The perfect compact racer? Updated Audi RS3 driving REVIEW

[@autogefuehl]

►Shop for merchandise: autogefuehl.shop/ ►Subscribe here: kzbin.info ►Also subscribe to our KZbin shorts channel: www.youtube.com/@thomasautogefuhl?sub_confirmation=1 ►Follow us on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok @autogefuehl ►Sustainability in the automotive industry documentary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nKf4uih6yhnaMsi=bCdeJZORRHNcVmV2 This is our in-depth review of the 2025 Audi RS3. We're taking a look at Exterior, Interior and the driving experience. #Audi #AudiRS3 00:00 Audi RS3 facelift 01:21 Sedan vs Hatch 03:39 Sound and engine 04:33 Interior quality 06:16 Seats and comfort 08:22 Cockpit and interface 11:56 Driver POV 14:14 Rear seats sedan 15:43 Rear seats normal seats 16:13 Trunk / boot sedan 17:13 Trunk / boot hatch 17:36 Launch Control 17:55 Racetrack driving 24:30 City driving 27:39 Motorway driving 31:20 Consumption mpg 31:36 Price

[@slapshot0074]

Screams of cost cutting which is outrageous at this price. Hard plastics, non lined door bins, swathes of cheap black gloss (hideous as well as impractical), cheap microfiber on dash which will fall apart prematurely, haptic buttons, 2d steering wheel emboss on a hideous steering wheel. Really poor. At least real buttons for climate. So that's a crumb.

[@dxg999]

This is the path that VW itself went down and look what has happened to their sales. Have VAG learned nothing?

[@slapshot0074]

@@dxg999 sadly it would appear not. Very sad.

[@DeadlyDizzle-yn1vz]

It’s such a shame the premium car market has become this way. Gone are the days when manufacturers built their premium cars at the optimum and to last. These days, they are built with not future retention in mind but just costs in favour of profits. It’s one of the worst symptoms of the current disposable and short-sighted culture of the world now.

[@solar5286]

Even an RS5 comp for $100k doesnt have an available leather dash or top of door trim. It’s insane.

[@steverogers7211]

It’s such a downgrade. Hate what Audi is doing nowadays

[@davekennedy6315]

You are a SUPERB car reviewer, the fact that you are doing all of this in a second language is inspirational. Fantastic channel, amazing road testing and great presenting too!

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@senseikanacke69]

Looks good but really missing the old audi rings and the old rs front badge. Also not a fan of the new steering wheel

[@vsboy2577]

He make an amazing salesman. He has a real passion for cars.

[@matthewsammut3253]

He's so German, you can't help but love him!

[@lontarian2228]

I love the A3 family in general, though I don't like the quality of the interior. I still see too much of very cheap plastic and some other details that do not match what we expect from an Audi. Glad that the rest of the models are very good. Recently I had the chance to try a 2024 RS6, and WOW, that piece of machinery is amazing.

I had a A3 model year 2009 (facelifted, w/led backlights) which you can still see around. Had bought brand new for €24k. It had far better interior quality than this.

[@georgealex19]

As a new audi owner for the past 2 years, I just want to say I’ve had no issues with the wireless carplay… I have disabled the wireless charging from the options since I usually don’t need it and all was ok

[@smoothflying]

First, perfect when it is a review of the Rs3. My dream car.

[@Tomas-yy6ch]

From one Tomás to another Thomas great review!

[@autogefuehl]

thanks tomas :)

[@ryanlen2115]

Great review as always! Just bought a Golf R. Hope I am not missing too much

[@autogefuehl]

cheers! Compare it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZO2qmB9j76qfLM

[@joanhernandezciriza3797]

The cow skin comes from the meat industry. If it were not used to make leather it would just be burnt or disposed. So the point is that sadly, your not not saving any cows. Great video

[@crisarkgoth]

Based on this “logic” you can eat pork skin as a vegan, it is killed anyway for the meat…

[@PaulMeier-cu3ds]

If we all went vegan how many cows, sheep, and pigs would be left for us to be kind to? Kind is a bit trickier than not using leather.

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you very much for your interest in this topic. I also bought cars with animal skin leather seats before I did my research and got to know the industry. The most important thing is: With today's modern materials, you have nothing to lose, just to gain. You achieve the same kind of luxury and comfort or even better while having the same or better durability with less impact on humans, animals and the environment. You can use fabric/cloth, microfibre or leatherette. The classic approach is using oil/plastic as source material. Overall, a vehicle contains about 300 kg plastic. A car seat needs about 5 kg plastic. So the overall plastic share for the seats is very low and it is at this moment the most efficient way to produce a car seat. A couple of litres of fuel equals a car seat basically. So if you want to save oil/plastic, rather look at consumption for energy, fuel and heating and to other car parts than the seat. Note that animal skin leather also always contains a plastic coating for durability. However, long-term we should of course find raw oil alternatives. So going further, seats can be made from recyclables (e.g. from PET-bottles or old fishing nets) or even increased share of plant-based materials (like pine oil, canola oil or start-up materials like Pinatex from pineapple leaves or Desertex from cactus fibre or the mixed-plant-based Mirum, so be seen at kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLEf42bpMano6c). On a calculation base, by ditching animal skin leather from car interiors, the amount of emissions (CO2e) is reduced by 85 (!) % (www.press.bmwgroup.com/africa-dom-easteurope/article/detail/T0403389EN/on-the-market-from-2023:-bmw-and-mini-models-with-vegan-interiors?language=en) - and that is a very conservative calculation. So it is at this moment the most important thing you can do to make car interiors more sustainable. A good example for high-end luxury with ventilated animal free seats is the BMW X7 with Sensafin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6G1f56NbtOlqNk And the Kia EV9 with plant-based oil share: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKe7loOHnsSAd80 New leatherette materials can be superior in every aspect, even for cleaning: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2qXiouAbJeIiqM More and more natural materials are rising: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIO2pIt7o9x7etE Also check out what the animal skin leather industry tried to with our channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHCdKmCocZ5oqs For seeing how the animals are being treated and transported in the global leather industry, watch this footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpzNdHSjppaSbqc Note that the footage is genuine and was recorded by a highly decorated investigative journalist in Germany I know myself personally. Also a group of researchers and German journalists from public media could recent directly trace the connection between car animal leather production and illegal burning down Amazon rain forest: www.daserste.de/information/reportage-dokumentation/ard-story/videos/illegales-leder-video-100.html In a high animal skin grade, the animals are specifically raised for this matter. However even if meat is the "first" misuse case, the hide remains a profitable body part. That means: If manufacturers put animal leather in a car and you demand it as a customer, you give your money to an industry that earns money by oppressing humans, animals and harms the environment, you make them more profitable. Alternatively, you could support industries with your wallet which try to improve the sustainability of materials. Also, if you turn the argument around to "meat is the waste of the leather industry" you realize that it doesn't make sense (and is ethically doubtful) to discuss the primary use of individual body parts of mammals. Mind experiment: You are getting slain down on the street; would it matter to you if it was for your smartphone or for your purse? Remember that animal skin leather is no different to fur, fur is just leather where the hair is still on. And fur is widely not accepted for clothing anymore, and of course not for cars. We cannot change what we have bought in the past, but with more information and compassion we can change how we decide in the future. For a great insight into sustainability in the automotive industry, you can also check out our extensive documentary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nKf4uih6yhnaM

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks for enjoying the video!

[@autogefuehl]

The argument that leather is merely a "waste" product of the food industry and therefore ethical or sustainable has been a topic of debate, and there are several reasons why it is considered problematic and unethical: 1. Leather is a Profitable Co-Product, Not a Byproduct Not a Waste: Leather is not a waste material. It is a valuable co-product of the meat and dairy industries, meaning that the skins and hides of animals are sold for profit. The global leather industry is worth billions of dollars, and the demand for high-quality leather, particularly for luxury goods, is significant. Economic Contribution: By buying leather, consumers are directly contributing to the profitability of the meat and dairy industries, reinforcing demand for animal farming. Leather adds financial value to the slaughter of animals, which in turn incentivizes the continuation of intensive animal agriculture. 2. Encourages the Environmental Impact of Animal Farming Environmental Harm: Animal farming is a leading cause of environmental degradation. It contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The leather industry, as part of this system, intensifies the environmental impact. Tanning Process: Leather production itself is extremely resource-intensive and involves harmful chemicals like chromium, which can pollute water sources and harm ecosystems and communities living near tanneries. The argument that leather is a "waste" deflects from these significant environmental costs. 3. Supports Cruel Animal Farming Practices Factory Farming: Most leather comes from animals raised in factory farms where they endure inhumane conditions-such as overcrowding, mutilation (dehorning, tail docking), and often brutal slaughter practices. Leather Sources Beyond Cattle: It’s important to note that leather is not only sourced from cows. Other animals such as pigs, sheep, goats, and even exotic animals like crocodiles and snakes are often killed specifically for their skins. In some cases, animals are bred solely for leather production, especially in the case of exotic leathers. 4. Leather’s Role in the Global Meat and Dairy Supply Chain The "Chicken and Egg" Relationship: The leather industry is deeply intertwined with the meat and dairy supply chains. It is misleading to claim that leather is merely a waste product when in reality it adds value to the entire system. The more leather that is purchased, the more profitable it becomes for the animal agriculture industry to keep raising and slaughtering animals. Ethical Disconnect: From an ethical standpoint, using leather under the assumption that it’s “just waste” ignores the larger systemic issues of animal exploitation. It perpetuates a cycle where animals are bred, confined, and slaughtered in massive numbers, not just for meat but also for profit from their hides. 5. There Are Viable, Sustainable Alternatives Innovation in Vegan Leathers: Today, there are numerous cruelty-free, sustainable alternatives to animal leather, such as pineapple leather (Piñatex), mushroom leather, apple leather, and even lab-grown leather. These options do not involve the same ethical, environmental, or health concerns as traditional leather production. Sustainability Argument: Many leather alternatives are far more environmentally friendly. For instance, plant-based and recycled materials often require fewer resources and generate less pollution compared to the production of leather from animal hides, which requires heavy water and energy consumption and the use of toxic chemicals in tanning. 6. Moral and Ethical Considerations Devaluing Animal Lives: By framing leather as a “waste” product, it downplays the intrinsic value of animal lives and reduces sentient beings to mere commodities. This perspective is often criticized for failing to acknowledge the rights of animals to live free from exploitation and harm. Speciesism: The belief that animals can be farmed for their skins because their lives are less important than human needs or luxury goods can be seen as a form of speciesism-the assumption that human interests always take precedence over the welfare of other species, even when non-leather alternatives are available. 7. Global Impact on Communities Health Risks to Workers: Many leather tanneries, especially in developing countries, expose workers to unsafe chemicals like chromium salts. These chemicals can cause severe health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Communities near tanneries often suffer from polluted water and land. Environmental Justice: Often, the communities that are most affected by the environmental harm of the leather industry are poor and marginalized. These populations bear the brunt of the environmental degradation, even though the demand for leather comes largely from wealthier consumers in more developed countries. Conclusion The idea that leather is a "waste" product from the food industry is misleading and unethical because it ignores the significant role that leather plays in the profitability of animal farming, the environmental degradation it causes, the cruelty inherent in the industry, and the availability of sustainable alternatives. To label leather as mere "waste" downplays its substantial impact on both animals and the environment, making this argument a way to justify the continued use of an ethically and environmentally problematic material.

[@d_lydian]

More plastic, more glossy, less physical buttons -> more expensive -> well done Audi

[@luciussander8217]

Yep, this RS3 is now nearly ten grand more than the pre facelift and no dealer contribution, and high APRs on their finance. Merc currently offering £2,500 contribution and 6% APR on AMG A45S, which makes it a lot less than this face lift RS3 when you look at a deposit and the monthly payment on a PCP. The Merc works out 15% cheaper and that's fully loaded with options. Would cost over £70k for the RS3 in same spec!

[@d_lydian]

@@luciussander8217 Yes, the salaries of the layed-off employees may must be paid 😅

[@HondacivictypeR777]

Some folks will always find reasons to complain but this is one sexy sedan.

[@Sinecure11]

It is important for professional and detailed car reviewers to continue to exist.

[@ahlsn7346]

9:30 - 10:05 I agree 100% on this segment with real buttons and quality user interfaces!

[@salmanfarruz]

Thank you for reviewing my dream car and thank you for using the sedan

[@knighriderredux]

Thanks for the honest opinion on the bucket seats. Most will bypass reason and say how great they are because of how they look, but good to know to overlook because of how uncomfortable they are.

[@autogefuehl]

highly appreciated!

[@sebastianstoica578]

I feel like the bosses of these premium German car manufacturers are in fact hired by the Chinese to sabotage these companies. How can you be paid so much money and make such poor decisions in terms of cost-cutting?

[@samibeemer7619]

Hey Thomas, I've been waiting for your M5 review, wasn't you invited to the drive event?

[@991carreras3]

You definitely do the best car reviews on youtube. I think ill hold off on my 2025 m240 purchase and wait till this rs3 to showup in the USA. As a watch collector can you tell me what brand you were wearing during this vid?

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@autogefuehl]

it's an Alpina :)

[@991carreras3]

@@autogefuehl Nice! Never owned one but always wanted one.

[@991carreras3]

@@autogefuehl I will.

[@stefangorlich44]

Absolut top Thomas! Glasklar auch mal Schwächen ansprechen wenn's angebracht ist👌. Das Thema mit den Audi-Ringen sehe ich ganz genauso.Türablagen in der Preisklasse müssen einfach ausgekleidet sein und die Drücktasten am Lenkrad aus einem Teil sind auch nicht gerade clever gelöst...das mit der Sitzposition ist natürlich auch echt bescheiden.Optik ist halt nicht immer alles😉! Super ehrliches Video wie immer. Grüße Stefan

[@autogefuehl]

Danke dir 🙏

[@bigstroke2069]

I love it! Thanks for the video.

[@autogefuehl]

🙏🙏

[@mrees5170]

Love Audi. Have a ‘22 sq5 with some modest mods. Been thinking about trading it for the RS3. Found you with the debut of the new sq5. Glad I did. Great review! Honest and informative.

[@autogefuehl]

cheers !

[@hekavan]

All these new cars feels like cheap plastic toy cars. Wouldnt want one over some older model.

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

Have you even driven one? I own a RS3 8Y, it's far from a 'toy car' and the interior is actually fine. The previous 8V generation is very dated by comparison.

[@hekavan]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 I have A4 Avant B9 with great features. But my criticism is just the general feeling on the whole market and I believe its because cost cutting. Prices are high but less premium compared to older days.

[@grahmdoughty]

I love my 8Y, favorite daily I've ever owned. I am sad that the US does not get the bucket seats, but I guess the benefit is I don't need to upgrade

[@doubledangerous7898]

My Mrs has an 8Y and my dad a facelift A45s. For my money, the merc trounces the audi in everything other than engine tone (at low speeds). The A45 feels like a frantic little sports car, whilst the Audi comes across as an A3 with a lovely engine. Plus, there is no exhaust burbles in the RS3! Interested to see if this facelift RS3 brings it closer to the tremendous wee Mercedes...

[@luciussander8217]

I owned a AMG A45s + and my RS3 is much better. Looks better, quality way better - Merc had interior rattles and bits of lose trim, plus the seats were really uncomfortable. RS3 sounds better , is faster and much nicer to drive. Above all, RS3 looks way better. Can't comprehend your comments, as you're well off the mark.

[@Mike_221]

I think they should illuminate the rings on the front, like VW do.

[@ToneNYC718]

Thank you for the detailed video

[@autogefuehl]

highly appreciated!

[@TheCarGuru]

No LED light inside the glove box? Talk about cost cutting.

[@CrazyCalifornia]

Have Audi not offered you an RS3 after the issues you’ve had with yours, all the advertising you have given them with great truthful reviews. They should be grateful. 😁

[@autogefuehl]

hehe ;-) I never ask for favors just due to my status, just want to be treated as a normal customer actually

[@TheMostSmokeCrew]

Liking the pre-facelift look better.

[@Mastachazrs]

Best video as always i like you honest 😊

[@999Exqzone]

60k and you get plastic at the top of the door. Wow

[@sirspaceface]

I would just get the S3 , because of this hideous steering wheel. The capacitive buttons make it even worse. Great review as always Thomas!

[@ThrottleBody]

At that stage you may as well get a golf.

[@sirspaceface]

@ThrottleBody Nah, I like the exterior styling of the audi a lot more. Also, the climate unit and steering wheel on the golf is shit as well. Good thing I can afford either of them. I'll just stick with my polo until I get rich.😂

[@sirspaceface]

@luciussander8217 Wow, you are very insecure and it shows.

[@luciussander8217]

You may as well get a Golf R then and save a few pounds if a steering wheel bothers you that much you wouldn't order one. The RS3 is next level compared to the S3. I have an RS3 8Y, better than the S3 in every department.

[@iKone911]

My guess is that they will come out with another steering wheel option since it's in the configurator but only one available right now.

[@Gunshow86]

RS3 interior is plastic and tacky. A real let down at this price.

[@SudSale31]

People are be complaining since the introduction of this trend but they would not listen. Time to boycott them till they land back on Earth

[@colonelccccc]

Was about to say the exact same thing, I don't like it, the previous one looked better for sure.

[@Gunshow86]

@colonelccccc Yes, if the M2's interior was in the RS3, you've have the ultimate compact weapon

[@grahmdoughty]

It's a mix of bad materials and good UI + nice physical buttons (especially also with the wheel of the 8Y, the facelift is worse in that regard). Unfortunately in 2024 I think it's pretty good compared to the competition which has some nicer materials but way worse user experience

[@SudSale31]

​@@grahmdoughtyYeah, maybe you're right

[@sergem8513]

Thank you Thomas for covering all the important points. Wondering how this compares to an M340i (similar price) for driving experience.

[@RS3jack]

I owned an m340 and the rs3 is superior

[@TisaraM]

Hey Thomas, great video. I wondering what the two cameras you were using on the front windscreen and on the side driver's side window?

[@bridgestoparadise4593]

Great review and I'm glad Thomas keeps mentioning the need for animal skin-free interiors. This car isn't for those seeking status or comfort. For automotive enthusiasts, the five cylinder engine, the relatively small size, and the suspension are what makes this a fun car. I also love the classic Audi understated look.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks my friend!

[@luciussander8217]

One of my favourite reviewers - picks up on the stuff others gloss over, e.g. the bucket seats. They look great, we all want them, £2,500 option in the UK. Then when your car shows up, you have uncomfortable seats! I'd have to try them before ordering. I wonder if the Sonus is an improvement over the B&O in my RS3 8Y? The B&O is poor in my car. Also, the glitchy drive mode selection in my car seems to be replicated in the facelift. Can't Audi get anything right? That steering wheel though, I just don't like it. Looks so cheap and nasty. Not seeing enough to persuade me to order one, happy with my current RS3 and had it a year now, zero problems, crap sound system and dodgy drive mode issues aside - oh and the Audi App, which is a total joke.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks for tuning in!

[@csabaruszkai]

Gorgeous sound, punchy power in a fitted size.❤

[@GBFeb72]

Great review

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@salc349]

Ride quality of this vs an M340i? Appreciate the feedback!

[@jamesead9095]

Its interesting how Audi homologate their steering wheels across the ranges. Now all the new models have the same squared-off, flat-rings, haptic-buttoned, steerer!

[@dusandestanovic5884]

The black and red front looks amazing.

[@gregorygant4242]

Great compact car , that 5 -cylinder ,sounds fantastic it's like a small V-10 , it's a gem ! 2,5 liters with 400 PS ! Wow !

[@timmee6937]

Gone are the killer Audi interiors.

[@Pixelpeeps-69]

This kind of driving is what I do in everyday driving

[@akong808]

Does it come with 360 degrees cameras? I see the button for it but it was not shown? This is a feature I would very much like to have since it does not have it in my 24 RS3

[@luciussander8217]

Not an option.

[@wiktorszulc1685]

Front grille looks like Mulliner grille from Bentley

[@roderickroderick7216]

Engine is amazing. Everything else.... Not so much.

[@UCQmxWH9e2sMpQMAFOiKdojw]

Love the wheels. Wish we got the hatch in the US.

[@barryfastcars25]

Long live the 5 cylinder. I wish they would have used this motor in the new S5 instead of the single turbo V6.

[@GTRuppsala]

Are the bucket seats backpart not adjustable? How could they be uncomfortable?

[@luciussander8217]

Try watching the video, as he explains why. My God some people are dumb.

[@BlancoRamirez]

I wish the rs3 was a little bigger in the back.

[@FeN1xDD]

then you need 5 series

[@BlancoRamirez]

@@FeN1xDD I got a new 3-series. Which has more room in the rear than the rs3 when I test drove it.

[@FeN1xDD]

@@BlancoRamirez sorry I meant A5 or S5, not BMW :)

[@BlancoRamirez]

@@FeN1xDD ah 😂 I love the rs3 it just needs to be a little bigger in the rear. your right tho I’ll have to do some research

[@FrostEntiy]

is there an expected date when they will be available in the u.s?

[@hollowtian6148]

Sports seat not avaible in the US? I just don't get it, it's just a seat, how is that going to impact production line? And all the cars are produced in Germany anyway

[@Neffestuss]

Well he did specified that the seats are quite narrow so... I'm not sure how well that's going to sell in the USA 😅

[@f181234]

It’s because of US side crash regulations/side airbags they’ve been an issue for many automakers offering sports seats

[@hollowtian6148]

@@f181234 I see. That makes some sense. But still, BMW and Mercedes figured out to have sports seat on their entry level M2 and CLA45. Shouldn’t be that much of a problem for Audi to meet the regulation.

[@hollowtian6148]

@@Neffestuss it won’t hurt to have it as an option I feel. Especially M2 and CLA45 has that option too. Also Thomas is quite tall 🤭

[@ells-aviation]

Thomas I was looking at the fire extinguisher 😂

[@autogefuehl]

saw that coming 🤣

[@nikolauswolff5791]

I work across from an Audi dealer in Berlin. I like the brand. The new models look a bit cheaper. From the front. The plastic looks less worthy and inside there is even more cheaper material than in previous generations. The RS 3 is still a nice car but the model ahead looked nicer.b

[@jasonchen4861]

Despite the material selection, this interior design is the best of current Audi because it's from the previous generation.

[@PaulMeier-cu3ds]

This is a car I really care about so thank you. I would like the hatch so fully specced at about €90k it is approximately double the price of my last RS3 at around £45k (note the currency difference). I think I could reluctantly live with where Audi have now settled on the UI/UX for this car simply to get the ICE and handling. I do not care about MPG and suspect I would be lucky to get 20 mpg on the roads I cover. The seats would not bother me at 5’ 8” but I agree the bucket seats are over the top. Who cares about leg room in the back - you do not want anyone in the back and if they are they must take their chances. This car gives me hope that Audi/VW can make it back.

[@autogefuehl]

cheers !

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

You must be referring to the 8V version, as I have the RS8Y sportback and that was £60k when I ordered it in October 2021. The facelift is £70k to the same spec as my car, so a ten grand increase. I get an average of 31mpg, with long journeys that goes up to as much as 43mpg. If you drive in the E mode and don't rag it, it is very decent for economy. It seats two adults in the back, some people buy cars to be used... get it?

[@PaulMeier-cu3ds]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 My last one was a 2017 RS3 with the 5 cylinder blown engine. As I wrote it cost about £45k new at the time. It is a useful marker of just how far new car prices have risen in the last seven years.

[@Cernold]

Cost cut goddamn golf, this is ridiculous, hard plastics etc. Wonder what kind of faulty materials did they use for engine and gearbox. They can't be good with such ridiculous cost cutting interior

[@dusandestanovic5884]

Really satisfying interior.

[@SudSale31]

But one of the cheapest if not the most in the category, materials regards.

[@damiendegrasse]

I need to go to specsavers

[@shadygiz]

hahaha, i have a german friend and i wind him up by asking him to say Squirrel 🤣

[@andersjensen1499]

If the improvements in the handling and engine / gearbox are software based - then maybe this software should be able to add to the first 8Y version 🤔

[@EbenezerLeblanc]

Your videos are always uplifting. Thank you for your hard work and creativity!🐱🦜🤩

[@john_marki]

Great review Thomas! Thank you for speaking about the animal surfaces. I know it’s not easy, but it’s absolutely necessary. This vehicle sounds great, and your commentary is the best around! Sending love, appreciation and respect to you and yours! 🖤🙏🫡

[@autogefuehl]

highly appreciate the support! Yes sometimes it is hard to do the right thing when you get a lot of pushback since you challenge a whole belief system. But I kinda grew up with it. It's ridiculous. When I realized as a kid that my dog is so precious to me that I decide not to eat any other animals, people called me crazy and extreme. As a kid, I never understood why it would be extreme to be kind to animals. All I am asking for is to treat animals as our friends and not as commodity. Luckily, more and more people share the view that taking care of animals is better than using animals as a product.

[@atom999]

Great car and that engine is still amazing, glad we can buy it in 2025 still. Meanwhile bmw 135i is a 4 cylinder joke. And that coming from a BMW fan.

[@martink7945]

The couldn‘t fit any more grill in the front?

[@damiendegrasse]

There was a grill shortage. I'm sorry

[@FeN1xDD]

🤣

[@kennedyracing7527]

It’s has a side profile like that old Lexus ISF

[@seinsmeld13]

Unfortunately this car is not sold in Canada therefore I bought a 2023 M2 to replace my 2018 RS3. Hopefully the 2025 RS3 will be sold here in Canada.🥶

[@gFounc]

That screen should be placed in a higher position than the vents.

[@lukbo9590]

In all the previous videos i heard about that they improved the sound dramatically compared to the pre facelift. This does not sound like it at all here. What was your impression in real?

[@liamsandie]

The seats you dont seem to like but how much of that is linked to your height over 6 ft 2 inches??

[@WillMotivation]

Glad I got a 2024. Engine sounds completely worse in this new one.

[@ArchieMakuwa]

Nice car but this thing of not having spare wheels in modern cars is really very senseless. In South Africa, you would get murdered stuck on the side of the road waiting for road side assistance. Fitting a spare wheel literally takes 5 - 10 mins and it's those little minutes that can save your life. Not everyone lives in a safe country like Germany. Here, you could die at any moment for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Remember Uwe Gemballa? I need not say more. German car manufacturers need to get their scheisse together!

[@autogefuehl]

But you are not getting murdered while trying to change the tyre? Isnt it safer to wait for support instead of being stabbed in the back while being busy working on it?

[@bettaman8702]

Even top part of front doors are made of hard plastics. That's totally disappointing. Even a Skoda Scala has soft touch plastic at that part.

[@tjallaballa]

Does Audi really think its acceptable to use both the new font and logo for the exterior and key fob but the old one for the engine cover, door sills and rev counter..?? It seems they cant make up their mind. This and seeing as they are going back to the old s-line badging instead of the red rhomb on non S or RS cars. Feels half assed to say the least, is no one at Audi caring about this?

[@ertugrulbae46]

I hate that black plastic

[@leroi5342]

Which part of the modern cars has no plastics? Even the cars engines got plastic nowadays bro 😅

[@desenvolvimentoprofissiona6738]

Which racetrack is that one ?

[@autogefuehl]

Castelloli

[@drevil2675]

Nah, the QC of this car is pretty bad. My friend got this car last year and had strange noises all the time. The service center couldn’t locate and fix the issues.

[@sinemcelik2161]

No chance bad interior quality technologicaly behind chinese car in this price vw group will be banktupt

[@iKone911]

I own the 2024 RS3 in the US and was hoping they would bring the carbon buckets over here as well as the sportback, but I guess not. And maybe for the buckets, that's a good thing?! It's my only gripe with the car. I tend to slide around a lot when driving in the hills.

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

I have a 2023 RS3 sportback and also find the seats aren't very supportive when cornering. Just ordered the facelift with buckets, thankfully we can option them in the UK.

[@iKone911]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 After this video, I would want to try them first before ordering.

[@charalamboslouka35]

Nice but forget to mention that they took out the ceramic brakes that they make the record🤔

[@67philipo]

Interior is a calamity, what has happened to the Germans?

[@vindevhunta4905]

Still a good looking. Real leather for me plz

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you very much for your interest in this topic. I also bought cars with animal skin leather seats before I did my research and got to know the industry. The most important thing is: With today's modern materials, you have nothing to lose, just to gain. You achieve the same kind of luxury and comfort or even better while having the same or better durability with less impact on humans, animals and the environment. You can use fabric/cloth, microfibre or leatherette. The classic approach is using oil/plastic as source material. Overall, a vehicle contains about 300 kg plastic. A car seat needs about 5 kg plastic. So the overall plastic share for the seats is very low and it is at this moment the most efficient way to produce a car seat. A couple of litres of fuel equals a car seat basically. So if you want to save oil/plastic, rather look at consumption for energy, fuel and heating and to other car parts than the seat. Note that animal skin leather also always contains a plastic coating for durability. However, long-term we should of course find raw oil alternatives. So going further, seats can be made from recyclables (e.g. from PET-bottles or old fishing nets) or even increased share of plant-based materials (like pine oil, canola oil or start-up materials like Pinatex from pineapple leaves or Desertex from cactus fibre or the mixed-plant-based Mirum, so be seen at kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLEf42bpMano6c). On a calculation base, by ditching animal skin leather from car interiors, the amount of emissions (CO2e) is reduced by 85 (!) % (www.press.bmwgroup.com/africa-dom-easteurope/article/detail/T0403389EN/on-the-market-from-2023:-bmw-and-mini-models-with-vegan-interiors?language=en) - and that is a very conservative calculation. So it is at this moment the most important thing you can do to make car interiors more sustainable. A good example for high-end luxury with ventilated animal free seats is the BMW X7 with Sensafin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6G1f56NbtOlqNk And the Kia EV9 with plant-based oil share: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKe7loOHnsSAd80 New leatherette materials can be superior in every aspect, even for cleaning: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2qXiouAbJeIiqM More and more natural materials are rising: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIO2pIt7o9x7etE Also check out what the animal skin leather industry tried to with our channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHCdKmCocZ5oqs For seeing how the animals are being treated and transported in the global leather industry, watch this footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpzNdHSjppaSbqc Note that the footage is genuine and was recorded by a highly decorated investigative journalist in Germany I know myself personally. Also a group of researchers and German journalists from public media could recent directly trace the connection between car animal leather production and illegal burning down Amazon rain forest: www.daserste.de/information/reportage-dokumentation/ard-story/videos/illegales-leder-video-100.html In a high animal skin grade, the animals are specifically raised for this matter. However even if meat is the "first" misuse case, the hide remains a profitable body part. That means: If manufacturers put animal leather in a car and you demand it as a customer, you give your money to an industry that earns money by oppressing humans, animals and harms the environment, you make them more profitable. Alternatively, you could support industries with your wallet which try to improve the sustainability of materials. Also, if you turn the argument around to "meat is the waste of the leather industry" you realize that it doesn't make sense (and is ethically doubtful) to discuss the primary use of individual body parts of mammals. Mind experiment: You are getting slain down on the street; would it matter to you if it was for your smartphone or for your purse? Remember that animal skin leather is no different to fur, fur is just leather where the hair is still on. And fur is widely not accepted for clothing anymore, and of course not for cars. We cannot change what we have bought in the past, but with more information and compassion we can change how we decide in the future. For a great insight into sustainability in the automotive industry, you can also check out our extensive documentary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nKf4uih6yhnaM

[@damiendegrasse]

​There is a great argument for synthetic seat materials, I agree 100% while eating my ribeye steak, I can't see a reason to raise animals for comfort, just for health.

[@fireblade6756]

AMG A45s then please!!!

[@ratbeee]

11:15 2025 Audi S3 same problem.

[@ramses8847]

I love clicking the climate control buttons on my A5 too! I came from Lexus where it's all plastic everywhere so these are noticeably satisfying to click.

[@dragankovacevic5066]

the windshield on the new rs 8y is of questionable quality, cheap interior plastics, is it still the same

[@remistachfitness]

What a times to be alive buttons are now considered to be premium 🤣

[@BenjaminLeung]

#CapacitiveBS gang

[@daflipbizkit]

They upped the interior game of the RS3. They also upped the grill game, literally.

[@philipadastra]

The pre 2018 sounded better. It's only gone downhill.....

[@dnc3861]

Man. Euro 6 Emission regulations?

[@2Razzv]

it's not like they don't want to sound better man. Regulations.

[@customurlgoeshere]

Are you updoot farming or a bit slow in the head?

[@Fabian_RS3]

Feel ya.. i gonna stick to this 8.2018 non opf rs3 forever haha

[@Aiantaschr]

What we can all agree on, I think is that audi makes one of the best looking interiors right now!

[@SudSale31]

Yeah, but one of the poorest and cheapest you can find, and i say this to you as a fierce enthusiast of the brand

[@damiendegrasse]

I don't think it looks good regardless of materials, I see a lot of people feel the same way so I'm fairly sure we cannot all agree on.

[@redsreport9843]

3:20 the rear end reminds me of Kia Forte, idk why

[@Digiphex]

I don’t like the African pattern on the grille.

[@leroi5342]

The interior is just so very perfect 😍❤️🔥🔥

[@makikaze]

It's not perfect if could be better. Piano black plastic is first thing to change.

[@damiendegrasse]

Looks like crap to me, also how can you take this thing near a mechanic without grease getting on the nasty suede crap?

I hate the new steering wheel which was phenomenal before the facelift. And NO I will never start liking it.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

Not a fan of the suede like dash and steering wheel. Dirt and grime collectors. I'd have to wrap everything when it goes in for service to keep the grease off.

[@andi8489]

i'd just get anything from cupra with the 333 hp motor.

[@atom999]

Is it the same engine? Heard cupra is even more plastic inside