The Audi RS3 Is The Most Amazing Sports Car I've Driven, Heres Why | 2022 Audi RS3
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- Audi managed the impossible with the new RS3: turn the affordable, front wheel drive A3 into a honest-to-goodness sports car that I'd rather own than a BMW M3 or Mercedes AMG C63. Say what? Yep, it really is that good. No, it won't be quite as fast. No, it won't handle quite as well, but it is about 200% more fun and that fun is more accessible, and less expensive.
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0:00 - Introduction
1:34 - How big is the RS3?
2:51 - Audi used coms crazy-big tires
4:08 - Why Audi used a 5-cylinder engine
6:14 - Audi's torque splitting rear axle explained
8:33 - Front seat comfort
9:19 - How's the back seat?
10:50 - Will it fit in the trunk?
11:12 - Interior walk-around
15:46 - How the RS3 drives - Auta a dopravní prostředky
It's unlike Alex to use such hyperbole in a title or otherwise. Looking forward to this 🍿
It’s very unlike him. That’s how you know this is a special car.
I really like the way you breeze through technical details on the engineering choices when they design cars. Like your explanation of the engine/transmission setups. Very concise without oversimplifying. Also the RS3 is a sweeeet car. Probably the most unique sedan you can find.
24.5 mpg is what my 2.5 Turbo Mazda 6 gets with 220 hp and 310 ft-lbs of torque. The fact that Audi gets the same mpg with double the horsepower is astonishing
Audi lies about MPG, I had a B9 S4, they claimed it did 9L/100KM ...even when I drove it in comfort like a complete grandma, I was barely able to get 14L/100KM, put it into sport mode and you're looking at like closer to 17-20L/100KM
@@awhs5435 That numbers are too much even for stop and go traffic. 16L/Km are maximum unless you have very short drives when a lot of gas used to heat up the drivetrain to operating temps. Why did you sell it btw? I changed from tuned st1 b9 a5 to yet stock b9 s5. And while at full throttle its same dunamics, the engine and smooth slushbox of s5 ase simply sublime.
For free city driving I get like 11L/KM
@@dgukov 16L/100KM is not the maximum, I constantly would be into the 18-20L/100km in dynamic S+ when I wanted to have a little fun. My best I could get was 13-14L/100km. Im in Vancouver and I'm pretty sure they put some additives to the gas for environmental reasons, which could be why I see worse gas milage
I was just bored of the car after about a year honestly, and the turbo lag in the B9 S4s is pretty bad, I'm not sure if it's the same in the S5, it really makes the car not that fun to drive. Overall though it wasn't a bad car, just not as exciting as some competitors.
If they fixed the turbo lag in the S4 it would completely change it, but currently it's just not that fun to drive, maybe in the B9.5's it's fixed though, I would even argue to say the turbo lag in the S4 could be viewed as even dangerous as it causes the car to not even accelerate for a solid 2-3 seconds. You would have the gas pedal to the floor and literally nothing would happen, the car would just sit there and then suddenly after a few seconds it would launch out of nowhere, it definitely makes/made the driving experience pretty meh at best.
I just got end of 2017 year produced car. And we reflashed ECU and TCU with newer stock firmwares from 2020, and shift points moved a bit higher, throttle is a bit more responsive also. I'm pretty sure Audi made S like this just to sell RS. So it just needs a stage 1. With my A5 st1 low end torque and driveability improved very much!
Also I will install rear sway bar.
Some guys in the ASN forum who've already got them are getting over 40mpg (UK gallon)
Absolutely love the RS3. Absolutely awesome 5 cylinder, good styling, drives great, etc. I would absolutely love to own one.
Absolutely
absolutely indeed
I ordered the RS3 a year ago in October, and I was told at least 18 month wait! If you want one plan on being able to wait forever, but I think it will be worth it in the end!
Watching reviews on the 3 series of Audi for the last two years, this is the most accurate, realistic and honest one. I bought my A3 Sportback 35 TFSI about a year ago and I absolutely love it. Keep up the good work!
This report was suggested by an automobile friend, since I own a 2019 Audii RS 3, which I make country back road runs on 3 days a week, as weather permits. Am retired and involved with automobiles (build and racing) since 1958. Very good vehicle report content, sticking with the really important stuff and not just the 'foo-foo' stuff that so many other automobile reports are full of!
I have seen almost all RS3 tests on CZcams. Yours is the best.
Alex, been watching for about a year. Very impressed by the information you provide and yet enough detail about the engineering behind the vehicles.
All packed in with nice comparisons with other like vehicles. Keep up the great work!!!
I think you have truly mastered car reviewing. Amazing.
"Not as expensive as some of you might be thinking, this starts at $58,900". 🤣
Built one on Audi’s website the other day and it came out to $69K and that was without ridiculously pricey options such as carbon ceramic brakes.
Pretty reasonably priced imo! Not sure what you want this to cost it's not a Subaru wrx lol
@@germanengineering204 Some of the interior wouldn't look out of place in a Subaru. All Audi are over-priced for what you get and due to limited supply, in the UK a delivery mileage RS3 costs the same as an RS4 of the same mileage, which is crazy. I actually own a new RS3 sportback BTW. Paid £59k in September 2021 and mine is fully loaded, including carbon brakes. I could sell it today for £70k plus. That's $86,000 US 🤣
@@mauricetoussaint7283 I used to own a WRX, and have sat inside the new RS3, and I couldn't disagree more about the interior!😂
What you expect then, 58000 is so cheap for a high performance car.
High praise indeed! Great video!
A thorough and very informative review. Well done!
Really love how to explain things so well in all your videos that make it fun to watch. Even if I may not able to afford an RS3 it's still an amazing car in many ways and unique. Sadly this car is easily $70k here in the US because many addons are what drive the cost so high. This easily is not a $60k car but more like $70k+ unless you absolutely do not add anything which lets face it almost no one would do. Also good luck finding one where it's not marked up heavily and if you order one, probably will have to wait many many months if not a year.
Oh, I pick up my 2024 tomorrow.
Waited a year and a half.
So this is my Xmas eve!
4-6-2024.
This is quite literally my dream car. Not too large to be annoying in cities, it's an Audi which I've always loved since the Top Gear R8 review came out in 2008, and it's a five-cylinder so I feel like it'll hold its value somewhat well because it's so rare. But on top of all of that it doesn't have any of the small tiny annoyances I have with other cars, like that it has amber turn signals, an integrated screen instead of a tablet, and physical controls for HVAC. Maybe I should just pull the trigger on one 🤔
Your dream car should be a GR86, not this unreliable German trash!
If I were to go German. It would be Audi, in particularly RS5 sportback. I feel that is the best looking Audi in their lineup. It's aggressive yet sedate. It has great power delivery but it can be a comfy cruiser. Great cargo capacity but fun on the backroads. To me the RS5 sportback is the best of both worlds.
@@braetonwilson4296 why are you telling other people what their dream car should be? This is far better than a GR86 anyway
Do it…I did and I’ve already put 1700 miles on mine in 3 weeks, it’s a blast to drive
@@braetonwilson4296 I'm 6'1" so a GR86, Supra, Miata, and most other pure sports cars simply feel too claustrophobic for me.
Best reviewer out there. Surprised he’s not over a million views
Thanks Alex! think I remember an older (very much older) Pontiac FWD sedan compensating all the power with wider front tires...all things come around again!
I have viewed every Audi RS3 review on YT. This is by far #1 rated. CC did his homework and knew facts and presented them with a clear and concise presentation.
Great review, that color is sick
This presentation ist so packed with information, I have to watch it again. Not a single word ist wasted, pure information. Fascinating.
Audi leadership needs to import the 400hp AWD RS3 hatch to America. My dream hot hatch.
I will never be able to afford this car with this great review! 😂 dealer markups just went up $10k. Thanks Alex. Great review
That's only certain dealers. I'll be taking delivery of mine in about 5 weeks, and am getting it for MSRP.
Yep I'm paying msrp, wouldn't even consider a markup. Shop around
I've always loved the sound of the 5 cylinder rs3s. Sound like a mini lambo.
It's not even remotely comparable especially now the RS3 is fitted with OPF
@@Alby911 the us version doesn’t have opf ya durp
@@carlotlife5013 Where did I say that the US version has OPF? With or without OPF a V5 engine doesn't equate to sounding like a mini Lambo.
@@Alby911 bud first off it's an I5
Second if this is the engine I remember it's basically a Lambo V10 cut in half so it's entirely possible it could sound "a little" like a Lambo.
It is ,it's a mini V10 like from a Lambo , you are spot on there !
Great review , and everything was on point , thank you Alex !
I used to live where your test drive was done. I could name every road lol. some of those I commuted over for 30 years.
Great review by the way!!
That talk about the rear diff reminds me of how my old '86 Ranger handled with the LockRight locker in the rear. Albeit that was a $2800 pick-up with a $300 mechanical diff, twin I-beam front suspension and probably a 70-30% weight balance for that 160hp V6 to push around, but it was tail happy all-day, especially on dirt.
What a great review...thank you brother. What is the top speed on rs3?
Loves this! The Only thing I like more is my 21 TTRS :) Alex we need a comparison video!!
Sold!! Excellent review
Best RS3 Review Out There 💪🏼
One of the most thorough reviews I've seen yet! 👏 Awesome.
Imagine Alex become a car salesman. He will out sale anyone by a large margin
Man he's good at doing at reviewing cars
I really wanna drive this car. Alex made so many bold claims 😂
Wish this came in hatchback like it does in Europe.
Right ? I’d be soooo in on it. But without it. Nope.
for me i just want it in a stick
My dream hatch, a miss by Audi leadership. They obviously don’t want to take the risk. An executive doesn’t want his name associated with a possible sales flop.
I just took advantage of the state of the used car market and sold my 2017 S3 for ~35k with the intention to get something a little more practical, but now I am seriously reconsidering that thought...
Thanks for this review, which seals the deal for me. I had a B8 and presently own a B9 S4. On the cusp of retirement and age 70, I want one more entertaining ICE car. The RS3 appears to fit the bill perfectly, given that it will be a daily driver and I live in the northeast.
Happy for you, enjoy!
Hardy,
I am absolutely with you!
Not that I can afford any of them, but I would take an Audi over a BMW or Benz any day. BMW and Benz used to be classy looking cars. Now, they're just kind of okay looking at best. Audi on the other hand has gone from boring to classy.
BMW drives much better than Audi and Benz
Wow, what? lol!!!!!!! Ok have fun.
Can’t think of a car in that price range that’s more fun to drive or has a more special engine. It’s also the perfect size, though I’d love to see it on a Q5 or A4.
Dealer tried to sell me a 2022 RS3 for $85,000. Turned away the build ASAP.
Excellent review Alex, but no mention of rotor sizes or number of pistons.
wow that color ♥️
Rs3 is the adult version of the STI more so than the Type R.
nice job doc octavius
1:23 Fun fact: Look _closely_ then you'll find out the headlight is spelling "RS3". Cool small detail.
Very nice. Wish it had a longer roof.
It can't send more than 50% of the power to the rear. It'll never be rear biased, it can however send 100% of that 50% to either wheel.
With a light or tan interior, I’m game. I can wait for what otherwise sounds fantastic.
When the EV6 GT comes stateside please do a comparison!
NICE!
The RS3 is on my bucket list. 😉
That vent is functional, it helps reduce drag and turbulence.
Placed my order for a 2023 RS3! Can’t wait for it to arrive💪🏻
You have a long wait. Ordered mine in September 2021, still no build date.
@@luciussander8217 good lord, seriously?!
What an insanely comprehensive review of a vehicle, he sounds like the Audi engineer for God’s sake, this was my first exposure to Alex
and looking forward to many more! Bravo!
You are in for a treat. Alex's reviews are nothing short of stellar.
Picked up my dream AWD sedan just over two years ago and now Alex puts out this review... *mumbles to myself, "must save for retirement."*
This is a hot car I love it
From the title, I thought this was a Redline Reviews video. I was surprised to see the Alex on Autos intro instead.
Have you driven the Cadillac Blackwing versions?
What’s the Trunk Comfort Index score?
Been watching tons of reviews in anticipation for the delivery of my 2023 RS 3, and I will say, I Iearned a lot more technical data in this videos in all the others. Thanks for the great review!
German engineering superiority
Wish there was a hatchback, manual version available here.
ugh as if my wait on my RS3 allocation wasn't hard enough, now you go and put out this video!! ultimate first world problems 😔
Tell me about it. I put a deposit down on one in early March, and didn't get my allocation until late July. I just got word that it started getting built today, and will take delivery in November. So altogether it'll wind up being 10 months from deposit to delivery. That's just insane.
@@hlf_coder6272 well worth the wait though, awesome you'll be getting yours in a few months here. they sell less than 1000 in the US per year so it's hard to get but once you do have it, never let go
@@hlf_coder6272 lucky you. Here in Australia I placed my order in February this year. Car is supposed to be built in December and delivery expected in February 2023! That will make almost 14 months and I am lucky. Some guys have waited 18 months!
I'll bet you don't need ANY caffeine, do you?
Impressive flow - and knowledge.
NJ - gg
Clickbait - you left out "in 2022” from the title - rather important. Don't worry staying subscribed.
I love it, but for the cost, you could get a nice used first Gen R8. As the owner of both the R8 and a highly tuned over 400hp S3, there's just no comparison. The way the tires are sized, there's no more cushion in the rear - the overall diameter is almost identical.
Love a 5-cylinder engine. Still dailying a early 2014 model year Volvo S60.
Alex… Notice the start up detail with the front side lights.. it spells out R S 3
Love the 5cyl engine, especially the sound, but the Golf R has the same rear diff and that 4cyl is plenty of power for the road. The problem is the Golf R feels like forbidden fruit for the US, lots of demand very little supply relative to say AMG GLA 45 or even Elantra N.
Fender vent in the front is functional. Just an FYI.
Did your car have the steel brakes or the ceramics?
How does it drive compared with a Giulia Q4? I know the power is way more but is it as nimble and fun?
Alright, if I see Alex put up that description of a car, I’ll watch.
I read the title, but didn't bother to watch the content. I GO AHEAD AND BUY IT!!!!!
Nice review Alex! This car would look so much better if we were able to get the Sportback version IMO.
Agree 100%
My dream hot hatch.
Very cool, like a nice Nissan Sentra!
I have a 2018. Definitely looking to get into a 2022 or 23 in spite of the constant wheel/tire damage these get.
I feel you, man. I have a MK7.5 Golf R. Two sets of wheels, summer and winter. Three bent wheels in 3 years... Too many potholes in my city.
Amen - I have a 2018, tuned with Unitronic. The most amazing car I’ve ever owned. BUT I live in NE and have had to replace 5 tires due to bubbles (in 24 months) from even the most mild pot holes. If I’m not attentive I can bubble a tire per day which is frustrating especially in a car with no spare tire. But mannnn do I find it hard to see myself driving anything else.
Alex this doesn’t have haldex awd no more it’s magna now.
Those of us with a bit of OCD will have issues with the reverse staggered tires. I bet you’ll see some owners trying to square out the wheels and tires. The hell with factory driving dynamics. 😂
Staggered tires are the only real downside with daily-driving this car, because you can only rotate between the same axle (meaning tires won't last as long). But it's useful for reducing understeer here, as you're moving the grip bias forwards; making the rear wheels more likely to lose grip first/front wheels less likely to lose grip first.
In 2-3 years i plan on getting one and trading in my Elantra N
I hope this comes to Canada...
Where are you driving? It’s beautiful.
0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds? Holy crap!
I haven't seen you review many sports cars, so I beg to ask what would be the runner-up to the rs3, or other favorite car you've tested?
I also agree, rs3 is my favorite audi of this generation. Since they got rid of the supercharged and v8 models. Even though the rs3 is down on power, it's the most nimble, the differential settings are really useful; And it's refinement or lack thereof makes it more engaging then most modern luxury cars that block out a lot of feel and noise.
5cyl is definitely a unique sounding engine, not as good sounding as some older inline 6's, but it's super unique and with the right exhaust sounds reminiscent of a mini- 5L Gallardo v10.
I think the 20' model looked better exterior-wise and the minimalist interior made it feel more cockpit-like. 22' definitely has improvements to the suspension and drivetrain. An oversteering rs3 is the best type of rs3, like you said it's really the party-piece, and is now what differentiates itself between the Golf R besides an extra cylinder and some luxury.
Since BMW trashed the new 2 series and benz doesn't sell the amg a-series in the US market, rs3 has my vote for this year.
Sounds better than all I6s….. you’re tripping
@@carlotlife5013 Sound pretty biased. There's okay sounding inline 6's and some that sound better then modern v8's. The audi 5cyl sounded better generations ago tbh.
@@Toymonkeyjr yea it definitely used to sound better I’d agree there 100% with all the regulations now that’s a fact. But I’d argue it sounds better or at least as good as the best i6 you out against it
@@carlotlife5013 I mean it sounds really good. I don't have many 5cylinders to compare it to obviously. I can't think of a v6 that sounds better then it, but we'll have to wait till all those v6 supercars come out in the next few years, the gtr is a notable one.
As for inline sixes it sounds better then almost any inline-6 stock. But there's some like the jdm inline-6's and the n55 that really sound eargasmic once you put on the exact exhaust. Certain exhausts on those sound like crap. Either way I've heard a heavily modded OG m2 next to a last gen rs3 both with exhaust systems, on a ride to a car meet. The rs3 like I said sounds like a mini gallardo, but the m2 was just amazing like one of the best street engines I've heard.
I feel like the rs3 is really good, all the time; But certain inline-6's if you mod them can either sound pretty bad or super good.
Agree the previous body style looked better after seeing both in person. The previous gen flat bottom steering wheel also looks way better!
The first time I got this excited about a car was in 2018, when Straight Pipes released their VW GTI review for the then-brand-new MK7.5. Ultimately this led me to buy that car. Just about ~4 years later, I am a little more grown up and was thinking of upgrading to an Audi. And here, another CZcamsr I greatly respect and admire tells me that one of my top 3 choices after months of research is the most amazing sports car they've ever (in 2022 :-)...) driven.
I know what my next car will be. Thanks, Alex.
I’d say this car will be a rarity in the future so not a bad buy at all.
Just got word that my RS3 started getting built today FINALLY. I first put the deposit down way back in early March. According to the dealer, I should take delivery in November.
Still super bummed there's no gear shifter or flat bottomed steering wheel though. Not sure what they were thinking on either of those decisions. I read somewhere they took the subwoofer out for the B&O stereo too, which also sucks. Half the reason I'm switching from my M2 back to Audi was for that awesome B&O stereo. BMW's HK system doesn't even remotely compare. All in all though I'm still psyched.
Yep I think some owners are adding the subwoofer back in, I'm getting mine in 2 weeks and didn't order it, just found a dealer with one
QV>RS3. Much sharper steering, better feel, more balanced, and looks sensational. The CT4V Blackwing is also a better more engaging drivers car that the RS3 and the same price.
It’s actually more expensive than you think. The average person would never look at a small 4 door sedan and think that’s a $70k car, but it is. But I guess it makes sense considering we currently live in an alternate reality where a Golf R costs $50k.
Test drove a S3 with my wife,. Both of us engineers, and were Massively underwhelmed. Tried to test the RS3, but the dealership gave us 'tude after we gave our feedback on the S3. Went with a Genesis G70 SportAWS for $10k less. Never liked German dealerships, too many customers thirsty for status.
It's a shame this car won't be sold in Canada for the 2022 model year.
Drooling
AGREEEEED😛
I own an M340 xdrive and I priced a new RS3 and it’s the same. Thinking of getting the RS3 or another M340. The BMW is such a good car though. I had an S3 before the M340…so I’m familiar with how good the Audi is, but this new RS3 must be special.
3 series is a bigger car and is 400+ pounds heavier. So RS3 will be more nimble. Its like M2 vs M340
@@Alumnikiid I’m aware.
Switch now, variety is the spice of life, you already enjoyed m340 why u want another one?
@@JohnSmith-me2wg true
@@layne4376 it's boring though...hopefully the M2 will be worth the wait
Do you HAVE to stick with staggered wheels and tires? Really hate that.
Not enough sound clips on this one
I was under the impression that its only 100% of the allotted 50% sent to the rear. 100% = Donuts :)
Thanks for the review! Great car! I would get one except for 2 things. 1) I like a few tech features which would push this car into the high 60Ks. 2) Try getting your hands on a 2023. My local dealer said they had an allocation for TWO! One was pre-sold and the other they are putting a 30K markup on! You heard right. $30,000. Alternatively, I was able to put an order in for a 2023 M240i with the new iDrive 8 system and RWD for around 57K with NO markup and a 2-3 month wait. Sounded much more reasonable to me.
I sgree
problem is the 240 is built in Mexico and I have a problem paying 57k for a German Car that is built in Mexico
Do you like the look of the new iDrive 8 system?
I’m bummed they didn’t keep the 7 system in that car for one more year. I was planning on getting the 2023.
@@Billybobthor I was saying the same thing. It honestly makes you think a bit differently about getting one or just getting a used 2020-2022. BMW stepped on their own toes here; their system was just about awesome. With a few minor tweaks it could’ve been perfect. Now they’ve scrapped that and they have this and it’s bad 😂
@@aycemanm8151 that Mexico plant is state of the art. Almost fully automated.
I wish we got the 5 dr hatch
Love the colour and the car, but I still think it's rather too expensive. It isn't in Canada (yet) but the converted price is almost $75k, before taxes. For a subcompact, that's insane even with the performance. Interior could also be better, but I guess it's all about the performance here.
It's not really a sub compact! Only in the US that categories it incorrectly! Did you miss that part in the video? Plenty big enough for a sports sedan made to go fast!!
Tires are only a $450 option after you add on $7k worth of packages fyi