RE: Promoted content: Audi RS3 'born restless' part I

RE: Promoted content: Audi RS3 'born restless' part I

Author
Discussion

Housey

2,076 posts

226 months

Saturday 20th June 2015
quotequote all
R8 and B7 RS4 to one side, Audi has lead the world in the manufacture of image over substance. How a company who makes so many cars can get it so consistently wrong is beyond me. You want feedback?

Sack your suspension, steering and braking engineers and steal some better ones. Image over substance is easily found out, especially by people who appreciate drivers car.....which this site used to attract back in the day. You'd be better off put your adverts in fleet buyer and hair dresser monthly.

Gingerbread Man

9,171 posts

212 months

Saturday 20th June 2015
quotequote all
The bloke walks past the front of the car in the opening clip like he's about to get into the passenger side of the car (left hooker perhaps), but it then cuts to him getting in the right hand side (UK drive). Odd.

Also odd, but probably my computer. When I watched the video full screen the name of the Audi man was running off my screen, like the full screen aspect has expanded to a larger size than my screen can display. But the video (and that section) displays fine when shown in the unexpanded, smaller aspect size. Any idea?

KarlMac

4,457 posts

140 months

Saturday 20th June 2015
quotequote all
sealtt said:
Donations page? I presume that is stated sarcastically as a joke?

Haymarket, site owner, did approx £188m in revenues last year, £11m profit, and Pistonheads, alongside WhatCar, is their biggest brand.

This site is big business and is certainly commercially successful by the looks of things!

http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1341117/
Might be wrong but thing most of the profit was generated from asset sales, so they are still trading at a loss.

No issue with promoted content. Its relevant, but easy to ignore. Its not been forced down our throats like a YouTube pre-roll. As long as the ads are relevant to the site and help keep the lights on (and keep the site free) then I don't care.

silverous

1,008 posts

133 months

Saturday 20th June 2015
quotequote all
Wow, a lot of negativity on here. Looks like fun to me, the bit that surprised me was that the designer hadn't driven it, thought that was an odd admission. If I designed something and there was a chance I was going to be sat in it advertising it with my name against it I'd like to think I'd have had a pop out in it before it hit the streets !

mdianuk

2,890 posts

170 months

Saturday 20th June 2015
quotequote all
silverous said:
Wow, a lot of negativity on here. Looks like fun to me, the bit that surprised me was that the designer hadn't driven it, thought that was an odd admission. If I designed something and there was a chance I was going to be sat in it advertising it with my name against it I'd like to think I'd have had a pop out in it before it hit the streets !
Thought the same, but come on, couldn't have been working on the design for too long, it looks very similar to the existing A3 range! If the designer hadn't been in the car before (and clearly looked shocked/scared being driven fast in it), he obviously wasn't that impressed what little he created.

Wills2

22,666 posts

174 months

Saturday 20th June 2015
quotequote all
So lift off oversteer like a FWD car, no power induced movement from the rear, bigger tyres at the front than the rear is just plain wrong and shows how comprised the basic car is with the engine in the front bumper.

Dismal....

Housey

2,076 posts

226 months

Sunday 21st June 2015
quotequote all
Every TT and RS3 has been a numb heap of utter crapness but it's like motoring magazines chose to ignore that because it looks or sounds nice. Even wrote to Autocar back in the day and was published too when they headlined "new TT finally a great drivers car?" or suchlike. My point was it will be badly damped, have awful lifeless steering, will be over served and under steer when pushed on track. My argument was they always do and always have and nothing has changed in my experience. Even my B7 RS4 under steered like a boat on ice on track.

swimd

350 posts

120 months

Sunday 21st June 2015
quotequote all
The amount of marketing money Audi seems to funnel into marketing this new RS3 is stunning.

Even the Autocar youtube channel is running a "Promoted" video with a paid Stunt driver "reviewing" the car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhxsPkBPzLQ

crimbo

1,308 posts

227 months

Sunday 21st June 2015
quotequote all
So the guy that designed it has never driven it, enough said. He should of being chopping at the bit to get behind the wheel.

Does it do sideways, nope. Its not hard its not rocket science and they could do a much better job of getting it's arse out. But a quattro is about grip, putting the power to the road as fast and effectively as it can so why even try to publish and push it in the direction that it will because if it did then that would mean the quattro system is not as effective as it could be.

If they want it to drift then make it so you can flick a switch to stop all power to the fronts, simples.

I love these, I love sleepers they are what they are/or what they were. Lets face it everyone knows they are fast so it's expected and no suprise when it goes like stink. Pushing on the boundries of supercars but lets face it. They should be. They arent much heavier and can be tunned to have move power, more easily because they allready have a turbo.

I think as you get older though you get less interested in our pace and the way in which it drives or feels matters more




SimonD

486 posts

280 months

Sunday 21st June 2015
quotequote all
Wow, aren't we all a load of grumpy b'stards tonight?

First things first, the original RS3 was available with wider front tyres as well, so this isn't a new thing for the Mk2.

Secondly, on top end models sat-nav will never be 'free', so even if it's standard you'll be paying for it in the price. Personally, I'm glad it remains an option, as the maps and software quickly become obsolete compared to the fast changing world of sat nav on phones etc. Just give me standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in cars and we can mirror our phones up to the in car screen. That would be much better and cheaper.

Finally, @PH

I work for the biggest streaming and content company in the world, by traffic handled. Do you want me to get the guys to give you a ring to get you sorted with a proper player and distribution platform so that you can handle some HD videos properly? wink 480p is a little.... 2005 tongue out

Duncan McKay

426 posts

108 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Housey said:
R8 and B7 RS4 to one side, Audi has lead the world in the manufacture of image over substance. How a company who makes so many cars can get it so consistently wrong is beyond me. You want feedback?

Sack your suspension, steering and braking engineers and steal some better ones. Image over substance is easily found out, especially by people who appreciate drivers car.....which this site used to attract back in the day. You'd be better off put your adverts in fleet buyer and hair dresser monthly.
Have you considered that Audi make cars for different people than you? Dynamically they are not the best sure, but "image over susbtance" and "consistently wrong"? I would agree only when talking dynamically. For almost every other aspect of the car, they make bloody good cars.

Nors

1,291 posts

154 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Obviously, folks opinions / requirements are different (thankfully) when it comes to cars. However, some people’s responses here are a bit strange to say the least.

Whilst I agree, the car isn’t cheap, it will sell all of its allocation. Good for those that want to pick one up when the depreciation kicks in, so unless you’re in the market for a new one, it’s pretty pointless complaining about it.

Audi’s approach to 4WD has always been to dial out oversteer. It’s seen as unsafe for road use compared to understeer. (I’m not trying to debate the merits or not of either). Those that complain and refer to track use and tail out abilities are not getting the point. 99% will never see a track. Despite this being pointed out on PH a million times, the same old statements get rolled out.

Why people get ‘annoyed’ / pissed off / upset etc etc about what a car manufacturer is doing to promote their car or the car itself is just irrational to me. If you don’t like it, don’t read it/ don’t look at it / don’t buy it!!

Those that state they’d give £20 to PH to not run such promotions (it’s probably a bit less than Audi is paying) and despite these one (or 2) people’s desire to prop up PH with their £20 donations, it’s hardly a sound business case is it!


Housey

2,076 posts

226 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Duncan McKay said:
Housey said:
R8 and B7 RS4 to one side, Audi has lead the world in the manufacture of image over substance. How a company who makes so many cars can get it so consistently wrong is beyond me. You want feedback?

Sack your suspension, steering and braking engineers and steal some better ones. Image over substance is easily found out, especially by people who appreciate drivers car.....which this site used to attract back in the day. You'd be better off put your adverts in fleet buyer and hair dresser monthly.
Have you considered that Audi make cars for different people than you? Dynamically they are not the best sure, but "image over susbtance" and "consistently wrong"? I would agree only when talking dynamically. For almost every other aspect of the car, they make bloody good cars.
Couple of things......

Look at my car history on my profile, I've bought a few Audi's for me and my wife so feel my view is based on actual experience rather than simply seeking to ps off Audi drivers.

Do you believe the RS range is built for enthusiasts who enjoy driving, or people who want to show they can afford and RS but have zero interest in driving dynamics?

Why is Audi taking all the time and effort pitching its cars to a Pistonheads audience if it doesn't seek to attract people who appreciate a drivers car? This website began as a place where enthusiasts came together to talk cars, good and bad. You might have missed that point.

It's all very well making yea but arguments, but they need to carry weight. Audi have consistently made poor drivers cars. They may make nice to look at, nice to be in, nice to be seen in (if that is your thing) cars, but when you are spending time arguing against your well know stty traits, such as understeer, you are pretty much supporting the view that the cars you produce are not very good at the driving bit and that this one is different....don't you think?

No point targeting people like me and the majority of members of this forum who appreciate the drive a car provides, to then come back with a "yea, but perhaps Audi isn't a car made for people who look for such things" I suggest.

Housey

2,076 posts

226 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Nors said:
Obviously, folks opinions / requirements are different (thankfully) when it comes to cars. However, some people’s responses here are a bit strange to say the least.

Whilst I agree, the car isn’t cheap, it will sell all of its allocation. Good for those that want to pick one up when the depreciation kicks in, so unless you’re in the market for a new one, it’s pretty pointless complaining about it.

Audi’s approach to 4WD has always been to dial out oversteer. It’s seen as unsafe for road use compared to understeer. (I’m not trying to debate the merits or not of either). Those that complain and refer to track use and tail out abilities are not getting the point. 99% will never see a track. Despite this being pointed out on PH a million times, the same old statements get rolled out.

Why people get ‘annoyed’ / pissed off / upset etc etc about what a car manufacturer is doing to promote their car or the car itself is just irrational to me. If you don’t like it, don’t read it/ don’t look at it / don’t buy it!!

Those that state they’d give £20 to PH to not run such promotions (it’s probably a bit less than Audi is paying) and despite these one (or 2) people’s desire to prop up PH with their £20 donations, it’s hardly a sound business case is it!
Yea, if we have a point that differs to the content of the article why bother debating it on a debating forum. Road and track are very different, but over servoed brakes, bad damping, poor steering feel, lack of turn in precision and understeer that shows itself too quickly are not something you need a track for.

Maldini35

2,913 posts

187 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Housey said:
Yea, if we have a point that differs to the content of the article why bother debating it on a debating forum. Road and track are very different, but over servoed brakes, bad damping, poor steering feel, lack of turn in precision and understeer that shows itself too quickly are not something you need a track for.
Housey - Have you driven the new RS3 yet?

You seem to know an awful lot about how it drives.

I'll just wait here for the inevitable 'I don't need to' response.



Housey

2,076 posts

226 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Maldini35 said:
Housey said:
Yea, if we have a point that differs to the content of the article why bother debating it on a debating forum. Road and track are very different, but over servoed brakes, bad damping, poor steering feel, lack of turn in precision and understeer that shows itself too quickly are not something you need a track for.
Housey - Have you driven the new RS3 yet?

You seem to know an awful lot about how it drives.

I'll just wait here for the inevitable 'I don't need to' response.
Firstly don't put words into my mouth. I've driven previous models, I've owned and RS Audi and I am currently pondering a V10 R8 as my next car so can't really be called an Audi hater should that be your implication. I also urge you to read what I wrote and my point about Audi's history based on their current and historical approach to all their cars. If this is different great, I will HAPPILY be proved wrong, it's not about wrong and right, its about more good cars! Right now I see comments and promises I have seen before, I remain to be convinced and if me outlining my views upsets you or makes you think I have an agenda all you do is show you don't know me.

Nors

1,291 posts

154 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Housey said:
Yea, if we have a point that differs to the content of the article why bother debating it on a debating forum. Road and track are very different, but over servoed brakes, bad damping, poor steering feel, lack of turn in precision and understeer that shows itself too quickly are not something you need a track for.
I never said don’t debate it, but you are coming across all fussed and angry about it (which was a point I was making). If you don’t like it, fair enough! Do you really ‘hate’ certain cars that much?

Over servoed brakes? I thought brake pedal feel was something you got used to. I’d rather have them over than under. I remember driving such iconic cars as the Golf Mk1/2 Gti in their day and wondering where the Servo was. It was identified by the press of the time, but never really forced home as a problem in the day.

Damping and steering, whilst I agree with you, are not the sole down fall of just Audi these days.

Otispunkmeyer

12,557 posts

154 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Munich said:
Guvernator said:
GTEYE said:
The RS3 tested in Autocar this week....list price is £40k or so....price as tested was over £51k...

Can you believe Audi have the nerve to charge extra for sat-nav even on an RS3.

Now, how much were the lease deals on that Golf R?
Have to AGREE strongly with this. If your going to make a top of the line Halo model, at least chuck some more toys at it to justify the ridiculous price tag. I've had a play over the last few months with the configurators on some allegedly top end machinery and I was shocked that a lot of the time, the spec you get is barely above that of the lowest poverty model. Any of the more useful toys are still a cost option. It's a p*sstake is what it is.
But Porsche strip out content for their halo cars.
If Porsche could fit a flat-six to a paper bag and sell it for £500,000. There'd be a queue a mile long. Some people like having their eyes out.

Housey

2,076 posts

226 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Nors said:
Housey said:
Yea, if we have a point that differs to the content of the article why bother debating it on a debating forum. Road and track are very different, but over servoed brakes, bad damping, poor steering feel, lack of turn in precision and understeer that shows itself too quickly are not something you need a track for.
I never said don’t debate it, but you are coming across all fussed and angry about it (which was a point I was making). If you don’t like it, fair enough! Do you really ‘hate’ certain cars that much?

Over servoed brakes? I thought brake pedal feel was something you got used to. I’d rather have them over than under. I remember driving such iconic cars as the Golf Mk1/2 Gti in their day and wondering where the Servo was. It was identified by the press of the time, but never really forced home as a problem in the day.

Damping and steering, whilst I agree with you, are not the sole down fall of just Audi these days.
Brake feel is good or bad and of course subjective, but to your point you tend to get used to anything, but getting used and liking are different. Go drive an MX5 or GT3, then come back and drive an Audi. If you can't appreciate the feeling differences then fair enough, but most people who enjoy driving well sorted cars will speak of the differences. The ability to feel the front when you brake is an important part of the experience for many people, hence the comment. I remind you we are talking about a car that is being upheld as a drivers car. I think you are missing that, if this as a 1.4TDi A2 the discussion would not be relevant. Too add, the first thing I said after the first 200 yards in the i8 was how badly set up the servo was after I nearly took my teeth out on the steering wheel.

Steering and damping is a problem for many cars, not least my 530D daily steer, but again I am picking apart and article that seeks to elevate, through marketing the abilities of a car to a level I believe to be hyperbolic bullst. I base this on the fact that Audi has hardly ever made a car that appeals to drivers, there are exceptions as stated but they are rare. Doesn't make them bad for many folks, again a point you seem to want to state but something I am not arguing about. Again if they nail this and it becomes a revelation of steering feel, tight front end, massive traction a great soundtrack, superb damping and A to B ability that moves the game on fantastic, we are all winning.

Angry, moi, nah, not angry. Just not someone who takes face value statements or marketing images as anything more than they are. Promises that will be proven or not and historically they have rarely been proven right in the context of drivers cars. And here we are, back to where I started.

Glenn McMenamin

2,305 posts

237 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
I bought the wife the latest S3, as she drives like death, so I wanted something 4wd so at least it won't swap ends in the wet.

Every now and then I take it for a spin, it's the most frustratingly dull drive of any car I've ever owned. The steering is so numb that it's like playing a computer game, the ride is so unnecessarily harsh, yet turn it in to a corner and it just falls over itself. It's so so poor.

I'm actually glad that it understeers like hell, as it's safer that way for the misses.

It's bloody terrible.

Strangely, I got a quick spin in the new Golf R last month, it's a missive improvement over the S3, so much more feedback and sounds better too !

How can they be so different to drive when they're sharing the same chassis ?

Edited by Glenn McMenamin on Monday 22 June 14:06