Serious M2 Rival 2025 Audi RS 3 Review | 0-60 Test | 4k

[@FXPhysics]

Pro tip: NEVER EVER get a matte paint from factory. Matte paint can hardly be fixed if scratched and will likely require repainting the whole car. Rather, get the regular factory paint you like, and get a matte wrap. You get protection, the matte tint you want, and the paint underneath can still be fixed if damaged. In the end, the price will be similar to the markup paid for a factory matte paint, without the headaches.

[@jplusab]

Agree! Matt paints are becoming more widely offered but any marks or scratches mean a full respray of the impacted body panel! Full PPF will cost thousands too. Better off getting a wrap or avoiding all together!

[@G82Watts]

@@FXPhysics audi copying bmw once again now with their frozen colors lol.. Wonder who they got the red program buttons on the wheel from and who gave them the idea of carbon seats. 😂

[@ProLexHD]

@@G82Watts The rs3/4/5 have used those carbon seats for a few years now, so they aren't "new".

[@G82Watts]

@@ProLexHD they had bucket seats like BMW but not carbon fiber ones

[@muskistutter]

💯 this and carbon wheel options. Just straight to NO

[@Kelveron]

0-60 in 3.4 secs for a hot hatch!! It wasn't that long ago when a hot hatch doing 0-60 in 8.0 secs was considered quick! The world has definitely changed.....at least until speed limiters, that cannot be overridden, become mandatory!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yep and the Internet complains that this doesn't have MORE power... 🤣

[@Kelveron]

@@JoeAchilles1 The internet is NEVER satisfied, which you no doubt know very well, Joe! 😄

[@user40121]

Probably a foot rollout turned on in the racebox, others getting 3.7

[@jaromor8808]

15 years ago 5.9s was considered meh. In 2009 Ford Focus RS had 0-100kmph in 5.9s and ppl complained.

[@G82Watts]

I think he uses rollout for his times..

[@hulkrs3738]

It is so nice to hear a BMW man full of praise for an Audi RS product, even stating it gives way more steering feel than any BMW product. I have the pre-facelift, I could be tempted to upgrade.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@@hulkrs3738 He praised the 8Y the same way! Keep the one you have it's better looking imo!!😄

[@yxnxs6423]

Yours looks greater than this

[@camelsac]

Tyres are the issue. My M440i was described as lacking in steering feel and I agreed! Until I got rid of the diabolical Pirelli run flats and fitted Continental Sport Contact 7s. Made a huge difference.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@camelsac The same issue exists in the entire M car lineup!! M3/M4 comes with proper tires, and people sell them because of the steering feel! I have an M lite and had an M2 with multiple different tires, and none made it anywhere near as good as my RS3!! I still have my M lite as my winter vehicle, so I'm not hating on BMW.

[@camelsac]

@ I looked at RS3s. Massively overpriced for what they are. Same as A45S. I’m sticking with my M Lite too. My new one arrives within the next few weeks.

[@brightbluesmurf]

You know it's refreshing that Audi focused on handling and other tweaks to improve the ring time rather than adding more power to compensate for weight gain. Kudos to Audi. My TT RS MK3 with the same engine has more than enough power for A/B roads!

[@alexstreet6865]

4:25 - I can honestly say I’d rather listen to you than any other automotive journalist. Always love your videos Joe. Keep it up 🙏

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you 🙏

[@petertyper1]

Same here

[@wackawacka12345]

Confirmed 👌

[@utb8536]

True!

[@oabadiaz]

Tengo un RS3 8Y de 2023, y solo tengo buenas palabras, es un coche rápido, directo, noble y divertido. Me ha encantado tu reseña, parece que con el 8.5 lo han mejorado aún más.

[@hughmcneillie1032]

It looks properly quick. Loved the look of those carbon seats with the green lozenge style quilting. Not usually a big Audi fan but this video has opened my eyes.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Totally agree

[@GethinJames]

If only we got the Hatch here in the US. Oh man. I've got a golf R 2025 on order and would scratch that for one of these in a heart beat.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah big shame you guys don't get them!

[@jasons7764]

I am with you. I have a 23 Golf R. I would upgrade to the RS3, if it came in the hatchback version. The sedan is just not practical enough.

[@ZayXclusiveSHORTS]

If you’ve got the money I’d 100% get an RS3 it’s a night and day difference between the two.

[@liangfu1109]

wait，how? I've asked a few dealers, and non of them knew when it'll be ready to order.

[@MYMOUNTAIN_122]

Could be time to offer up my current spec M2, never owned an RS3...absolutely love the optional seats, wonder how long before australia has these available at the dealerships.

[@eugenux]

manual rwd sedan coupe vs automatic only awd hatchback..., yeah, hard choice alright. 😂😂

[@MYMOUNTAIN_122]

@@eugenux first world problems ah..

[@tan9640]

Honestly looks stunning. Glad Audi haven’t dropped the 2.5. As with all brands they’re making some mistakes, going away from what we love I.e. the badging an so on, but this looks amazing

[@oraclearl_fx]

so happy with you reviewing other brands aswell, its atleast an honest review each time, ive now also become an RS3 fan based on your last two reviews, will definitely be ordering a frozen gray one soon😊

[@SPQRTempus]

Having driven a friends 8Y, I concur with Joe's comment about the steering feel. Not only is it better than BMWs it's better than other RS products I've driven like the B9 RS4! Audi really have listened to their customers feedback and addressed their concerns.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@@SPQRTempus Completely agree!

[@ipd56]

I ordered my car in September but last Monday I was on the phone to Audi and I ordered my carbon bucket seats 👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Great to hear, you won't regret adding them to the build 👌

[@ItZzPurdz]

I decided not to add the bucket seats when I got the call last Monday. I want electrically adjustable ones and I don’t believe the carbon ones are. But I must admit every day I get closer to the build week I want to add them more and more.

[@ipd56]

@ItZzPurdz i am the only one to drive my car, and i am 6 foot 2, so once set is set, it is done. get moved very often, so that's not a issue for me

[@ItZzPurdz]

@@ipd56 yes that makes sense. What colour and spec have you gone for?

[@ipd56]

@@ItZzPurdz RS 3 Saloon Carbon Vorsprung in Kemora grey, metallic, bucket Seats with Express Red stitching and red calipers 👍

[@kofib3]

I liked the way Joe took the RS3 through those corners at the start of the vid..

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you, it was a great section of old road I found, I practiced a few times off camera before giving it the full beans 👌

[@3storiesUp]

@@JoeAchilles1 Maybe the fact that Audi gave u track time might have mitigated the need to drive like a bell-end on public roads mate.

[@R03333]

​@@3storiesUpcomes standard with the Audi badge

[@speeddemonRS3]

@@kofib3 The car handles like it's on rails! Lol

[@fireblade6756]

all the car u need!!! never mind the M3 ,porches and the rest , this is a car u can use all its power and drive on the road and track if u so desire full stop!!!

[@CreepyTrendMan]

Definitely worth £60k . I now live in Thailand and the last time I checked the Audi RS3 price it was 5 million Baht wich is roughly £120k ! Import tax on cars is evil .

[@billymania11]

What is your country doing with all that tariff money they collect?

[@CreepyTrendMan]

@@billymania11 No idea but they ain't getting it from me , that's for sure.

[@untouchableali]

I’m a Beamer guy but you’ve actually made me consider buying one of these!

[@dwdrum11]

As someone who has a b7 rs4 with buckets how can Audi assume that owners wouldn’t pay for buckets? Hundreds of rs4 were written off because the seats were so desirable and kept getting pinched, they know better than anyone! In a car of the calibre of that rs3 buckets are a no brainer, just makes a car feel special. Anyway great review as always Joe, love your content, keep them coming

[@jonathanreid1206]

I’ve been waiting for a review like this since the release back in August. Brilliant video Joe. Can’t wait until I test drive one myself 😊

[@David-ju5ci]

Another great video Joe.

[@keithjackson4985]

The way that thing hooks up in turns says it's setup, is just about perfect! That's a nice vehicle.

[@JoeAchilles1]

It sure is!

[@strippins]

This performance, this practicality, and doesn’t look like a bmw. Wonderful

[@BroVCam]

Man; i LOVE that Sportback!!! Still can't believe they've not offered in the U.S.! Would be my ultimate Dad-Daily! Oh well...

[@tomashley5869]

What a review Joe! And what a car! Loving the original Audi Quattro, this car is my favorite. If I had the money, and here in France you need to add 60k€ to the price, that would be in my garage. I can only dream whilst watching your brilliant video. Thanks Joe! Cheers, Tom.

[@jujitsusti7719]

The gorgeous carbon bucket seats at a mere 2k is a absolutely No brainer imo considering the actual price of the Rs3 lol you'd be mad Not to 🤷‍♂️🤣👊

[@michael6125]

Whilst specking mine in the uk I noticed you can’t have the bucket seats with panoramic roof. Either one or the other 😢

[@dill8498]

Nice review Joe! I ordered mine yesterday in Ascari Blue, can‘t wait for it 😊

[@flam3z997]

UK getting the carbon seats is huge!! I was so frustrated to learn that it was not optional initially.

[@bbarton538]

Great to see you having so much fun. Awesome video Joe🫡

[@m.x.refrigxolani8365]

I'm a bmw fanboy, but that glorious 5clynder engine on this rs3 is just a masterpiece!!!

[@Chris-s6n7j]

Great review joe i must say i do like the new steering wheel we only get the Sportback here in New Zealand as the sedans never sold very well 6:54

[@SkittlezGTI]

I love my 8Y. The launch can be brutal. It’s so quick in stock form.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Fantastic cars

[@SkittlezGTI]

@@JoeAchilles1 do you think it’s worth me trading up for the facelift, or am I just fine with the pre facelift?

[@liamsandie]

@@SkittlezGTI surely got to be done last chance for this model and engine I think

[@SkittlezGTI]

@@liamsandie I already have a 2024. Just wondering if I should go out of my way just for a facelift and better suspension setup if I'm only using it on the street

[@liamsandie]

@@SkittlezGTI I think this will be the last of the last long term investments

[@OBELISK3210]

Crazy what a pair of seats can do to transform a car, comfort,driving position & ride hight is important. 2k option? That’s the first option I’d take.

[@awethumvelase8244]

First time liking the design from the jump, been an rs3 fan from 8v1 hopefully I would get to own one of these

[@markymark3295]

The rear diffuser looks absolutely perfect aggressive in this colour love it 💪👌

[@richiestw]

The main problem that I see for this car is that with a couple of options they're £67k, and for that money you could get a relatively low mileage RS4 or M3 Touring or even a mid mileage RS6. I know they're different cars but they're just as fast and even more practical.

[@al_barber00]

Can’t argue with that

[@DariusPL]

I had the 8V version of the RS3 (400 HP already). It was good but after my experience with the RSQ3 I dumped Audi after 14 years with the brand.

[@bokiNYC]

What happened with your rsq3 man?

[@DariusPL]

@@bokiNYC All sorts of small but annoying quirks like squeaky brakes, plus one major issue in the first year of use that immobilized the car for 3 weeks. A great car in terms of versatility but I wouldn’t recommend it anyway.

[@michabartnickikiliszek1013]

This gray one looks wonderfull

[@LudovicoNiccolini]

He’s a v good reviewer. Makes you really want to buy one (and I just bought an M60i).

[@kilove1]

😮never thought I’d see and hear joe having this much fun in an Audi 👏👏👊🏽💯🥇🤣🤣

[@dzontravolta3952]

Looks 10 times better than the M2 , and it looks fun to drive it , love it...

[@speeddemonRS3]

@dzontravolta3952 It's a true joy to drive and my favorite hobby lol

[@divexo]

Good review as usual.

[@florinvid]

I don't know why they don't sell these in the US market. What a shame

[@michaelschneider-]

.... Copy that ....

[@akent46]

They handle too well for the US market, US market prefer live axles, driving in a circle, and hitting crowds of ppl.

[@MO-fu7vi]

That’s weird🤔 sorry to hear that . We get this all the other Audi goodies here in Australia 😀

[@MO-fu7vi]

The carbon option finally the UK is catching with Australia 😜

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@@akent46The US don’t rate hatchbacks. So generally at this price nobody will buy one.

[@nicholaswright4854]

Tip - if you prefer tbe carbon bucket seats, you cant have with the power lumbar support. So depends on your priority.

[@JasonBrass]

Great review Joe. Are you going to review the new bmw m135?

[@stevenhorsfield7234]

He has search it

[@JasonBrass]

@stevenhorsfield7234 is that the new m135? Not the m135i.

[@NZsarge1]

Interesting comment about the steering, never realistically though I’d hear those words uttered 😂

[@OrvilHolness]

Wonderful review Sir!!!

[@2Bunphettered788]

12:19 min - YES!! 💚

[@DjNikGnashers]

Great video as always, thank you. I'm not convinced the RS3 is an M2 rival though. It might be as fast, or even faster, but it's a completely different type of car. It's a hatchback, the M2 is a 2 door coupe. It's AWD. the M2 is RWD. It has an Allegro steering wheel, the M2 has an actual round one (ok reaching a bit for comedic purpose lol). They are completely different, and drive in a completely different way, and are thus aimed at a different type of buyer.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Glad you like the video. I've always been an M2 customer, but would seriously consider this RS 3 now for the same money, of course it's an M2 competitor.

[@scottwilson4077]

@@DjNikGnashers correct, this a defo not a competitor, I’m sure Joe is just trying to wind us up!

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@JoeAchilles1 Thanks Joe. Always like watching your content. I own an M2, and I love it because it's a 2 door coupe. I wouldn't look at any hatchback personally, because I am not into hatchbacks. The M2 rivals for me, would be a Supra, Cayman, etc. Just looked, and seen a John Deere 6130R tractor for the same price, maybe I should consider one of these as it's a rival 😏 Have a good evening Joe, regards ...

[@speeddemonRS3]

@scottwilson4077 RS3 is better than current M2, and I test drove one for nearly an hour and decided on my RS3!! Both are great, but RS3 is a much better daily driver for all weather!!

[@sis6157]

I have been waiting 713 days since I put my deposit down in Adelaide, Australia...... The wait will be worth it.

[@markme3259]

…you might receive the 2026 model

[@BigJvad]

Thank you Uncle Joe👍

[@shaheenevans]

Maybe need to add one of these to the garage

[@ivanborg5581]

True. Looks like its been perfected once again

[@Jon-ug3le]

Great video. Had a RS3, went to a C63 then a G80 ( still have) and just got a RS Spyder but still love the RS3. My only wish is if they flared the rear arches so I could have my 80's Audi look, would trade the G80 for it as the size Is more to my liking.

[@Mylopas22]

U would swap ur g80 for the new rs3 ?

[@Jon-ug3le]

@@Mylopas22 IF it had the flares in back, otherwise no as i said

[@Mylopas22]

@ oh ok nah was just asking as I have a RS3 but was thinking about upgrading to g80 m3 or m2

[@Ricardo.Mesias]

awesome review ... love it

[@black7rc720]

No rear spoiler on the sportback with the carbon fibre pack?!

[@crystalclearhygiene3767]

Looks absolutely awesome 🙌

[@guillermoacosta7975]

Is it too hard for a daily car on city .? ( making a comparision with the s3)

[@Jannajx5]

The rear looks so much better than pre face lift but the steering wheels is a let down

[@RS3jack]

No it does not

[@Jannajx5]

@@RS3jack mama mia pizzeria

[@mediocreman2]

Great car. With a manual transmission, this would be a game changer.

[@2nhalfpints]

Becoming my favourite reviewer 👍🏽 wicked video, love the RS3

[@adrianthomas4783]

Only issue with adding the carbon buckets is Audi UK doesn't allow it on the base and carbon models when also adding the Tech Pro pack, its one or the other.

[@liamsandie]

Order the Vorsprung and have the lot...

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Audi UK are so clueless. Vorsprung is £70k.

[@liamsandie]

@@JohnGuidetti751 75k I've specced one up for ! Ouch

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@@liamsandie Congratulations! What spec did you go for?

[@liamsandie]

@@JohnGuidetti751 not quite pulled the trigger. This review mentioning the carbon seat Comfort as well to consider.

[@Mrbobcat7]

IDK I'm kinda digging it. I don't have a need for 4 doors being single, but the awd would be nice. I was going to get a winter beater to go along with my 21 1320, but don't really want two cars to maintain and insure. Then I thought about getting a newer awd when my car is paid off, but that will be a couple years. I also like the looks of the new m2, but again rwd. I may wait until next year and get thier awd version, but bet it will be pricey. I'm thinking low 60's is about as high as I want to go. What do you guys think?

[@HRaychin]

That car looks amazing

[@rlm5834]

Could be a nice way to exit the ICE era. My current is a Golf R 7.5 been a fantastic car, I had a 1976 Audi 5E in the late 70s, the original 2.2 litre 5 cylinder non turbo that was more of a cruiser but loved the motor.

[@robsen2543]

I ordered the new RS3 Facelift with the bucket seats, can you say something about comfort, etc.? :) The guy on the Autogefühl channel says they are terrible in terms of comfort, seating position, etc. and definitely doesn't recommend ordering these.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@robsen2543 My 8Y RS3 has been nothing short of a dream come true!! Love everything about it honestly!

[@kornonacob]

I will buy one same spec as this grey matte sportsback ...its a great version of rs3

[@andrewsnape1705]

Fantastic video Joe - thanks. I've priced mine up on the configurator at £72k, so it won't be this lifetime, unless Margot Robbie does the right thing.

[@thevolthead]

Absolutely love the RS3. The only think I could criticise is that wheel stryle, its like the G80 M3 wheel and just doesn't seem to suit the car in my opinion. Just been on the configurator and I was up to £70,000 in no time. Harry Metcalfe has done a good video on why modern cars depreciate so much and maybe this is the answer. The retail prices have gone nuts! A new BMW 1 series now starts at £31,000 for the absolute basic 120i. At £70k there are a few very special 2-3 year old cars that would turn my head before I signed the order form for the RS3. Forget that though, what a car!

[@SandyKnapen]

For my the M2 ❤

[@grandprix1337]

I like the Austin Allegro steering wheel.

[@user-nk8tw4jl4c]

I have to ask bc I’m looking at this new RS3 or the 2025 M3 Comp xDrive. Which would you choose?

[@markme3259]

…the Model3 Performance costs less, is faster than both those…buts obviously that’s a moot point because the RS really a road racer’s dream.

[@petertyper1]

Should I trade my fl5 type R for this car? The type R is an epic car and it’s manual. Thoughts?

[@itanilucas787]

Does it have a turbo lag

[@vincentmioc8966]

This review makes me want to sell my 8y and order the facelift with the carbon bucket seats. Basically the facelift is the performance model turned even better.

[@Shadow-bs1iu]

Are the carbon bucket seats available in the UK?

[@HappyDude1]

Well, that was a very good review question. Can you change the power output to the real wheels?

[@johngoodwin1710]

Nice to see Audi keeping the 5 cylinder engine

[@officialmichaeljnr]

I think I might just!!!😍

[@ricdynasty]

Is the sport back version coming to the states?

[@CPace1984]

Why did they use the old RS logo stuff on the interior and the new one on the outside? 😔

[@kgosimotsepe8956]

Joe, do you know if it'll come with the optional carbon spoiler again?

[@Rohninz]

What about the gearbox? In pre-lift isn't great, did they changed something in the face-lift?

[@ToneNYC718]

Thanks for the review, Joe. Any thoughts on how this compares on road to the G87 M2? I would think the S58 has more low end torque and all out power than the 2.5 and you said the RS3 has better steering feel, but what about ride quality and overall handling/grip?

[@mrboonie620]

What are the new Sonos speaker like compared to the bang and olufsen in the pre facelift

[@mrjosephDJ]

I think we need a new category called Super Car Hatch.

[@cornedenecker1636]

How you buy an RS3 without the new seats and all the black badges I have nooooo idea...

[@Usman123391]

Is it a lot better than the facelift s3?

[@Watson1973]

Morning Joe Hope you are doing good I do love the RS3 but unfortunately as a Glasgow guy The bellends that drive these wee rockets at crazy speeds in residential areas have always put me off owning one so I’d probably go for the saloon as their rarely seen

[@chrispyy606060606]

Will this be available in Canada?

[@f.b.i6660]

Is it me or do those wheels look alot like bmws 666m wheels? or maybe even the f87 competition wheels?

[@JoeAchilles1]

The do actually, especially in this colour way.

[@motlatsikhomari7254]

You driving has really improved...Almost a pro now 😂...

[@rngDeadEye]

Listening to that engine makes me wonder if selling my Sepang 8Y was the right thing to do but it's just not big enough in the boot for puppy dogs.

[@andrew_b_uk]

She’s not a looker. I would take the M2 over the Audi purely on appearance. I’ve always been a sucker for a Coupe. Notwithstanding, the Audi’s performance is incredible.

[@masterkendro]

Really, over the new M2 or the F87 M2, I think this looks great but I don't think we'll be getting it in the states I think?

[@mattr9003]

Sorry but you’re blind. Not sure what you’re looking at.

[@damiendegrasse]

I also prefer the new M2 over this shockingly to me... The front end on this is a big misfire to me and the new lighting is gross.

[@M2G87_Darkknight]

The potential of the m2 g87 is incredible, with only mode i can get nearly 700hp !

[@layne4376]

Oh wow. Have you seen the M2 in person? It is pretty damn ugly.

[@lionelmazura3784]

they put back the old speedo 😃

[@millanbruce3798]

Please Do Another Video With The RS3. Maybe another colour

[@Carlosge72]

Always waiting for your uploads, and no doubt this is a great video, but I am missing a more in depth comparison against the 8Y pre-facelift; such as from axle behaviour/understeer; sound, suspension tuning, etc.. At the end of the video you mention this facelift unit is taken to another level, but please bring some light to owners like me of a pre-facelift. Is it worth changing it? Thanks

[@frankicon9521]

I'll take it in white with pre face-lift rims. Needs after market exhaust sound.

[@R8andGT3Fan]

I don't like the pillar badging and the new RS badging on the rear... 🥲 I'm happy to see the five cyl again though! 😍

[@tomlittle6191]

Will you be testing the LCI G87 M2 Joe? Curious to know if there's any change!

[@Pabla98]

This is Audi when they are not purposely nerfed to prevent inter VW group competition, however the RS3 could be better but that is hopefully reserved for the B10 RS5