New Audi RS3 2021 review | The £60k, 180mph, 395bhp A3! | Autocar
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- This is the new 2021 Audi RS3, and it's a belter. Unusually for a hot hatchback these days, or any other type of car for that matter, it arrives with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. That makes a wholesome 395bhp (400hp, metric horsepower fans), alongside 369lb ft of torque (500Nm).
With a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and four-wheel the RS3 is good for 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 174mph. Better still, it has a tricky differential at the rear that can torque vector and vary the amount of power it sends to either rear wheel, which even makes the car a touch drifty. Yes, really.
All of which adds up to something that sounds quite startling. Then, though, there is the price. In the UK the RS3 costs from at least £50,900 for the Sportback, as tested here (saloon from £51,900). But then optioned versions, topping out with a 'Vorsprung' specification at £58,650, to which you can add an RS Dynamic Pack, including adaptive dampers, which costs £5000 - though it does also raise the top speed to 180mph.
How good, then, is this new mega hatchback that's dominated by all these big numbers? It's over to Autocar's esteemed road test editor, Matt Saunders, to give the verdict.
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When you realise this car has more cylinders than the new upcoming C63 amg 😂
lol
To be fair this RS3 may as well have a 4 cylinder given how muted it sounds. But yeah, a C63 without a roaring V8 - ouch!
The C63 has more power though
@@nastystew6942 no one cares if it has 6000 more horsepower. Its gonna sound like a fartcan.
@@nastystew6942 Not everything is about power, sound is part of what makes a cars overall character. So enjoy it while you can because electric cars are well and truly on their way.
Well done Autocar. Only you can make such an exciting car sound suicidal!
😂😂😂
What a dull review. 😐
Yep, he looks like a 1970s stamp collector reviewing the RS3
That was a tiresome review, no verve or vigor!
5:55 "The ride isn't too bad either, I mean this is a pretty nasty surface and it's dealing with it alright....CRASH"
Haha yes I thought exactly that when I heard it!
I burst out laughing at that point.
So much gloss on that front grill. It's like applying lipstick over your entire face
A 10 minute nap is just what I needed. If you want to buy an RS3 do not watch this. If you want a nap, watch this 📹
Would say the RS3 is more of a hyper hatch than a hot hatch? Hot hatches, for me anyway, are cars like the Fiesta ST, Twingo RS and the I20N
Will always be a hot hatch with its rubbish Haldex system
If you put a “real quattro” on it that’s a different story
@@ur2slob724 What is Quattro, isn't that Audi's prerogative nobody else's. IMO. Why is haldex rubbish? 90% driving you wouldn't notice you had 4 wheel drive anyway.
I hope Journos take note of what you just said.
It's an audi and still a hot hatchback.
Its just hotter than most of the rest.
Nothing really hyper about it.
@@dazza818 It's hyper in terms of pricing at least. It's really in no mans land with how much it cost for a hot hatch, well at least it has the A45s to keep it company
What a terrible lack lustre review of a car that appeals to so many. Apart from the comments about the A45 or golf R there was zero comparison to anything else at the price point. No mention of the M2 or cayman for example. Not sure where they find these pseudo matter of fact presenters. Maybe that's what happens when you put a car journalist infront of the camera instead of a word document.
Dude, you need a triple espresso for starters, even the most dinamic car would look pedestrian with your style of car testing.
🤣
This review was kind of mediocre.
I am sorry but this guy lacks any charisma, his delivery is monotonous, I honestly nearly fell asleep...Henry Catchpole Harry Metcalfe Steve Sutcliffe Are all quiet thoughtful presenters but engage ...I am sure he is kind to his wife and pets..but please just let him write not present
I could have fallen asleep watching this. Great car, fantastic location but a very poor review led to me baling out at 4.12. I will wait for Rory Reid and his team to make a beautiful, entertaining, informative mini film. The same car, probably the same press junket will resort in a vastly superior piece of work
When you have one of the most anticipated car review of 2021, the presenter is by far the most boring, stamp collector looking person in the universe.
Hottest Hatch 💪🏻
The first nice wheels Audi has made in 10 years maybe? 🤷🏽♂️
top statement ' the'll continue making them until somebody puts the boss in prison ,anyway they already did that did'nt they " that got rolling laughing .
A Hatchback than can do 180mph, who’d have thought one Day a Family size Car could be do that?
That's just progress and marketing trying to convince you that 180mph is actually useful
I think if you are going to buy a hot hatch
Nowadays you are going to need this
Performance. Because about every hot
SUV is going to leave you for dead!,
What are you saying mate 😂 knob
@@Billeh556 your main subject is it.Knobs?,
My God this dragged on. 🤦🏻♂️
You don't say?!?!!? Fuckin' hell this guy sure was aiming for that 10min vid just to tick the box.... his outfit did the car no justice either.... looked like an old fart driving a sports car.....
I love this engine- the fact the 5 cylinder 2.5 aint been phased out yet fills me with joy. If this presenter had his way I think we'd all being 20mph max with monotone exhaust. Even worst his voice would be pre-programmed into your infotainment system🙉🙉🙉
So is this finally something that can replace my Focus rs?
Get rid of that anyway unless its a mk 2. Got rid of my mk2 for a 3.....worst decision i ever made.
@@make.oxtail.cheap.again1 I've been pretty happy with it. But like you I miss my fwd but I had a Megane III RS. Less cylinders than your old one!
@@pastorofmuppets8834 cant go wrong with a renault, my missus had the clio RS it was great fun
@@make.oxtail.cheap.again1 I've got a Clio IV which is very modified, so that fills the gap nicely! Auto that and manual Focus
Nice car...bad review...no passion or excitement, you need to practice your craft.
Very informative. 👍🏼 Well shot too!
It's no more expensive than an AMG45S or an M2 comp so if that's all that BMW fan boys Autocar can criticise then then it must be a frustratingly great car for them. Couldn't you pick someone who can convey even a scintilla of motoring enthusiasm to do the review, this is utterly depressing 😕
Why we just looking at my guys face the whole time, no other camera angles like an over the shoulder dash facing.
That is a lot of money! Yes it's a lot of car but still. That's a lot of money!
Same price as it's competition.
Great review chap. Thanks.
I was sold the moment Audi announced that the new RS3 would have Drift Mode. I'll be at the front of the queue as soon as the order books open.
Why didn't you get the Focus RS or A45S?
@@pastorofmuppets8834 I've been driving manual cars for the past 29 years. It's time for auto boxes and dual clutches now. I've only driven automatics on test drives but have never owned one. That's why the Focus RS is automatically off the list (and the fact that it's a very old car now, and Ford pretty much confirmed that there won't be a new Focus RS for the current model). The AMG A45S is OK. I love the interior design and quality. I love the power. It even looks good too on the exterior. And yet I still can't put my finger on why it doesn't make my heart race. That is not good when you are about to spend £60,000 on it. For that kind of money, you have to be certain that what you are purchasing is actually what you like, or it will all just be a giant waste of money. The RS3 doesn't even try in that regard. Just looking at it and just thinking about it makes me perspire with excited anticipation. And if you add to that the distinctive, unmistakable, unmissable sound of that 2.5L Turbocharged 5 cylinder, I just want one. My heart wants one. My head wants one. I've never been this excited about a car in a very long time. This is the one. My current Golf 7.5 GTI Manual is awesome. But the Audi RS3 is on another level.
@@chillout1109 ooookaaaaay
I was just asking because you said it had drift mode, and it seemed like that was the thing that swayed you. There are two other Hot hatches that came to mind immediately when you said that. Crikey.
@@chillout1109 paying 3x as much to get a car that's ultimately on the same platform as your golf 😁 that 5 cyl makes all the difference
Drift mode is a fad. You will be slower and eat tires
5:24 yeah thats called turbo lag...
Matt Saunders is quite simply the most dull car reviewer on the planet. Only he could make a car like this sound utterly boring. Yawnnnnn.
Totally agree, how dull was that!!!????
I found it a pleasantly relaxing watch, actually nice compared the others who simply speak faster, in a higher pitched voice and throw a few f me’s in there…
Presenter was boringly bad bad
Give it a listen? It needs that PPF / OPF ripped out and a nice stainless steel exhaust fitted
Would like to know how much of the sound is actually pumped into the cabin 🤔
must be the most boring review of all time
0:58 That cat looks a pig to swop. Other than that nice.
These cars don’t make sense anymore since we’re heading towards €2 a litre of petrol now, don’t get me wrong I love this car, but we are been priced into hybrid or fully electric vehicles faster than we think…
1. Buy $60k car new
2. Worry about gas prices
3. Wonder where you went wrong
@@papa_pt I’m in Europe we’re petrol is really expensive, not like in gas guzzler paradise like good oul USA 🇺🇸
@@Shane-zx4ps fair enough. you still have the money and luxury to pay for a 60k performance car so it's likely still the least of your issues
Ok 👍 lad, we’ll leave it there ☘️
I hear you , here in Sweden its like 2 euro / L. Crazy !! Maybe thats why this rs3 is not that expensive as the older ones when the petrol was not so exepensive. They are forcing us as you said. Some says it Will go up to 3 euro in 2022...
The last performance car reminds me of the last air bender
I just wish Audi would put this engine in more of their models not just the TTRS and RS3.
Order now get cars in 12 months? Maybe with all the toys you want assuming chip issues can be be resolved.
Just taken me 7 months to get mine
Where was this filmed?
Be nice if the video told us where they were. The scenery was almost as impressive as the car.
Greece
@@paulkippax4530 thanks Paul, I've got that now. I've just watched Carfection's video, and there was a little tease of the Greek flag, which gave the game away. And... quite a few people in the comments who responded with reference to the location.
Stunning scenery.
Great car great review!
front reminds me of the new red Elantra I had as a rental
And the 4 wheels on it remind you of a Kia
The front strikes me as similar to the last Camaro facelift that was botched. It's a little better done on this Audi, but similar troll face.
Great review. Awesome car. Much wanting.
I don't know how someone can make such a bonkers car sound dreary. Sounds like he can't be bothered
I love turbo lag why would you want a turboed car to feel naturally aspirated? I want to hear the turbo spool
I agree, abit of turbo lag adds a touch of character in my humble opinion
@@cuprashoe You´re right....it adds a lot of ....." what a ripper".....:-D
60k for a new nonsense cramped Audi,with boring interior or 2-3 years old super car instead?
Some people may want: a new car, the option to carry more people, the option to carry more luggage, the option to park in normal spaces, reasonable running/maintenance costs, good visibility, all weather performance, ground clearance, a degree of subtlety. I could go on….
You can't cross-shop a practical hatch to a supercar for starters.
@@Alby911 wha is practical about it? Better and more practical than M5 or E63s or or Stelvio Quadrophoglio or Fpace SVr.
Nonsense comment
@@deangeorgiev5236 What a stupid argument. The practicality comparison is between the RS3 and your typical supercar. Why the hell are you bringing in SUV's? Of course they're more practical. Yikes, bro
Compared to the Mercedes A45 this RS3 is a steal.
Good god that looks absolutely shi te
Send someone who might get excited about the car to review it next time.
Gen Z EMO kids can't deal with youtube vid unless the presenter is over the top, over emotional, over exited, and trying to act like they've had way too much coffee.
That was the worst review i have ever seen of a superb car.
What an utterly tedious and uninteresting review. Wastebasket time that does nothing to inspire, inform or invite me to dream....
Made a brilliant car very ordinary... Will avoid this channel in future
Jesus this is dull! This new RS3 has answered pretty much all the critical input and is a looner motor to have fun in! 👍😳🤔
You can have any colour of interior, as long as it's black and you have to look at that hideous fascia. It's a shame, but that would put me off.
Nice review. As part of those who like this car, don't forget the people who value a 5-cyl engine and a sound.
The A3 is based on the same platform has the Golf GTI/R. So Yes a base model A3 can go fast and not fall apart. It is a VW;)
Why is Shmee’s older more boring brother reviewing one of the most exciting cars of the year, yawn..
Good one hell of funny does remind me of shmee
As cool as it is, these things are absolute thief magnets here in the UK. Wouldn't touch one for this reason.
Thats it... Im moving to Europe. Im tired of missing out on these cars in the us
RS cars in 2021 need a HYBRID system to overcome the LAG in the turbo and gearbox
or just downshift and keep the turbo spooled up and on boil yourself
Dullest reviewer I’ve ever seen!
Actually it's 400hp. Check your facts.
Matey please please change the waredrobe 🙏
If u drive an RS3 in reverse it is a like a cheaper 911 stuck in first gear.
Looks like a Hyubdai. I put my money on a Merc A35/A45 or Toy GR...
Luxury car super car all dream only for all 😭🤑😍
What is the wheel width and tire width?
Thicccc
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzz
Just buy Lotus Emira instead!
Lotus is not Audi and Emira is not RS3.
When the bugger living near me with the current RS3 replaces it with this one, I really hope he doesn't go and get it chipped again. If he does I hope his engine explodes publicly, embarrassingly but otherwise safely. Same with the RS6 in Tesco's car park.
whats wrong with you
I don't like bell ends waking me at three in the morning because they can't be arsed to change out of first gear.
400bhp**
hot hatches are dying? oh no~!
Why so many bad reviewers for Rs3? WHY?
The 5 cylinder is a gem. Really not feeling the new styling on the RS3 and its face. Wish it was rwd bias for the money you are paying. I would go with the A45 S with better dynamics, looks, and interior.
This fella could bore the paint off walls. Terrible review.
Weight distribution?
Civic type R bumper
Why aren’t UK cars going to be offered with the Pirelli Trofeo R tyres?
As I understood from a dealer you can but why would you, they will kill you, your passengers and a sizable portion of pedestrians as they are shite in the Wet and cold. They are track tyres that's all they are good for
Rapid but grill is abit ott
nice vw golf r!
60k+ 😂
You just insult the car itself by calling it A3... So much work was done, its completely another level.
don't forget about the lowly Golf sharing the platform too
Great review!
Disagree on a few views
Most petrol heads will want all epic cars and likely look to own most at some point!
Personally had an R an A45
A cupra in recent times and wouldn't just stick with 1 brand as they always evolve too...At this price point I feel your looking at high monthly prices that won't be achievable to everyone...
Why can't the industry allow for longer terms to buy expensive cars? It's either 48month pcp or 60 month hp or lease...
It should be more like a mortgage as this would mean more people could buy if say 10 years hp and 8 pcp... just a thought...
Dullest review of a quick car ever.
Audi have emptied the cupboard for this!! more like Audi have emptied your bank balance if you buy and spec it right ! The only notice the changes Audi have made is if you track it.. Less understeer then !! As a petrol head I thought I would never say this.. If I was after a really fast car for the road, I would buy a Tesla instead !!
You forgot the M140i Matt :)
Going to be sad when the 5-cylinder is put to rest. Pre-OPF it's an incredible sounding engine!
“The ride isn’t too bad either…it’s dealing with it alright” *BANGBANG*
What a dull review thumbs down 👎
55 to 65k on a hot hatch, as if. Aren’t hot hatches meant be affordable performance cars? I guess audi doesn’t really care. At that price you could just about get a boxster gts.
60k . That is all! 🧐
60k for a small hatchback is madness. This should be a 45-52k car
I rather go for a45s
Hyperhatch not hothatch