Living with the 2018 Audi RS3 - Masterpiece or Missed Opportunity?
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- After a week with the new Audi RS3 Sportback, I'm ready to deliver my final verdict on Audi's hyper hatch.
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27 mpg is amazing for 400 hp turbo car
keep in mind he's talking British MPG which is calculated differently from US mpg
@@Treizez34 The British way is the correct way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Almost worth it for the engine noise alone,sounds great.
You've done a great job reviewing the RS3, ive really enjoyed watching how you got on with the car. Keep up the great videos 👍
Thanks Ryan
TT RS would be an interesting one. It doesn’t get much love yet the RS3’s and 4’s do.
Yeah but it's only 2 seats 3 and 4 are family cars
Basically take these RS3 videos, but pretend its got 2 doors and a sloppier roof?
nah in addition you are seated a lot lower, and the suspension is stiffer.
Guess why? Cos its called tt first before rs it shud be called RSTT
I had no idea tt had an rs version r models are usually called rs3 rs4 rs6 rs7 shud be same with TT perhaps why a had no idea
He sounds much better at 1.25 speed and the RS is faster! 😀
Top review. The 2015 RS3 that I have def sounds better however the facelift is better in many ways. Would be good if you could do some of the older modern classics ie UR Quattro, Lotus Carlton or Sierra / Escort Cosworth to compare how much modern performance Hatch/Saloon cars have evolved over the years.
Good summary James! As I said previously it does need something to make it feel ore than a big standard A3 on the interior. For me, standard super sport seats and a bespoke dash covering, leather or Alcantara and I would look to tweak the central console as well.
It’s a great all rounder and I may consider the saloon when my Lexus IS is up for renewal...
Agree matrix led headlights are genuinely amazing. Drive it down a country lane and the lights are awesome. Saloon is much better, also handles better due to wider track
Yep I have them too, also the indicators sweep on the front too with the matrix not with the standard headlights though
Hope Jay can do a detailed road test of the new Audi RS3 8Y. Great reviewer 👍
Please do not show the exhaust clips without the noise......that 5 cylinder must be heard! S8 + please.
even if you drive the 1.6 tdi version audi pleases you with its ultra fine refinement . i cant even imagine to roll wheels with the mighty rs3 !
Speaking on my own experience with my RS3 I get feedback through the steering wheel and I haven't got magnetic ride. If you want to hear the sports exhaust put the rear windows down.
Thanks Jay. One of the more sensible 'real word' reviews for this car (albeit rather long winded). And nice to see my local roads around Long Melford featured.
I own the pre-facelift (PFL) RS3. It's one of the best cars I've owned. It's not perfect (no car is). For me (married with a young kid) it's a brilliant all rounder and serves its 2 main purposes: (a) practical family car; and (b) fast road beast. I've chosen not to upgrade to the face lift car for now. The slight improvement in handling was not perceptible 95% of the time, and it REALLY doesn't sound as good and the PFL (with OEM sports exhaust). My car has been (faultlessly) reliable. The car is, as Jay says, all about the 5 cylinder engine.
Jay - a lot of RS3 owners buy the car for the incredible motorsport herritage of that epic 5 cylinder engine - something which you could have perhaps emphasised more.
Jay - I think your comment about the steering it true, but no more so than for most modern cars with electronic steering. I think one thing to bear in mind, (with both the PFL and FL car) is that the the engine is heavier, than common 4 pot engines, and you do feel the mass when driving near the limit. That said, the car always feels stable / planted.
My only real issues with the car are. (1) The stock Pirelli tyres. Bin them! They ride like run-flats and worse still with the optional wider front boots (which really are better in the corners). There are many better tyre options out there. (2) Fuel economy. Even in standard modes it's a thirsty car. In dynamic mode, hooning down twisty B roads - you'll get 18 mpg.
Jay - it it would have been interesting to know what you thought the shortcoming with the B&O sound system were, and which systems you think sound better. To me, the B&O sounds epic
Some commentators knock RS3s for understeering. I've never once had my RS3 understeering. In almost all situations I'd say it's neutral. I've also owned a BMW M2 (which I REALLY did not like) and a Cayman GTS (my all-time favourite). The RS3 is a brilliant all rounder for me. It's not a track car. There are more engaging cars for fast road driving - but then I have a tuned R56 JCW (with 250 bhp and Ohlins) for the crazier stuff. For me, the RS3 is a provides the best balance as my daily driver
And Jay .... less McClaren and more Lotus please.
I would do more Lotus content if Lotus let me!
I hope they [Lotus] do so you will. Like your channel, particularly the more unusual pieces such as bits on the old Rover 75 and Jag. Cheers
As long as you drive it knowing that it has a big heavy lump up top & drive it off the front wheels, they're fine. You have to be really pushing to feel the understeer
Yup, standard fare, thoroughly enjoyable. Cheers James!
Thanks Mike!
Perhaps the S1 could be a good one to try out? To see if it captures the soul of cars like this in a more affordable and compact form factor.
I was about to come and say that too... they're no more than roller skates with an engine, but for any younger viewer looking for something a bit nicer than a Corsa and more money than sense, it's definitely one to be looked at. Maybe a side by side comparison with its cousin buddy the Polo GTI?
This counts for eff all, but the S1 is very fun to drive in Assetto Corsa on twisty hill climbs. So I certainly have a level of curiosity as to whether they hold up well irl.
Mate, games count for a lot of us turning into the petrol heads we are today ;)
Yeah, 100%
The s1 is good I own one but not family cars and not as comfortable as my girlfriends 17 reg s line a3.
The main thing is you plant it you feel the fun taking over and it puts a cracking smile on your face.
If you can afford it, then the rs3 is he perfect all weather daily driver. Agree, I prefer the m2 to the m3 and m4, but whilst great cars, none are suitable in uk roads and weather, they'd be useless in the winter.
it depends on tyres, not drivetrain
The B & O stereo is excellent.
I wish we got this car with this body in the US. Have the S3 saloon and miss the utility of the GTI hatch I had previously. I know Audi would say get the Gold R for the US but the RS3 sportback looks so darn good! Great video.
Great review. I’m coming around to the idea of replacing my Golf R with one of these. I’d go saloon though (lighter, wider track, longer wheelbase and looks better). Be interested if you ever drove one of those for the comparison.
You are on the money with the review. I have compared them against the S and A line, and just like you mention, give me something in the interior of the car to tell me I am on an RS3. Also on the outside, not just the badge, different unique lights, grill, body kit, something that screams RS3 just like MB does with the AMG A45s does to separate it from its siblings.
The used car market is ridiculous, they cost more used than new.
Just finished watching the video, would have liked door and trunk opening and closing, seat adjustments, cargo space, fuel economy and cover on maintenance costs.
Thanks for the detailed review. I've already put a deposit down on one of these with pretty much every added extra after test driving one and it's good to hear you rate the car too.
My pleasure
I picked one up about a month ago after watching this video. In pretty much the same spec (pan roof, no driver assistance nonsense), came from a manual 2010 S3 and I absolutely love it.
Perfect all round car, the engine, gearbox, handling and the looks. Ara Blue with the aluminium pack and grey diamond cut Rotors is stunning.
You weren't a fan but I like the subtleness of the interior, the RS on the wheel is enough for me. Leather on the center console knee pads would be nice but I'm really not a fan of the diamond stitching on the sports seats and the other red bits that would've come with. Might end up retrofitting the center console for them at some point later.
Just sad I bought it and now I can barely drive it 😭
Red vent surrounds and alcantara door inserts with red stitching are an option (one of the packages)
Got em. It's really nice and sporty.
"naughty fast" is tempting but I know I would start getting in trouble. Still would love a Jetta wagon with a turbo 2.5 five cylinder. I know Neuspeed did a custom job and I would be more than tickled with 300 whp in that application.
No steering-feedback is a big let down. I already own to cars that have issues in that regard a 340i and 981 Spyder and i have to say it is important, especially longterm. Because the more you drive the car the more you miss feedback.
S1 would be nice, RS4 also.
000GunterGabriel000 I drive a 340 for a little bit and hated the steering. Artificial feedback that seems overdone. After one drive in the RS3 I was in love. It’s electric, but doesn’t feel like it.
I went from wanting a 340M to an M2 to finally getting an RS3. I drove them all numerous times back to back. The RS just made me smile. First Audi and I always said I would never buy one.
Yeah, one hears good things about the RS3.
Engine is a masterpiece. The front biased Haldex AWD, not so much.
speak again when this turboshit has 200000 on it, if it even reach it ! My 3.5V6 Lexus has 275000 and still pulls like new...
Would love to see the rs6. That's my favourite
Too big for me
9:00 there is the RS-Design Package. Red highlights and alcantara in a few places. And you are missing out on the Sport seats. highly recommend those.
I mentioned them in the intro video, which wound up being filmed after this
oh, didnt see the intro. this just popped up on my youtube startscreen and i was interested in figuring out what other people think about this car.
If its like the S3 it’s it’s electric Steering. I like it.
@JayEmm - fancy trying an MRC Stage 2 version? Originally the 2015 8v so pre-face lift. Owned by me only for last 7 years and gradually improved/transformed. Has 441 bhp in 'sensible' mode and 555 ft/lb torque and is now known as 'God's Peashooter' . 🙂
I had to spec the sports exhaust, mag ride separately as I ordered mine before the packs were available
Impressive car but for me you want a car that makes you smile just by looking at it. Thats so important in the performance world. Very fast yes but lacks visual appeal big time. Would not say no if I was offered one as a company car mind🧐
Oddly enough I really like the sedan version we got in the US over the hatch back. Either way the turbo 5 with AWD is very dreamy.
Unfortunately for me I live across the pond. This is the car of my dreams. Enjoy it for all your American subscribers.
Don't you get these?
RS3 four door sedan not the sportback. If one wants a sportback, one has to buy the A3 sportback etron.😆 The RS3 sportback is freaking awesome. Enjoy that beautiful gem...
+1. . Audi GmbH why not install the 2.5l turbo w/7sp DSG in other models? . Say,,, as an S4 sedan or Kombi? .. I miss our "95.5 UrS6 Kombi with its 2.2l 5cyl turbo w/5sp manual gearbox .. Fond memories the S6,, my daily driver of almost 10 years. .. The current 2021 RS6 Kombi is too brutal and expensive for a family Kombi. .. And the pedestrian A6 Kombi 3.0l tt way too boring. .. What's with the '20 S6 diesel ??
That was a belting review Jay a very precise and very informative review mate.... Keep it up pal 👍👍
Hit the nail on the head there really mate, great car, absolutely love mine
Jay from 2 years ago on 1.25x sounds rather like current Jay lol
I'd love to see a review of the rs7
It's a shame it's so expensive, but impressive all the same.
Peasant
@@maverick4177 Look at Mr money bags, not everyone can afford 51k for RS3
Stunning car!
Although this RS3 is quicker, does the Golf R steer better? Audi tend to dull the steering feel more than the equivalent VW product as they deem the vagueness as luxury. The Golf R feels incredible. Anyone driven both and can compare steering??
Yep and the RS3 is by far superior. Golf R is a nice drive for daily duties.
Well looks like Audi did not watch your review video of this one , they only fucked the interior more and then made the 2022 car twice as expensive xD
Wish they was in the USA
Was it an early 2018? I think opf/ppf filter came on late 2018 models onwards!
I pretty certain non opf/ Audi Rs3 don’t use sound in the cabin!
Yes the fl non opf Rs3 is quieter then the older version at high revs/pops/bangs but quieter at low revs!
There's a RS-style pack that adds red vents, red stitching on numerous parts and so on. But your car didn't have that sadly :/
Yes I think I mention it in another video, it should be standard
I don't like the red vents. Looks cheap. Didn't spec in my saloon
Agreed 100% Same here.
@@royalstevep68 same, I got all the red stitching but no red on vents
too bad we can't get the hatch in the USA. the R VW is good for a kid, but adults shouldn't be forced to drive it.
18 plates don’t have opf in the exhaust only 19 plates mate
Nah 68 plates have opf
I agree absolutely, my only criticism of the Honda Civic type r was in the wet there is too much wheel spin.
Great review..... Enjoyable watch.
Audi RS3 PFL or MB A45 Facelift?
Unfortunately the display won't always go away here in Canada due to the reversing camera. I have a 2019 RS 3. Thanks Yanks.
It is an f ing quick car. I have to use cruise control daily if not I would lose my licence.
Jay, how was the throttle response from a standstill? Sharp? I remember when you drove the C43 AMG it was a joke. I sold my A45 within 24 hours of ownership for that reason alone.
If you haven’t activated launch control they will not launch very aggressively. If that’s the case, no boost are ready, both the A45 and Rs3 heavenly relays on their big turbos. It’s also probably a safety reason. That’s why stability control needs to be turned off to active launch control
In the USA, we have the sport back seats with the red trim. I hate those seats you guys get.
Hello! Would you take this rs3 or the modified golf 7.5 r you tested for a daily?
Come on.... it can deliver 100% of the torque not 100% of the power to the rear wheels.
Watched your vid with the 19 Audi R8, gees the rs3 sounds so much better than the new R8, love my RS3
Masterpiece. End Video.
Standard modern hot hatch.
If your Audi RS3 is sending 100% of the torque to the rear wheels that is terrifying because it means the front end has ZERO grip to even be able to turn.
Honestly I don't know how they do it with a haldex, or if it ever actually sends 100% to one axle, but it seemed worth mentioning
@@JayEmmOnCars I think it's more of a technically can send all the torque there if the front tires are off the ground
@@vhateverlie yeah think the front wheels are never disconnected so like you say only 100 percent of the front wheels are off the ground
I'd take an rs6 over it any day of the week!
Easily, along as money was no object
15:24 Wedding gathering. Stick your ass out the window!
TTS MK3
Which would you buy? Mustang GT 2018 or rs3 2018?
Totally different cars. I am hoping to get a Mustang to review soon
how old are these videos james the way you talk about the weather we are in a differnt season to what your in?!
This one's about a month or so behind reality
TTRS
R8 review would be nice
I have asked Audi nicely!
Hey JayEmm. Another great video, thanks for sharing. What is your opinion on the all new RS4?
Mathurin
Styling and practicality wise it is by far the best RS4 to date, the chassis is brilliant but I am not in love with the engine
Steering wheel looks anemic.
I have a 2018 Audi s3. Brilliant car apart from the ride . Only had it a few months and already thinking of upgrading to an rs3 in the future. Question is , is it worth the upgrade ? Ara blue and nardo grey are also the two colours which I’d consider
I have driven the S3 and in many cases the power those cars make is enough. Owned a 235i as well. But now that I have the new RS3, I can tell you that the car is so retardedly brutal when flooring it that it is insane and puts a smile on your face. I don´t have the magnetic dampers and feel the ride is really good for what type of car it is. If you have any more questions I´m happy to help out.
I went from facelift S3 to facelift RS3 and I would say 100% it’s worth the upgrade, feels like a totally different car, The FL S3 was quick but the FL RS3 was like a baby supercar, in a different league
@@Venger25 thanks dude. What makes it more awkward now is that in September , the brand new facelift rs3 is coming out , followed by a performance version with around 450bhp
@@adamdar5121 I would wait for the 450 bhp version if you haven’t got one yet, the car is bullet proof, I haven’t tempered with mine in anyway and it’s been 100% reliable in all weather conditions
Masterpiece
You havent driven a 16 cylinder car Jay. So your top trumps is incomplete. You inly lidted up to 12 cylinder engines. Bugatti uses a W16 engine i believe. Best get behind the wheel of a Bugatti.
There is no speaker piped fake noisery on the RS3 whatsoever
1:00 "100% of power to either end..." I am sure that is not correct.
Giddupy Batrmam!
Great engine. Shitty use of it in transverse mounting for a FWD car.....
It's AWD not FWD but if you made it longitudinal it would have to be an RS4, not an RS3
Someone else who can’t afford one
@@maverick4177 Lols..... yeah. Thats it. Because they are soooo expensive. #SMH.
@@JayEmmOnCars They are Haldex. FWD....
You lost me at not knowing when to change gears without the window down.. The engine inst that quiet with windows up, you should be able to feel the power delivery characteristics and you have a huge tacho on your dash.
Listen again, the problem was the car is too quiet with the windows down - not up. Plenty loud enough with them up, but I prefer to drive with them down on spirited drives.
Yes there's a big tacho but along the roads I drive if you're going quickly you really should not be looking at it
Even with very spirited driving on the roads you dont need to be hitting the redline and using all of the revs, the car has plenty of low to midrange torque. Understand the preference of auto mode, but the manual engagement even from paddle shifting is a big plus for many enthusiasts.
I would like to see a review of the Audi S4 avant as I need something with some space for the family
14:18 you know nothing about bad roads mate uk roads are like silk compare to Hungary
I've driven Hungarian roads
new Audi S6
You can come to Germany and Review my Audi TT8j FWD 2.0 TFSI ;)
Which bit of Germany are you in?
Well, usually i am in Baden-Württemberg. Though sometimes i visit my parents which live near Osnabrück.
Oh and I mean with Baden Württemberg in the region of Heilbronn
You do realise you can change the steering weight and feel in the settings, duh! Come on man!
The weight changes, not so much the feel
@@JayEmmOnCars you had everything in dynamic but not the suspension, I think that is the difference, it's slightly unrealistic to have the best of both worlds or at least completely anyway.
Suspension and steering both need to be in dynamic and that is the difference 👍
@@lateralbeats dynamic suspension just ruins the ride
@@JayEmmOnCars that's why it's dynamic and not comfort
I didn't see the car
I did a walkaround video with it where you see nothing but the car
M2 is a coupe not a saloon. You do chat nonsense 50% of the time
I'll have you know at least 60% of what I say is nonsense
Cletus, you're going to have to vary your output. There're only so many times you can pootle up and down the roads of southeast England, in another steroid overloaded shopping trolly, before it all starts to get somewhat mundane. This isn't criticism as such, it's more constructive advice.
This guy has a point.
Only you can make the audi rs3 sound like a boring car
Loved your coverage of the RS3, thank you for bringing these great reviews. You and Petrol Ped are my favourites with the Stradman close behind.
Cheers Ray
regarding the trim and interior criticism, probably because the car here doesn't have the optional supersort seats with stitching, makes a big difference as they look amazing
2 months in with mine and I have to tell you, it still makes me all giddy when I fire it up in the morning on the way to work. I absolutely love it. I'm almost at 5k miles in 2 months LOL, that shows ya how much I like to drive. No offense but these video reviews don't do the car justice, get one, rent one whatever you need to and you'll be grinin' everytime you have a warm start esp. when you refuel and people look at you and get surprised by the pops and cracks.
Very interesting! One question please - is there any lag getting off the line from a standstill? I had an A45 and it was horrendous off the mark (without launch control of course). Is there a delay? I’ll drive one after lockdown ends but can’t now 😭 Thanks!
@@tarogibbs783 the displacement makes a huge difference, you can't compare a 2L to these motors, they have ample power and responsiveness everywhere. I'm almost 3 years into ownership of mine and it STILL os amazing. I was going to sell it to get an RS6 but simply can't.
I know that feeling, but I think mine is too precious to drive to work 😆
Weekends and good weather only for me.
😃 bloody fantastic car...and thats why i own one .......
Just subscribed. Really want to know where he's driving through! It looks so familiar and it's bugging me 😂
Great review. I own one and you've pretty much nailed the way I feel about mine. The biggest issues for me are the lack of steering feel, and the looks aren't that great (except front on). I test drove the M2 and in comparison, the RS3 hard me squealing with delight, enough to forgive the looks and steering. The sound, the rapid pace, and the "blop" on heavy load up-shift make this car magic! I mean, how often do you really get to drift / oversteer like all the M2 youtube vids?
That's a very valid point, RWD is fun in an airfield when you don't have to pay for the tyres
The only thing I do question is at 17:40 - "down a country lane I can scarcely think of anything that could keep up with this". Do you mean on the bumpy back roads where a GT3 might skip around? Or in this class / price point? What about a Ford Focus RS? A Subaru STi?
A Subaru/Focus type car would be good at keeping up, something like a 911 GT3 is brilliant but I find they work better on more flowing roads, which we don't have too many of. The Porsche is also getting bigger now which is a problem as our roads are very narrow
You get squeaks from the pan roof. It is quieter than the previous 8v version 1 and has less pops which is great. However it does gets louder and has more pops after 5000 miles
100% you’re right
no sport seats?
Yo JayEmm on Cars I might have something for you to review when you come to the west coast.
Awesome, drop me a line on Jayemm89@gmail.com
@@JayEmmOnCars ok I sent you a pic with it.
Unfortunately this car is no longer available here in Canada for 2022. If it were I would have bought one to replace my 2019 RS3.
I wish the display could disappear however thanks to the Yanks won't because of their rules.
Audi RS5 I’m most curious about, as i hear it’s a fantastic car, just not exciting and gets very expensive really quick
you think that is fast go stage 1 ..I own this car and it's amazing worth every penny