[MacD]

Finally I managed to get a day off and get the RS3 into Audi for its first service plus warranty work that was needed, so I thought as many of us are Audi fans I'd do a little review of the day.

 

For our loan car we were given the new RS4 with a few little extras.

 

Extra spec included:

 

Fine nappa leather 

Carbon trim -   Best looking trim!

20" Alloys -   A must for looks

Sports package-   Dynamic ride control/steering & sports exhaust-  essential to have the sports suspension/steering at least.

 

B&O Sound system -   Take it or leave it

Advanced key with start button-    Desireable

Black styling pack-   Looks good on a black car

Open sky panoramic sunroof-   On my essentials list

Advanced park system including rear camera-   A nice toy to have.

 

I’m handed the keys and I head out to the car park to find out where its parked, it looks pretty discreet with the black styling pack perhaps blending in to the other A4’s and A5’s within the car park or at least to the un trained eye.  

 

First impression’s on stepping inside the car was that it feels much bigger and so spacious compared to the RS3, Not a bad thing when you’re a little larger than average!

 

The cockpit is a relaxing place to be and is better equipped as a big comfy cruiser that'll swallow up miles in relative comfort.

Everything is well placed, better specced and well insulated so I knew instantly before I’d even started the engine I’d have to spend the day checking the speedo regularly.

 

We packed up the car with a baby seat secured into the rear and a pram actually looking lost in the huge boot….  Which reminds me I’m impressed with the remote boot opening and closing feature, small things and all that!

 

From the minute you press the aluminum start button and that V8 roars into life a few subtly placed "RS4" badges remind you that this isn't just an A4 Avant but something a bit more special.

 

 

 

Off we go then drive up to the Lake District to test out some of the roads for the up coming gathering.

 

We negotiate a few miles of town stop start traffic on the motorway with the car in “Comfort” mode while I get used to the feel of it

 

The suspension just soaks up the bumps, the gearbox behaves smoothly and the throttle pedal soft making town in a performance car a doddle.

 

We hit the motorway and as I ascend the slip road I switch to full on sports mode or “Dynamic”.

 

Why it’s not just labeled sport is beyond me?

 

As soon as the buttons pressed to toggle between the various settings the V8 sound is more apparent, the suspension stiffens up giving perhaps a slightly firmer ride to the RS3, the steering tightens to give a more direct feel and the gearbox switches to what we’d expect from “S” on the RS3.

 

I immediately notice the lack of low down torque I’ve come to expect from just a slight squeeze of the RS3 throttle especially since the APR software, It comes flooding back from my B7 RS4 days that this lump really needs to be wound up high, That lazy V8 revs all the way up to 8,000 rpm where once in the high range comes into its own both with power delivery and that sound track…. Oh what a noise!

 

Cruising the 30 miles up the motorway just flew by as I switched back into Comfort mode to absorb the undulating road surface that is the M6. 

[MacD]

The A roads come soon enough and once the times right back into Dynamic for a few overtakes and what I’d describe as the jewel in the Lake districts crown….  Kirkstone pass!

 

 

 

 

Tight left and rights one after another, Some with plenty of view to smooth out the corners and plenty to test out those huge RS branded front calipers…  This car stops so well for something 200Kgs heavier than the RS3.

 

As we head down the decent into Windermere I’m astounded at just how this car behaves for something of its size, It feels as wide as our Range Rover yet as nimble as plenty of hot hatches I’ve driven in the past.

 

Despite being discreet in its looks It also turns heads, Perhaps they just heard the sports exhaust burbling the V8 sound track smashing the tranquility of those out rambling for some peace and quiet?

 

As we head back south towards the dealership having clocked up just over 200 miles I’m left pondering the for’s and against’s of this car and seriously thinking about if I’d consider a move away from the RS3.

 

It’s certainly slower than my RS3, Perhaps even pitted against a stock RS3 it’d still feel slower with its better insulation and better damping?

However on paper it’s an even match in the traffic light drag 0-60 figures!

 

Is it unfair to directly compare as we all know I’d be comparing a hot hatch to a cruiser, It’d be a it like pairing up Mike Tyson in a fight with Amir Khan.  Both have their strengths and weaknesses but in the name of research….

 

The RS4 feels better built giving you a sense your better protected at any speed should the worst happen which was a big plus for me when you’ve a little one sat in the back seat.  

 

Its better equipped, Perhaps a lesson learnt too about buying a dealer specced car and not ticking that options list myself when I bought the RS3 !!!

 

It’s thirstier, I averaged 16-18mpg through the twisties and up to 29mpg on the motorway if you sit at the legal limit.   Around 4-6 mpg less than the RS3 that’s all.

 

As I climb back into the RS3 and somewhat reluctantly give back the keys I’m comforted as shut the door on the RS3 that it doesn’t feel as tinny as perhaps I was expecting,  It feels lighter, More nimble and still put a smile on my face as the turbo punched me down the road home.

 

 

 

 

Will I be swapping?   Who knows?

 

What I did get out of today was a huge reminder of just how good the engine in the RS3 is!  

 

Bring on the Lakes day out so I can re visit those roads. 

 

Thanks to Preston Audi for the loan of the RS4,  I was informed as I collected the keys this morning that the car had been sold the previous day but they had to honour the promise of my day out.

 

If your reading this and you recognise the registration as your the new owner then firstly sorry and secondly i'd like to inform you its defiantly been run in 

[Kelza]

Great review MacD ,can hardly wait to see all those lovely RS3's together at last !

[Ironhorse 874]

When my RS3 had its first service I was lent an s5 with 900 miles on the clock and though I liked the car and it was great to drive at the end of the day it was nice to get back in the RS3 and drive a true drivers car that five cylinder engine is a peach and the more I drive it the more I love it

[Uncle Fester]

Good unbiased write up Steve,its a good time to order a new RS4 as people are saying on the RS246 forum that they are getting up to 20% discount with Audi UK and dealer contributions.It's not the buying of the car but the running costs which will be significantly more than that of the RS3 plus with the the big discounts offered on new make the residuals on used a lot lower.

[Tommyzoom]

Great review.

I was really impressed with the RS4 on my test drive...and tempted to change...but stayed with the RS3.

[MacD]

Good unbiased write up Steve,its a good time to order a new RS4 as people are saying on the RS246 forum that they are getting up to 20% discount with Audi UK and dealer contributions.It's not the buying of the car but the running costs which will be significantly more than that of the RS3 plus with the the big discounts offered on new make the residuals on used a lot lower.

 

Residuals appear to be good at present while most cars are still in dealer stock.

 

I'm sure that will change in 12 months or so though which would be a worry, That said it'd be a three year keeper.

 

There appear to be plenty of discount stories about, I was even offered the £7500 discount on a car prior to even taking it out or discussing options. 

I'm going to look at options and do some research into what deals are around and maybe crunch a few numbers. 

[Lady C]

I have to admit, I didn't want to like the RS4. Knowing Steve like I do, he's rather... erm... compulsive and I that is usally expensive!

 

It felt nimble for a large cruiser albeit it did take a heavier right foot than the RS3 does. Having said that, I really liked it.

 

I was impressed at how secure I felt in the cabin (even with Steve driving and that's saying something!)

 

Watch this space...!

[Kelza]

Tbh next to my RS3 the rs4 is in a different class ,stunning inside and out ,with a good few extra features like panoramic roof ,20 inch alloys ,dynamic suspension etc ,etc ,I know a lot of features are factory order like the RS3 but I was like want want want ...let's see what tomorrow brings as I was straight on the phone to Audi ...thanks for sharing MacD ...

[P_G]

Residuals appear to be good at present while most cars are still in dealer stock.

 

I'm sure that will change in 12 months or so though which would be a worry, That said it'd be a three year keeper.

 

There appear to be plenty of discount stories about, I was even offered the £7500 discount on a car prior to even taking it out or discussing options. 

I'm going to look at options and do some research into what deals are around and maybe crunch a few numbers. 

 

I'd be quick as the £7500 dealer / Audi contribution incentive ends this month on June delivery cars. Overall percentage can be as good as 22% depending on which dealer you go to.

 

The RS4 is a nice place to be however I also elected to go RS3. The B8 is for me more torque light than the B7, largely due to the B8's increased weight and the power train is very reliant on the s-tronic as if it were pulling it along whereas a remapped B7 felt like a linear shove in the back. But ultimately you could feel the B8's weight when driving it round Oulton Park as I had the chance to do. I wouldn't opt the sports pack as even the sports exhaust is lame and needs a Capristo to make it sound decent and if anything, it is more thirsty than the B7. Agreed the RS3 cabin is dated next to the B8 and the haldex vs torsen saga continues, but the B8 for me wasn't a significant step forward on the B7 and the '3 is more nimble, frugal, easily tunable and residuals will hold better as they are further down the line. With all these cheap new RS4's going, it is an artificially inflated market so you would have to keep it a good while to realise what you put into it. But certainly not a bad car to have.

[Klauster]

The residuals on the RS4 are pants

[MacD]

I've got an RS5 for the day tomorrow, but I know it's not gonna be worth writing about!

Get yourself out and about in it, The RS5 despite being heavy is a good drive.

[CarrG]

 The RS5 I drove at Audi Sport Showcase was much better than I'd thought it would be going off some reviews.

I've got an RS5 for the day tomorrow, but I know it's not gonna be worth writing about!

[MacD]

It'd definitely not as agile as the RS4,  The sports suspension, steering and gearing probably helped a lot.

 

Isn't the RS5 on the older DSG box too ? 

[P_G]

I've got an RS5 for the day tomorrow, but I know it's not gonna be worth writing about!

 

In fairness more people rave about the RS5 more than the RS4, especially the facelift version because the recalibrated it as well so it is a decent car. The Audi instructors used RS5's to show the B8 RS4 drivers around Oulton and the other events and the RS5's have replaced the B7 RS4 saloon IIRC on the Audi experience events.

 

Good car if you don't need constant rear passenger leg room. But the V8's are thirsty when you wind them up to their potent best and the combined cycle figures a bit of a myth.

Edited by P_G, 14 March 2014 - 09:44 AM.

[MacD]

I've not driven the facelift, did they revise much other than the headlights then?

Best discount I've been offered so far has been £9800 off the list of a £62k spec car on "car wow"

I'm having a chat Saturday to discuss a few figures and see how they rate the 3 when it comes to trade in.

[P_G]

I believe their were damper, s-tronic gearing and diff. changes as well.

[P_G]

They are healthy discounts and great for those buying one however it begs the question, if they were that good would such discounts be necessary? I don't recall B7's having anywhere near that and if the economists are to be believed, the global economy is as healthy as it was in 2007/8 albeit *** are struggling in the Motherland.

Edited by P_G, 14 March 2014 - 02:29 PM.

[Uncle Fester]

I've not driven the facelift, did they revise much other than the headlights then?

Best discount I've been offered so far has been £9800 off the list of a £62k spec car.

I'm having a chat Saturday to discuss a few figures and see how they rate the 3 when it comes to trade in.

 

 

I believe their were damper, s-tronic gearing and diff. changes as well.

My 2012 models have new front end including the grille and lights ,rear lights ,also the braking was upgraded with the "wavy" discs,electric power steering and the interior has new dials ,mmi with new  controls,steering wheel has a round centre instead of that odd shape that mimicked the front grille  so in effect the same as the RS4 as 2012 was when the RS4 arrived.

Edited by DAYTONA-500, 14 March 2014 - 06:13 PM.

[Glenn]

Great write up and some good points either way....

 

defo agree that the RS3 has more low down torque but after a few test drives i realised that i missed that V8 too much, the extra space and the more refined driving that the B8 has over the B7 and RS3.

 

Took the plunge and ordered mine in december and it comes in June in the following spec:

Sepang Blue

Black Optic styling pack

Carbon Inlays

Buckets

Sports Pack - (20" rims, dynamic suspension & steering, exhaust)

Auto dimming & folding mirrors

Advanced Parking (reverse cam)

Hill hold assist

 

Wanted ceramics but had to stop...and plan on selling the exhaust and storing the wheels to be replaced by something more aggressive. The suspension is amazing on track and to be able to switch it on and off like my bilstein kit is brilliant.

 

12 weeks to go and starting to get excited now, but will miss the 3 for all the right reasons.

 

Glenn