RS3 Prospective owners only information thread

[Riz]

Maybe I mis-understand/underestimate the R32. I just see it as a 3.2 litre 240BHP Golf, up there with the driving dynamics of the 3.2 A3? Nice, but not special as such...?

This review sums up both models very well

Volkswagen Golf R32 | Long Term Tests | Car Reviews | evo

To some it is just a 3.2 V6 Golf, but to others its not (me), one of the reasons why Volkswagen sold 3x more than they thought and planned they would 2002-2003.... the R32 wen't down a storm, the buzz and excitement when it was announced was apparent, even on forums like Tyresmoke, I have yet to see any forum/threads which come close to the R32 in this respect, I guess times have moved on and so have people and their requirements.

But I just don't feel excited about the RS3, I tired to be, got the brochure and gone through it a few times but there is no connection :s

As I have mentioned in the past some cars just hold something special about them (sum of its parts) even when they are dated and superseded, the original R32 and RS4 are the ones for me. Both low, wide and mean looking. Both are far from perfect though but have something which newer and more modern cars lack.... real undiluted charm.

Riz

[Mac]

They're not comparable cars though are they in terms of performance? Nobody would go out choosing between a 40K+ sub5s to 60 RS3 and a sub 7s Golf...?

For what it's worth, I don't feel any joy about the RS3 either. It's on a practically pre-historic platform now, and just....well isn't that special. To be fair Audi have massively diluted the RS brand anyways, and I guess the RS3 is just further proof of that. Sad times.

Edited December 29, 2011 by Mac

[Riz]

They're not comparable cars though are they in terms of performance? Nobody would go out choosing between a 40K+ sub5s to 60 RS3 and a sub 7s Golf...?

For what it's worth, I don't feel any joy about the RS3 either. It's on a practically pre-historic platform now, and just....well isn't that special. To be fair Audi have massively diluted the RS brand anyways, and I guess the RS3 is just further proof of that. Sad times.

Correct but performance isn't everything

Yup the RS brand is being diluted, the got away with the B7 RS4 as it was a game changer for Audi but after than everything wen't downhill.

Riz

[ashleywater]

My own personal view on the RS3 is that it should gave been available as a 3 door with manual option and flared rear arches, not really a lot to ask for IMHO, but I think that in 3 door format it would have taken all the TTRS (A p1ss poor selling car anyway) and some of RS5 sales, and it would not have looked so pig ugly as the SB does compared to the three door.

We should be seeing the new A3 Q1 next year, and if I am honest, if there is an S3 available next year, then all bets are off, in regards to my RS3 order

[Riz]

My own personal view on the RS3 is that it should gave been available as a 3 door with manual option and flared rear arches, not really a lot to ask for IMHO, but I think that in 3 door format it would have taken all the TTRS (A p1ss poor selling car anyway) and some of RS5 sales, and it would not have looked so pig ugly as the SB does compared to the three door.

We should be seeing the new A3 Q1 next year, and if I am honest, if there is an S3 available next year, then all bets are off, in regards to my RS3 order

Yup RS3 in 3dr with real flared arches may have done it for me :D

I wonder if somebody crazy enough would buy a new S3 and RS3 then have it converted :D

Riz

[Mac]

Correct but performance isn't everything

Yup the RS brand is being diluted, the got away with the B7 RS4 as it was a game changer for Audi but after than everything wen't downhill.

Riz

.....but that was my point Riz. You can't say don't get an RS3 get an R32 any more then you'd say don't get an RS3 get an A7. Totally and utterly different cars.

[Riz]

.....but that was my point Riz. You can't say don't get an RS3 get an R32 any more then you'd say don't get an RS3 get an A7. Totally and utterly different cars.

I only suggested it as he was looking for a low mileage mint example, which led me to think that maybe if he found one that the RS3 order may get cancelled

Yes they are different cars but if both bring smiles equally but one costs x amount more its logical to look at alternatives..... so buying a nice MK4 R32 for the time being and cancelling the RS3 order could make financial sense in the long run.

Less deprecation, bank the spare cash and wait to see what comes out in 2012/13, the next S3 may end up being a cracking car

Riz

[Mac]

Why not an A5? A Ford Focus? Just as comparable

My point being you're trying to compare something that's supposed to be up there with the best of the fast car offerings from a major manufacturer, with something that's supposed to be a quick hatchback. They just ain't the same.

Why not buy a Golf TDi and save even more money?

[Mac]

I could have bought an Audi S3/RS3 if I really wanted to but I questioned myself in the fact would it give me a cheesy grin like the R32 does, in the short-term probably yes, but in the long run I would just get bored of it.

Even from a position of not getting the RS3, and thinking the R32 is nothing but a hot hatch, I can't imagine an R32 ever being more fun ownership than an RS3. That's rose-tinted spectacles talking their Riz

[Riz]

Even from a position of not getting the RS3, and thinking the R32 is nothing but a hot hatch, I can't imagine an R32 ever being more fun ownership than an RS3. That's rose-tinted spectacles talking their Riz

I guess individuals perception of fun differs I rather have my classic mini than lets say a BMW M3

And I rather have my R32 hence why I have not bought a RS3, the RS3 offers me nothing more but power and a nice badge

Riz

[Mac]

Again, you're not comparing apples to apples are ya?

If the mini and the M3 were the same price and natural competitors then you'd have a fair comparison. They're not, so you don't?

More power, faster, better handling, better fuel economy, warranty, soft perception of a more quality badge? Yeah, you're right, the RS3 is crap compared to the R32.

It's OK to prefer car A over B for purely personal reason, no issue at all - but to pretend it's for anything other than subjective opinion, especially for a car you've not driven or had experience of, is a weak at best.

[Cuprabob]

Riz, did someone tell you the R32 was a fun car to drive? 7k miles since 2004 says otherwise

As much as I'm a big fan of R32s in both guises I'm with Mac on this one. In fact, the current Golf R is a much better car than the R32 in everyway with the only thing being the lack of soundtrack against it but that only counts for so much.

[ashleywater]

Riz, did someone tell you the R32 was a fun car to drive? 7k miles since 2004 says otherwise

As much as I'm a big fan of R32s in both guises I'm with Mac on this one. In fact, the current Golf R is a much better car than the R32 in everyway with the only thing being the lack of soundtrack against it but that only counts for so much.

I would agree with both you and Riz to some extent, the Golf R is a better car, but I think what Riz is saying, is that the MK4 was just a more "special" car in essence, I dont think it is any coincidence that it is such a "Cult" car in the US, and is tuned to achieve some mental dyno figures.

I do get where Riz is coming from, because in all honesty as a bit of a Golf fan, since the Mk1 GTI, the MK4 was raw, and exciting,back when, pretty much as a Cooper S, would have been to a mini fan back in the day,it was deemed to be a return to a "performance" Golf after all the dissappointments of the MK3 and Porker MK4 GTI's, which lets face it, were absolute shite, apart from the 150 PDI unit, which although not particularly sporting, was rather a hoot to drive, with all that mid range punch

Also I seem to remember this particular forum being awash with the MK4 R32 crowd, when it came out, at a guess, I dont think there has been such a car before or since on TSN, that generated the interest and discussion that the MK4 R32 did, if I am incorrect in that view, please someone correct me.

[Cuprabob]

I would agree with both you and Riz to some extent, the Golf R is a better car, but I think what Riz is saying, is that the MK4 was just a more "special" car in essence, I dont think it is any coincidence that it is such a "Cult" car in the US, and is tuned to achieve some mental dyno figures.

I do get where Riz is coming from, because in all honesty as a bit of a Golf fan, since the Mk1 GTI, the MK4 was raw, and exciting,back when, pretty much as a Cooper S, would have been to a mini fan back in the day,it was deemed to be a return to a "performance" Golf after all the dissappointments of the MK3 and Porker MK4 GTI's, which lets face it, were absolute shite, apart from the 150 PDI unit, which although not particularly sporting, was rather a hoot to drive, with all that mid range punch

Also I seem to remember this particular forum being awash with the MK4 R32 crowd, when it came out, at a guess, I dont think there has been such a car before or since on TSN, that generated the interest and discussion that the MK4 R32 did, if I am incorrect in that view, please someone correct me.

I hear what you are saying and agree at the time the MK4 R32 broke the mould and it now has a cult following.

I too have been a Golf fan ever since owning a MK1 GTI in the 80s when I was a lad.

[Riz]

Yes this is what I was trying to say..... where is all the excitement and buzz? :D The rave reviews in EVO magazine?

Riz

[Cuprabob]

Yes this is what I was trying to say..... where is all the excitement and buzz? :D The rave reviews in EVO magazine?

Riz

I think time has moved on and you don't get that buzz anymore when a "special" car is launched.

[AZURES3]

With the next generation A3 going in to production Q1 2012 do you think they may cancel the orders they have for some customers, a colleague at work is still waiting and feels this maybe the case

[ashleywater]

With the next generation A3 going in to production Q1 2012 do you think they may cancel the orders they have for some customers, a colleague at work is still waiting and feels this maybe the case

That is a possibility in my own case, cant speak for others, but we'll have to wait and see.

I think AG have managed to make what could have been an extremely special car, into an extremely mundane one, the Bean counters appear to have hijacked the brief, from the Engineers, the result a "practical" compromise, totally compromised IMHO

[Soulboy]

I would have canceled the RS3 months ago. I just couldn't stand the thought of paying all that cash to Audi after the pi55 taking they have been doing on this model.

Its ridiculous. I can't help but think they are doing it on purpose for some obscure reason.

As for the R32. I did love mine, but time moves on.

You can't just say everyone should have one regardless of budget/requirements etc.

Having the brochure isn't like owning the car. If Riz had one,I am sure he would be recommending everyone else to get one and not consider anything else.

[Riz]

I would have canceled the RS3 months ago. I just couldn't stand the thought of paying all that cash to Audi after the pi55 taking they have been doing on this model.

Its ridiculous. I can't help but think they are doing it on purpose for some obscure reason.

As for the R32. I did love mine, but time moves on.

You can't just say everyone should have one regardless of budget/requirements etc.

Having the brochure isn't like owning the car. If Riz had one,I am sure he would be recommending everyone else to get one and not consider anything else.

I guess its the nature of the game, owners will naturally protect the rep of their car etc.... :D

Riz

[ashleywater]

Anyone genuinely interested in a nicely specced Ibis white RS3 , brand new unregistered at list price in Audi dealers, PM me.

I was offered this car as an alternative to my order, but due to the fact I have actually received confirmed build date week 8 on mine,I am passing on it.

[Cuprabob]

Anyone genuinely interested in a nicely specced Ibis white RS3 , brand new unregistered at list price in Audi dealers, PM me.

I was offered this car as an alternative to my order, but due to the fact I have actually received confirmed build date week 8 on mine,I am passing on it.

Glad you got a build week, just need to wait what year it will be in:roflmao:

Seriously though, sounds as if you will have it by E/Mar

[Riz]

Anyone genuinely interested in a nicely specced Ibis white RS3 , brand new unregistered at list price in Audi dealers, PM me.

I was offered this car as an alternative to my order, but due to the fact I have actually received confirmed build date week 8 on mine,I am passing on it.

Woohooo so your going to get it in the end.... full review please

Riz

[ashleywater]

Glad you got a build week, just need to wait what year it will be in:roflmao:

Seriously though, sounds as if you will have it by E/Mar

Well aparently 6-8 weeks later SIARI by my steaer, as the car goes to RS for QA and a track test apparently, so realistically week 14 at stealers.

This will be 16 months from date of deposit,15 months from order placenent, does this constitute a worlds feckin record, for a pimped A3????

I will post up first impressions Riz, always depending if the thing ever makes it to the shores of blighty of course

I am going to insist that the stealers organise the biggest and most expensive "handover" they have ever carried out, barstewards!

They owe me and all the other Suzuka customers out there, big time

[SiT]

To Ashleywater - suprised you've stuck with it to be honest. I would really like one of these and truly find my S3 hard to replace and would jump at this if it wasn't for the price and circumstances but hey hoo each to their own.

Just to think to wait for this long for just this car... man i hope it is REAL FECKIN GOOD..!!!!!

Looking forward to honest, personal review.