[P_G]

Same could be said for our RS3's and most of us who bought new paid £36-42K for one which 2-3 years ago was seen as madness, so not much has changed. I'm not advocating the price by any means and hope it won't be as much as some have suggested, but with marginally more power, a good bit less weight, better emissions and seemingly good handling if the MQB platform cars are anything to go by it has potential (in the right colour combo of course!) to be a far better product than the 8P was minus exclusivity.

[MartayMcFly]

That looks considerably better than the release pics. Optics is an absolute must have, but not sold on the Nardo. It's going to be common.

[P_G]

It's funny how this slating of the successor model always happens. B7 S4 owners including myself couldn't see how you justified the extra money for a B7 RS4, then B7 RS4 owners hated the B8, C5 RS6 owners thought the C6 was a luxury barge  and C6 to C7 but guess what, most went and owned one of the cars they initially said they couldn't see themselves changing for. Possibly the TTRS is the only car RS that hasn't suffered in the same way, even the facelift RS5 got criticised when it ends up that it is a dynamically better car than the original!

Edited by P_G, 16 January 2015 - 10:29 AM.

[A18KNY]

Im not slating the car, just think 45 is a big starting price for then to put on 10k of extras. Because most of us here would add around that much extras id imagine.

The car is good and want to see it in real life, just not sure if its worth (with extras) the same as a standard RS4

[dbm]

Plus, the RS4 does look noticeable different from even an S4. The flared rear arches contribute a lot to that. The difference in look between the new S3 and RS3 is much less. I checked the technical information and IIRC there was something like 10mm extra track at the front with nothing extra at the rear comparing the two cars.

I'm absolutely sure that it will be a better car to drive than the 8P RS3. It's just hard to justify the cost. Maybe that recession thing wasn't a con after all?

[A18KNY]

I agree, very noticable difference in the S4 to RS4. I wish they would flare the arches of the RS3, its crying out for it and woud look the muts nuts :-)

[Klauster]

I'm afraid they have managed to make it look even more boring... i didnt think it was possible but they have managed it.... styling wise its deffo not on the money, even the alloys do nothing for me, I am sure it will drive 10 times better than the 8P RS3 mind, as for the price tag, anyone paying retail price needs their head examined!

[A18KNY]

Styling is poor, even flared arches would have been a start, and i agree with the wheels they look like a terrible after thought. Will need a nice set of oz wheels on there

[MCP_RS3]

Cars a beast and looks 1000times better than the S3 i would like to see more pics in dark grey and white . it might feel like a version windows 7 to 8 kinda feel but once you experience it fully then no going back. MQB platform revised motor better tech ..........

[PT3]

Cars a beast and looks 1000times better than the S3 i would like to see more pics in dark grey and white . it might feel like a version windows 7 to 8 kinda feel but once you experience it fully then no going back. MQB platform revised motor better tech ..........

have you driven it?

[MCP_RS3]

No what i mean is like with the golf 7R same thing looks boring compared to the golf 6R but once you drove the 7R you could feel a huge improvement much lighter faster technology 100 times better gear shifts quicker and smoother sounds better and like with the new RS3 it shares the MQB platform and eventaully the looks grow on you ? Just my 2c but hey lets see if i am right hey ?

[A18KNY]

I think your right but kust wish they would throw caution to the wind once in a while, i think it would go down well a bit of a stand out Audi

[MartayMcFly]

The main reason I started looking at this as a potential replacement for the monster, is that I've never had a factory built car, in fact I've not even had a current-gen model (my S3 was pre facelift). I understand there not being much point for 8P RS3 owners spending almost what their car is worth on top of selling their car to get this new one, And I think we've already been over the let down in the styling department. Let's be honest though, they were never going to just make the clubsport quattro concept into a production car.

[dbm]

Let's be honest though, they were never going to just make the clubsport quattro concept into a production car.

 

That's pretty much what they did with the original TT, so there was hope...

[MCP_RS3]

Ohh clubsport now thats something

[A18KNY]

I think there would be a que out the door for one of them

[gruff500]

It ain't giving me that I've got to have it feeling,hopefully if a saloon comes out that might look better.

I agree - it will be good to see one in the flesh, but Audi have always been good at making their base models look more purposeful than they really are so I'm struggling to understand why they have toned down the new RS3? The RS6 for example looks significantly more intent on eating super cars for breakfast than the A6, but this new RS3 just isn't giving me the same 'I bet that's an RS monster' when I look at it. And for £50k with extras I would definitely expect that.

Colour is a very personal choice but I'm not sure the new nardo grey works for me either, but I'm sure it will look better in the flesh.

[MacD]

I'm going to reserve my full judgement until i see one in the flesh as i'm sure pictures don't do it full justice.

 

What immediately strikes me though is the lack of flair in the front arches,  It look's toned down compared to the current model in my opinion.

 

I'm not sure it will have as much presence on the road but let's see.

[Klauster]

Cars a beast and looks 1000times better than the S3 i would like to see more pics in dark grey and white . it might feel like a version windows 7 to 8 kinda feel but once you experience it fully then no going back. MQB platform revised motor better tech ..........

That makes no sense, windows 8 is utter crap

[MartayMcFly]

Windows 8 is like the iPhone. I was excited about the upgrade until I got it and am now completely under-whelmed. Maybe I just expect too much in general?

On the other hand, as the RS3 is looking less and less appealing and I look at the alternatives, I found this oddly tempting prospect to tell people "I drive a Jag" and then show them this - http://www.pistonhea...ed-2013/3018499