Great video! I have had mine for 8 months and just love the driving experience. Using the ‘manual’ gearbox gets the most out the car. On holiday it swallowed all the luggage which was a huge improvement on my old Q3. Probably the best size car I have had and gets there in a flash! You can click the forward button to change tracks on the steering wheel by the way... I think what people get wrong about this car is trying to classify. It has amazing handling and performance and its easy to get in and out of. My friends call it a boy racer but this is far from it, its brutal yet refined and has all the comforts one could ask for. I just can’t understand why everyone isn’t saying its one of the best cars around! Perfect every day car that has guts when you want it The only thing I would’ve liked is a memory on the seating position. Cheers and thanks again for a great review
Hey guys, thanks for watching this video. Couple of points I need to make. In the wet, on turn in there is a feeling that understeer isn't very far away but this is when entering corners faster than most drivers would consider sensible . On track I'd expect this to be more apparent. I didn't push through to see what happens as it's not my £62k car and it would be highly irresponsible on the road to do so. The oversteer kick from the back wheels was experienced at about 30 mph on an uphill hairpin bend in Germany. if you like to find the limits safely on the road and get a thrill from doing so, this car is much easier to do this in than in a more sorted RS where grip is never ending. Mpg was 32ish when driving sensibly on the motorway, the average for the trip was 28 mpg which included a lot of high speed cruising especially in Germany so in context, that isn't bad. Someone educated me in the comments that the Lane Assist system has to be turned on by pressing the button on the end of the indicator stalk. This came as a total surprise to me as other cars don't have the on/off function so accessible, it's usually in the instrument cluster or infotainment system. Also I am pretty sure you can't use the steering wheel buttons to skip tracks when playing music through CarPlay, you have to use the infotainment screen. Golf 7.5 and new Leon do this through the steering wheel buttons.
Had my Std RSQ3 on 20" wheels (plus Pano/TP monitoring/C&S pack and 5 yr warranty) for a month, having had two previous RSQ3 in 8U form (340 & 367ps) this in F3 form is a fantastic tool, like the 8U the ride quality on 20s is excellent (didn't want 21s given the potholed roads). It's an easy car to live with, strangely spacious inside, more passenger space and a larger boot. A big part of RSQ3 ownership is the drama of the 5 pot up front this doesn't disappoint at all. Std LED (non Matrix) headlamps are all you'll ever need, rear lights are animated. Exhaust (non sports sounds good and has exhaust flaps too - a Cete AVC upgrade will be done). The B road handling, compared with the 8U is in another league, stays flat and absolutely loves bends. Recommended.
Finally an objective review: I have my doubts with the review of Topgear and Carwow, these guys looked bribed by Mercedes and Land Rover... it's just too obvious
Great review, balanced and all the better for not being sponsored. I've had a 340PS, 367PS Performance RSQ3 both brilliant cars to live (have covered around 70,000 miles since 2016) and had a fully loaded B9 RS4 in between - great car but absolutely no character whereas the RSQ3 is dominated by that truly amazing 5 pot engine, its almost like it has a soul bursting with all that was missing in the RS4. I've written many times that the RSQ3 is Audi's best kept secret. Have just agreed a purchase of a new Daytona Grey Std RSQ3 (20" wheels), will be interesting to see how the two compare.
So John you've had 2 of the old model and have just ordered a new one? I think you'll be impressed as the original RSQ3 was on the dated PQ35 chassis along with old Q3. It's now on MQB which saw the RS3 improve massively over the original 8P version which had a lot in common with your first 2 RSQ3s. So prepared to love it even more. Having said that I've not driven one on passive dampers so I'd appreciate your feedback on that if yours is thus equipped.
@@volkswizard Yes, two 8U RSQ3' and now an F3 in standard form - with just four options, a Pano roof, Comfort & Sound pack, TP monitoring and a 5 year/90,000 mile warranty. The 8U RSQ3 on 20" rims and 255/35 tyres rode surprisingly well, hopefully on 255/40 the F3 will offer similar ride quality. I'm in Warwick so I figure we are not far apart geographically so maybe you can experience it for yourself.
Great video - quite enjoyable to watch too, you are getting better and better at the filming and editing side of things. You know your VW group cars but it's not always easy filming and editing everything in a great manor and getting out your knowledge and thoughts on a topic. Congrats on being loaned one (guessing) to drive from the UK to Germany for a trip! Thumbs up. Really like the direction you are taking your channel and also how much more time you are putting into it to release more videos.
Thanks Ryan, means a lot. I didn't have so much in the way of time pressure to edit and upload this so could take my time for a change, generally I upload same or next day as filming as I like vids to be as current as possible especially if it's a new model. Also not driving all the time meant I could record b roll easily which is handy for dropping in. The weather in Germany plus time constraints (3 days out of 5 were driving) meant no filming out there unfortunately. Need to go back and do a biking video one day at the 'ring as it's my idea of heaven
Interesting review, as always. I like everything about that car (including the colour - works brilliantly with the black styling pack👍), apart from the fact it's an SUV 🤣. I just kept thinking "if only that was an RS3". I love the cabin (despite the loss of a proper MMI controller) - I can see where it's a step up from, say, a Golf R. I just don't like tall SUV type cars - it's like it's a good handling car, despite being an SUV, if that makes sense? I just don't "get" sporty SUVs at all - like a sumo wrestler in running gear lining up beside Sir Mo🤣🤣. I don't think anyone would take an RSQ3 onto a dirt track, for instance! More likely to be bumped up on the kerb outside the school on the school run....It's better than a T-roc R though🤣. Audi need to make my dream car....an RS3 Avant! That would be the one car that could prise me away from my Golf R estate🤣
Great review, I was on the fence about the regular roofline or Sportback but you are taller than me and seem to fit in nicely in the Sportback, which does look very nice 👍
Great video, couldn’t agree more, I’ve been running a vorsprung spec in Nardo grey 1st one sold in east Anglia!! She’s now covering 4.5k great B road car across the fens and mega on the motorway it’s also a well capable hot hatch eater 😊👍🏽🤦🏻♂️😎
Thanks Andrew, great video. I'm considering moving from my '18 TTS to this, for practicality but with same 0-62 performance. Your video report helps the decision. I'm fancying the Vorsprung in Tango Red with red inner trim and calipers. I feel a test drive coming on! Cheers and I've subscribed 👍 Andy.
You are right about the area around the transmission.. They removed the RS logo on the stick and the surround looks terrible. A sticker is a great way to describe it. It's still the same in 2023 unfortunately.
Every day is a school day! Thanks G, just checked video and there it is. I'm amazed they've have made it that easy to switch on and off when most cars have it deep in the depth of their infotainment systems! 1800 miles too late but never mind, it'll be handy for next time👍
Wow Andrew I think it’s your best video yet and that’s saying something - what a great car and that 5 cylinder sounds is inspiring- omg I want one and I despise SUVs but this is perfection on wheels 😍😍😍 and yes in kyalami green please :)
Really interesting. Had a bad experience with an F Type and even worse with a C63S and now looking for something that’s fun but can accommodate the grandkids and a tow bar for a bike carrier. This has to be it. I’m ordering a Vorsprung. Only question is green or orange? Great review. Thanks.
I got into back of a Q3 Sportback in the Audi showroom before the virus and I’m over 6ft tall and my head was touching the roof which was uncomfortable. I would go with the RSQ3 over the Sportback for extra rear headroom. I’m guessing the sound is less due to the PPF (OPF) and noise regulations. My father currently has a 2018 RS3 and it sounds amazing without the PPF (OPF). There is definitely a difference between cars with PPF and non-PPF. I disagree that the RSQ3 is the best Audi RS on sale today.
Anyone owned one of these newer Audi's for about five or more years? How do they hold up in respect of the electronics? All the tech on them would have me concerned that it would be a nightmare of faults and flashing error lights at some point. Can you work on them yourself with a basic scan tool, or do they need a lot of specialist tools?
Fantastic honest review. I really like this car. Wouldn't have it in this green though. And the only other car that I have seen where you have keyless entry on the rear doors as well as the front, is an RS4 B8.
Great video. Great car. Not sure about the colour. I would prefer Daytona Grey myself. A minor point, is the upholstery diamond? Look more hexagonal or honeycomb to me ? 🤔. Keep up the good work in these ‘restricted times’
Great Channel & great video again! I always make a point of sitting down with a bru & enjoying these Volkswizard vids........looking forward to an honest review of the Mk 8 GTI !! Keep up the great work 👍
The RSQ3 Sportback is my dream car, it has everything, future-proof. That said, not gonna be fooled so when the price goes down the 55.000€ mark I'll proceed.
Class act Squire. Thoroughly enjoyable, rationale comments underpinned by your wealth of experience and knowledge. Another thumbs up from me on your delivery and channel content Andrew. Great job, lovely car, even in that understated green. 😉
A2 yes, though it has been a dormant year, shows in 2020 = nil (no surprise). Up! has gone sadly, as we wanted more space. Mrs C still has her TSI 90 though. I had a very brief spell with a new T-Roc R-Line (didn’t work out for several reasons, a bad buy), now in a loaded 70 plate Clubman Cooper Exclusive. Switched to the dark BMW side. No green, Moonwalk Grey. 😉
I got rid of my new 2019 RS5 and now buying the RSQ3 Vorsprung in this colour. Each to their own.... but I want something higher up and this seems to tick all the boxes (for me anyway). Let’s face it, it’s nice to be able to own an RS regardless of type 🙂
Great video! I have had mine for 8 months and just love the driving experience. Using the ‘manual’ gearbox gets the most out the car. On holiday it swallowed all the luggage which was a huge improvement on my old Q3. Probably the best size car I have had and gets there in a flash!
You can click the forward button to change tracks on the steering wheel by the way...
I think what people get wrong about this car is trying to classify. It has amazing handling and performance and its easy to get in and out of. My friends call it a boy racer but this is far from it, its brutal yet refined and has all the comforts one could ask for. I just can’t understand why everyone isn’t saying its one of the best cars around! Perfect every day car that has guts when you want it
The only thing I would’ve liked is a memory on the seating position.
Cheers and thanks again for a great review
Hey guys, thanks for watching this video. Couple of points I need to make.
In the wet, on turn in there is a feeling that understeer isn't very far away but this is when entering corners faster than most drivers would consider sensible . On track I'd expect this to be more apparent. I didn't push through to see what happens as it's not my £62k car and it would be highly irresponsible on the road to do so. The oversteer kick from the back wheels was experienced at about 30 mph on an uphill hairpin bend in Germany. if you like to find the limits safely on the road and get a thrill from doing so, this car is much easier to do this in than in a more sorted RS where grip is never ending.
Mpg was 32ish when driving sensibly on the motorway, the average for the trip was 28 mpg which included a lot of high speed cruising especially in Germany so in context, that isn't bad.
Someone educated me in the comments that the Lane Assist system has to be turned on by pressing the button on the end of the indicator stalk. This came as a total surprise to me as other cars don't have the on/off function so accessible, it's usually in the instrument cluster or infotainment system.
Also I am pretty sure you can't use the steering wheel buttons to skip tracks when playing music through CarPlay, you have to use the infotainment screen. Golf 7.5 and new Leon do this through the steering wheel buttons.
Had my Std RSQ3 on 20" wheels (plus Pano/TP monitoring/C&S pack and 5 yr warranty) for a month, having had two previous RSQ3 in 8U form (340 & 367ps) this in F3 form is a fantastic tool, like the 8U the ride quality on 20s is excellent (didn't want 21s given the potholed roads). It's an easy car to live with, strangely spacious inside, more passenger space and a larger boot. A big part of RSQ3 ownership is the drama of the 5 pot up front this doesn't disappoint at all. Std LED (non Matrix) headlamps are all you'll ever need, rear lights are animated. Exhaust (non sports sounds good and has exhaust flaps too - a Cete AVC upgrade will be done). The B road handling, compared with the 8U is in another league, stays flat and absolutely loves bends. Recommended.
Finally an objective review: I have my doubts with the review of Topgear and Carwow, these guys looked bribed by Mercedes and Land Rover... it's just too obvious
Great review, balanced and all the better for not being sponsored. I've had a 340PS, 367PS Performance RSQ3 both brilliant cars to live (have covered around 70,000 miles since 2016) and had a fully loaded B9 RS4 in between - great car but absolutely no character whereas the RSQ3 is dominated by that truly amazing 5 pot engine, its almost like it has a soul bursting with all that was missing in the RS4. I've written many times that the RSQ3 is Audi's best kept secret. Have just agreed a purchase of a new Daytona Grey Std RSQ3 (20" wheels), will be interesting to see how the two compare.
So John you've had 2 of the old model and have just ordered a new one? I think you'll be impressed as the original RSQ3 was on the dated PQ35 chassis along with old Q3. It's now on MQB which saw the RS3 improve massively over the original 8P version which had a lot in common with your first 2 RSQ3s. So prepared to love it even more. Having said that I've not driven one on passive dampers so I'd appreciate your feedback on that if yours is thus equipped.
@@volkswizard Yes, two 8U RSQ3' and now an F3 in standard form - with just four options, a Pano roof, Comfort & Sound pack, TP monitoring and a 5 year/90,000 mile warranty. The 8U RSQ3 on 20" rims and 255/35 tyres rode surprisingly well, hopefully on 255/40 the F3 will offer similar ride quality. I'm in Warwick so I figure we are not far apart geographically so maybe you can experience it for yourself.
Great video - quite enjoyable to watch too, you are getting better and better at the filming and editing side of things.
You know your VW group cars but it's not always easy filming and editing everything in a great manor and getting out your knowledge and thoughts on a topic.
Congrats on being loaned one (guessing) to drive from the UK to Germany for a trip!
Thumbs up. Really like the direction you are taking your channel and also how much more time you are putting into it to release more videos.
Thanks Ryan, means a lot. I didn't have so much in the way of time pressure to edit and upload this so could take my time for a change, generally I upload same or next day as filming as I like vids to be as current as possible especially if it's a new model. Also not driving all the time meant I could record b roll easily which is handy for dropping in. The weather in Germany plus time constraints (3 days out of 5 were driving) meant no filming out there unfortunately. Need to go back and do a biking video one day at the 'ring as it's my idea of heaven
Is the exhaust sound real or is there a speaker system making the noise..?
Interesting review, as always. I like everything about that car (including the colour - works brilliantly with the black styling pack👍), apart from the fact it's an SUV 🤣. I just kept thinking "if only that was an RS3". I love the cabin (despite the loss of a proper MMI controller) - I can see where it's a step up from, say, a Golf R. I just don't like tall SUV type cars - it's like it's a good handling car, despite being an SUV, if that makes sense?
I just don't "get" sporty SUVs at all - like a sumo wrestler in running gear lining up beside Sir Mo🤣🤣. I don't think anyone would take an RSQ3 onto a dirt track, for instance! More likely to be bumped up on the kerb outside the school on the school run....It's better than a T-roc R though🤣.
Audi need to make my dream car....an RS3 Avant! That would be the one car that could prise me away from my Golf R estate🤣
Great review, I was on the fence about the regular roofline or Sportback but you are taller than me and seem to fit in nicely in the Sportback, which does look very nice 👍
Q3 is handsome but Sportback is very striking 👌
Much better than the last one. Nothing bad about the last one there was just nothing that felt special about it to me
Last one was interesting but flawed. Never driven one but if based on 8P RS3 I can see why the reviews were pretty negative about the handling.
Great video, couldn’t agree more, I’ve been running a vorsprung spec in Nardo grey 1st one sold in east Anglia!!
She’s now covering 4.5k great B road car across the fens and mega on the motorway it’s also a well capable hot hatch eater 😊👍🏽🤦🏻♂️😎
Hey Dave, love the Vorsprung wheels, much nicer than the other styles. Enjoy!
Thanks Andrew, great video. I'm considering moving from my '18 TTS to this, for practicality but with same 0-62 performance. Your video report helps the decision. I'm fancying the Vorsprung in Tango Red with red inner trim and calipers. I feel a test drive coming on! Cheers and I've subscribed 👍 Andy.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for subscribing, great car and I am a teensy bit jealous 👍
You are right about the area around the transmission.. They removed the RS logo on the stick and the surround looks terrible. A sticker is a great way to describe it. It's still the same in 2023 unfortunately.
The lane assist on/off button should be on the end of the indicator stalk
Every day is a school day! Thanks G, just checked video and there it is. I'm amazed they've have made it that easy to switch on and off when most cars have it deep in the depth of their infotainment systems! 1800 miles too late but never mind, it'll be handy for next time👍
Wow Andrew I think it’s your best video yet and that’s saying something - what a great car and that 5 cylinder sounds is inspiring- omg I want one and I despise SUVs but this is perfection on wheels 😍😍😍 and yes in kyalami green please :)
Wow, thanks Malcolm!
Great clip from the rear mount cam for the genuine sound rather than the clackety hockey puck 🏒
Another great video Andrew. As soon as I see them pop up I'm always straight on them. That green paint, with the engine is just stunning!
Thanks GingerNinjaMTB, it genuinely is much appreciated. Indeed, it's a special car but I don't think it's very EVO, do I care? No!
@@volkswizard It may not be very EVO but does that matter...not one bit. Great channel, keep up the brilliant videos.
Really interesting. Had a bad experience with an F Type and even worse with a C63S and now looking for something that’s fun but can accommodate the grandkids and a tow bar for a bike carrier. This has to be it. I’m ordering a Vorsprung. Only question is green or orange? Great review. Thanks.
Thanks Mark.
I got into back of a Q3 Sportback in the Audi showroom before the virus and I’m over 6ft tall and my head was touching the roof which was uncomfortable. I would go with the RSQ3 over the Sportback for extra rear headroom. I’m guessing the sound is less due to the PPF (OPF) and noise regulations. My father currently has a 2018 RS3 and it sounds amazing without the PPF (OPF). There is definitely a difference between cars with PPF and non-PPF. I disagree that the RSQ3 is the best Audi RS on sale today.
Anyone owned one of these newer Audi's for about five or more years? How do they hold up in respect of the electronics? All the tech on them would have me concerned that it would be a nightmare of faults and flashing error lights at some point. Can you work on them yourself with a basic scan tool, or do they need a lot of specialist tools?
Great vid. Love the launch just for your reaction. Yeah lots of people saying they’d have this over an r/s 3 which surprised me
Thanks Adam, glad you enjoyed it. It’s a cool car RSQ3👍
Great review although not sure it’s worth trading my rs3 in for, plus it’s an suv....
Thanks Gareth! SUVs are a massive market rightly or wrongly, don't ask me why but at least it's AWD
Fantastic honest review. I really like this car. Wouldn't have it in this green though. And the only other car that I have seen where you have keyless entry on the rear doors as well as the front, is an RS4 B8.
Thanks Darren! I did suspect Audi would have rear door keyless on their dearer cars seeing as Macan is related.
Great video. Great car. Not sure about the colour. I would prefer Daytona Grey myself. A minor point, is the upholstery diamond? Look more hexagonal or honeycomb to me ? 🤔. Keep up the good work in these ‘restricted times’
It’s honeycomb
This car model can have HUD display?
What a car! Might be my favourite car at the moment, would prefer red I reckon. Great review
Thanks Greg! Glad you like it too, it's a grower but you have it respect what it can do for you.
Nice car. I would love a Red version!
Great Channel & great video again! I always make a point of sitting down with a bru & enjoying these Volkswizard vids........looking forward to an honest review of the Mk 8 GTI !! Keep up the great work 👍
Thanks Chris, I make them with a bru on so glad the viewing is similar lubricated! Mk8 should be soon, stay tuned 👍
The RSQ3 Sportback is my dream car, it has everything, future-proof. That said, not gonna be fooled so when the price goes down the 55.000€ mark I'll proceed.
Dreadful trouble with leaky sunroof mine went back after numerous attempts to fix 🤦♂️ trim was very hard plastic below eye line bit disappointing 🤔
I’ve the previous version and feel it’s build quality is better without hard plastics… made this new one a no go for me… happy with the 8U thanks
Class act Squire. Thoroughly enjoyable, rationale comments underpinned by your wealth of experience and knowledge. Another thumbs up from me on your delivery and channel content Andrew. Great job, lovely car, even in that understated green. 😉
Thanks again Darren (Squire?!). I bet you aren't a bright green car kind of guy are you?! Still got A2 and Up! GTI?
A2 yes, though it has been a dormant year, shows in 2020 = nil (no surprise). Up! has gone sadly, as we wanted more space. Mrs C still has her TSI 90 though. I had a very brief spell with a new T-Roc R-Line (didn’t work out for several reasons, a bad buy), now in a loaded 70 plate Clubman Cooper Exclusive. Switched to the dark BMW side. No green, Moonwalk Grey. 😉
Does this car have rs exhaust pipe as an option ? Or exhaust sound comes from original standard pipe ?
It’s an Audi Sport Edition so gets an RS Sports Exhaust👍
Excellent 'Gangsta' edit! Ha ha! Another enjoyable video!
Audi....wtf are you thinking by not bringing this stateside ? Not everyone can afford a +$100k rs6 avant 🥴
Best is still the 2021 TT RS. Best car on the market.
Good review, Imo at 53K i’d rather go RS5 sportback.
Fair point Kyle, but people want SUVs (don't ask me why) so for many an RS5 just won't cut it
I got rid of my new 2019 RS5 and now buying the RSQ3 Vorsprung in this colour. Each to their own.... but I want something higher up and this seems to tick all the boxes (for me anyway). Let’s face it, it’s nice to be able to own an RS regardless of type 🙂
Costs a shitload more
Can’t get this model in the US
This is my favorite RS model to date..💯💯
Great insight, thanks for sharing 👌
Glad you enjoyed it!
WOW! I love that green little "devil" :-)
Glad you do too Bernt!
Fabulous content as always thks and keep it great channel
Thanks Mark, comments like this mean a lot and keep me making videos 👍
Fastest bogey on the road
Ja son 😆😆😆😆
...and off the road 😆👍
Can you please do a review of the golf gtd mk7.5 OR a BMW 125d
I’ll see what I can do 👍
Great video.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jon 👍
Racing circuit in Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦 Kyalami it means our house
Thanks man🙌🏻Is it a bright green there ?😆
Great video
It pleased me so it’s not pointless 😉
I could have just said that and saved 25 mins 😀👍
kermit the frogs Q3
Miss Piggy's Porker (in thumbnail)
Yes, the best RS car if you don’t count RS4 RS5 RS6 RS7 or R8
Nope the rs6 avant is. Sorry.
Why are all cars so homogeneous. Nice car but just boring.
Good film but RS6 surely best RS on sale today.
Thanks👍Nah too big and in yer face. Plus it’s too capable, do you think you can push its limits on the road?
Slower than a cupra ateca how embarrassing
Slower how? 0-60 is 4.5 (RSQ30) vs 5.2 (Ateca) . RSQ3 top speed is limited to 155, Cupra is 153
@@volkswizard Ateca with the £500 manufacturer/warrantied ABT upgrade makes it about the same
Nah it is not the best. Dull to drive not better than a soulless golf gti.