tailpipe
January 24th, 2011, 15:08
This ought to be called a 'summary of initial snow tests' rather than road tests, since the only occasion that journalists have had to test the RS3 was at a somewhat one-dimensional Audi Canada event at Mount Tremblant in Quebec. So far all of the major UK publications (Autocar, Evo, Auto Express, Top Gear, and Car) have driven the car. I believe that German, French and Italian journalists were also present. A number of online magazines have also experienced the car, including Fourtitude. Though somewhat limited by the snowy conditions and surfaces afforded by the test, early impressions are hugely positive. My take on the collective judgement provided by these tests is as follows:
Although the RS3 is based on a mature platform, the changes under the skin are significant enough to provide a substantially different driving experience from the S3 let alone a standard A3. The RS3 distinguished itself on the snowy test circuit lapping with extraordinary speed and control. On ordinary roads, it is expected to set a blisteringly quick A to B pace that will belie its looks and set a performance benchmark for the hot hatch category.
The Haldex AWD system is obviously front wheel biased, but it does an admirable job of transferring power to the rear wheels as the situation demands. The wider 19" front wheels help reduce if not eliminate understeer versus the S3 and other super hot hatches such as the Golf R and Ford Focus RS, which tend to understeer on the limit.
The styling tweaks are judged to be subtle - too subtle for some - and in keeping with the traditional understated approach Audi prefers for its RS models. Although the front air dams are large and somewhat aggressive, especially with the optional matt aluminium package that frames these openings to accentuate their size, there really isn't much else to indicate the performance potential of the car.
The combination of the new 5-cylinder engine and 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox was liked a lot. Together they make the car easy and enjoyable to drive fast. A major criticism is the steering which is accused of lacking directness and feel. However, the chassis and AWD system do much to overcome such limitations due to the ease with which the car can be drifted through long sweeping corners. Though the RS3 is immensely powerful, it never feels anything other than surefooted and stable even on snow and ice. Though some testers complained about the ride, most said that although firm it was not too hard or uncomfortable.
Likes
- Engine and engine sound
- Impressive economy and emissions for such a powerful car
- New 7-speed S-Tronic auto gearbox
- Sheer power of the thing
- Interior quality
- 0-100 kph understated
- Handling balance
- Grin factor
Dislikes
- Steering lacks feel
- Firmness of the suspension
- A3 near platform replacement date
- Not available in USA
- Price
Although the RS3 is based on a mature platform, the changes under the skin are significant enough to provide a substantially different driving experience from the S3 let alone a standard A3. The RS3 distinguished itself on the snowy test circuit lapping with extraordinary speed and control. On ordinary roads, it is expected to set a blisteringly quick A to B pace that will belie its looks and set a performance benchmark for the hot hatch category.
The Haldex AWD system is obviously front wheel biased, but it does an admirable job of transferring power to the rear wheels as the situation demands. The wider 19" front wheels help reduce if not eliminate understeer versus the S3 and other super hot hatches such as the Golf R and Ford Focus RS, which tend to understeer on the limit.
The styling tweaks are judged to be subtle - too subtle for some - and in keeping with the traditional understated approach Audi prefers for its RS models. Although the front air dams are large and somewhat aggressive, especially with the optional matt aluminium package that frames these openings to accentuate their size, there really isn't much else to indicate the performance potential of the car.
The combination of the new 5-cylinder engine and 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox was liked a lot. Together they make the car easy and enjoyable to drive fast. A major criticism is the steering which is accused of lacking directness and feel. However, the chassis and AWD system do much to overcome such limitations due to the ease with which the car can be drifted through long sweeping corners. Though the RS3 is immensely powerful, it never feels anything other than surefooted and stable even on snow and ice. Though some testers complained about the ride, most said that although firm it was not too hard or uncomfortable.
Likes
- Engine and engine sound
- Impressive economy and emissions for such a powerful car
- New 7-speed S-Tronic auto gearbox
- Sheer power of the thing
- Interior quality
- 0-100 kph understated
- Handling balance
- Grin factor
Dislikes
- Steering lacks feel
- Firmness of the suspension
- A3 near platform replacement date
- Not available in USA
- Price