Audi RS3 Sportback (8P) | Spotted
The original mega hatch is now almost 10 years old, yet still worth half its new price - here's why
Like many an Audi RS model, it's fascinating to chart the history of the RS3. Similarly to the RS4, in fact, it has grown from a limited run flagship in one bodystyle to a mainstay of the Audi range in astonishingly short order. Ten years ago, there wasn't an RS3; now, buyers have the choice of an RS3 hatch and saloon, plus the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback that use the same powertrain. Not so much spoilt for choice, then, as overawed by it.
Looking back on 2011, Audi's launch strategy for the 8P RS3 looks remarkably conservative - borderline nervous, you might say. Today, a premium badge on a family hatch with sports car performance is - SUV alternative aside - surely manna from heaven for any manufacturer. We now have a two-pronged AMG A-Class offensive, an all-wheel drive M Performance 1 Series (with the potential of another 1 M) and another Golf R imminent; all of these bar the Golf just didn't exist at the time of the first RS3, and the VW was hardly at its most compelling in 2011.
Therefore Audi hedged its bets, not knowing whether a £40k, 340hp RS hatch, based on pretty old A3 underpinnings, would really prove a hit with UK buyers. But of course it did. As a nation we love a hot hatch, we love four-wheel drive and we love an Audi; an initial 500-car allocation over 12 months was extended to 750 over two years. It would be a surprise if all those who coveted an RS3 actually got one.
There was plenty to like, too: that engine and gearbox combo is still winning plaudits all these years later (albeit now lighter and more powerful), so it surely would have felt ballistic at a time when 340hp and 332lb ft was 911-equalling. While some argued it looked too dull as flagship, one person's dreary is another's discreet; unassuming and under-the-radar, as seen in this specification, might just suit down to the ground. Audi apparently disagrees, the standard RS3 now tattooed with 'quattro' on it alongside a pair of enormous exhausts; the fact that subtle was once available (and now isn't) perhaps makes this more desirable.
Plainly the RS3 was never the deftest of dynamic devices, and time will have done nothing to help that impression - but that has done little to dent the appeal of this car - or subsequent RS3s. The vast majority of its buyers simply don't care about steering feel, or chassis balance, or pedal response: they want grip, go, and a nice place to sit. This RS3 delivered that, and set the template for its successors to follow. And while it hasn't proved universally popular, the model's success is beyond question.
Because of the tiny allocation, it's trickier to get hold of an original RS3 than you might first think. Cheap cars are nearing £15k, though you'll need nearer £20,000 for most. This is the most expensive currently for sale on PH, £20,995 for a 2012 car with 51,000 miles. Given a £40k list price way back then, this is an impressive showing - indicative of the car's rarity, but also how well the concept was received by buyers. As a point of comparison, there are just five RS3s of this era for sale on PH; of its 8V successor, there are 13 just from 2015 - this car proved to Audi that the idea really worked, and so its development continued apace.
You probably don't need reminding that a newer, more exciting BMW M135i is available for less money, or that a more powerful A45 AMG is also in budget. The same arguments for those cars exist today as they did many years ago; fact remains that, for many, an RS3 in one form or another delivers everything they want from a fast car. Don't expect the formula to change anytime soon.
SPECIFICATION | AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK (8P)
Engine: 2,480cc 5-cyl turbo
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto (S Tronic), four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 340@5,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@1,600rpm
MPG: 31 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 212g/km
First registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 51,000
Price new: £38,705
Yours for: £20,995
Not surprised at the price these are holding as it has an RS badge and four rings, it’s always going to be desirable and keep its value high. This would Probably appeal to a collector or someone who wants a stock example as surely there can’t be many about now.
Plus this generation was universally slated in the motoring press.
Probably doesn’t help that the much better received 8v model is available now from 25k.
No idea who would buy this car at that price point.
As for the car, I love the engine but to me the interior looks really dated. I'd love to shoehorn the engine & running gear from one of these into an old UR quattro. What a combination that'd be and might make it possible to run a UR given the lack of parts available on them now!
As for the car, I love the engine but to me the interior looks really dated. I'd love to shoehorn the engine & running gear from one of these into an old UR quattro. What a combination that'd be and might make it possible to run a UR given the lack of parts available on them now!
As for the car, I love the engine but to me the interior looks really dated. I'd love to shoehorn the engine & running gear from one of these into an old UR quattro. What a combination that'd be and might make it possible to run a UR given the lack of parts available on them now!
I like these, mainly because the 5pot engine wasn't just another 4pot that they could have used, but it makes it a little special. Will the next RS3 be the last hatchback with more than 4 cylinders?
It's too dated as a daily modernish runaround. the quattro is also dated clearly moreso than this and fairly poorly put together. Having owned a UR the exterior and the 5 pot sound was everything to me but the lack of parts ultimately killed it for me so I sold up.
My original plan for my 40th was to fit the running gear from an RS3 into a URq (well actually a CQ with the UR arches) and also fit a more modern dash from a later A3 or A1 I can't remember which from my research. I know that would have caused many frowns in the classic audi community but it would have been an awesome car nonetheless
Sadly I parked that idea and bought a mustang instead.
It's too dated as a daily modernish runaround. the quattro is also dated clearly moreso than this and fairly poorly put together. Having owned a UR the exterior and the 5 pot sound was everything to me but the lack of parts ultimately killed it for me so I sold up.
My original plan for my 40th was to fit the running gear from an RS3 into a URq (well actually a CQ with the UR arches) and also fit a more modern dash from a later A3 or A1 I can't remember which from my research. I know that would have caused many frowns in the classic audi community but it would have been an awesome car nonetheless
Sadly I parked that idea and bought a mustang instead.
It's too dated as a daily modernish runaround. the quattro is also dated clearly moreso than this and fairly poorly put together. Having owned a UR the exterior and the 5 pot sound was everything to me but the lack of parts ultimately killed it for me so I sold up.
My original plan for my 40th was to fit the running gear from an RS3 into a URq (well actually a CQ with the UR arches) and also fit a more modern dash from a later A3 or A1 I can't remember which from my research. I know that would have caused many frowns in the classic audi community but it would have been an awesome car nonetheless
Sadly I parked that idea and bought a mustang instead.
Have regularly driven a few old RS cars such as the RS2, B5 RS4, B7 RS4 and own a C5 RS6 Plus, the RS3 felt flat and soul-less in comparison, whereas the earlier RS cars all had something really special. The RS3 didn't really feel that quick - even though on paper it should be a match for my RS6 through the gears. Very strange. Got back in my RS6 after the test drive and it was a far nicer thing - fill of life, full of character and felt an awful lot faster, even though it probably wasn't.
Shame as the 5cyl engine had so much potential.
would show up any swirl marks ect which they're going to be confident it doesn't have.
A dealer having high standards is only a good thing..
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