' 2015 / 2016 AUDI RS3 Sportback (8V) ' Test Drive & Review - TheGetawayer

After the TTS it was time for me to check out Audi's RS3 Sportback with the glorious 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine making 367hp ...

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[alexdb]

that's how you win credibility. By giving honest opinions. You mention relevant point's for the enthusiast so...again great review.

[CarloDelucis]

Stellar intro sequence! Great to hear your honest opinion also... Keep up the good work!

[antoinepageau]

The aesthetic quality of your videos is light years better than anything else I've seen online. A smart car manufacturer would contract you to make 30 second commercials of their product for Youtube. Are you alone in the realization of these reviews? Really the best.

[kehrin]

My favorite video of you Guido! From the narrative about rebellion in the beginning, to the clear, no-nonsense criticism of the car's shortcomings. Love it!

[DoctaM]

I was excited to see this because it is on a list daily cars for me. Now I might have no choice but to hop into one... Excited. Thanks for this awesome review Guido! I know someone who already has one on order including Audi's "Individual" program to get is customized. So excited.

[delboy]

Good honest review as always. Audio balance spot on for me Guido.

[ph-nbgd]

Really like your review because you honestly tell the bad things of cars you tested rather than just praising and praising.

[kilove]

Wow man thanks you so much ..for this review.. i love this little car !!

[JuanSalazar-bqkm]

The quality of your videos is second to none. Everything is great, from your editing work to your actual review. Very professional with great insight and a genuine opinions about each car. Good luck with all future endeavors, cheers!

[armandoloureiro]

Great review. I think the average driver in normal conditions will never feel the quirky issues around handling. Most will be to scared to push into corners and therefore never noticing under steer.

[unanutriainfame]

What you say in this review is basically the same said by an italian magazine! Basically their main complaint was the lack of playfullness due to very invasive electronics that even when disabled were still watching over the car! The review is great as always, and I'm waiting for the M2 to come out, that will hopefully be something special!

[MattMaranMotoring]

Great review Guido! I love the looks and sounds of the RS3. That's surprising to hear that it has body roll like that and light steering. I'd love to see you test the new Ford Focus RS!

[mattborman]

As always, great video Guido!

Also, I appreciate the willingness to be honest/critical. Too many reviewers sound like they also work for the carmaker's marketing team.

[cli]

Great intro! Love the engine sound, and your reviews.

[michaelpoeller]

Another great review Guido! Hope your honesty won't stop them giving you cars to test. I really like your great work!

[ElementL]

Bummer... was really looking forward to seeing the RS3 here in the states soon. I have a 2007 Volvo S60R with Haldex AWD and can appreciate the understeer comments as it too suffers from the same. However, a stiffer rear swaybar quickly solved that problem. Unfortunately, the Volvo platform never received much aftermarket support so tapping the Haldex to make it more rear biased was never fully developed. At least the RS3 has the capability and perhaps with some aftermarket magic and larger swaybar it may come alive... I'm not a fan of the electronic steering either, but everyone is moving this way it seems. I do like the S3 and it's received very nice reviews, but like you said, the RS3 engine is so nice. I can only imagine what a tune will do for this car. It seems that the potential is here with some electronic tweaking of the Haldex and perhaps steering if possible together with an ECM tune and stiffer rear swaybar. It's still on my shortlist along with the S3 and M3. Thanks for the review. Cheers from the states.

[VIBECASTFM]

This is my favourite video in youtube...

[dirkthebest]

Guido...Guido...I asked you before about the new A45 but I did not actually look at this video...

Now I have watched it, and I can say I admire your candor and loyalty, because I think in some ways it's more difficult to be so honest when you are not so famous and you are at risk every time you say something against a car maker - they can simply give you no cars anymore.

You reminded me of a guy that is called Chris Harris, and I think it's quite a good compliment for a man who does this job.

About the car, I was afraid about what you could say, because I read many reviews that weren't so enthusiatic...Audi did it again :(((

[gr]

I just wanted to chime in and say that I think the majority of people who buy the RS3 are probably going for the practicality, appearance and engine/sound. The key thing with most Audi's is you don't have to be a superb driver to enjoy it's performance. It's easy - point and shoot performance. It's much easier to keep it under control (with little skill) than most BMW M or Merc AMG. Let's face it, few RS3's will ever see a track (other than by Audi fans) and that's fine. I don't think Audi ever intended this to be a 'drivers car', if they did - it would have had a manual option. I like the DSG simply because if I'm driving to work, I'd rather have the car change gear. The RS3, for me, packs convenience, practicality and performance into one expensive machine and I can't complain at it's shortcomings when taking that into account. Where it does appeal (to me at least) is in it's total package as an daily driver. It has a sweet engine, a great sound, an understated look along with the things I mentioned previously. I like that complete balance in the package, but appreciate most 'drivers' wont. It has compromises that are made in those areas. The S1 I drove was admittedly more 'fun' and  I have also spent some time with the Gold R too and I will honestly say it is a much more 'fun' car than either of them. I still purchased an RS3 simply on the basis I just liked it more as a complete package. Yes the RS3 is probably too expensive but you are paying for the Audi badge (and that's not always a bad thing high residual values, quality, etc). Reviews tend to be very critical of Audi in general, but sometimes what one views as an advantage is another's disadvantage. To be fair, for my daily commutes, I'd rather be in the RS3 than in a M or AMG car.The RS3 can kick it's tail out, but only if you specifically request it with controlled input - I guess they just didn't really build the RS3 for this. I agree, the question could be asked "but why does it have the RS badge". If we look back, nearly every RS and every Audi has the same problem - understeer, no driver engagement, no feedback. It is not that Audi are not capable, they clearly are capable, as other VW group cars like the Golf R impress as a fun drivers car despite being pretty similar chassis set-up to the RS3. I think it is just they design their cars for a very specific customer that likes performance, sporty appearance and the fact you can pop your wife, kids and 10 bags in the boot. I don't regret buying the RS3, despite it's compromises as a sports car - it is a very usable daily driver that certainly makes daily commutes less mundane. To summarise I think it's a great car for someone who wants 60% family hatchback and 40% fun. If you want any other combination you simply buy something else that's more positioned for what you want. :-)To be honest, any one considering this car should simply test drive one to make up their mind.

[petchris]

Another good review Guido. Keep these coming. We won't see these RS cars in the US. The only RS models we get is the RS7 and the RS8.. No more RS5 now. Thank you.