A3/S3/RS3 [Official] 2015 Audi RS3 Sportback
- Thread starter JHF
- Start date
The Audi A3 is a small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by Audi AG since September 1996. The first two generations of the Audi A3 were based on the Volkswagen Group A platform, while the third and fourth generations use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform.
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
2016 Audi RS3 Sportback Review
Audi is ready to spice up the compact performance segment with the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback! We had a first opportunity to drive the new five-door Audi RS3 Sportback near Rome and at Vallelunga Circuit. Read our review to find out if it lived up to our expectations!
The 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback is based on the third generation Audi A3 that celebrated its market introduction in 2012. The new RS3 is the second generation RS3 and comes once again with the famous 2.5 liter Audi five-cylinder engine. In the new RS3 it produces 367hp and 465Nm of torque available from as low as 1,650 to 5,500 RPM. In comparison to its predecessor it produces 17hp and 15Nm of torque more.
But its not just a power increase that sets the new RS3 apart from its predecessor, it weighs 1,520 kilogram and that is 55 kg less than the old RS3. As a result the sprint from 0-100 km/h is now done in only 4.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, optionally it can be raised to 280 km/h. New is also the availability of optional ceramic brakes for the front that significantly increase braking performance for those wishing to take the Audi RS3 Sportback on track.
The 2.5 liter five cylinder engine is paired with quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. This is not a dual clutch gearbox as you can find in the A45 AMG per example. But as long as you leave the gearbox in automatic mode you will hardly notice the difference.
To turn the A3 into the RS3 Sportback, Quattro GmbH as the performance department of Audi is called, has done more than just add the powerful five-cylinder engine; The car is lowered and the Audi magnetic ride suspension received the RS treatment with a special setup. An Audi RS brake system is fitted – a major improvement over the S3’s brake system – and optionally the front brakes can even be replaced by carbon ceramics, a first for Audi in this segment.
As standard the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback comes with a exhaust with flaps that can be opened or closed via the Audi Dynamic Select menu. But a must for every Audi RS3 Sportback buyer is the optional RS Sport Exhaust that changes the RS3 sound from fairly tame to a screaming monster. This exhaust also comes with flaps so if you want a bit of quiet just press the button again and it will give you a break from its screaming, blobbing and banging.
So what is it like to drive on road and track? Our test car came equipped with keyless go and was finished in the stunning new Catalunya Red color. At a press of the start button the five cylinder engine comes to live with a loud scream through the RS Sport Exhaust. The natural volume the engine and exhaust produce is well above what we expected and is one of the main head turners on the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback.
As soon as you put the car in motion it is a familiar combination of sporty suspension and Quattro drive that gives confidence and predictability about the ride. We might argue that Quattro takes a bit of driving fun away compared to the rear-wheel drive BMW 1-Series M or more rear focussed 4matic A45 AMG but Audi’s engineers put some serious effort in to reduce understeer and actually give the RS3 some rear bias.
This is best illustrated on Vallelunga circuit where several RS3 Sportbacks equipped with ceramic brakes were waiting for us to push around the track. Following a slightly altered track course there are plenty of corners and hairpins to enjoy. It is certainly capable of setting a quick and entertaining lap, showing far less prone to understeer than we expected. The suspension setup is fairly hard and cannot be changed what has benefits on track but reduces comfort on the poorly maintained Italian roads.
Stepping out of the RS3 and watching others take on the track we first realize how loud the RS sports exhaust really is. Unlike its key rivals that all come with four cylinder engines, the RS3 has an engine that produces a beautiful natural sound that is enhanced or should I say emphasized rather nicely by the RS exhaust. The RS3’s exhaust loves to pop and bang, especially in tunnels when you release throttle or downshift.
But its not just about performance and sound, there is also the looks and interior. The exterior has received a proper RS treatment and the RS3 Sportback looks like a mini RS4, which is certainly not a bad thing. With a wide, aggressive front and sporty rear with two large exhaust tailpipes and a large diffusor it really stands apart from the A3 and S3.
Inside you have a choice of sport seats and trim lines. Depending on your choice various details are either finished in carbon or red. The interior seems to have taken some inspiration from the A45 AMG and definitely looks sportier than the interior design of its predecessor. The sport seats are comfortable and overall there is enough support and space also for tall people.
As standard the Audi RS3 Sportback comes with Audi drive select, MMI Radio and the driver information system including the RS menu (which features a tire pressure indicator, lap timer and oil temperature display). Optionally you can order the MMI Navigation system with live traffic and other connectivity options.
So how does it compare to its competitors? The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is the most apparent rival in this segment and although we loved the A45 AMG’s looks the new RS4-like look of the RS3 makes it a very hard choice. The Audi RS3 holds one major card over its competitors and that is the fabulous five cylinder engine with the incredible sounding RS sport exhaust. Overall this means the new RS3 has become our favorite in this segment.
The RS3 is the entry-level RS-model in the Audi line-up and sadly for our US readers and fans it will not be sold in the United States. The US focussed RS3 Sedan is not confirmed yet, but we tell you as soon as it is. Most RS3 Sportbacks are sold in Germany, United Kingdom and other European countries. Outside Europe particular Japan and Australia are fans of the RS3. Customer deliveries start this quarter in Germany followed by other European countries and Asia.
http://www.gtspirit.com/2015/04/16/2016-audi-rs3-sportback-review/
Audi is ready to spice up the compact performance segment with the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback! We had a first opportunity to drive the new five-door Audi RS3 Sportback near Rome and at Vallelunga Circuit. Read our review to find out if it lived up to our expectations!
The 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback is based on the third generation Audi A3 that celebrated its market introduction in 2012. The new RS3 is the second generation RS3 and comes once again with the famous 2.5 liter Audi five-cylinder engine. In the new RS3 it produces 367hp and 465Nm of torque available from as low as 1,650 to 5,500 RPM. In comparison to its predecessor it produces 17hp and 15Nm of torque more.
But its not just a power increase that sets the new RS3 apart from its predecessor, it weighs 1,520 kilogram and that is 55 kg less than the old RS3. As a result the sprint from 0-100 km/h is now done in only 4.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, optionally it can be raised to 280 km/h. New is also the availability of optional ceramic brakes for the front that significantly increase braking performance for those wishing to take the Audi RS3 Sportback on track.
The 2.5 liter five cylinder engine is paired with quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. This is not a dual clutch gearbox as you can find in the A45 AMG per example. But as long as you leave the gearbox in automatic mode you will hardly notice the difference.
To turn the A3 into the RS3 Sportback, Quattro GmbH as the performance department of Audi is called, has done more than just add the powerful five-cylinder engine; The car is lowered and the Audi magnetic ride suspension received the RS treatment with a special setup. An Audi RS brake system is fitted – a major improvement over the S3’s brake system – and optionally the front brakes can even be replaced by carbon ceramics, a first for Audi in this segment.
As standard the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback comes with a exhaust with flaps that can be opened or closed via the Audi Dynamic Select menu. But a must for every Audi RS3 Sportback buyer is the optional RS Sport Exhaust that changes the RS3 sound from fairly tame to a screaming monster. This exhaust also comes with flaps so if you want a bit of quiet just press the button again and it will give you a break from its screaming, blobbing and banging.
So what is it like to drive on road and track? Our test car came equipped with keyless go and was finished in the stunning new Catalunya Red color. At a press of the start button the five cylinder engine comes to live with a loud scream through the RS Sport Exhaust. The natural volume the engine and exhaust produce is well above what we expected and is one of the main head turners on the 2016 Audi RS3 Sportback.
As soon as you put the car in motion it is a familiar combination of sporty suspension and Quattro drive that gives confidence and predictability about the ride. We might argue that Quattro takes a bit of driving fun away compared to the rear-wheel drive BMW 1-Series M or more rear focussed 4matic A45 AMG but Audi’s engineers put some serious effort in to reduce understeer and actually give the RS3 some rear bias.
This is best illustrated on Vallelunga circuit where several RS3 Sportbacks equipped with ceramic brakes were waiting for us to push around the track. Following a slightly altered track course there are plenty of corners and hairpins to enjoy. It is certainly capable of setting a quick and entertaining lap, showing far less prone to understeer than we expected. The suspension setup is fairly hard and cannot be changed what has benefits on track but reduces comfort on the poorly maintained Italian roads.
Stepping out of the RS3 and watching others take on the track we first realize how loud the RS sports exhaust really is. Unlike its key rivals that all come with four cylinder engines, the RS3 has an engine that produces a beautiful natural sound that is enhanced or should I say emphasized rather nicely by the RS exhaust. The RS3’s exhaust loves to pop and bang, especially in tunnels when you release throttle or downshift.
But its not just about performance and sound, there is also the looks and interior. The exterior has received a proper RS treatment and the RS3 Sportback looks like a mini RS4, which is certainly not a bad thing. With a wide, aggressive front and sporty rear with two large exhaust tailpipes and a large diffusor it really stands apart from the A3 and S3.
Inside you have a choice of sport seats and trim lines. Depending on your choice various details are either finished in carbon or red. The interior seems to have taken some inspiration from the A45 AMG and definitely looks sportier than the interior design of its predecessor. The sport seats are comfortable and overall there is enough support and space also for tall people.
As standard the Audi RS3 Sportback comes with Audi drive select, MMI Radio and the driver information system including the RS menu (which features a tire pressure indicator, lap timer and oil temperature display). Optionally you can order the MMI Navigation system with live traffic and other connectivity options.
So how does it compare to its competitors? The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is the most apparent rival in this segment and although we loved the A45 AMG’s looks the new RS4-like look of the RS3 makes it a very hard choice. The Audi RS3 holds one major card over its competitors and that is the fabulous five cylinder engine with the incredible sounding RS sport exhaust. Overall this means the new RS3 has become our favorite in this segment.
The RS3 is the entry-level RS-model in the Audi line-up and sadly for our US readers and fans it will not be sold in the United States. The US focussed RS3 Sedan is not confirmed yet, but we tell you as soon as it is. Most RS3 Sportbacks are sold in Germany, United Kingdom and other European countries. Outside Europe particular Japan and Australia are fans of the RS3. Customer deliveries start this quarter in Germany followed by other European countries and Asia.
http://www.gtspirit.com/2015/04/16/2016-audi-rs3-sportback-review/
donkeykong
Track Technician
It's was generic to say the least. Where's monkey when you need him.
donkeykong
Track Technician
That'll do,thanks man....
JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
First drive: Audi RS3 on road
At last, we sample the 362bhp, 4WD super-hatch on tarmac. Ollie Kew fires up the Quattro
The new RS3? Haven't you driven this already?
We have. But wait, this time we can actually tell you what it's like to drive!
Were you lying last time?
No, but we've only ']tried it on ice lakes so far. And while Audi's performance car launch strategy of first unleashing its Quattro-drive hot hatches on ice rinks provides an adept demonstration of noise, stability system calibration and extreme slip angles, even TG doesn't drive at twelve-tenths all the time.
You can find the full breakdown of vital stats in our previous encounter here, but suffice to say we've 2.5 litres, 362bhp, 343lb ft, and performance figures to embarrass all but the most rarefied German and Italian hardware. Let's head for a proper, ice-free road.
What's it like?
Enormously, mind-warpingly fast. On paper, Audi promises a 62mph time of 4.3 seconds and a 174mph top speed - the former is frighteningly conservative, the latter patently absurd for a hatchback (and entirely believable).
It's the sheer quantity of said performance you can brandish at any given moment that lights the RS3's afterburners beyond any hot hatch we've come across. Full-time all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox team up to ensure not a single horsepower is wasted - nor that titanic torque output that's on cue from a silly 1625rpm.
Principally because of that linear power delivery, and the rapid-fire transmission, this is the fastest hatchback out there now. Meet the new benchmark.
The naughty but laggy Mercedes A45 AMG isn't in the same postcode for drivability, while VW's stellar Golf R is suitably down on power as its £6000 price undercut suggests. The RS3's foolproof, twist-and-go performance is hilariously, terrifying accessible. Come rain, shine, or, indeed, snow.
Is it just a straight-line weapon, then?
No. The RS3's point-to-point road ability is mind-blowing. It's almost mini-GT-R-ish in the manner it reels in and chows down a road - except fifty times as refined and wieldy. That wider front axle is nailed to the surface as well, and through loaded-up corners you momentarily can sense the rears doing their bit to whack you up the road.
Does it ever feel 100 per cent rear driven, as Audi claims is possible during ‘enthusiastic driving'? No, no way. But on road at least, the RS3 is less nose-led than we'd feared.
Flat-out on track, you'll discover understeer (the entire engine, gearbox and radiator live ahead of the front axle, so no surprise) but so far as road use goes, it's a mighty device.
What else?
Oh, the waaaaarrbCRACKwaaaarb Sports Exhaust (a worthwhile £1495 option) exhaust is still a genius creation, making the most of what's now the only five-cylinder motor left in series production. No hi-fi cheatery here - just old-school mechanical valves and some gratuitous flatulence accompanying every nailed upshift, last-gasp downshift and lazy overrun. Delicious.
Ride-wise, we're not back in the bad old days of the RS5 and previous RS3, which tackled B-roads like a bouncy ball on a flight of stairs, but it's still on the ‘busy' side of firm.
Audi is developing a magnetic ride system that will become optionally available on the RS3 later in 2015, but right now you're stuck with a passive set-up.
It seems potential customers don't mind: RS3 order books have filled faster than Gordon Ramsay's swear-box. One company source predicted Europe's 2015 allocation will sell out as early as next month, with none of the 5000 buyers having taken a test drive. Talk about brand loyalty.
Are those ‘blind buyers' going to be disappointed?
Not if they liked the last RS3. The new one is faster, rides night-and-day better, and doesn't corner like you've hurled a nose-tethered anchor out of the window pre-apex.
But, at the same time, it just isn't that involving. Seamless - that's the RS3 in a word. It's uncompromisingly effective, and the sheer pace with which any novice can conquer a road from behind its Alcantara-clad wheel is laudable. Or should that be laughable?
However, that suede wheel is totally divorced of speaking terms with the front tyres, the transmission so handy when left to its own devices that you might not wade in and interfere with the cheap'n'nasty plastic paddles as often as you would in the auto-only A45.
One more for the PlayStation generation?
It boils down to what you personally find exciting in a car. If sheer speed, a fabulous noise and pulverizing, any-weather grip, composure and acceleration get your pulse racing, the RS3 is indeed the best car this side of a GT-R for you. It's extraordinarily competent.
But, if you delight in feeling a car adjust its trajectory when you brush the throttle, encourage you through its control weights and feedback, and even let you change gear yourself (step forward, Golf R), then the ultimate A3 is ultimately unsatisfying.
Fast Audis, R8 excepted, have rarely majored on the above, though. Their owners still seem to adore them.
Same old fast Audi then?
Tricky one. Should Audi be criticised for using its prodigious engineering and technical prowess to manufacture the fastest hatchback it can? Certainly not.
And we should all be grateful Quattro GmbH's powertrain boffins convinced the EU testing killjoys to grant that glorious five-pot engine a swansong, though mid-twenties rather than the claimed 34mpg (up from 31) is a safer bet.
So, RS3 v2.0 is lighter, more neutral hot hatch and has a superior interior - all welcome ticks. If you need adrenaline kicks beyond eye-watering speed, just stick to driving it on snow.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/audi-rs3-sportback-review-2015-04-15
At last, we sample the 362bhp, 4WD super-hatch on tarmac. Ollie Kew fires up the Quattro
The new RS3? Haven't you driven this already?
We have. But wait, this time we can actually tell you what it's like to drive!
Were you lying last time?
No, but we've only ']tried it on ice lakes so far. And while Audi's performance car launch strategy of first unleashing its Quattro-drive hot hatches on ice rinks provides an adept demonstration of noise, stability system calibration and extreme slip angles, even TG doesn't drive at twelve-tenths all the time.
You can find the full breakdown of vital stats in our previous encounter here, but suffice to say we've 2.5 litres, 362bhp, 343lb ft, and performance figures to embarrass all but the most rarefied German and Italian hardware. Let's head for a proper, ice-free road.
What's it like?
Enormously, mind-warpingly fast. On paper, Audi promises a 62mph time of 4.3 seconds and a 174mph top speed - the former is frighteningly conservative, the latter patently absurd for a hatchback (and entirely believable).
It's the sheer quantity of said performance you can brandish at any given moment that lights the RS3's afterburners beyond any hot hatch we've come across. Full-time all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox team up to ensure not a single horsepower is wasted - nor that titanic torque output that's on cue from a silly 1625rpm.
Principally because of that linear power delivery, and the rapid-fire transmission, this is the fastest hatchback out there now. Meet the new benchmark.
The naughty but laggy Mercedes A45 AMG isn't in the same postcode for drivability, while VW's stellar Golf R is suitably down on power as its £6000 price undercut suggests. The RS3's foolproof, twist-and-go performance is hilariously, terrifying accessible. Come rain, shine, or, indeed, snow.
Is it just a straight-line weapon, then?
No. The RS3's point-to-point road ability is mind-blowing. It's almost mini-GT-R-ish in the manner it reels in and chows down a road - except fifty times as refined and wieldy. That wider front axle is nailed to the surface as well, and through loaded-up corners you momentarily can sense the rears doing their bit to whack you up the road.
Does it ever feel 100 per cent rear driven, as Audi claims is possible during ‘enthusiastic driving'? No, no way. But on road at least, the RS3 is less nose-led than we'd feared.
Flat-out on track, you'll discover understeer (the entire engine, gearbox and radiator live ahead of the front axle, so no surprise) but so far as road use goes, it's a mighty device.
What else?
Oh, the waaaaarrbCRACKwaaaarb Sports Exhaust (a worthwhile £1495 option) exhaust is still a genius creation, making the most of what's now the only five-cylinder motor left in series production. No hi-fi cheatery here - just old-school mechanical valves and some gratuitous flatulence accompanying every nailed upshift, last-gasp downshift and lazy overrun. Delicious.
Ride-wise, we're not back in the bad old days of the RS5 and previous RS3, which tackled B-roads like a bouncy ball on a flight of stairs, but it's still on the ‘busy' side of firm.
Audi is developing a magnetic ride system that will become optionally available on the RS3 later in 2015, but right now you're stuck with a passive set-up.
It seems potential customers don't mind: RS3 order books have filled faster than Gordon Ramsay's swear-box. One company source predicted Europe's 2015 allocation will sell out as early as next month, with none of the 5000 buyers having taken a test drive. Talk about brand loyalty.
Are those ‘blind buyers' going to be disappointed?
Not if they liked the last RS3. The new one is faster, rides night-and-day better, and doesn't corner like you've hurled a nose-tethered anchor out of the window pre-apex.
But, at the same time, it just isn't that involving. Seamless - that's the RS3 in a word. It's uncompromisingly effective, and the sheer pace with which any novice can conquer a road from behind its Alcantara-clad wheel is laudable. Or should that be laughable?
However, that suede wheel is totally divorced of speaking terms with the front tyres, the transmission so handy when left to its own devices that you might not wade in and interfere with the cheap'n'nasty plastic paddles as often as you would in the auto-only A45.
One more for the PlayStation generation?
It boils down to what you personally find exciting in a car. If sheer speed, a fabulous noise and pulverizing, any-weather grip, composure and acceleration get your pulse racing, the RS3 is indeed the best car this side of a GT-R for you. It's extraordinarily competent.
But, if you delight in feeling a car adjust its trajectory when you brush the throttle, encourage you through its control weights and feedback, and even let you change gear yourself (step forward, Golf R), then the ultimate A3 is ultimately unsatisfying.
Fast Audis, R8 excepted, have rarely majored on the above, though. Their owners still seem to adore them.
Same old fast Audi then?
Tricky one. Should Audi be criticised for using its prodigious engineering and technical prowess to manufacture the fastest hatchback it can? Certainly not.
And we should all be grateful Quattro GmbH's powertrain boffins convinced the EU testing killjoys to grant that glorious five-pot engine a swansong, though mid-twenties rather than the claimed 34mpg (up from 31) is a safer bet.
So, RS3 v2.0 is lighter, more neutral hot hatch and has a superior interior - all welcome ticks. If you need adrenaline kicks beyond eye-watering speed, just stick to driving it on snow.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/audi-rs3-sportback-review-2015-04-15
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
You are allowed too. Every manufacturer occasionally produces an underwhelming car that is either under-developed or a rush knee-jerk to market demand.
donkeykong
Track Technician
That seems to be the only negative review I've come across so far,I'm not surprised by it honestly.
Giannis
Staff member
Maybe this is how the RS3 was intended to turn out. Maybe those who will opt for an RS3 prefer it to be "safer" than an M235i.
Similar threads
Audi
Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles
headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A subsidiary of the
Volkswagen Group, the company’s origins date back to the early 20th
century and the initial enterprises (Horch and the Audiwerke) founded
by engineer August Horch (1868–1951). Two other manufacturers (DKW
and Wanderer) also contributed to the foundation of Auto Union in 1932.
The modern Audi era began in the 1960s, when Volkswagen acquired Auto
Union from Daimler-Benz, and merged it with NSU Motorenwerke in 1969.
Official website: Audi (Global), Audi (USA)
Official website: Audi (Global), Audi (USA)
