't really look at the Focus RS. They're targeted at two different groups of buyers.
This is waaay more expensive
Mirokism Both cars are very similar in size and power, and the new RS also has a more toned down look than the previous version. In theory, the perceived "image" is the only other differentiator, but even bankers and posh people will buy a Ford if it suits them, since being rich doesn't necessarily mean you have forgotten about value for money.
***** It really depends on what's important to you. If a banker wants to travel to and from work in a nice luxurious interior then the Focus RS is already out of the question. If you look at them from a technical perspective then yes they are similar, but in the real world they offer completely different things to different people.
***** as someone who's got a Golf R DSG due for delivery next month the gearbox was a major selling point. Ford, Honda, Peugeot, etc are way behind on getting proper dual clutch systems in their top models. This left me a choice of Merc, BMW, VW/Audi/Seat.
Also from a styling perspective the RS is far too boy racer for me, I'm 32 and there's no way I'd want it sat on my driveway even though I quite like it. It's just too extreme and I don't want the mid-life crisis jokes.
Review the rs6 avant
Crazy, the facelift version is even quicker
Drove both PFL and newer FL, I'm one of the few that preferred the PFL. Sounds light years better, has more than enough power and tbh I prefer the look over the FL.
Get an S3, stage1 map, it's quicker and cheaper, note is still good but nothing on the 5Pot.
You could have a Cayman S for the same money - it's a no brainer
Neil Joseph It's about the practicality combined though! You're gonna struggle taking 3 friends around in a Cayman s :P
Neil Joseph Good luck with your Cayman S when winter comes around.
Great car but like everyone else it's too expensive..95K in AUD starting price before options...lots of other cars in that price range I'd be looking at before buying a hatchback
Sounds too good
lovely wheels
1:20 anyone knows the reasons why he launches with brake and 4000rpm? I have seen people doing with the GTR also, but I have no idea why they are doing so. Anyone can share their knowledge? Appreciate :)
CK Leong Launch control sets the car rolling in the quickest, most consistent way. It's basically an additional rev limiter that holds the car at a specific RPM while the driver is at full throttle. 4,000rpm is a pretty common number, but it varies depending on the engine and whether there's a turbo (holding it at 4,000rpm helps generate boost). As soon as you come off the brake, all that lovely power goes to the wheels!
Carbuyer Appreciated for your explanation. This 4000rpm , is it applies to most cars? Can I do it with my A45 amg or mazda cx5?
+CK Leong if your car has launch control the computer would do it all for you , if it doesn't you've gotta figure it out on your own, 4000 is a good starting point.
+koyuki4848 Thanks for the clarification. I think A45 has it, but I heard keep using launch control is not good for the car. I have seen some people launch with 3000 or 5000 too, but more often to see people launch with 4000 and I was wondering why :)
it is like paddle shifters, a cool tech to have and show off once in a while or when u just got a new car, but for daily drive probably won't use it :)
Oooooo I Definitely want to get me one of these one day xD
The 5 cylinders, god
Love the car, not so sure about the wheels though...
A45 or Rs3
Golf r and a remap, I did.
It sounds like half a Lamborghini Gallardo
Not even close to half, Gallardo is so pure and Incredibly with that V10 NATURALLY ASPIRATED Engine. Gallardo 2004 is one of the best sounding cars ever made
Mat Watson for Top Gear UK
great car. even for family ;)
How much is it?
Now the guy in the 2016 r8 will win you
Mat is that u?
What's the song of this video?
Great car, but why have a automatic gearbox on a hot hatch? don't feel as connected to the car as a driver. Hate this modern era of cars, where the electronics play the part, save weight and money by not using as much material on the bodywork then cram it full of electronics
WANT
Mercedes A45 will be back on top soon, new power upgrade for it's engine, going to 398 BHP :0
I fucking want one! And I want it now!!😂😂😍😍
I haven't driven it, but the variable ratio steering cars I tried were absolutely awful. Why did they have to do that? :/
I thought great car and sound until I heard that ridiculous price, so many better and cheaper cars on the market.
Video quality is very poor, did they use a mobile?
price in euros?
Next time, leave the whole exterior launch control sequence...
I see no reason why anyone would ever buy R8 over this..
I want one :(
beast! but if you can afford it!
surely the golf R and the latest S3 are more evenly matched at 300bhp. My s3 does the job just fine for me can't really see the point in another 10 grand for another 60 odd bhp..
50,000+ shit a brick that price is stupid. Despite the fact its a great car I would go off and buy the Honda type r because its just as fast and doesn't cost 50,000.
for that money i would get a couple year old S4/S6
I'd love the rs3, but fuck that... 40k basic... Just wait for my golf r dsg, bw 29 :) almost here
Not like encouraging people to drive fast
Very nice, too pricey though!