Living with the 2018 Audi RS3 - Masterpiece or Missed Opportunity?

After a week with the new Audi RS3 Sportback, I'm ready to deliver my final verdict on Audi's hyper hatch.

You can now help us in many ways:

We have also partnered with UK insurance broker ADRIAN FLUX. With special policies for classic, performance and modified vehicles they have a great range of products and are a great choice if you're searching around for a renewal. If you call them on our special number, or mention JayEmm On Cars when calling up we get a small payment which helps the channel keep on ticking!

Just call them on 0800 085 6452 (UK Only)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow us on Social Media:

And if you LOVE driving, and are based in Europe, I am now running an events and track day company called Magnitude - sign up for their newsletter here!

[mcspooney]

27 mpg is amazing for 400 hp turbo car

[ryanmccormick]

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 👍

[amphilbey]

Almost worth it for the engine noise alone, sounds great.

[AdamC]

TT RS would be an interesting one. It doesn’t get much love yet the RS3’s and 4’s do.

[chrissharman]

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.

[techyd]

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...

[raybrock]

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.

[nicholaswright]

Hope Jay can do a detailed road test of the new Audi RS3 8Y. Great reviewer 👍

[MrHidinho]

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

[SchwaboChannel]

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.

[martinlong]

He sounds much better at 1.25 speed and the RS is faster! 😀

[royalstevep]

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

[chanhyung]

Engine is a masterpiece. The front biased Haldex AWD, not so much.

[samspencer]

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.

[Niallboy]

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.

[arainla]

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.

[SunWindWave]

Yup, standard fare, thoroughly enjoyable. Cheers James!

[PatrickFelstead]

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?

[Driver]

Please do not show the exhaust clips without the 5 cylinder must be heard! S8 + please.

[Allibanos]

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.