Who is this dude. Chris Harris put me off an RS3 but this guy has me convinced. it's a real world daily driver. I don't drive to & from work at 6am like I'm at Silverstone- I want a useable comfortable car that's rapid when I want it to be, not full on ALL the time. great review.
has anyone else started the video not that worried or impressed of what was to come and by the end of the video is completely in love with the car ? exciting times if one has the money to spend.... day dreaming.... LOVE the videos XCAR, love how you guys have your own vibe, your own point of view, always looking forward for your videos, keep up the good work!, cause we WILL watch it, cheers!
IndianMartialArtist except shift years manually or do a burnout. but it can be utterly numb and boring in corners and let you know that you that you're not driving a bmw or a merc lol
I agree man...the RS3 is one hell of a complete package I'd like to have one in my garage for the straight line performance and luxury...and thr new M2 for RWD cornering fun and speeds
Samzilla Considering the RS3 is (at least in my market) going to cost at a minimum $20,000 more than the Type R or Focus RS, they aren't really in the same buyers camp, even if they are more evenly comparable performance wise. I think the US market they might be a lot closer price wise though? Not sure - we pay a huge premium for anything from Germany here because of badge snobbery.
Matthew Sharpe we don't have a date for the type R or even know if we're going to get the rs3 in America. However I understand price is a factor but that's the point of the comparison, to see if the cars are worth the price they're set at. It will be interesting to see the Focus RS go up with the Rs3. America vs Germany lol 😼
+1 .. Fast forward to 28 April 2021. . The wait continues for the 2021/2022 Audi RS3. . The '21 Audi S3 (300hp 2.0l w/Haldex Quattro) body style either of the Sportback or Sedan both look good. .. Waiting on the 2022 Audi RS3 sedan for North America. . Make mine in Daytona Grey Pearl Metallic ...
One presenter who actually speaks sense for once. All this rear wheel drive and sliding around corners is brilliant for once a week around a track but for everyday use 24/7 NOTHING better then an Audi RS like he said IT WORKS!
SoCalSupercars As a german i still don't understand why the majority of americans seem to be not interested in Hatchbacks. They're practical and have alot of room. In Germany and overall in european countries hatchbacks are very popular. F.e. I see just as many Audi A6 Sedans as i see Audi A6 Avant everyday. Same goes for the Hatch versions of the BMW 5er and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Audi RS6 Avant is probably the best Hatchback you can get right now and has way more room than f.e. a S6 Sedan. Yet i'm sure americans would prefer the S6 Sedan over the RS6 Avant. Despite the RS6 having more HP and more room. So i'm curious, what is it that so many americans don't like about hatchbacks?
Ti Ma As an American....well, I agree. :) I'm in the minority, though. People here prefer sedans (saloons) for cars, but if they want to carry anything more than a stick of gum, they feel it necessary to purchase a huge SUV. I always preferred hatchbacks though - they look better.
I saw one the other day, ridiculously big. I suspect you're young and/or American - cars (particularly in Europe) used to be a lot smaller, I just checked and my parents had a Citroen estate when I was a kid that wasn't as long as this.
Thomas Pynchon the length of the RS3 is 4343mm and the length of the golf R is 4596mm, and the length of the Honda Civic type R is 4390mm. Honestly I don't know what you saw but it definitely is not big in comparison to other hot hatches it is in fact average size or just below. You must have seen the RS6 or something.
I kinda hate 90% of Audi's product range, but this thing looks (and sounds) pretty cool! Save those wheels which should be on cut-spring MkII Golf... I'm assuming we won't be seeing it in the Ol' US of A?
Funny to think back to those first hatchbacks that i coveted. Fiesta supersport! Then golf gti mk 1 with a 1.6 engine and about 110 hp! Great wee car in its day, though. Doubt i will ever be able to afford an rs3, but my audi a3 2.0 has performance that blows away those cars i mentioned. Vorsprung.
+Jack Burn i bet it is. Quite honestly, the stock version is enough for me! If had money....rs3, though. That sound! Wife got an r32, which also sounds great, i think. Shes had it bout 5 years now and the most impressive thing about it now is its build quality and reliability....good as a regular golf. Fab!
The forgotten fast hatch from the mid-80s was the Fiat Uno Turbo. Almost as fast as a 911 of the time, from a 1.4 litre pot. I drove a few. Incredible things.
Fantastic review, Alex. You put into words how I've felt about the latest VW/Audi products. Times have changed: Japanese cars are gaudy, American cars are boring and Merc/BMW seem to be chasing them off a cliff at full chat!
G'day... I live in North Queensland Australia but have been living in our state capital for 6 months. In city traffic which can be a real bitch it's a bit thirsty. I can average 400km a tank around the city, however when on the gas it comes back to 350km per 50L. On the highway it's very nice up to the high 500 plus per tank. Fuel is so cheap here A$1.40 per litre for 98 octane so I don't stress a lot about fuel. I feel it uses similar or a little more than the BMW 135i which is a little tamer and still a awesome car and bang for your buck. What country are you in? Cheers Eddie
Awesome as usual but... It is time for you to call Chris Evans and get on with co-hosting the new Top Gear. Your manner will play perfectly and, let's face it, TG is still the holy grail of car shows. Go help save it. Thanx, Matt
What an awesome car! :D But I really feel like we need a new mindset about these hot hatches/hyper hatches. - The wheelbase of this car is roughly as large as the Audi A4 (B6), so handeling wise it should be kinda like that. I would consider cars like the VW Polo GTI and Peugeot 208 GTI the hot hatches of today. - Hyper hatch would work for the Golf-class and Hot hatch for the Polo-class Great video, I would love to try that car!
I'd buy that. It would be nice to see more of the interior though... I wonder (haven't checked yet) if there is a factory rally package option---mud flaps, tougher tires, ski rack maybe...this thing could be an awesome commuter to the slopes...
I'm tired of people saying that RS is subtle. That's the point. However, M and AMG both look "understated" compared to their car they are based on as well.
Thanks, nice review, been waiting for that one. One thing: The microwave comparison really doesn't do it any justice. None whatsoever. Sorry mate. It's not for cooking, it's for re-heating. Re-heating something that has been properly cooked. ;) Also, it would be nice to get a little more into the details of how a car actually drives. Does it still understeer as much as the first gen RS3? Still as heavy on the front axle? How are the brakes holding up after some hard driving? I just read that the TT S brakes will fail on a track due to the massive torque-vectoring taking place. Any of that? Keep up the good work.
Too bad we aren't getting it in the US. Really want a sporty hatch with a good auto ( I live in Brooklyn and getting out of the city is 1hr+ of stop and go traffic) All we have is the VW GTI/Golf R
I can't wait, it was awesome to see you Alex in Portrush if you remember me, I was the kid that took a picture with you at the harbour. Keep up the awesome work! :)
I don't think car enthusiasts (your audience for this channel i assume) really appreciate the automatic and the quattro. The power isn't something that crazy, a mild modification to a focus st or rs could achieve the same power easily. Audi is asking a lot of money for something quite mediocre. You could buy a 2008 focus ST for £6k and bring that up to 360hp for an extra £3k and have a mental hot hatch with a 6 speed manual, and still have money left over for an old audi estate with a diesel engine capable of 50+mpg, better looking, bigger, more practical and... now you own two cars... i think any enthusiast would agree that is the better choice!
Not even a big AUDI fan nor a hater, but yes this is a Hyper Hatch - And I would consider it over other rivals in the market for sure if I where to buy one. A daily weapon for the road was a great description - Just imagine if one chips it too.../////////arrrgh fast for such a car.
It's kind of a noob question, but how will this car do with acceleration from say 100km/hr? Like if I'm cruising on the highway, will it have instant acceleration once I put my foot down?
This guy actually understands what fast Audi's are about, I've subscribed!
Exactly my thoughts. So refreshing to listen to a review thats done in the context of what a car is actually intended to do!!
The looks of this car are seriously perfect! Maybe the best looking hatch I have ever seen!
The look of skepticism on Alex's face when he says 34 mpg.
Priceless.
It s actually real I did it.
this guy is such a joy to watch. keep up the good work. always look forward to your next video
4:36 5-Cylinders sound so awesome. It's just like half of a V-10.
Who is this dude. Chris Harris put me off an RS3 but this guy has me convinced. it's a real world daily driver. I don't drive to & from work at 6am like I'm at Silverstone- I want a useable comfortable car that's rapid when I want it to be, not full on ALL the time. great review.
Yes, I'm the same as you. I've owned a fair few super saloons but I'm drawn to the RS3 by the 5 cyl engine. I'm considering heading to see one today.
+Martin Allen did you get one?
"5:50" - "This is microwavable power".... I subscribed to your channel just for that. (great review btw)
has anyone else started the video not that worried or impressed of what was to come and by the end of the video is completely in love with the car ?
exciting times if one has the money to spend.... day dreaming.... LOVE the videos XCAR, love how you guys have your own vibe, your own point of view, always looking forward for your videos, keep up the good work!, cause we WILL watch it, cheers!
Sadly, this gorgeous hatch will never come to the States...but the ugly-ass Civic Type R will.
Michael Leibowitz the Audi USA boss at the NYIAS said the US will get the sedan most likely
Michael Leibowitz You mean the faster more reliable superior Civic Type R? indeed great dayz for the Us.
Amun TOO
I didn't say it wasn't a capable vehicle. I just said it was ugly.
Michael Leibowitz Completely subjective but i wouldn't say the Audi's are beautiful either.
Amun TOO
So, you agree with me.
Sounds like a v10 even without the other bank. Fucking sweet!!!
oh my fucking god I love the sound of that 5 cylinder
I'm a bmw fan but this rs3 is insane. It has to be one of the most competent all round cars in the world right now, there isn't anything it can't do.
IndianMartialArtist except shift years manually or do a burnout. but it can be utterly numb and boring in corners and let you know that you that you're not driving a bmw or a merc lol
Yes, it can't indicate at roundabouts or junctions, no Audi can. :p
IndianMartialArtist this against the m2 would be a good comparison, mean while, the a45 is complete shit.
I agree man...the RS3 is one hell of a complete package I'd like to have one in my garage for the straight line performance and luxury...and thr new M2 for RWD cornering fun and speeds
#Free Gucci Why is the A45 shit? Since it's the highest HP/ per cacar?
Rs3 vs Golf R vs Type R vs Focus RS vs A45 AMG please!
Samzilla Considering the RS3 is (at least in my market) going to cost at a minimum $20,000 more than the Type R or Focus RS, they aren't really in the same buyers camp, even if they are more evenly comparable performance wise. I think the US market they might be a lot closer price wise though? Not sure - we pay a huge premium for anything from Germany here because of badge snobbery.
Matthew Sharpe we don't have a date for the type R or even know if we're going to get the rs3 in America. However I understand price is a factor but that's the point of the comparison, to see if the cars are worth the price they're set at. It will be interesting to see the Focus RS go up with the Rs3. America vs Germany lol 😼
Samzilla Type R doesn't belong here.
Samzilla I think the credit of the ford "RS" belongs to England
Eoghan Hennessy yeah that is true but ford is a american brand
That Doppler effect at 4:35-4:37
3:25 hits the nail on the head 99% of the time it's one of the best cars you can get. Take it to a track and lot's of things will show it up.
Amazing video presentation Alex, on your full of detail elaborated style. Thank you for another pleasantly fluid moment.
Love the RS - take hot hatch to another level.
The Audi RS6 is like Megatron and this RS3 is like Minitron :D
I really like these. The noise they make is fab too,
4:36 God bless the doppler effect.
Yes !!! my new best of the HYPER -hatch i love this little thing!!
+1 .. Fast forward to 28 April 2021. . The wait continues for the 2021/2022 Audi RS3. . The '21 Audi S3 (300hp 2.0l w/Haldex Quattro) body style either of the Sportback or Sedan both look good. .. Waiting on the 2022 Audi RS3 sedan for North America. . Make mine in Daytona Grey Pearl Metallic ...
Nailed it, precisely. Best reviewer.
If you've not auditioned for the new TG position that Evans is offering, then we're all missing out. Very impressed with your delivery.
One presenter who actually speaks sense for once. All this rear wheel drive and sliding around corners is brilliant for once a week around a track but for everyday use 24/7 NOTHING better then an Audi RS like he said IT WORKS!
You're videos are getting better and better with each and every video. I think the RS3 would make both an exciting and practical daily driver.
If only they sold this in the US :/
The sedan version is coming to the US buddy =)
PTR Decani the RS will never be made as a sedan, sadly.
SoCalSupercars
As a german i still don't understand why the majority of americans seem to be not interested in Hatchbacks. They're practical and have alot of room.
In Germany and overall in european countries hatchbacks are very popular.
F.e. I see just as many Audi A6 Sedans as i see Audi A6 Avant everyday. Same goes for the Hatch versions of the BMW 5er and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Audi RS6 Avant is probably the best Hatchback you can get right now and has way more room than f.e. a S6 Sedan. Yet i'm sure americans would prefer the S6 Sedan over the RS6 Avant. Despite the RS6 having more HP and more room.
So i'm curious, what is it that so many americans don't like about hatchbacks?
Ti Ma Hatchbacks/Wagons are extremely common in US. You Germans just dont give us the good shit lol.
Ti Ma As an American....well, I agree. :) I'm in the minority, though. People here prefer sedans (saloons) for cars, but if they want to carry anything more than a stick of gum, they feel it necessary to purchase a huge SUV. I always preferred hatchbacks though - they look better.
"It's mammothly fast."
It's also mammothly big, look at the size of it, it's basically an estate.
Mr. Acaustiq wait... isnt this the new rs6?
+Thomas Pynchon it really isn't big, both the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic are bigger cars
Thomas Pynchon it's not big really, if you see it in real life you'll know. The RS6 is huge though
I saw one the other day, ridiculously big.
I suspect you're young and/or American - cars (particularly in Europe) used to be a lot smaller, I just checked and my parents had a Citroen estate when I was a kid that wasn't as long as this.
Thomas Pynchon the length of the RS3 is 4343mm and the length of the golf R is 4596mm, and the length of the Honda Civic type R is 4390mm. Honestly I don't know what you saw but it definitely is not big in comparison to other hot hatches it is in fact average size or just below. You must have seen the RS6 or something.
i know it sounds silly to ask but are you soon going to switch to 4k or to 1080p 60fps?
Awesome car!
Excellent video! I love this channel and this car.
Nicest wagon I've ever seen! I really like the aluminium like trim on the exterior.
Great review by a great reviewer - another subscriber here!
And they make a 5cylinder engine sound half decent too. Most fan boys would say that sounds better than a v8
Really wish we got more of these hyper hatches in the states. Love this RS3 and the A45 AMG, all we get is the Golf R and Focus RS.
My #1 dream car at the moment
mine is the c7 rs6 xp
+The Real Santa Claus Just stick with your slay Santa...
no, the c7 rs is great for the northpole, its awd with a big engine and it fits a lot of presents while still being fast Billy Murphy
the only Audi I want
This, get the subtle-est color, debadged? Aw man I'll love it
Very good review, just what I was looking for. Thanks.
Well done presentation
Love mine 100 %
That has to be one of my most favourite Audi of all time
brilliant review! like the rs3 alot, although getting myself an s3 within the next few months.so that'll do!
love the 5 cylinder sound
sounds like a mini v10 under there!!
come on chris, let us know about the dynamics of the car... does it understeer horribly like its predecessor? Any turbo lag? Brakes?
I kinda hate 90% of Audi's product range, but this thing looks (and sounds) pretty cool! Save those wheels which should be on cut-spring MkII Golf... I'm assuming we won't be seeing it in the Ol' US of A?
Funny to think back to those first hatchbacks that i coveted. Fiesta supersport! Then golf gti mk 1 with a 1.6 engine and about 110 hp! Great wee car in its day, though. Doubt i will ever be able to afford an rs3, but my audi a3 2.0 has performance that blows away those cars i mentioned. Vorsprung.
Here here! Stage 1+ a3 2.0 tfsi, so much fun.
+Jack Burn i bet it is. Quite honestly, the stock version is enough for me! If had money....rs3, though. That sound! Wife got an r32, which also sounds great, i think. Shes had it bout 5 years now and the most impressive thing about it now is its build quality and reliability....good as a regular golf. Fab!
The forgotten fast hatch from the mid-80s was the Fiat Uno Turbo. Almost as fast as a 911 of the time, from a 1.4 litre pot. I drove a few. Incredible things.
In America we call 5 door hatches "station wagons". I think you guys call them "estate" cars? This is a station wagon, although a really cool one!
Fantastic review, Alex. You put into words how I've felt about the latest VW/Audi products. Times have changed: Japanese cars are gaudy, American cars are boring and Merc/BMW seem to be chasing them off a cliff at full chat!
Bought one ...love it! Gave the BMW 135i to the wife...love it and her just as much
G'day... I live in North Queensland Australia but have been living in our state capital for 6 months. In city traffic which can be a real bitch it's a bit thirsty. I can average 400km a tank around the city, however when on the gas it comes back to 350km per 50L. On the highway it's very nice up to the high 500 plus per tank. Fuel is so cheap here A$1.40 per litre for 98 octane so I don't stress a lot about fuel. I feel it uses similar or a little more than the BMW 135i which is a little tamer and still a awesome car and bang for your buck. What country are you in? Cheers Eddie
I can't not have this power in my life
Awesome as usual but... It is time for you to call Chris Evans and get on with co-hosting the new Top Gear. Your manner will play perfectly and, let's face it, TG is still the holy grail of car shows. Go help save it.
Thanx,
Matt
It looks amazingly good in there, with nothing you don't want.
I love your review of RS3. Bring in the RS4 and RS6?
I think you just created a new car segment! the Hyper Hatch
Thank You Amazing Review
You do realise that you're the new Richard Hammond?
the air in the front tire at 00:45 haha
Best looking, well proportioned car Audi currently produces.
Seriously looked at upgrading the s3 for one but then for the same money you can get a decent GT-R no brainer!!
The Audi RS3... and XCAR, means... Dramatic PAUSES!
If I'm ever in the position to buy a hyper hatch, I'd probably pick an AMG A45 over this. The AMG looks madder, especially in red with the aero kit.
beautiful
bring it to Canada please!!!
My Veloster Turbo Hot hatch on my channel
What an awesome car! :D
But I really feel like we need a new mindset about these hot hatches/hyper hatches.
- The wheelbase of this car is roughly as large as the Audi A4 (B6), so handeling wise it should be kinda like that.
I would consider cars like the VW Polo GTI and Peugeot 208 GTI the hot hatches of today.
- Hyper hatch would work for the Golf-class and Hot hatch for the Polo-class
Great video, I would love to try that car!
I'd buy that. It would be nice to see more of the interior though...
I wonder (haven't checked yet) if there is a factory rally package option---mud flaps, tougher tires, ski rack maybe...this thing could be an awesome commuter to the slopes...
what's the song at 0:54 please?
*turns on XCAR* "please be Alex, please be Alex, please be... YES!"
what's the song name @0:54
If only this was going to be sold in the US, I would buy in a second...to accompany its cousin, my RS5, in the garage :-)
lol, didn't think he would sell me an audi, but it just happened
It'll do 174mph and still get 34mpg on the way to the shops...those numbers should be for two entirely different cars. What an age we live in.
I'm tired of people saying that RS is subtle. That's the point. However, M and AMG both look "understated" compared to their car they are based on as well.
Love this car
Thanks, nice review, been waiting for that one. One thing: The microwave comparison really doesn't do it any justice. None whatsoever. Sorry mate. It's not for cooking, it's for re-heating. Re-heating something that has been properly cooked. ;)
Also, it would be nice to get a little more into the details of how a car actually drives. Does it still understeer as much as the first gen RS3? Still as heavy on the front axle? How are the brakes holding up after some hard driving? I just read that the TT S brakes will fail on a track due to the massive torque-vectoring taking place. Any of that?
Keep up the good work.
Nice outfit man. I love your jeans and jacket.
Nice motor, good review......You related to Richard Hammond by any chance?? 😀
oh... the sound of 5cylinders. so goooood
Too bad we aren't getting it in the US. Really want a sporty hatch with a good auto ( I live in Brooklyn and getting out of the city is 1hr+ of stop and go traffic) All we have is the VW GTI/Golf R
What about the Delorean video? :)
I can't wait, it was awesome to see you Alex in Portrush if you remember me, I was the kid that took a picture with you at the harbour. Keep up the awesome work! :)
Will this come to the states?
Is this car coming to the U.S at all??
how can you not mention the mini cooper john cooper works (which you drove)? This is a very thrilling car to drive and has 320 torque from 2L...
Was this shot in worcs
I don't think car enthusiasts (your audience for this channel i assume) really appreciate the automatic and the quattro. The power isn't something that crazy, a mild modification to a focus st or rs could achieve the same power easily. Audi is asking a lot of money for something quite mediocre. You could buy a 2008 focus ST for £6k and bring that up to 360hp for an extra £3k and have a mental hot hatch with a 6 speed manual, and still have money left over for an old audi estate with a diesel engine capable of 50+mpg, better looking, bigger, more practical and... now you own two cars... i think any enthusiast would agree that is the better choice!
I want it. Like now, give me that car. Great video as usual!
3:17 You talking shit, I just wait to see one on Ring. This will be a good track car.
6:53 Are your jeans see through?? Looks like a 6+ to me!
Is it coming to America?
Is it sillier than the A1 you reviewed a while back?
I Wonder if I would prefer the S1, I just love small cars. But maybe the RS3 is compact enough, the engine makes me want it quite a lot..
inchskater I think the other guy is referring to the A1 Quattro, which is one hell of a car.
it isn't that different to the audi S1
inchskater It's way more mad ! More like an RS1 than an S1
Kaisuke971 ...not according to any of the reviewers I read... visually, maybe.
I see future: Volvo will make a V40 with the t6, 2.0, 360 hp engine of the xc90, with a lot of polestar badges
Its an absolute shame this won't come to the US. I'd get one immediately.
Sounds like half the Gallardo V10 :D Gotta love 5 cyls
Not even a big AUDI fan nor a hater, but yes this is a Hyper Hatch - And I would consider it over other rivals in the market for sure if I where to buy one. A daily weapon for the road was a great description - Just imagine if one chips it too.../////////arrrgh fast for such a car.
I'm still not too sure about the styling. The a3 saloon is one of the nicest proportioned cars on the road imo. That should get the rs treatment
So where does the S3 sit? Hot or Hyper?
This or b7 rs4 Avant in grey?
It's kind of a noob question, but how will this car do with acceleration from say 100km/hr? Like if I'm cruising on the highway, will it have instant acceleration once I put my foot down?
A7 and cls shooting brake are hatch back as well
Mini RS6 for sure