Tuesday 6th December 2011

PH Blog: unexpected Audi delights

Audi range catch-up day reveals RS3 'actually rather good' epiphany

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No, the Sport Quattro on the plinth wasn't available for driving. Nor the R8 GT3. But Audi has gathered a fair few of its products today in Warwickshire for a range review day for us all to catch up on its latest tweaks to the range.

Pick an Audi, any Audi. Perhaps not an S5 though.

Not all of them PH-worthy, it has to be said. But I've been able to tick a few boxes of cars I've missed out on here and there. RS3 being one of them. Sadly that was out when I got here so I settled for an S5 Sportback instead, not having tried the supercharged V6 or, indeed, five-door coupaloon body before either.

It certainly sounds good. But, like everything on the A5, S5 and RS5 the noise seems a bit synthetic. There are a gazillion different settings for dampers, noise, throttle, steering, gearbox and even the differential. But even my 'Individual' setting with everything mechanical on Dynamic and everything chassis related on Comfort it doesn't quite gel. Worst is the steering, which is springy and light in comfort, nudges back at you with artificial 'feedback' in Auto and simply adds unwelcome weight in Dynamic. It's quick and sure footed on the slithery winter roads but that's about it.

Flaws actually make the RS3 more fun

The RS3 turns out to be the polar opposite. It has most un-Audi like attributes, like character in abundance. It's also pleasingly a bit uncouth, the power delivery properly old school whoosh-bang turbocharged and even the familiar S tronic DCT (no manual option, sadly) feeling a bit more clunky and mechanical than usual. The fixed rate dampers feel a bit overwhelmed by the springs and heavy wheels at times but it still feels a world better than the multi-setting set-up on the S5.

Winter tyres mean it even slides around a bit too. It's typically nose heavy but once settled into the corner carries huge speed, the five-cylinder warble and turbo roar adding to the excitement. It's a proper B-road weapon in the Impreza/Evo mould, albeit with Audi trappings and a more stealthy, sinister look. Especially in dark grey with a layer of road grime. I like! It's not perfect - the chassis can get overwhelmed - but it's one of those cars whose flaws almost make it more interesting and fun.

So that's that. It's time to go really. But there are a couple of R8s here too, including a special edition V8 manual. Well, it'd be rude not to...

Dan

 

[anonymous-user]

Really like the look of the RS3.

Real shame it is not available in manual.

The Audi Sport Quattro just looks amazing.

[goron59]

Often the way with Audi - they become much more fun in the winter

[frosted]

"It's not perfect - the chassis can get overwhelmed - but it's one of those cars whose flaws almost make it more interesting"

Interesting at 40,000 quid , rather you than me

[Robmarriott]

Shame, really, that it's not available with a more acceptable amount of doors.

In 3 door form with the MTM 470 upgrade would be lovely.

[Alfa159Ti]

Christ that RS3 is dull to look at.

I mean I get the whole understated thing that most Audis go for and love a good Q car, but that is a staggeringly bland car.

[0a]

Alfa159Ti said:

Christ that RS3 is dull to look at.

I mean I get the whole understated thing that most Audis go for and love a good Q car, but that is a staggeringly bland car.

I have to agree. Worse than bland, it looks like an S-line TD with some uncomfortable and naff aftermarket alloys. They should look at the 1M (in my opinion) for a car that looks special.

[soad]

Sport Quattro =

[Maldini35]

If you've driven an RS3 you'll understand.

Not one for the track but a hoot for real world driving in the UK.

[Alfa159Ti]

0a said:

I have to agree. Worse than bland, it looks like an S-line TD with some uncomfortable and naff aftermarket alloys. They should look at the 1M (in my opinion) for a car that looks special.

Amazing to think those two cars compete in the same space. The M1 is just so desirable, oozing personality. The RS3 seems more like an 'appliance' than a car by comparison.

Besides, couldn't you just remap an S3 and add a few tweaks to achieve the same outcome with a car that is better looking and significantly cheaper, or am I oversimplifying things?

[NavSat]

The red A5 in the picture - Why has the A5/S5 been given a 1-Series facelift!? Look at those headlights! If there is one Audi that didn't need a facelift it's the A5 Coupe!

[peterattheboro]

How old is that shape A3 now?

Surely it's time for a revamp. I think it's ridiculous that someone could possibly spend £40,000 on an A3 when there will probably be a new shape just around the corner.

The RS3 should have been released 3-4 years ago.

[Alfa159Ti]

Alfa159Ti said:

Amazing to think those two cars compete in the same space. The M1 is just so desirable, oozing personality. The RS3 seems more like an 'appliance' than a car by comparison.

Besides, couldn't you just remap an S3 and add a few tweaks to achieve the same outcome with a car that is better looking and significantly cheaper, or am I oversimplifying things?

Or '1M' even, before the BMW nerds start giving me a kicking!

[NavSat]

peterattheboro said:

How old is that shape A3 now?

Surely it's time for a revamp. I think it's ridiculous that someone could possibly spend £40,000 on an A3 when there will probably be a new shape just around the corner.

The RS3 should have been released 3-4 years ago.

I think that's the point - this was the 'last hurrah' for that A3 shape manufacturers do it all the time - new A3 comes late 2012, don't know if that will include the RS, unlikely though.

[Pauly-b]

Audi RS models tend to be released late in the production run anyway so it's no change there methinks - TTRS not permitting.

No doubt the 1M will be a fantastic drive but its absolutely dire to look it - in my opinion. It just looks like they've taken the ugliest coupe in production and arsed about with it down at Halfords if I'm honest..

[AyBee]

peterattheboro said:

How old is that shape A3 now?

Surely it's time for a revamp. I think it's ridiculous that someone could possibly spend £40,000 on an A3 when there will probably be a new shape just around the corner.

The RS3 should have been released 3-4 years ago.

Saw one on Sunday in Bury St-Edmonds so someone must have bought one

[Escort Si-130]

I have only seen one on the road so far in a carpark last month, in the same colour grey.

ELUSIVEJIM said:

Really like the look of the RS3.

Real shame it is not available in manual.

The Audi Sport Quattro just looks amazing.

[Escort Si-130]

There goes the tasteless Halfords joke again ....

Pauly-b said:

Audi RS models tend to be released late in the production run anyway so it's no change there methinks - TTRS not permitting.

No doubt the 1M will be a fantastic drive but its absolutely dire to look it - in my opinion. It just looks like they've taken the ugliest coupe in production and arsed about with it down at Halfords if I'm honest..

[MX7]

Alfa159Ti said:

Christ that RS3 is dull to look at.

I agree, it's a shame that Audi, with a back catalogue of great looking cars, seem to be so reluctant to do something interesting.

Slow and steady wins the ra.... ZZZzzzZZZzzzz...

[ortontom]

I saw one on the M25 in front of me - i had to REALLY look to notice it wasnt a TDI, he then tried to take off at 70, and it wasnt that impressive...plus for £40k+ theres a whole list of cars in front of that on my wish list...such a shame..

[Baryonyx]

What a swizz, you turn up to a day where Audi are promising some excitement and they don't let you drive the Quattro! Which, lets face it, is pretty much where 'fun' and Audi parted ways!