Going green in an Audi RS3
Discussion
Following on from a year in my 2018 S3 and deliberating about whether to tune it, I'm now joining the ranks of RS3 owners.
Our "anchor" vehicle since 2016 is a distinctive two-tone baby blue VW camper. Last year, I added a Skoda Fabia to the collection - it's been performing brilliantly as an urban runabout for the family. The S3 was shared with my wife originally, but later became "my" car with an annual mileage of c.5,000. This consists of weekend visits to parents, some family trips where a car is better than a van and monthly long business journeys. The S3 is a fabulous package but with that new usage profile and access to a small garage I decided that I could push the boat out a little further.
I'm a serial Audi A/S3 owner, with this RS3 now being my sixth of the series. Previous cars also include a supercharged Golf R32, two tuned Fiat Coupe 20V Turbos, all the 90s/00s hot Renaultsport Clios and various others. I do like the idea of compact, powerful cars - though I much prefer a label-in style and I'm definitely a more sedate driver than is typical.
Spec & history
Finding this car was serendipity - not judgement, just chance. I'd been looking at pre-facelift and facelift RS3s all over the country, but I also watch the stock at a local specialist dealer and saw this one appear on their list.
The factory options are:
- Audi Exclusive Camouflage Green metallic paint
- RS Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather with diamond-quilting and RS3 embossing, in Lunar Silver with Lunar headlining
- Electric lumbar support
- Aluminium Race design inlays
- ‘5-arm Rotor’ alloys (8.5J front, 8J rear) in anthracite black high-gloss finish, diamond cut with 255/30/19 front and 235/35/19 rear tyres
Dynamic package - including Audi Magnetic Ride with RS Sports suspension and RS Sports Exhaust System
Technology package - including HDD-based MMI Satellite Navigation Plus and MMI Touch with high-resolution 7-inch colour display
- Brake calipers painted in red with RS 3 logo
- High-gloss black styling package: radiator grille frame, side air intake funnels, front blades and window frames in high-gloss black; quattro lettering in matt titanium grey in the front air inlet
- Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Privacy glass
- Door Mirrors - Heated, Electrically Adjustable, Folding, w/auto dip on passenger side
- Exterior mirror housing in high-gloss black
I was a little surprised to find that the original owner had omitted cruise control, but otherwise it seems a pretty comprehensive spec as it should have been at around £50k list price when new. The private plate is included with the sale (though I will change it - let me know if interested) and, on top of that, it's a 1-owner car with Audi main dealer history:
Item Mileage Date £ Detail Note
Pre-delivery inspection 39 20/07/2016 - Coulsdon Audi Confirmed via Erwin
Inspection & oil service 9,998 24/07/2018 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; inc. dust & pollen filter
Additional work, MoT 13,885 11/04/2019 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; brake fluid, Haldex fluid, NSF tyre replaced
Oil change service, MoT 14,816 27/06/2019 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; inc. brake fluid, NSR tyre replaced
Inspection & oil service, MoT 18,796 18/09/2020 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; inc. dust & pollen filter, NSF & OSR tyres replaced
MoT 21,931 22/07/2021 - TBC
First impressions
At first, I was very intrigued by this RS3... I mean, come on, it's a real one-off isn't it? But I just wasn't sure about the style. It took me a good week of looking at it online over and over, before finally picking up the phone to the same person who'd sold me the S3. I must admit that I almost didn't go to my viewing the following day - but once I'd seen the car all doubts vanished. I paid what I thought was a very fair price considering the spec and mileage: around 20% more than the cheapest PFL models, but a good chunk less than the cheapest FL RS3.
The car has huge presence in flesh. It's very hard to capture the colour in photographs but clearly it's the star of the show. The bodywork has a few stone chips to the front, with tar & fine scratches all over, plus rusty brake bells and a whiff of a mature ex-owner - I guess it hasn't been pampered but seems clean, original and undamaged. The overall impression is just how it fills the space in front of your eyes and seems like a bigger car than the S3. (Apart from the front wings, it's not... I checked dimensions very carefully because my garage is very tight).
With its optional sports exhaust it barks on start-up, with both this noise and the general aural sensations seeming like a cross between my old supercharged R32 (6-cyl) and tuned Fiat Coupe 20V Turbos (5-cyl). I also can't stress enough how much more weighty the general feel of the car is to drive - it's basically a brute to the S3's sophisticate. I can see how some people find these cars wooden, but it's still an incredible experience. I will add driving notes in time.
Maybe, just maybe, I might have the brake callipers painted a less garish colour and possibly repaint the wheels in the Matt Titanium. For now, I've arranged for this RS3 to have a full back-to-basics paint correction, protection and painting of the brake disc hubs. I will miss a little of the tech compared to my FL S3 with its digital dash, wireless charging etc as part of the Tech pack - but will take it on a case-by-case basis, probably starting with a retrofit of cruise control and possibly a reversing camera.
I'll let you know how I get on.
Our "anchor" vehicle since 2016 is a distinctive two-tone baby blue VW camper. Last year, I added a Skoda Fabia to the collection - it's been performing brilliantly as an urban runabout for the family. The S3 was shared with my wife originally, but later became "my" car with an annual mileage of c.5,000. This consists of weekend visits to parents, some family trips where a car is better than a van and monthly long business journeys. The S3 is a fabulous package but with that new usage profile and access to a small garage I decided that I could push the boat out a little further.
I'm a serial Audi A/S3 owner, with this RS3 now being my sixth of the series. Previous cars also include a supercharged Golf R32, two tuned Fiat Coupe 20V Turbos, all the 90s/00s hot Renaultsport Clios and various others. I do like the idea of compact, powerful cars - though I much prefer a label-in style and I'm definitely a more sedate driver than is typical.
Spec & history
Finding this car was serendipity - not judgement, just chance. I'd been looking at pre-facelift and facelift RS3s all over the country, but I also watch the stock at a local specialist dealer and saw this one appear on their list.
The factory options are:
- Audi Exclusive Camouflage Green metallic paint
- RS Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather with diamond-quilting and RS3 embossing, in Lunar Silver with Lunar headlining
- Electric lumbar support
- Aluminium Race design inlays
- ‘5-arm Rotor’ alloys (8.5J front, 8J rear) in anthracite black high-gloss finish, diamond cut with 255/30/19 front and 235/35/19 rear tyres
Dynamic package - including Audi Magnetic Ride with RS Sports suspension and RS Sports Exhaust System
Technology package - including HDD-based MMI Satellite Navigation Plus and MMI Touch with high-resolution 7-inch colour display
- Brake calipers painted in red with RS 3 logo
- High-gloss black styling package: radiator grille frame, side air intake funnels, front blades and window frames in high-gloss black; quattro lettering in matt titanium grey in the front air inlet
- Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Privacy glass
- Door Mirrors - Heated, Electrically Adjustable, Folding, w/auto dip on passenger side
- Exterior mirror housing in high-gloss black
I was a little surprised to find that the original owner had omitted cruise control, but otherwise it seems a pretty comprehensive spec as it should have been at around £50k list price when new. The private plate is included with the sale (though I will change it - let me know if interested) and, on top of that, it's a 1-owner car with Audi main dealer history:
Item Mileage Date £ Detail Note
Pre-delivery inspection 39 20/07/2016 - Coulsdon Audi Confirmed via Erwin
Inspection & oil service 9,998 24/07/2018 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; inc. dust & pollen filter
Additional work, MoT 13,885 11/04/2019 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; brake fluid, Haldex fluid, NSF tyre replaced
Oil change service, MoT 14,816 27/06/2019 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; inc. brake fluid, NSR tyre replaced
Inspection & oil service, MoT 18,796 18/09/2020 - Crawley Audi Confirmed via Erwin; inc. dust & pollen filter, NSF & OSR tyres replaced
MoT 21,931 22/07/2021 - TBC
First impressions
At first, I was very intrigued by this RS3... I mean, come on, it's a real one-off isn't it? But I just wasn't sure about the style. It took me a good week of looking at it online over and over, before finally picking up the phone to the same person who'd sold me the S3. I must admit that I almost didn't go to my viewing the following day - but once I'd seen the car all doubts vanished. I paid what I thought was a very fair price considering the spec and mileage: around 20% more than the cheapest PFL models, but a good chunk less than the cheapest FL RS3.
The car has huge presence in flesh. It's very hard to capture the colour in photographs but clearly it's the star of the show. The bodywork has a few stone chips to the front, with tar & fine scratches all over, plus rusty brake bells and a whiff of a mature ex-owner - I guess it hasn't been pampered but seems clean, original and undamaged. The overall impression is just how it fills the space in front of your eyes and seems like a bigger car than the S3. (Apart from the front wings, it's not... I checked dimensions very carefully because my garage is very tight).
With its optional sports exhaust it barks on start-up, with both this noise and the general aural sensations seeming like a cross between my old supercharged R32 (6-cyl) and tuned Fiat Coupe 20V Turbos (5-cyl). I also can't stress enough how much more weighty the general feel of the car is to drive - it's basically a brute to the S3's sophisticate. I can see how some people find these cars wooden, but it's still an incredible experience. I will add driving notes in time.
Maybe, just maybe, I might have the brake callipers painted a less garish colour and possibly repaint the wheels in the Matt Titanium. For now, I've arranged for this RS3 to have a full back-to-basics paint correction, protection and painting of the brake disc hubs. I will miss a little of the tech compared to my FL S3 with its digital dash, wireless charging etc as part of the Tech pack - but will take it on a case-by-case basis, probably starting with a retrofit of cruise control and possibly a reversing camera.
I'll let you know how I get on.
Simply a stunning car, never seen one in that colour before!!!!
Friend had a Catalyna red hatch which was an incredible point and shoot car, the acceleration and grin was insane! I don’t get why people meddle with these - it’s perfect as it is!
Look forward to reading about your journey, good work on PFL car too - sounds a heap better than the later cars which are strangled with OPFs.
Si
Friend had a Catalyna red hatch which was an incredible point and shoot car, the acceleration and grin was insane! I don’t get why people meddle with these - it’s perfect as it is!
Look forward to reading about your journey, good work on PFL car too - sounds a heap better than the later cars which are strangled with OPFs.
Si
Didn't know these have wider front wheels/tyres than rear. Probably the first time I've seen this on an OEM road car. FWD drag cars do it to the extreme. Is this exclusive to the RS3 or do other VAG products such as the Golf R also have wider fronts than rears?
Nice colour and spec. A good all rounder I imagine with the 5 doors, medium sized, all weather traction and understated looks.
Nice colour and spec. A good all rounder I imagine with the 5 doors, medium sized, all weather traction and understated looks.
DanG355 said:
Didn't know these have wider front wheels/tyres than rear. Probably the first time I've seen this on an OEM road car. FWD drag cars do it to the extreme. Is this exclusive to the RS3 or do other VAG products such as the Golf R also have wider fronts than rears?
Nice colour and spec. A good all rounder I imagine with the 5 doors, medium sized, all weather traction and understated looks.
It's an option with the upgraded wheels Nice colour and spec. A good all rounder I imagine with the 5 doors, medium sized, all weather traction and understated looks.
W00DY said:
Can't believe cruise wasn't standard.
There is someone based near me who fits cruise a long with various other options that were not fitted at factory. https://audi-retrofits.co.uk/
He's really good and super knowledgeable.
Incredible car! I briefly looked at these after my Yaris went they have held their money really well. I think it really suits the green exterior and light coloured interior looks a lot more grown up.
Specs are really weird on all german hot hatches it seems when I was looking there was some stuff missing which made you think surely on a 50k motor this would be standard fit and then it had things which made you think why have they even bothered spending the money on them!
Hope you enjoy the car seems like a natural progression from the s3
Specs are really weird on all german hot hatches it seems when I was looking there was some stuff missing which made you think surely on a 50k motor this would be standard fit and then it had things which made you think why have they even bothered spending the money on them!
Hope you enjoy the car seems like a natural progression from the s3
Lovely car and a fine purchase, fantastic spec but doesn't surprise me that cruise wasn't on it as they really want to get you loading the car up with add ons. A lot of whats standard on my golf 7 GTD, Audi wanted you to pay for... Cruise being such an example.
I detest those wheels though, entirely too common and done to death across the Audi range. For me some tasteful aftermarket or even some different VAG rims would compliment although each to their own.
I detest those wheels though, entirely too common and done to death across the Audi range. For me some tasteful aftermarket or even some different VAG rims would compliment although each to their own.
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone. 
The car has had an intensive paint correction, ceramic coat, wheel centres painted and de-badge at the place I bought from. Pictured here next to its predecessor:
The S3's silver accents and non-tinted windows etc are more to my usual taste (and, increasingly, a minority one at that), so this is quite a style departure for me. I'm currently thinking of dark green brake calipers and a refurb to OEM matt grey centres for the RS3's wheels. The dark glass looks uneconomic to replace and those wheels are too iconic to the RS3 to entirely swap, though.
New purchases can present mechanical or service-related needs after a few weeks of ownership, so I'll take things cautiously as these would be the priority. The car will need oil, Haldex & brake fluids, plus spark plugs later this year according to my first assessment. I've got a few months to decide whether or not to continue with the full Audi maintenance history.
In the meantime I've transferred over the boot liner, first aid kit and a few other things from the S3 and bought some wheel nut covers to replace missing ones on the new car. My own plate will be going on and this current one will be sold.
Is there a performance difference? Unequivocally - yes. My S3 was a remapped to around 350hp / 335lb.ft and so it was quite close in terms of peak power to this pre-facelift RS3 with 367hp / 343lb.ft. In real life, day-to-day driving the performance isn't as close as those numbers would suggest because of the power and torque bands (plus many dynos showing closer to 400hp standard). There's a really deceptive nature to how it builds speed and, as mentioned earlier, an overwhelming sense of heft despite near-identical weight. So, again, yes it feels more planted. Special, undoubtedly - not least because it's a much noisier engine and exhaust.
We're taking the van away on a holiday with us, meaning that it's now tucked-up in its garage for a little while. I will be doing a 500-mile business trip soon though and giving it a little more use once we're all back to school.
The car has had an intensive paint correction, ceramic coat, wheel centres painted and de-badge at the place I bought from. Pictured here next to its predecessor:
The S3's silver accents and non-tinted windows etc are more to my usual taste (and, increasingly, a minority one at that), so this is quite a style departure for me. I'm currently thinking of dark green brake calipers and a refurb to OEM matt grey centres for the RS3's wheels. The dark glass looks uneconomic to replace and those wheels are too iconic to the RS3 to entirely swap, though.
New purchases can present mechanical or service-related needs after a few weeks of ownership, so I'll take things cautiously as these would be the priority. The car will need oil, Haldex & brake fluids, plus spark plugs later this year according to my first assessment. I've got a few months to decide whether or not to continue with the full Audi maintenance history.
In the meantime I've transferred over the boot liner, first aid kit and a few other things from the S3 and bought some wheel nut covers to replace missing ones on the new car. My own plate will be going on and this current one will be sold.
Is there a performance difference? Unequivocally - yes. My S3 was a remapped to around 350hp / 335lb.ft and so it was quite close in terms of peak power to this pre-facelift RS3 with 367hp / 343lb.ft. In real life, day-to-day driving the performance isn't as close as those numbers would suggest because of the power and torque bands (plus many dynos showing closer to 400hp standard). There's a really deceptive nature to how it builds speed and, as mentioned earlier, an overwhelming sense of heft despite near-identical weight. So, again, yes it feels more planted. Special, undoubtedly - not least because it's a much noisier engine and exhaust.
We're taking the van away on a holiday with us, meaning that it's now tucked-up in its garage for a little while. I will be doing a 500-mile business trip soon though and giving it a little more use once we're all back to school.
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