This is going to be my next car. Much more unique than the M2 or the CLA AMG. The 5 cylinder is cool and has such a unique sound as well. Car also looks like more subdued than it really is, it isn't over the top but just enough to let people know its something special and not your everyday A3. Can be daily driven too, AWD for poor weather, although ill keep my current vehicle for that.
100% agree.... its more unique and thats why i bought one and i would never replace it for anything unless for gt3 RS porsche haha. which is on top of my dream list ;)
Awesome review Matt! Rs3 is my dream car. Been watching your vids since high school, feels nostalgic every time I watch a new one! I’ve learned a ton about the car market from your channel as well, thanks for the work you do!
@@carsaregood911 first did you drive one before? Second of all I can say is it's a brand that got killed off and it's a car that got killed off by its own and I feel like it just gets s*** on even though it doesn't deserve it, that's all I'm going to say 😄. Love it tho and will mod it soon.
Matt.. you are hillarious when you are driving that thing hard. So much Joy!! Reminds me of your review of the GTR. I really like how this car keeps the rpm's up in auto mode. Keep up the good work my man!!
I love how joyful he was. I had the same reaction test driving a 2019 RS three it takes your breath away. It gives you a head rush. You feel like a little kid and you have to back off the accelerator like you seriously need a good quarter-mile minimum straightaway free of traffic to truly appreciate this thingand I didn’t even play with the Settings. I just put it into dynamic mode.😮 Can’t wait to get my own
TTRS owner here. Love my car, especially with Stage 1 tune. Really wish I had that new trick rear diff! I still don't care for the interior on the new RS3. Looks cheap. But I will concede that overall, it's one hell of a bargain. Love the sound of the 2.5!!
Just got word that mine started being built today after 7 long months of waiting. I should finally have it within 2 months. I had an S3, and then switched to an M2 Competition because I really wanted a manual again, but I have missed Audi the entire time. I guess they just fit me better If they just offered the RS3 with a stick, it’d be the perfect car imho
You are right in that there isn't much else out there that performs the same in this price range. The CT4V-Blackwing is a heavier car by almost 400lbs and unlike the Audi, the Caddy's V6 is not under-rated. The new RS3's are dyno'ing over 400whp. The "472hp" Blackwing's are dyno'ing about 430 so there is a little bit of drivetrain loss. The Cadillac is slower, both to 60mph and in the 1/4 mile. It also gets much lower fuel economy, is only available in RWD and as far as I can tell, you can't even get carbon ceramic brakes on it either. You have to go up to the CT5V for that and pay $100,000+ for that option. Looks are subjective, but I also don't think the Caddy is as good looking, at least on the exterior. Although, unfortunately, I think it may have a leg up on the RS3 when it comes to interior quality, but the Caddy gets more expensive if you option it out similarly to the Audi. It doesn't take much to get it up over $80k. Some people are comparing this to the M3 as well, but the price difference between the RS3 and the M3 Competition xDrive when similarly optioned is at least $20-25k. Having AWD is a plus for anyone who wants to daily drive this thing is snowy weather. Put a set of Michelin All Season 4's on this thing and I bet it'll get through snow without blinking. Nice review!
I was looking at a CTV4 Blackwing as well but went with the RS3 (for now). Had high hopes for new M2 but not crazy about the looks. I came from ZL1. Love the new Z06. GM seems to rate their hp figures based on 15% driveline loss. ZL1s put down about 560 rwhp
Thanks for another great video! Your reactions are always the best!!! This is one of my favorite German cars, and you made it look even more fun than I had thought! Nice work!! 😁
Great review Matt! Nice meeting you at Cars n Coffee Pittsburgh!! 2022 RS3 Representing!!! Your Turbo Blue, Josh's Mythos Black and my Daytona Gray Were. On. Point. See you soon bud... maybe Saturday @ CnC Pittsburgh ?
It was great meeting you too man! I'm not sure how often I'll be able to make it to CnC but I'm hoping to go at least once more this year. Enjoy that RS3!
We have been eagerly waiting for this review Matt. This year we have started a new car endeavor spurred on by my craving for a V8 once again. FWIW, this RS3 has now solidified a place among the competitors on our list. •C8 (pending availability and lack of mark-up) •Audi RS3 (simply because there is no RS4. Also concerned about 'cost of ownership' post warranty) •Camaro ZL1 (cannot decide between standard ZL1 or the 1LE Track Pack) •Challenger Scat-Pack Widebody (waiting for the 2023 'price and build' to drop from Dodge. Plum Crazy Purple is an absolute requirement!) •Shelby GT350/R (Have trust issues as a pre-owned vehicle. IMHO, the GT500 looks a tad busy for lack of a better word. Plus the cost is too high) •Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (uncertain how I feel about owning an Alfa _outside_ of the manufacturers warranty. After all it is an Alfa...) •Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (I have a distain for Caddy's due to personal reasons. I also think the back end looks terrible compared to the front) •Lastly, there is always the classic car option. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a $250k BOSS 429 or $750k Shelby GT-500KR. However, there are still plenty of options. In fact, the Audi RS3, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio are the only non-V8's on the list. I'm still searching for more options but I think I have the performance car aspect covered at this point. Feel free to suggest any vehicles that I may not have considered. As you can see I have _a lot_ from which to choose. Although, the sole premise of this new endeavor is because I miss having a V8. More importantly, I feel obligated to do my part towards 'Saving the manuals' which (again) narrows down my options. This may be thee most difficult car shopping to date. Pending road tests of each vehicle of course. I will be anxious to hear your thoughts after living with this RS3 for a prolonged period of time. Like I said before, I hold your opinion in high regards my friend. However, if there was one flaw I'd say you missed on this RS3. It would be the copious amount of gloss black in and around the vehicle. Being that I live in Arizona, I must deal with the direct sunlight year-round. Even with 5% tinting, I must contend with reflective surfaces that can pose a visibility danger at times. Not to mention that these gloss black pieces _always_ look terribly scratched up no matter how fastidious you may be. I would prefer carbon fiber without the cost of actual carbon fiber but I digress. Nonetheless, I am *THRILLED* that this review has finally come to the channel. I look forward to your overall thoughts and conclusion. Stay classy my friend. EDITED for content.
One way to cut down on all that gloss black inside and out would be to offer a carbon fiber package option for this to include the lower side piece, mirror caps, spoiler, and grille surround like the RSQ8. Also no excuse for not have real carbon fiber interior bits.
you’re not wrong. I had an S5, RS3, and most recently a 21’ RS5 coupe, and the RS3 is way more fun. the sound is incredible catless. hope to be able to get this new one in Canada at some point!
You said it yourself, great daily driver, more room than you might think, looks and sounds beautiful, you loved it. do you have the same smile driving your Ford Mach e? Life is short Matt, if your car seat fits, get rid of that ford and it will pay for this ,and you'll be a happy man every day
It could work as a family car, but it's not big enough for what we want. It'll fit a stroller but not much else, it'll fit a car seat on the passenger side but then the front passenger doesn't have much room, etc. Plus it's Beth's car, not mine. With the press cars I almost never drive her car anyway, and the Mach-E was the best choice for her and us, given all the factors we have at play. Also, it's almost 15k more than the Mach-E, doesn't get a tax credit, still has higher running costs, etc. Yes the RS3 is more fun, but we can't afford it or justify it even if we could.
I've got the sportback, prefer the looks to the sedan. Mines got full carbon pack, including rear wing. Also got ceramics, top speed now 180mph and I've sourced the red interior styling bits from Germany and fitted myself. Tango Red, it looks awesome. Had it a few months now, waited nearly 2 years for it to arrive. Main gripes, some plastics are a it cheap, glitchy drive select, couple of rattles had to be sorted in the dash, Car Play doesn't always connect and the B&O in this car is utter rubbish. Bridgestone tyres it came on aren't great either, but have now put Michelin PS4s on and there's a big improvement in grip. I've alao had an Akrapovic exhaust system fitted, as we have OPF in the UK, so car is a bit quiet, now solved! Minor gripes aside, I love it. You don't see many on the roads in the UK, so a big head turner too.
I saw when you were navigating the performance screens that the car was set to pump fake sound into the cabin. That's likely what your hearing. Turn it off and see what it sounds like
Instead of just mashing your foot to the floor, press on the accelerator smoothly. Especially with turbo charged cars, there will be a fairly significant difference in acceleration and you'll experience feedback from the car. I heard a race car driver say years ago that the word "smooth" should be applied to almost everything in driving. Turning, breaking, acceleration etc. He wasn't wrong. Jerky movements are the enemy.
Still stuck between ordering one of these new or getting a used one with low miles. I love the styling of the previous model so much more but the headlights and some of the interior and driving improvements of the new car are appealing. Maybe I’ll be able to find an Audi dealership that will actually let me test drive a new car so I can see if the drive is worth the uglier appearance. Great review as always Matt!
to me, the updated interior with the HUD and touch screen is worth it, just from a quality of life perspective. ALso a used one is so close in price to a new one... it's just not a good value to me to buy used. you know how RS3 drivers drive their cars too lol
Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video! I personally don't recommend buying anything used currently, I'm convinced this used market bubble will pop at some point, and the new ones likely being the last generation should make them a little more collectible and a little more resistant to depreciation too.
@@MattMaranMotoring Yeah the plan would be to wait for the used car prices to drop if I was going for the older model. Before the craziness a clean 18’ was in the high 40s with low miles. Now it’s almost the price of a new RS3! I’ll see if the looks of this new one grow on me but I don’t love the huge front grill and the mustache on its rear end lol. Thanks for the response Matt! Hope for all our sakes the bubble bursts. I have too many cars on my bucket list that became unaffordable the last year and a half.
@@randyspade1319 Yeah black on black is what I would want for an 18’ too. Just looks so clean and subtlety aggressive. Did you get yours at msrp or have to deal with markup? It took a while but I found a dealer in IN doing msrp so I have an order in with them but the car is a ways a way still so I have time to decide what I want to do.
When my B9 S4 reaches its sell-by dats, I’m thinking (hoping?) to flip it for an RS3. I sat in an S3 at the dealership this week and the interior is a few steps down from my S4. At least it has good ergos. I’m 5’7” and fit well, but it seems like it could be cramped for bigger folks. The seat doesn’t get as low as in the S4 and there were only a couple of inches between the top of my head and the roof liner. I might well get one, but only after the initial buying frenzy and egregious dealer markups fade away. If they don’t, then maybe an M240i xDrive or a CT4 Blackwing.
Thanks Greg! Unfortunately I haven't driven the M240i so it's hard for me to say, but I definitely love the Blackwing and RS3. Like I say towards the end of the video, it'll come down to your priorities and preferences.
@@MattMaranMotoring I took a 240i for a spin last week. Really fun, and steering is better than the 3. I only had it for about 20 miles, and one thing that I didn't like was the ride was a bit harsh. I like the blackwing, but personally like the look of the ATS V over the CT4. Decisions, decisions.
I have heard that controlling the new VW Golf R’s rear wheel dynamics is unintuitive if you familiar with RW dynamics. Since they are related, is this the case in the RS3?
Yeah, you definitely have to "re-learn" a different driving technique. Applying the gas too early coming out of a corner is actually rewarding in this car. In basically anything else, it'll just provoke understeer.
I'd say the Giulia is a more pure handling experience, the Audi uses a lot of tricks to amaze you and improve the dynamics. The Alfa doesn't need any of that, it's just inherently great. The Giulia definitely has faster steering too which makes it feel a bit more eager on turn-in.
@@MattMaranMotoring That's what I expected to hear. I absolutely love the Giulia platform. Incredible steering and balance. One of the most underrated cars around imo. Specifically the 2.0T version. Alfissimo recently came out with a GTAm (200k track version) suspension ECU module that recalibrates the option adaptive dampers on the 2.0T or QV to match the calibration of the GTAm ECU. According to the reviews this significantly improves both the ride and handling (which is already phenomenal) for only $700. Paired with there $500 GMS eccentric uniballs for increased camber and steering feel and there $350 cold pressed sport springs which are stiffer then standard QV springs you would have one seriously sharp yet still very comfortable luxury sedan for under 35K used. Now all it needs is a 5cyl LOL. The 2.0T is a pretty fun torquey quick revving motor though. I have never heard of a suspension ECU tune for any other cars. Have you Matt?
Great video. $60k MSRP, plus $20-30k markup from dealerships on a used 4000miles engine because human greed has evolved to stupidity after 2019. Car is boss though. RS series are always special.
Ah bummer, my buddy managed to order one in Charlotte and I don't believe they're charging him a markup. It's worth shopping around and doing a roadtrip if needed in my opinion!
Front wheel drive biased vehicle, that version of Quattro is the Haldex it’s going to send the power to the front wheels first (hence bigger size in the front). I had the same thing on my 19 RS3 until I switched to 255’s all around.
It sounds like the problem might be your dealership then. I put a deposit down in March, and just got word that it started being built today. I’m supposed to take delivery in 4-8 weeks, so it will be between 8-9 months from deposit to delivery. I can’t be sure, but I suspect the issue is waiting for your dealership to have an RS allocation to give you. If you call around, you might get one quicker. A dealership here in New England even just had one on the lot with nobody’s name on it, but it wasn’t the color or build I wanted. Good luck!
It's so unfortunate that you can't buy these in a manual... My Golf R would be traded in for one in a heartbeat if they offered a proper 3 pedal setup.
The fake vents are a deal breaker for me. Looks cool from a distance, but up close the mockery just makes it look cheap. Audi isn’t the only one. This trend really needs to stop. I’m in the market for a new car and I can’t find anything I like in $50k-$80k.
And whilst it can theoretically send 100% of the rear axle torque to either wheel, it still has a 50/50 front/rear limitation. Nothing’s changed there.
Should’ve put this motor in the Golf R and brought the Clubsport to the US. The Golf is only compelling in its most basic form at $30,000 this generation. Gotta buy an Audi for anything more from VW group.
I’ll take an RS3 over ANY Mercedes and BMW. Truly a unique beast.
I’m gonna buy one in about 6 months, probably in green
This is going to be my next car. Much more unique than the M2 or the CLA AMG. The 5 cylinder is cool and has such a unique sound as well. Car also looks like more subdued than it really is, it isn't over the top but just enough to let people know its something special and not your everyday A3. Can be daily driven too, AWD for poor weather, although ill keep my current vehicle for that.
You’ll regret your comment
100% agree.... its more unique and thats why i bought one and i would never replace it for anything unless for gt3 RS porsche haha. which is on top of my dream list ;)
The attainable super car.
Aftermarket potential for serious power, and it sounds like a baby V10
Awesome review Matt! Rs3 is my dream car. Been watching your vids since high school, feels nostalgic every time I watch a new one! I’ve learned a ton about the car market from your channel as well, thanks for the work you do!
Thanks Bailey, I appreciate the longtime support and I'm glad you learned more about cars in the process! That's awesome to hear!
I've been enjoying mine for 4 years really happy with just a tune and Intercooler. 550 hp and it's happy as a clam
do a catless downpipe. stage 2 is a riot!!
Yeah pretty sure I'll be ordering one anytime now! Great car already, and it just got better. Ride quality is incredible with this new RS3!
E85 is hard to find by me
The car my Golf R wishes it could be
😄 at least you still have a pretty fast car unlike me..
@@amcb2035 It's definitely not fast, but not painfully slow either lol. What do you have?
@@carsaregood911 first did you drive one before? Second of all I can say is it's a brand that got killed off and it's a car that got killed off by its own and I feel like it just gets s*** on even though it doesn't deserve it, that's all I'm going to say 😄. Love it tho and will mod it soon.
@@amcb2035 enjoying your Scion tC? ;)
@@itsTheGshow 👀👀 nah bro Saab
So glad you finally got an Audi with a 5 cylinder!
Matt.. you are hillarious when you are driving that thing hard. So much Joy!! Reminds me of your review of the GTR. I really like how this car keeps the rpm's up in auto mode. Keep up the good work my man!!
I miss those personal car reviews he did
@@integrafreak1 I like all of Matt's reviews. It's like he's sitting right next to you.
I love how joyful he was. I had the same reaction test driving a 2019 RS three it takes your breath away. It gives you a head rush. You feel like a little kid and you have to back off the accelerator like you seriously need a good quarter-mile minimum straightaway free of traffic to truly appreciate this thingand I didn’t even play with the Settings. I just put it into dynamic mode.😮
Can’t wait to get my own
I'm jealous. I'd love to have one of those things! The sounds, and the power potential 🔥
I probably wouldn't pick grabber blue but still
Turbo* blue
TTRS owner here. Love my car, especially with Stage 1 tune. Really wish I had that new trick rear diff! I still don't care for the interior on the new RS3. Looks cheap. But I will concede that overall, it's one hell of a bargain. Love the sound of the 2.5!!
Just got word that mine started being built today after 7 long months of waiting. I should finally have it within 2 months. I had an S3, and then switched to an M2 Competition because I really wanted a manual again, but I have missed Audi the entire time. I guess they just fit me better
If they just offered the RS3 with a stick, it’d be the perfect car imho
Beautiful car with a tremendous amount of potential within the aftermarket. Definitely a good bang for buck vehicle
Getting the hatch would have really been the daily driver cherry on top.
It's nice to see you having so much fun! For me that's the best part of the video.
Thanks Lynda! I'm glad you liked the video!
It makes REAL sounds and gives you a REAL feeling...REALLY💯
Nice review again!! Just placed my order last week and look forward to driving it sometime next year :) 5-cylinder rocks!
That's awesome, congrats on the order!
Just got my allocation recently after exactly 1 year wait time! How about you?
I wish we got the rs3 hatchback in the USA damn !
An engineering marvel! 😯
Top daily car. Dream car to own. Love anything from Audi
You are right in that there isn't much else out there that performs the same in this price range. The CT4V-Blackwing is a heavier car by almost 400lbs and unlike the Audi, the Caddy's V6 is not under-rated. The new RS3's are dyno'ing over 400whp. The "472hp" Blackwing's are dyno'ing about 430 so there is a little bit of drivetrain loss. The Cadillac is slower, both to 60mph and in the 1/4 mile. It also gets much lower fuel economy, is only available in RWD and as far as I can tell, you can't even get carbon ceramic brakes on it either. You have to go up to the CT5V for that and pay $100,000+ for that option. Looks are subjective, but I also don't think the Caddy is as good looking, at least on the exterior. Although, unfortunately, I think it may have a leg up on the RS3 when it comes to interior quality, but the Caddy gets more expensive if you option it out similarly to the Audi. It doesn't take much to get it up over $80k. Some people are comparing this to the M3 as well, but the price difference between the RS3 and the M3 Competition xDrive when similarly optioned is at least $20-25k. Having AWD is a plus for anyone who wants to daily drive this thing is snowy weather. Put a set of Michelin All Season 4's on this thing and I bet it'll get through snow without blinking. Nice review!
I was looking at a CTV4 Blackwing as well but went with the RS3 (for now). Had high hopes for new M2 but not crazy about the looks. I came from ZL1. Love the new Z06. GM seems to rate their hp figures based on 15% driveline loss. ZL1s put down about 560 rwhp
Thanks for another great video! Your reactions are always the best!!! This is one of my favorite German cars, and you made it look even more fun than I had thought! Nice work!! 😁
For its class, it’s a very special car
Just taken delivery of 2024 RS3 Diamond Black with performance pack.Top speed 180 mph
Great review Matt! Nice meeting you at Cars n Coffee Pittsburgh!! 2022 RS3 Representing!!! Your Turbo Blue, Josh's Mythos Black and my Daytona Gray Were. On. Point. See you soon bud... maybe Saturday @ CnC Pittsburgh ?
It was great meeting you too man! I'm not sure how often I'll be able to make it to CnC but I'm hoping to go at least once more this year. Enjoy that RS3!
We have been eagerly waiting for this review Matt.
This year we have started a new car endeavor spurred on by my craving for a V8 once again. FWIW, this RS3 has now solidified a place among the competitors on our list.
•C8 (pending availability and lack of mark-up)
•Audi RS3 (simply because there is no RS4. Also concerned about 'cost of ownership' post warranty)
•Camaro ZL1 (cannot decide between standard ZL1 or the 1LE Track Pack)
•Challenger Scat-Pack Widebody (waiting for the 2023 'price and build' to drop from Dodge. Plum Crazy Purple is an absolute requirement!)
•Shelby GT350/R (Have trust issues as a pre-owned vehicle. IMHO, the GT500 looks a tad busy for lack of a better word. Plus the cost is too high)
•Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (uncertain how I feel about owning an Alfa _outside_ of the manufacturers warranty. After all it is an Alfa...)
•Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (I have a distain for Caddy's due to personal reasons. I also think the back end looks terrible compared to the front)
•Lastly, there is always the classic car option. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a $250k BOSS 429 or $750k Shelby GT-500KR. However, there are still plenty of options.
In fact, the Audi RS3, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio are the only non-V8's on the list. I'm still searching for more options but I think I have the performance car aspect covered at this point. Feel free to suggest any vehicles that I may not have considered.
As you can see I have _a lot_ from which to choose. Although, the sole premise of this new endeavor is because I miss having a V8. More importantly, I feel obligated to do my part towards 'Saving the manuals' which (again) narrows down my options.
This may be thee most difficult car shopping to date. Pending road tests of each vehicle of course.
I will be anxious to hear your thoughts after living with this RS3 for a prolonged period of time. Like I said before, I hold your opinion in high regards my friend.
However, if there was one flaw I'd say you missed on this RS3. It would be the copious amount of gloss black in and around the vehicle.
Being that I live in Arizona, I must deal with the direct sunlight year-round. Even with 5% tinting, I must contend with reflective surfaces that can pose a visibility danger at times. Not to mention that these gloss black pieces _always_ look terribly scratched up no matter how fastidious you may be. I would prefer carbon fiber without the cost of actual carbon fiber but I digress.
Nonetheless, I am *THRILLED* that this review has finally come to the channel.
I look forward to your overall thoughts and conclusion.
Stay classy my friend.
EDITED for content.
One way to cut down on all that gloss black inside and out would be to offer a carbon fiber package option for this to include the lower side piece, mirror caps, spoiler, and grille surround like the RSQ8. Also no excuse for not have real carbon fiber interior bits.
I came from a 2019 ZL1. My (non ordered) RS3 is coming this month. Figure I can drive it for a year and not lose money on it, even if I don't like it
Fastest I've clicked one of Matt's videos
Me too
That face, reaction, and laugh at 8:29 was classic Matt! Haha 😂
R8 aside I think the RS3 is the best Audi made. The only car better in its class (to me) is the best BMW … the M2 … just my opinion not fact
you’re not wrong. I had an S5, RS3, and most recently a 21’ RS5 coupe, and the RS3 is way more fun. the sound is incredible catless. hope to be able to get this new one in Canada at some point!
My favorite car at the moment
500TH LIKE FOR THIS 5 CYLINDER BEAUT 🚙 💕
You said it yourself, great daily driver, more room than you might think, looks and sounds beautiful, you loved it. do you have the same smile driving your Ford Mach e? Life is short Matt, if your car seat fits, get rid of that ford and it will pay for this ,and you'll be a happy man every day
The Mach E is Beth's car. She made the choice. Matt has his Bullitt.
It could work as a family car, but it's not big enough for what we want. It'll fit a stroller but not much else, it'll fit a car seat on the passenger side but then the front passenger doesn't have much room, etc. Plus it's Beth's car, not mine. With the press cars I almost never drive her car anyway, and the Mach-E was the best choice for her and us, given all the factors we have at play. Also, it's almost 15k more than the Mach-E, doesn't get a tax credit, still has higher running costs, etc. Yes the RS3 is more fun, but we can't afford it or justify it even if we could.
I love my 5 cylinder in my Jetta sportwagen. It’s a very similar sound but obviously wayyyy more power
Perfect daily. Would love to see you get one of these Matt! That blue is 😍
Thanks Blaze, if I needed 4 doors and could afford it, it would probably be my pick!
Love my 5 cylinder! Great review!
8:25 that is the same corner where I also accidentally drifted 😂
I've got the sportback, prefer the looks to the sedan. Mines got full carbon pack, including rear wing. Also got ceramics, top speed now 180mph and I've sourced the red interior styling bits from Germany and fitted myself. Tango Red, it looks awesome. Had it a few months now, waited nearly 2 years for it to arrive. Main gripes, some plastics are a it cheap, glitchy drive select, couple of rattles had to be sorted in the dash, Car Play doesn't always connect and the B&O in this car is utter rubbish. Bridgestone tyres it came on aren't great either, but have now put Michelin PS4s on and there's a big improvement in grip. I've alao had an Akrapovic exhaust system fitted, as we have OPF in the UK, so car is a bit quiet, now solved! Minor gripes aside, I love it. You don't see many on the roads in the UK, so a big head turner too.
My dream car.. $120,000 here in Australia
Insane
Such an amazing vehicle!
Hi Matt
Thx for the video. I need to know what would you choose RS3 or CT4V blackwing?
I love the RS3!!!
A smile like that on your face is something an EV will never do...
love that car
Awsome review!
Amazing car
I saw when you were navigating the performance screens that the car was set to pump fake sound into the cabin. That's likely what your hearing. Turn it off and see what it sounds like
what you seen in the settings was the active exhaust valves. they open/close at different rpm depending on your settings.
Instead of just mashing your foot to the floor, press on the accelerator smoothly. Especially with turbo charged cars, there will be a fairly significant difference in acceleration and you'll experience feedback from the car.
I heard a race car driver say years ago that the word "smooth" should be applied to almost everything in driving. Turning, breaking, acceleration etc. He wasn't wrong. Jerky movements are the enemy.
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
Unfortunately this car is no longer available here in Canada. If it were I would have traded my 2019 RS3 for one.
Oh yeah and the audi rs3 video again..great!
Audi leadership need to import the RS3 wagon into the US. This is my dream AWD 400 hp hot hatch.
Awesome review bro 😎
That color is awesome. Wish I could afford one.
Audi RS 3 Sedan é um carro fantástico, e super esportivo...eu Edgar tenho um sonho de eu ter um carro desse 🇧🇷..Em nome de Jesus, eu vou ter...
Funny VW uses the sound of the 5 cylinder enginer for their Soundaktor so whenever I heard the RS3 in the vid all I thought about was my 2016 GTI.
When the transmission downshifts, what drive mode are you in? Trans also has a sport mode, so perhaps it’s active.
It was still doing the odd behavior even with everything in the normal mode, including the transmission mode.
Awesome car!
Still stuck between ordering one of these new or getting a used one with low miles. I love the styling of the previous model so much more but the headlights and some of the interior and driving improvements of the new car are appealing. Maybe I’ll be able to find an Audi dealership that will actually let me test drive a new car so I can see if the drive is worth the uglier appearance. Great review as always Matt!
to me, the updated interior with the HUD and touch screen is worth it, just from a quality of life perspective. ALso a used one is so close in price to a new one... it's just not a good value to me to buy used. you know how RS3 drivers drive their cars too lol
Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video! I personally don't recommend buying anything used currently, I'm convinced this used market bubble will pop at some point, and the new ones likely being the last generation should make them a little more collectible and a little more resistant to depreciation too.
@@MattMaranMotoring Yeah the plan would be to wait for the used car prices to drop if I was going for the older model. Before the craziness a clean 18’ was in the high 40s with low miles. Now it’s almost the price of a new RS3! I’ll see if the looks of this new one grow on me but I don’t love the huge front grill and the mustache on its rear end lol. Thanks for the response Matt! Hope for all our sakes the bubble bursts. I have too many cars on my bucket list that became unaffordable the last year and a half.
That’s why I ordered this in black on black. Makes the car look that much nicer and don’t notice the huge grill as much
@@randyspade1319 Yeah black on black is what I would want for an 18’ too. Just looks so clean and subtlety aggressive. Did you get yours at msrp or have to deal with markup? It took a while but I found a dealer in IN doing msrp so I have an order in with them but the car is a ways a way still so I have time to decide what I want to do.
what are the recommended tyre pressures front and back?
When my B9 S4 reaches its sell-by dats, I’m thinking (hoping?) to flip it for an RS3. I sat in an S3 at the dealership this week and the interior is a few steps down from my S4. At least it has good ergos. I’m 5’7” and fit well, but it seems like it could be cramped for bigger folks. The seat doesn’t get as low as in the S4 and there were only a couple of inches between the top of my head and the roof liner. I might well get one, but only after the initial buying frenzy and egregious dealer markups fade away. If they don’t, then maybe an M240i xDrive or a CT4 Blackwing.
Performance cars this cool shouldn’t have fake exhaust tips, it has so few flaws that they really stick out
Lets get on this back road here and see how it does is such a youtube classic.
Восхищаюсь этим парнем. Бред Ридер талантище 🎉🎉🎉. Видео невероятно вкусное и потрясающие. Продолжай в том же духе. 🔝✊🏻😎🤟🏻
Wow it actually does sound a bit like the Audi R8. That’s shocking lol
Yes it's sounds and acts like a mini V10 , that engine is fantastic !
Matt, another great review. Have to ask, the Audi, CT4 V Blackwing or new M240i ?
Thanks Greg! Unfortunately I haven't driven the M240i so it's hard for me to say, but I definitely love the Blackwing and RS3. Like I say towards the end of the video, it'll come down to your priorities and preferences.
@@MattMaranMotoring I took a 240i for a spin last week. Really fun, and steering is better than the 3. I only had it for about 20 miles, and one thing that I didn't like was the ride was a bit harsh. I like the blackwing, but personally like the look of the ATS V over the CT4. Decisions, decisions.
Really would like to see you drive the m240i XDrive and get your thoughts between the 2.
In ur opinon is the hefty price tag worth it for the RS3?
Awesome!!
I'm questioning if Matt ever gave this car back to Audi 🤣
I have heard that controlling the new VW Golf R’s rear wheel dynamics is unintuitive if you familiar with RW dynamics. Since they are related, is this the case in the RS3?
Yeah, you definitely have to "re-learn" a different driving technique. Applying the gas too early coming out of a corner is actually rewarding in this car. In basically anything else, it'll just provoke understeer.
Why they stop the flat bottom wheel
Got one on my new RS3 sportback. You can spec the flat bottom wheel in UK and EU.
Just got one…. had it 1500kms
11:26
Did the paddle shifters have a good response time?
Immediate.
11:30 The face you all been waiting for!
Oh yes!!!! 🙌
This or cts blackwing?
CT5-V Blackwing is a lot more expensive, but if money is no object and you don't need AWD, I'd go Blackwing.
Lol, in my suburban setting I would never use this much power.
How does the steering and chassis dynamics compare to the Alfa Giulia?
I'd say the Giulia is a more pure handling experience, the Audi uses a lot of tricks to amaze you and improve the dynamics. The Alfa doesn't need any of that, it's just inherently great. The Giulia definitely has faster steering too which makes it feel a bit more eager on turn-in.
@@MattMaranMotoring That's what I expected to hear. I absolutely love the Giulia platform. Incredible steering and balance. One of the most underrated cars around imo. Specifically the 2.0T version.
Alfissimo recently came out with a GTAm (200k track version) suspension ECU module that recalibrates the option adaptive dampers on the 2.0T or QV to match the calibration of the GTAm ECU. According to the reviews this significantly improves both the ride and handling (which is already phenomenal) for only $700. Paired with there $500 GMS eccentric uniballs for increased camber and steering feel and there $350 cold pressed sport springs which are stiffer then standard QV springs you would have one seriously sharp yet still very comfortable luxury sedan for under 35K used. Now all it needs is a 5cyl LOL. The 2.0T is a pretty fun torquey quick revving motor though.
I have never heard of a suspension ECU tune for any other cars. Have you Matt?
Nice😎
thanks for the review. Is this car as fast as the ct5 blackwing in terms of quickness and within the 0-120 mph?
I love the rs3 but I think for 60k bmw offers a better package ie the m240 the m340 and m440 although they aren’t as lightweight
This or the new n340?
RS3s are pretty damn cool. That grill is hideous.
SO much better than the exaggerated kidneys though
Great video. $60k MSRP, plus $20-30k markup from dealerships on a used 4000miles engine because human greed has evolved to stupidity after 2019. Car is boss though. RS series are always special.
MSRP here...shop around
I enquired about one and the dealer was charging a 20k mark up, not so much value at 85k :-( Think I’d go for an M240i. Similar perf figures.
Ah bummer, my buddy managed to order one in Charlotte and I don't believe they're charging him a markup. It's worth shopping around and doing a roadtrip if needed in my opinion!
I'm in Charlotte...no markup from Audi of Northlake
The new line up from audi vw is trash the only good looking interior is in the jetta the mk7 and 8v a3 were worlds nicer
Why not have 265s all around? No room in the rear for that width?
Front wheel drive biased vehicle, that version of Quattro is the Haldex it’s going to send the power to the front wheels first (hence bigger size in the front). I had the same thing on my 19 RS3 until I switched to 255’s all around.
They left the rear narrower to make it more tail happy
Biggest pain for the rs3 is the waiting time, I ordered a year ago and I might have another 6 months to go 😢
It sounds like the problem might be your dealership then. I put a deposit down in March, and just got word that it started being built today. I’m supposed to take delivery in 4-8 weeks, so it will be between 8-9 months from deposit to delivery.
I can’t be sure, but I suspect the issue is waiting for your dealership to have an RS allocation to give you. If you call around, you might get one quicker. A dealership here in New England even just had one on the lot with nobody’s name on it, but it wasn’t the color or build I wanted.
Good luck!
Crazy...no order, mine will be here in 2 weeks
How much deposit was required?
@@PStewart28 1k
@@fzr1000981 You spec'd the vehicle the way you wanted it? You paid a markup?
It's so unfortunate that you can't buy these in a manual... My Golf R would be traded in for one in a heartbeat if they offered a proper 3 pedal setup.
M340i m240i
The fake vents are a deal breaker for me. Looks cool from a distance, but up close the mockery just makes it look cheap. Audi isn’t the only one. This trend really needs to stop.
I’m in the market for a new car and I can’t find anything I like in $50k-$80k.
Only fake vents are the rear ones… all the front vents are functional
Check out the new Q60S Redsport.
1 fake vent or two is a deal breaker in your mind 😂😅
In Canada we're not getting it because it's "too dirty" of an engine. How sad...
Really ?
@@GLA45Amg716 Yes they cancelled the RS3 for in December in Canada.
@@williamsaad6833 damn 😂 I live in buffalo thinking about ordering one. Might get stolen when I drive to Canada 😂
@@GLA45Amg716A sad day brotha for us Canadian folks
Matt's gonna sell the Mustang..
Lol, nope, the Bullitt stays. It's his heart.
Love the engine but I could never get excited about the car.
And whilst it can theoretically send 100% of the rear axle torque to either wheel, it still has a 50/50 front/rear limitation. Nothing’s changed there.
911 guy?
@@fzr1000981 I can’t afford a 911 anymore :(
What do you drive
@@fzr1000981 Currently I’m between cars so I’m sharing my partner’s 22 BRZ. Which I actually really like.
Should’ve put this motor in the Golf R and brought the Clubsport to the US. The Golf is only compelling in its most basic form at $30,000 this generation. Gotta buy an Audi for anything more from VW group.
I conform with an S3 for a daily, RS3 is too much.
😂
I use my new RS3 sportback as my daily, it is perfect. You're just in denial as you have a lesser car. LOL
The new m240ix almost same performance but much less money.
Used to have a regular customer who was the lead mechanic at an Audi dealership. He said to never buy one bc it will always be in the shop ☹️
First
This is what the volvo S60 should have been
I can't take Americans seriously talking about EU cars lol
What's your point?