MY CHEAP NEW AUDI RS3 SPEC + WHY I WON'T ORDER ONE

[@janalcon13]

I’m and Audi salesman in Spain and I’ll tell you, we can spec pretty much any option freely, but the price for difference is just crazy. A base spec car with no options, starts at 74k €, that’s 14k€ more than in the UK(we have a 9,75% registration tax(which will go up to 16% in January for this car), take that out and we’re still paying 10 grand more). Spec an equivalent of the vorsprung trim and in Spain you’ll be looking at around 95k€(add ceramic brakes and you’re paying over 100 grand for an RS3) and honestly i agree with you, the interior has some quality feeling issues… anyways, we had 2 units in stock that sold for over 90k in less than 2 weeks, discounts included, so as far as people will be willing to pay, I don’t think Audi will change its strategy. Moreover, the conditions we have in Spain to finance or lease are worse than the ones you have in UK, which makes the RS3 a car for the rich(not even for the kids of the rich as it used to be hahaha). I was thinking about buying an S3 for myself, but S3 in Spain is RS3 money in UK and there even isn’t employee discount… I’m starting to regret not buying a Leon Cupra 300 before i changed job a few weeks ago!

[@MikelDog]

Get yourself an edition 30, all the spec and comforts you need. Feels better to the drive than the new cars, rawer and feels quicker. Mk7 onwards are way to numb to be classed as a hot hatch imo

[@matmulder]

I'll give one reason I won't buy one - I don't want masked raiders waking me up in the middle of the night to kindly ask for the keys.

[@volkswizard]

That’s a very fair point. Suspect this one will be in even more demand than old one as there will be far fewer on the roads

[@matmulder]

@Adam7890 Agreed, but Audi RS/S and AMG Mercs are massive targets, certainly here in the Midlands. As much as I don't want scumbags to dictate my choices, I've witnessed friends go through similar and the anxiety/PTSD it causes after it happens is terrible.

[@JimboJammy]

It's a shame that you raise such a massively valid point. Even with a tracker, the police won't be interested. It'll be up to you to risk your own skin going somewhere to get your car back with the spare key before it's shipped abroad.

[@JM00-v9c]

Is that some kind of fantasy you have? 😆😆

[@JakeM240]

That Happened to a guy i know in leeds , they asked kindley with a hammer !

[@douglasb.5601]

You echo my thoughts. I currently own a previous gen S3 with Supersports seats, flat bottomed steering wheel with radar cruise (my car was the blue carwow S3). It's a lovely all rounder...with matrix LED's (which are amazing and now a must have). I've specc'd an RS3 in Kyalami green (carbon black) which comes in at £63K. I'm frustrated that I can't get radar cruise with the flat bottomed wheel..so skipping radar cruise as I only use it through average speed camera roadworks every 3 months. The interior is drab...much prefer my S3..and those door card and lower console plastics are so fisher price that they've no place in a Skoda...let alone a £60K Audi. If only I could spec the coloured stitching to take my mind off the hard plastic! 😕 I guess they've put the money into the oily bits, which is no bad thing...but it's a shame to have to compromise on the interior at this price.

[@shiugen676]

Yep I called it, so base model RS3 in Ireland (0 options, not even adaptive dampers), 92,000 Euros 😂 Specced out 140,000 Euros 😂😂😂 Absolute madness

[@volkswizard]

I think they don’t want to sell a lot due to Co2 and want to take 2-3 times the profit from each one. Can’t think of another explanation. I reckon allocations to dealers will be small and they’ll sell out quickly regardless

[@1210mk5g]

@@volkswizard The issue in Ireland is the Irish government adds extra tax on cars.

[@premiumvehiclesonly]

Why would you pay that money for this cheap Golf in disguise, with it’s cheap nasty hard plastic interior, looks like a bargain basement Vauxhall Corsa.

[@2of2DCH]

Golf in disguise? Whaaat? Owned a 2018 Golf R, and drove a 2018 RS3, and there was no comparison. Moreso with this new gen.

[@yannistath]

@@premiumvehiclesonly you have no idea on what are you talking about, right?

[@GregQchi]

Super useful, thanks. I've been contemplating ordering the new RS3 and the time taken by you and level of detail has helped me enormously. Long story short is I feel the same way. I appreciate some of the reasons for the constrained Audi UK spec options (WLTP + processor shortages), but it's enough to lead me to hold off from ordering a build.

[@alexedward01]

After having test driven numerous cars like Porsche Macan GTS, BMW xdrive m135i, AMG A45s, Golf R, A35, and having owned C63s, Golf GTI, I have decided to order the 2022 Audi RS3. I think it does everything for me at a reasonable price point.

[@EastWood2004]

Did you order a sedan or hatch?

[@alexedward01]

@@EastWood2004 Sedan.

[@EastWood2004]

@@alexedward01 Nice one. I also ordered a Green sedan. In Australia the RS3 price is not more expensive as in UK. A typical Porsche is sold for at least 40-60% more than that in UK.

[@alexedward01]

@@EastWood2004 are you UK or Aus based, Mate?

[@EastWood2004]

@@alexedward01 In Australia.

[@K7aus2000]

Andrew, another reason is price increases on the 1st December 2021. Audi have announced 6% increase. Makes RS3 more expensive

[@fatwalletboy2]

6% !!!

[@volkswizard]

That's just to get people to order now before the increase. At some point next year they'll give you the 6% and more off, standard VWG practice when they can actually build cars in big numbers

[@JakeM240]

VW going up 1st december too !

[@bootneck401664]

It’s not 6%, I ordered mine yesterday and it was about £700 around 1-2%

[@JimboJammy]

I've been a Volkswizard subscriber long enough to know what's going to happen... "Hi Andrew, it's Gary from xx Audi, we've got a great spec rs3 here in stock, it has 3 miles on the clock, I can let you have it for xxx" "Coming up next on Volkswizard, I collect the brand new RS3 I just couldn't resist" 😁😁

[@volkswizard]

I wish JBJ! That’s the other problem, it’s expensive and there is no discount so I’m not willing to compromise, especially when I could get the spec I want in Germany 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@patrickvennard838]

You have just pointed out all the annoying things that everybody who has ordered an RS3 knows, I think it is a way of Audi up selling packs. The Vorsprung works out cheaper than a Carbon if you want some options. I would have preferred to spec a base car up. It does not feel fair that VAG group don't seem to want you to do that! More frustrating is the lack of build dates for those people that have ordered and the price increase for those that haven't!

[@volkswizard]

I think you’ve answered your own question Patrick. The spec issues are annoying but right now & for the foreseeable they can sell every car they can make so if you want one you have to play the up sell game. Not dissimilar to Porsche only selling GT cars to regular punters

[@TheJaceyBoy]

Totally agree with you Andrew, I was going to order one but that interior is just a MASSIVE let down, looks like an S3!

[@Blake00001]

Edit: like an A3!

[@abayamangali]

Yeah it’s a shame that Audi is cheaping out.

[@AK-qe3pz]

Great detailed video mate, I totally agree with the points you’ve made. In Australia the cheapest quote for a RS3 sportback I got through a car broker was $ 101 500, so I’ve decided to put a deposit for a fully specked Golf R which is $30 000 cheaper than the RS3. To be honest I reckon the Golf R is a better value for money than the RS3.

[@EastWood2004]

For some reason I was able to score an RS3 cheaper than in UK. I want to remind you that most German cars are way more expensive here Australia than in UK. The Porsche Cayman GTS price is over AUD 200K. I saw an RS3 invoice, the car itself was around AUD80K and AUD20 K for the LCT and GST. So I am not sure if the price of the RS3 is half of the cayman GTS in UK. The base RS3 sold here is equivalent to the Vorsprung.

[@tigerbalm666]

I really liek the design of Merc A35/A45 hatches these days. Looks so premium and not ricey or generic. The other car i would drive is a the Toy GR...

[@dainesefreak]

I'm looking forward to moving my leased 8R and all of it's software issues on. Having watched the launch videos of the RS and now this, I'll be waiting to see what the new M2 looks like. It's a shame as there's a decent car in there, if a bit bland and unfortunately spoilt by VAG not sorting out issues and giving customers choice.

[@TheJaceyBoy]

They've mad a massive mistake taking away the spec from us, no way I would be buying one now

[@2of2DCH]

Kemora and alu optic I think is the best colorway. I would have liked to seen a sqaure tire setup, I'm no fan of staggered wheels and tires. Matrix headlights? A must IMO. I'd giggle every time I walk up the car and unlock it.

[@sinseertv]

@volkswizard i completely agree with what you've said in regards to the steering wheel. I've actually traded in my MK8 Golf R for a RS3 Sedan Vorsprung edition but the steering wheel really does bother me. I think the launch editions didn't have this problem and they came with the flat bottom alcantara steering wheels which had all the elements of the ugly steering wheel. I will have to probably purchase a steering wheel at some point and replace it. I'm not too fussed about the seats but it is a shame that we get the short end of the stick when it comes to options. If you would like to know what my R had specd have a look at Sam Austins channel he's a VW enthusiast like yourself. Mine is the black R with DCC and other bits.

[@Blake00001]

I’ll tell you what, I am very satisfied with my BMW m340i! A true bargain seeing the new rs3!

[@GLA45Amg716]

They cost the same here

[@speeddemonRS3]

They cost about the same lol

[@mlguy8376]

All the recent RS3s seem to become less aggressive which combined with the aggression increase for the A3 it seems like it will be difficult to tell without the rs badge and the brakes it will be hard to tell. I don’t know.

[@BlightBlaze583]

Yeah forget about the insane engine but who cares about that right??

[@mlguy8376]

@@BlightBlaze583 yes, and a sleeper car can wipe another car, or a modified RS could wipe an RS. I am purely talking about how a car looks on the road. Not sure you can see an engine through the bodywork mate? Unless you are talking about some super cars - but there is no hiding what they are.

[@HusslinDaddy]

Few weeks ago I received and "offer" from Audi - my car+6k£ deposit for a brand new RS3 vorsprung, for 400 quid a month. I pay the deposit upfront and wait until March next year (hopefully) to get the car delivered. I was giving it a serious thought, to be honest, but decided I could just wait until March next year and see what's the price going to be then.

[@hockdg]

Why the downer on red cars? I love my red mk7.5 GTI and it stands out in a sea of grey and silver…. Each to their own I suppose.

[@volkswizard]

I like red but not with the silver trim bits and I don't want the black wheels

[@carkins85]

Just pay a few hundred for a chrome delete

[@norman4628]

Me too, in fact every red car I had, BMW, S3 and GTi, I made a "profit". Maybe red cars were lucky for me

[@adenahy]

Hi Andrew - Another great video with so excellent points and I agree with the spec reservations you have! I still have my S3 8V with matrix LEDs, flat bottom steering wheel, cruise assist, lane departure etc it all works fine as in your golf... no idea why thwy dropped the flat bottom wheel tut!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for posting Red Ignition. I am sure there must be a technical reason, maybe it works better being round but whatever, don't force me to have the function that needs the round wheel when all I want is auto main beam and adaptive cruise which have nothing to do with the sodding steering wheel !

[@vladimirart758]

Great car

[@TheMoosekeeper]

I am with you on the steering wheel. However, you could add a flat bottomed wheel and have some OEM looking enhancements to the interior later and still be less than going for the black edition. I have read that there is no reason why a flat bottomed wheel wouldn't work. I may stand to be corrected...?

[@volkswizard]

The German configurator site says some busy body assistance system you don’t actually want needs a steering wheel that can sense when your hands are on the wheel. This infers flat bottom doesn’t do that .

[@alexedward01]

Sounds like for many of us it all comes down to value for money 🤔. Reason why Hyundai and Kia sell in big quantity. It is a great car overall and even better to drive and live with.

[@markrhoden68]

One of the major reasons i didnt go for Audi S3 or Mercedes A35, the lack of seat colour options. When your paying a lot of money for these cars why cant we have red or cream as well as black. A lot of these cars are dark inside, having a different colour seats or belts can lift the interior and as with my BMW ive ordered sapphire black paint with the orange leather seats, its just a great contrast

[@nickname1812]

Great video. Take a step back....it's an A3 with performance you'll never be able to use on the public highway and on only parts of the Autobahn system - at a bonkers price.

[@volkswizard]

Very true Eric, it's very easy to get carried away with all the hype

[@miketilston1528]

even the most basic Audi will do in excess of 70mph, you cant use that argument :)

[@EastWood2004]

It sounds like sour grape. Would you say the M3 competition xDrive is a performance version of 318i?

[@nickname1812]

@@EastWood2004 Having been taken round Brands Hatch in a BMW 318i by a professional racing driver from the Nigel Mansell Racing School in the 1990s -absolutely! P.S. I drive an M2...even in Germany couldn't use 100% of it.

[@EastWood2004]

@@nickname1812 So you know there is huge difference between rs3 and a3 in real life apart from the performance. It has the upgraded chassis, transmission, exhaust, better handling as well as better interior.

[@andrewmcivor42]

Great summing up. I noticed that issue with the adaptive cruise & the steering wheel before - it's the same throughout the A3 range. My Wife's A3 35 tfsi Edition 1 has a nice, chunky flat bottomed steering wheel, but only basic cruise (which doesn't bother her, as she had a Beats Up! Tsi before, which had the park & cruise pack). Yet my Mk 7.5 R estate has adaptive cruise & a flat bottom steering wheel (as did my Mk 7 GTD hatch)? Bizzare! If I was ordering an RS3 (which I wouldn't be!), think I'd have Kylami Green with the black carbon pack as a Vorsprung - if you're spending that much, might as well just go for it! However, totally agree on the design pack - that's mystifying why it isn't available. Also far prefer the Sportback - an A3 saloon is, basically, a VW Jetta🤣 - must by my 80s upbringing, but I've always preferred hatchbacks - nicer to look at (imho) & far more practical. Had to laugh at your comment about the Bang & Olufsen trim - personally, I don't care what it looks like (but the older one definitely looks better, granted), it's how it sounds that's important! Same with the Dynaudio system on the Mk7/7.5 Golf (& Harmon Kardon on the Mk 8) - I like the fact it's subtle, it also sounds great too, I wouldn't have a car without it!

[@Matty767]

Have you not considered some aftermarket interior modifications to make it more your own? I’ve got a carbon black saloon on order and I’m going to get a full alcantara wheel and airbag from Bergtuning. They look factory finished, albeit expensive. You can also retrofit any seatbelt now with custom stitching. These things are annoying but for those finishing touches i will invest afterwards.

[@volkswizard]

That's a good point but at £55k upwards I don't think I should be having to modify especially when there is a bloody pack already, designed, tested and marketed in existence just not available for the biggest RS market outside of Germany 💢

[@vr6280]

What do you think about the new 2021/22 Polo GTI? I'm thinking of buying one. What Colour do you think looks best on it?

[@volkswizard]

Colour is subjective. Polo GTI is OK but I'd get a used Golf GTI if you can

[@alanpirie8264]

I could never see myself paying more for a car than I did for my house, I don’t do PCP/leased so that’s this car knackered and a lot similar. If PCP didn’t exist they probably wouldn’t sell very much of them to be honest, and maybe make them take their ridiculous prices down. Maybe because I’m Scottish but that’s a s😀😀tload of loot for a car, no matter how fast or good it is..

[@wynhughes9072]

If PCP or lease deals didn't exist most people would be driving around in base model cars. I suspect manufactures love PCP/lease deals because basically they can ask any price for their cars as long as the the monthly payments are what people can afford..Still love the RS3 though

[@kevinbegley5881]

There's quite alot of things here i didn't even realise until you flagged it up, particularly the interior. In an RS3 you want it to feel like a special place with that kind of investment, just doesn't make sense why you can't even pay to have it the way you want at 50 odd grand. Great video Andrew 👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Kevin! Yes indeed, it surprised me when I first had a look at the configurator so I hoped others would benefit from this information. I suspect people who have ordered cars haven't really noticed how bland the interior is going to be when they sign the cheque for £51k - £70k. And then they'll see that awful steering wheel !

[@peterpan6821]

Personally, I don't see the point of adaptive cruise. If I catch the car in front, I'm going to overtake, not sit behind and copy its speed.

[@tonyj99999]

Absolutely spot on. I also find their online configurator shocking poor compared to the rest, especially Porsche. They are missing a.seriuos trick not allowing more "individualism". Although I have a 2013 S3 with the ubiquitous black interior I would love to be able to spec a more adventurous colour palette.....

[@volkswizard]

A Porsche with a bit of colour inside is a really nice car. Maybe not so much the bloodbath interiors, they can ban those in the UK by all means😁

[@tonyj99999]

@@volkswizard 👍😂😂

[@reds005]

Mental money regardless of spec

[@volkswizard]

True true, only saving grace is that if you PCP it’s not that bad

[@Theurgicnick]

I was in market for new car I went for the Golf 8 R in the end as per reason two, there is no way I’m paying extra money to have a steering wheel that looks like it’s worse then what you find on some BMW’s. Plus I found the options on the RS3 quite restrictive as in if you want one or two items you have to have the massive pack that I didn’t really want. So placed an order for the R instead, still specked as I wanted with leather, DCC, performance pack and a few other bits a bobs. Went via DTD and saved a bucket load in comparison to the RS3 so I’m happy. That steering wheel though 🤮🤢🤮

[@volkswizard]

I totally agree, an R with PP would be a nice car and interior is more special

[@garysimpson3900]

With the UK being such a big and important market for VW Audi they have made some strange decisions on specification/package choices especially when options are available in other markets & UK cars are made in the same factory.

[@volkswizard]

Very strange isn't it Gary. It would make sense if it was something relating to RHD but it's not but I'd like to think there is a good non-marketing reason I'm not aware of.

[@chrisclokey4840]

Massive mistake by Audi not offering that interior pack for the RS3, very bland interior for a car costing over £50k.

[@pricey78]

Couldn’t agree more! I had a £20k deposit ready but now bought a BMW. This is after owning S5, RS5, then RSQ3, A3 Edition 1, then back to RS5. Now in a BMW, not only for the reasons you mention but the MMI in the A3 has many issues still and a year on still no fix! So many buggy issues making it sometimes completely unusable. I know a lot of people moving to another brand now for the same reasons, but I’m sure plenty will still buy.

[@chasethefeel]

@@pricey78 bmw is not so fun if u have winter in your country

[@pricey78]

@@chasethefeel I have the BMW M340D in the UK now coz I lost faith in Audi. Fantastic car in every way, but either way it’s xdrive so I still have fun even in winter, no different to the Audi. Both 4 wheel drive performance cars, so you have to compare fairly if you are putting Audi vs bmw.

[@stuf3804]

Carbon Black Pack wheels remind me of the old TSW Venom alloys from the 90's

[@volkswizard]

Well done Stu F, showing your age but yes bang on. Not a good look

[@tristan7586]

Thank you for this run through Andrew, definitely an eye opener.

[@volkswizard]

Glad it was helpful Tristan, thank you so much for watching and commenting

[@nicholassigsworth7654]

C’mon … the saloon rocks!

[@Isclachau]

Imo it looks awful in Saloon.

[@gaycha6589]

Agree.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Are cooled seats an option at all?

[@volkswizard]

I don't recall that but could be wrong, interior options for UK are lame for some reason

[@johnbarsby7446]

Good to see a youtuber pointing out all these things audi are doing to the UK customers, theres a lot of other videos out there that havent pointed out these things. Design pack should be standard and only launch and vorsprung has sunroof ???? HUD and powered tailgate only on launch and vorsprung theres loads of crap speccing options on this car

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for pointing those out John. There are so many weird things like some of the very first cars not actually being Launch Editions! The car i reviewed last week neither a Launch Ed or Vorsprung and it had a powered tailgate!

[@johnbarsby7446]

@@volkswizard there’s loads of things like hatchback carbon Ed don’t have a black roof but saloon does. Or vorsprung has body coloured roof but you can spec that black on German config. I’ve cancelled my vorsprung and ordered carbon black saloon so I can have flat bottom wheel and black roof but I can’t spec pan roof HUD and only launch has wireless phone charger 🤷🏻

[@dogbite5509]

Another well balanced video Andrew. More importantly, any update on the 2022 Volkswizard calendar?

[@volkswizard]

Thanks DB! Yes indeed, in fact did a preview on Insta story today, just need to finalise the pics and then it's ready to go. This year it's a desk diary rather than wall.

[@fuhrerpolizei86]

Yea do the twin test on the Golf R vs the RS 3...I'm really on the fence now between the 2 but I've got over a year to decide looking at the back order for both cars...pls do the twin test with the Golf R maxxed out on spec...don't just take the boffins at Evo as definitive... especially on that magna rear torque splitter......

[@DarrenJMHughes]

Another great review. It’s a real shame that you can’t have the options you actually want, but have to have have those that you do with other items you don’t. Car Manufactures have a real habit of doing this and it just puts you off. What ever happened to individuality. The German interior looks great with those red styling cues. I like the spec / colour of ‘your’ car. If you could have only the options you wanted, would you sign on the line for one? P.s like the new style Volkswizard logo 👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Darren, yes indeed I would sign. Just can’t pay all that even on PCP to have a car that’s less ‘right’ than my £39k (actually £32k) Golf

[@Ben-qe8ju]

I just took delivery of my new A3 S Line and I regret not getting the 1 Series M Sport. Whilst it has slightly less power (not so noticeable for everyday driving), the base spec is more generous, not to mention interior quality is a step up. Next time I won’t let impatience get the best of me.

[@JackKing12.]

Know what you mean...

[@markrhoden68]

And why i ordered a m135i with black paint with magma leather instead of a Mercedes a35 or Audi s3

[@IBBZ650]

sound system is only thing better in the a3 as standard if ya get the 1series get the better speakers

[@markrhoden68]

@@IBBZ650 Harmon Kardon in my current and future BMWs

[@maverick4177]

Just do what i did, wait, someone is bound to spec a car you would have ordered, i got a car that was massive spec and 52k new, for 32k when it was 3 years old, and it’s worth as much now than when i bought it nearly 3 years ago 😂

[@volkswizard]

My RS3 saloon was bought like that. Also helped it was nearly stolen and owner wanted out pronto

[@mirv5144]

Can you do another update on the Corrado project please ?

[@johnstannard8366]

I have the Mk 8 R and to be fair I paid 42k for that and thought that was bloody expensive. Are you getting 10k more with this RS3 compared to a Golf Mk8 R???

[@miketilston1528]

The fact that they are changing hands (Like Golf 8R) for £15-£20k over RRP and a long wait for a new one suggests they might be :)

[@richarddocherty5007]

2.5L 5 cyclinder and 80hp more so different level. Should compare to the S3.

[@volkswizard]

The torque vectoring rear diff of the R has more influence on driver enjoyment than what engine is fitted and this puts it firmly in line with RS3 which has same hardware, S3 doesn’t

[@volkswizard]

I’ve seen Rs for reasonable money , far more for sale than RS3 as lots of orders got delivered and owners could sell back and earn good money. Long way from that happening with RS3

[@richarddocherty5007]

@@volkswizard similar but the RS3 version is more complex

[@mikulasberka7999]

Looks 10x better in silver.

[@BM_PAZ]

And it was only three years ago the base RS4 was £56k.

[@volkswizard]

Good point and that's lot more car for the money and drives well with special rear diff. And interior quality is perfection

[@loustath1583]

I’d rather keep my 7r forged motor,flex fuel coming soon great power then eventually Verkline suspension parts and some ohlin coil overs and I’m a happy many !

[@volkswizard]

I get that totally

[@loustath1583]

@@volkswizard thanks for understanding as it’s an expensive set up though some people would say update but like to get most out of platform as you’d know!!!

[@26Tackle.reviews]

Bang on with what you said with the bland interior! wy iv got a mercedes cla45s amg on order and not new rs3

[@Birmingham_racing]

The cla and a class have a beautiful interior although wasn't a fan of the previous gen

[@glenclough9080]

If the car market was more normal I’d honestly be looking at 18/19 reg previous generation RS3’s over this which in my opinion look very similar and probably (pre opf) sound better too. Is it not worth just waiting for that?

[@volkswizard]

I think the handling on this car is a very big draw for me personally, will take some compromises elsewhere for that but not fundamental compromises on spec.

[@stephengolds9679]

Exactly why I’m not ordering one, I would have had the green with the leather interior and green highlights, green callipers would have been nice, and a round steering wheel, no I want the leather flat bottom one. So won’t be ordering one unfortunately.

[@volkswizard]

I get they want to charge more for some things but denying one of the biggest markets an extra cost option like that especially when the interior needs all the dressing up it can get (which you could say should be standard anyway) is bizarre

[@stephengolds9679]

@@volkswizard also the Carbon edition which I would have preferred the extra rear spoiler looks like a Halfords add on over the stock one

[@gaycha6589]

Red+carbon+saloon=the biz

[@davidhayes4814]

The fact that the RS3 is getting such huge media coverage, suggests that it will be a decent purchase.

[@Isclachau]

All hot hatches get great coverage. Amg’s, golf r, M cars. The RS has got less I would say.

[@David-xc4us]

Why create such a beautiful interior and then don’t sell it to us 🤷‍♂️

[@volkswizard]

Can only assume design pack on last generation didn't sell well in UK maybe?

[@Birmingham_racing]

Like going to a strip club

[@davidbeagley4853]

Another great Video Andrew. Highlights perhaps yet more downsides of Brexit I suspect! Still a lovely car though.

[@volkswizard]

Thank you David! I did wonder if Brexit had something to do with (EU bans export of coloured interior trim items and Alcantara) but can't see it. Would LOVE to know the reasoning from Audi UK

[@Birmingham_racing]

What happened to the days you can just buy a mk5 gti for 20k and be happy. Now you get double the power but almost 3 times the price

[@volkswizard]

It's true. My Mk8 Clubsport was 300 PS and £32k discounted so couldn't say no as it's nearly the same £:BHP ratio as Mk5.

[@TheEryk03]

I won't buying because I'm poor... But If I would have money I would buy the saloon one.

[@H90-i1h]

Criminal from Audi not to have a flat bottom steering wheel

[@Pixelpeeps-69]

Great video👍 the lower model Audi cars like the A3 just don’t cut it in terms of quality like the upper models like the Audi A8 flagship even if we want the higher spec it’s just not available!!

[@santino_7]

Can someone tell me the reasons? Cheers

[@kebeiloesello9123]

we literally just watched a video about a guy complaining the whole time

[@pricey78]

Great video!! Exactly why I didn’t bother and went to BMW with my deposit which was saved ready for this.

[@Shadow-bs1iu]

VAG will start providing a shotgun with these cars soon. or a built in Magnavolt akin to that one in Robocop 2

[@stevecade857]

Hmm RS3 with Audi A3 S-Line spec optioning. No thanks. Even if the car itself is awesome.

[@nickhastings6705]

Why do Audi always go for such plain interiors colour wise with no real colour options?

[@amiller2121]

Love the breakdown Volkswizard!

[@Isclachau]

Not a fan. Looks like a regular A3.

[@volkswizard]

Part of the fun when you whoop a Porsche's ass

[@sixsilverstringsguitars8998]

I was specking one of these the other day ... there is a price increase taking place on December 1st so best get it ordered soon ... have you seen the prices of them on auto trader though ? 70k ??? ... long wait times seems to be adding huge premiums to ‘have it today’ prices

[@volkswizard]

I just can’t do it, to compromise at £60k for a Golf based car is silly. Nearly as silly as giving up my perfectly specced Golf & paying double for a car that in the real world isn’t much faster & is nicer inside

[@LB83.]

We can in belgium but mot here is the killer stainless exhaust no go different rims no go one led that doesnt work no go it aftermarket body work no go its disgusting here my only issue is why not put a stock stainless exhaust old bmw x6 did it so and i think its to mutch money 65000 euros for a small car if it whas 56 id do it

[@mrgrey9584]

I wouldn’t buy one for the same reasons , that’s dreadful you can’t spec the interior.

[@mattr9003]

German's obviously still don't like the Poms!

[@geof3j]

Think I’ll stick with my 2001 S3. That’s if it passes its MOT, which is due this morning!

[@wakaflockaproject]

A true classic

[@volkswizard]

Hope it passed, a car worth investing in anyway

[@geof3j]

@@volkswizard Thank you. It passed without any advisories. I’ve had it 17.5 years and will keep it for as long as possible.

[@330driver330]

Why are the packs different to the German cars, presumably they're all built in the same factory so what difference does it make?

[@volkswizard]

No idea Stuart! It's not as if these options affect Co2. I really don't know why we can't have the interior embellishments, I gather Audi UK decided it wasn't what UK customers wanted, maybe based on the take-up of the RS Design pack in the old 8V cars (it is quite rare). Big difference there is that 8V interior was peerless and it really didn't need dressing up. This new one most certainly does. As for the assistance pack, it's a way of charging you for 5 functions when you just want 1 or 2. I can live with that apart from when the function you don't want means a steering wheel I don't want either

[@330driver330]

@@volkswizard yea I can understand the packs are designed to get customers to spend more, just seems bizarre not to even offer certain options on a car at this price point. There must be some logic to it all I guess. 👍😂

[@greggbutler9344]

Just face the facts, all VAG cars are now rubbish, far too many corners have been cut ,not the quality you used to get for your money.. Try a different manufacturer and your channel might grow at a faster rate, Face the facts , people are sick of , low quality materials and paying Premium price tag

[@stevesje71]

Spot on great video. May be in the future Audi UK will include the interior options.

[@GLA45Amg716]

Yeah they need to fix that steering wheel.

[@ianclark5093]

Interior quality and options are terrible for the money. Nobody wants a round steering wheel in a RS model. Audi have got this car very wrong. No Ara Blue Crystal is terrible.

[@dasautogt]

Thanks Andrew, makes sense to me. They do some weird things with options for sure. Reminded me when I ordered the very first model Honda Integra (showing my age😐)... Want a sunroof, have to have automatic. WTF 🤔 Always like it when you mix it up a bit, the indoors like this or getting the hands (gloves) dirty in the workshop. Subscribe newbies and tell your VAG friends.👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Graeme!

[@raymondo5893]

Audis used to be good. Now they’ve gone down the shitter!

[@waleed2007su]

I bought sportback and have an order on a saloon. Its alot of car for the money as long as you have a family car on the side

[@orionv75]

Completely agree with points raised on why not to get one. I’ve had the flat bottom steering wheel for years, don’t want that ugly steering wheel. Come on Audi, sort it out ..

[@volkswizard]

Come on Audi **UK** sort it out 😁

[@orionv75]

@@volkswizard good point , Audi UK!

[@JM00-v9c]

That yellow is vile.. what are they thinking!? The Vors version in black is pretty nice.. wouldn’t swap my car for it though 😆 great video as always. Very true - I wouldn’t spend that £ and not get what I want. The UK options are rubbish!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks J. The TCR is nearly as special and interior is a lot nicer

[@RB-lt8kt]

Lots of manufacturers have options for Europe that UK can't have. Hyundai did it with the I30N releasing a different spec Project C car that you couldn't buy in the UK. AUDI are going to sell less S3 and RS3 cars as they have gone away from the raw driver focus to more "bling" to copy Mercedes. BMW will sell more series 2 cars as they have made even the M series cars look better than the AUDI A3. Still keeping my S3 black edition (previous gen) as it is so fast out the box. Used Audi prices still going up as customers not ordering newer cars. My used car bought in April from Audi is worth more now than I paid for it. I have added rear camera, reverse sensors show on MMI along with oil temperature using VCDS all for about £250 and 3 hours of my time (rear handle with camera, VCDS, ebay used Skoda rear camera adapter box). Blacked out badges cost £30 ish in ebay. Audi will not add anything like that after you buy the car new or used.

[@volkswizard]

A lot of good point but raw driver focus seems to be more evident in this car than any other Audi

[@RB-lt8kt]

@@volkswizard yes but at a high cost. Materials used like cheaper plastics not what you expect on an Audi. I would prefer a 2017 gen car. Vag group seem to be over taken by Hyundai and BMW where Audi were up with Mercedes. Perhaps emissions gate hit them hard.

[@ELUSIVEJIM]

It’s crazy you don’t get more standard colours as a no cost option considering the RRP.

[@volkswizard]

The RS3 is a cash cow for Audi so it’s surprisingly we even get a decent metallic FOC

[@harpreetchaggar1017]

Some very good points. These spec packs are so annoying, why they cant have them and individual speccing is absurd, especially on £50k+ car, you should be able to dictate how you want your car. Merc and Audi are awful at this, Porsche seem to be the only manufacturer where you have the choice of individual options. Good you can disable the keyless entry.

[@kgaugelosebidi1372]

Hahaha, thought you wouldn't buy one after that review. Andrew 😂😂

[@kgaugelosebidi1372]

oh shit. you actually not haha. SO funny. Commented before viewing.

[@volkswizard]

LOL 🤣👍

[@patrickmclaren7623]

Spot on words why are we short changed here, when it comes to specs, it's been like this for a long time, and the car is still expensive

[@KainSwiss]

I really don't like how Audi just threw the Ceramic breaks in the dynamic package then charge you damn more for it. Pissed me off! No option on the flat bottom sucks also.

[@ntartaris]

once the global markets go tits up in 2022/3, watch the price of these puppies drop like a stone. I ordered my Audi Exclusive coloured RS3 8V sedan back in December of 2019. Set me back AUD$98K. Once COVID hit and no one was buying a car, the 100+ cars that finally arrived into stock in Australia were selling for AUD$85K by June/July 2020. They had to give them away. The impatient fanbois will get fleeced, whilst the patient ones will wait a year or two and watch the prices drop.

[@volkswizard]

I don’t think they are going to be making as many of these. In the UK dealers had stock of them with poor spec that they were doing deals on. But economic climate will have an effect

[@jordiguixhernandez8650]

RS3 is a great machine. But A45s is one step ahead from the racing point of view. When you are evaluating this kind of cars you also look for sensations and the new a45s is like a race car, a little bit faster than the RS3 but no more expensive… Sorry but new RS3 is like mexican food without spicy

[@fbf01]

Here’s a spec of a car I’m not going to buy 😂 interesting

[@volkswizard]

We do things differently on this channel ☺

[@James-bc1jk]

Are my a poor man or something but I can't find the money to buy an s3 🤣🤣

[@volkswizard]

Finance is your friend! I got a lease dealer of RS3 of £700 per month with a small deposit but said no.

[@James-bc1jk]

@@volkswizard big money 🤑 that abit out of my reach but maybe one il splash out haha great video tho 👍👌

[@davidorama6690]

Before I watch the video… EVs innit. 🤣

[@ccharraf]

Couldn't afford the Rs3 so I bought an used A6 with flat steering wheel for 22.000.

[@volkswizard]

Good move 😆

[@ntartaris]

I also have to say, that the 8Y is not a car I will buy in the future. The front and rear design is horrible. that overly black extended grille is stupid and looks like a Camry. And what's with the oversized front "Japanese" lights???? The black on the rear bumper is another cheap and ugly feature. The same 5-pot engine as the 8V, and NO flat bottomed steering wheel??? And cheap plastics inside the cabin that attract fingerprints and that gearstick nub is a joke. I get teased cos I think the 8V will be the next cult car like the B7 RS4. Especially when people take delivery of the 8Y and realise it ain't all that. All that money just to get flared arches. Audi are clearly starting to take the piss!

[@volkswizard]

All good points, big difference 8V to 8Y is the driving though, this is first RS3 to be a proper drivers car. Now I know most people wouldn't know oversteer if it wrapped them around a tree but they still like a car that journalists say good things about even if they never push their limits. I'd say the drop in interior quality is more relevant to owners than the ability to drift but I doubt most reviewers will even mention that. So yes real world 8V FL pre OPF is peak RS3 but for the fantasty world of car reviewing it's the 8Y.

[@thandomntungwa6697]

18 minutes for 2 reasons