Discussion
Only a few months ago I swapped my FL5 Type R for a B9.5 RS4. The Honda had some reliability issues and due to a young family it was not being driven to its potential. I wanted some more space, luxury, and comfort - cue the RS4. Initial impressions were great, it was good to be back in an Auto for commuting, the ride was supple, and the general fit and finish was another level compared to previous BMWs and Mercedes.
Fast forward 5 months and we’ve upgraded the wife’s car to a Tesla Model 3. Totally dull on the outside and inside, but an absolute pleasure to drive around suburbia. Frankly, unless it’s going to be some nice empty b roads or a long motorway hack, I find myself in the Tesla 90% of the time. This is ideal as it costs nothing to run and keeps the miles off my car, I’m more than happy my wife’s car takes the brunt of family abuse (beach trips, muddy walks and supermarket car parks).
The problem is, the RS4 has become redundant so I’m considering alternatives. I would love a 991 Carrera T, but despite the Model 3 picking up the heavy lifting, I still need something kid and mountain bike friendly. Shame the FL5 was made out of cheese or that would still be here. I’m hoping the RS3 is a good halfway house, being more nimble and having a more characterful motor VS the RS4.
The M3 was a previous contender but I still can’t get over the looks, and from experience, the S58 is not any more interesting on the road than the V6 in the Audi.
Any feedback on the latest RS3 or other contenders welcome.
Fast forward 5 months and we’ve upgraded the wife’s car to a Tesla Model 3. Totally dull on the outside and inside, but an absolute pleasure to drive around suburbia. Frankly, unless it’s going to be some nice empty b roads or a long motorway hack, I find myself in the Tesla 90% of the time. This is ideal as it costs nothing to run and keeps the miles off my car, I’m more than happy my wife’s car takes the brunt of family abuse (beach trips, muddy walks and supermarket car parks).
The problem is, the RS4 has become redundant so I’m considering alternatives. I would love a 991 Carrera T, but despite the Model 3 picking up the heavy lifting, I still need something kid and mountain bike friendly. Shame the FL5 was made out of cheese or that would still be here. I’m hoping the RS3 is a good halfway house, being more nimble and having a more characterful motor VS the RS4.
The M3 was a previous contender but I still can’t get over the looks, and from experience, the S58 is not any more interesting on the road than the V6 in the Audi.
Any feedback on the latest RS3 or other contenders welcome.
Edited by JAMSXR on Thursday 13th June 22:05
Quite a timely post actually as I’m an FL5 owner (thankfully mine hasn’t skipped a beat in the 9 months I’ve had it) but have also been looking at the RS3 (8Y).
Putting aside all the boring stereotypes aimed at the type of person that drives a car like this Ive been shocked at the general negativity around this model by current and/or recent owners (crap interior, buggy infotainment software, issues with heating during colder months, punchy insurance premiums) to the point where I think there are more ‘againsts’ than ‘fors’.
With the facelift due to be revealed anytime and there also being a s
t tonne of them for sale at the moment I might sit tight to see if these issues have been addressed and if the price of the current model tanks.
Despite that I think they’re a great looking thing and would like to experience the 5cyl engine.
Putting aside all the boring stereotypes aimed at the type of person that drives a car like this Ive been shocked at the general negativity around this model by current and/or recent owners (crap interior, buggy infotainment software, issues with heating during colder months, punchy insurance premiums) to the point where I think there are more ‘againsts’ than ‘fors’.
With the facelift due to be revealed anytime and there also being a s
t tonne of them for sale at the moment I might sit tight to see if these issues have been addressed and if the price of the current model tanks. Despite that I think they’re a great looking thing and would like to experience the 5cyl engine.
Remember your Type-R when you had it.
Similar to yourself the wife’s 330e now does all boring daily drive duties as we get the equivalent of 65-75mpg from it. Thankfully my M2 gets used daily 15 miles each way on dreamy B roads.
I have drove the RS3 though only in saloon and I’m a huge fan. It’s definitely better to drive than the previous version and to me I still consider an Audi RS3 a special car. The one I drove was green and had no adaptive suspension or upgraded exhaust.
Cabin is nice but I like tech and touchscreens more than soft touch plastics etc. I do think you notice some cost cutting however this generation of Audi versus previous but didn’t bother me as I still prefer the newer cabin. This size of car you’ll notice a bit more tyre noise than is maybe ideal I think.
I’d happily own one and take it on track also. I did enjoy it and chucked it about like a proper hot hatch. It’s proper quick and a serious bit of kit underneath if that is what you want.
For rivals I find it tough as it’s just a great car. Main one is the A45s but I’m firmly Audi here. M2 gives you a different recipe. However I’m going to go left field and suggest a test drive in the Ioniq 5 N maybe based off media reviews?
Worth trading the RS4 for I’m not sure. Mainly because I think having fun on the road is more behaviour based than car.
Similar to yourself the wife’s 330e now does all boring daily drive duties as we get the equivalent of 65-75mpg from it. Thankfully my M2 gets used daily 15 miles each way on dreamy B roads.
I have drove the RS3 though only in saloon and I’m a huge fan. It’s definitely better to drive than the previous version and to me I still consider an Audi RS3 a special car. The one I drove was green and had no adaptive suspension or upgraded exhaust.
Cabin is nice but I like tech and touchscreens more than soft touch plastics etc. I do think you notice some cost cutting however this generation of Audi versus previous but didn’t bother me as I still prefer the newer cabin. This size of car you’ll notice a bit more tyre noise than is maybe ideal I think.
I’d happily own one and take it on track also. I did enjoy it and chucked it about like a proper hot hatch. It’s proper quick and a serious bit of kit underneath if that is what you want.
For rivals I find it tough as it’s just a great car. Main one is the A45s but I’m firmly Audi here. M2 gives you a different recipe. However I’m going to go left field and suggest a test drive in the Ioniq 5 N maybe based off media reviews?
Worth trading the RS4 for I’m not sure. Mainly because I think having fun on the road is more behaviour based than car.
Landing Light On said:
Putting aside all the boring stereotypes aimed at the type of person that drives a car like this Ive been shocked at the general negativity around this model by current and/or recent owners (crap interior, buggy infotainment software, issues with heating during colder months, punchy insurance premiums) to the point where I think there are more ‘againsts’ than ‘fors’.
With the facelift due to be revealed anytime and there also being a st tonne of them for sale at the moment I might sit tight to see if these issues have been addressed and if the price of the current model tanks.
Despite that I think they’re a great looking thing and would like to experience the 5cyl engine.
The interior plastics don’t bother me, but I wasn’t aware of the infotainment and heating issues. Good to be aware. With the facelift due to be revealed anytime and there also being a s
t tonne of them for sale at the moment I might sit tight to see if these issues have been addressed and if the price of the current model tanks. Despite that I think they’re a great looking thing and would like to experience the 5cyl engine.
Not a bad shout RE waiting for the update, although I suspect they’ll be a price bump. My budget is £50k.
CG2020UK said:
Remember your Type-R when you had it.
Similar to yourself the wife’s 330e now does all boring daily drive duties as we get the equivalent of 65-75mpg from it. Thankfully my M2 gets used daily 15 miles each way on dreamy B roads.
I have drove the RS3 though only in saloon and I’m a huge fan. It’s definitely better to drive than the previous version and to me I still consider an Audi RS3 a special car. The one I drove was green and had no adaptive suspension or upgraded exhaust.
Cabin is nice but I like tech and touchscreens more than soft touch plastics etc. I do think you notice some cost cutting however this generation of Audi versus previous but didn’t bother me as I still prefer the newer cabin. This size of car you’ll notice a bit more tyre noise than is maybe ideal I think.
I’d happily own one and take it on track also. I did enjoy it and chucked it about like a proper hot hatch. It’s proper quick and a serious bit of kit underneath if that is what you want.
For rivals I find it tough as it’s just a great car. Main one is the A45s but I’m firmly Audi here. M2 gives you a different recipe. However I’m going to go left field and suggest a test drive in the Ioniq 5 N maybe based off media reviews?
Worth trading the RS4 for I’m not sure. Mainly because I think having fun on the road is more behaviour based than car.
How was the standard suspension? The DRC on my RS4 is nice but adds a load of reliability concerns. Similar to yourself the wife’s 330e now does all boring daily drive duties as we get the equivalent of 65-75mpg from it. Thankfully my M2 gets used daily 15 miles each way on dreamy B roads.
I have drove the RS3 though only in saloon and I’m a huge fan. It’s definitely better to drive than the previous version and to me I still consider an Audi RS3 a special car. The one I drove was green and had no adaptive suspension or upgraded exhaust.
Cabin is nice but I like tech and touchscreens more than soft touch plastics etc. I do think you notice some cost cutting however this generation of Audi versus previous but didn’t bother me as I still prefer the newer cabin. This size of car you’ll notice a bit more tyre noise than is maybe ideal I think.
I’d happily own one and take it on track also. I did enjoy it and chucked it about like a proper hot hatch. It’s proper quick and a serious bit of kit underneath if that is what you want.
For rivals I find it tough as it’s just a great car. Main one is the A45s but I’m firmly Audi here. M2 gives you a different recipe. However I’m going to go left field and suggest a test drive in the Ioniq 5 N maybe based off media reviews?
Worth trading the RS4 for I’m not sure. Mainly because I think having fun on the road is more behaviour based than car.
I have looked at the F87 M2 but it’s too compromised for child and bike duties.
The 5N is interesting but I’ve got plenty of time in the future to enjoy EVs. I suspect we’ll replace the family Tesla with something like the 5N once it’s depreciated. It’s also out of budget, I’ve just got my RS4 to play with (worth around £50k).
I went from F90 M5 (mighty machine, but not engaging enough day to day) to FL5 Type R for more driver involvement and enjoyment from a daily drive. I'm loving the CTR and fortunately haven't had any of the issues that you experienced...yet!
Friend of mine, very keen and handy driver, has had the latest RS3 for about 2 years, following 2 x Guilia Quadrifolios. He's starting to say that he wishes he'd got something a bit more hardcore - like the Type R.
We reckon his RS3 is probably a halfway house between my old F90 and the CTR - lighter and more engaging than the M5, but still very refined, auto and 4wd so ultimately not as engaging as a manual front drive hatch.
In your case, having sampled one of the best recent hot hatches, I can see the RS3 working. The current A45s also gets a good write up for engagement and "chuckability", despite also being auto 4wd.
Friend of mine, very keen and handy driver, has had the latest RS3 for about 2 years, following 2 x Guilia Quadrifolios. He's starting to say that he wishes he'd got something a bit more hardcore - like the Type R.
We reckon his RS3 is probably a halfway house between my old F90 and the CTR - lighter and more engaging than the M5, but still very refined, auto and 4wd so ultimately not as engaging as a manual front drive hatch.
In your case, having sampled one of the best recent hot hatches, I can see the RS3 working. The current A45s also gets a good write up for engagement and "chuckability", despite also being auto 4wd.
I wanted to love my FL5, it was so much fun on the boil. I could look passed crap stereo, intermittent wireless charging, rattles, useless window seals, and embarrassing horn, but when it developed the intermittent sticky steering the response from Honda was useless and the car was gone.
I found the standard suspension spot on but I do drive an M2 so everything is nice compared to that. It’s firm as you’d expect but then so is every car this fast because you can cheat physics.
If it helps I do think Throttle House done a brilliant video on the new RS3 up against the M2.
https://youtu.be/Lb52RkXJlIY?si=EI_rng4K5PXYKD4b
It is Canadian but they are pretty honest when it comes to their reviews.
If it helps I do think Throttle House done a brilliant video on the new RS3 up against the M2.
https://youtu.be/Lb52RkXJlIY?si=EI_rng4K5PXYKD4b
It is Canadian but they are pretty honest when it comes to their reviews.
Thanks for sharing. On paper the Audi looks like a pretty impressive jack of all trades. I’ve got to agree with them, I’ll take the F87 over the G87 all day - I keep looking a lovely (manual) sunset orange car, but then reminding myself that it’s too impractical for daily duties.
Slightly strange the Audi gets such a bad rap in the enthusiast community. I guess it’s the slightly chav styling and the stereotypical owners.
Slightly strange the Audi gets such a bad rap in the enthusiast community. I guess it’s the slightly chav styling and the stereotypical owners.
Dont get too hung up on what others think or you would never buy anything.
I think its mainly the cost as to why people dont buy them, ive looked at the previous generation and they are still quite expensive.
Ive had the dilemma myself on the OG M2 and RS3, i was leaning toward the RS3 because of the all wheel drive and just felt id be too nervous to push the M2.
Both fantastic cars though and id happily take either, ive not bought one as im just a bit undecided on what to do next at the moment in my car journey.
I think its mainly the cost as to why people dont buy them, ive looked at the previous generation and they are still quite expensive.
Ive had the dilemma myself on the OG M2 and RS3, i was leaning toward the RS3 because of the all wheel drive and just felt id be too nervous to push the M2.
Both fantastic cars though and id happily take either, ive not bought one as im just a bit undecided on what to do next at the moment in my car journey.
I would look at this from two perspectives. Firstly, how much money will you take out (net) from doing this and is it worth it? Secondly, the RS3 is not a big car boot wise for holidays etc and will struggle to take a bike inside when travelling solo. Road bikes are easier but some cars take a MTB wheels on inside if you wish. I would stick rather than twist.
EC2 said:
I would look at this from two perspectives. Firstly, how much money will you take out (net) from doing this and is it worth it? Secondly, the RS3 is not a big car boot wise for holidays etc and will struggle to take a bike inside when travelling solo. Road bikes are easier but some cars take a MTB wheels on inside if you wish. I would stick rather than twist.
It’s a fair point but over the last few months the Tesla has handled that without breaking a sweat. Bike carrying on my car is a couple of mountain bikes rather than the family fleet - I plan to stick a tow bar on the Tesla. I’m not totally sold on the RS3, a test drive will help.The finance side is another matter, I’ll be down 7k swapping the RS4. I won’t have to inject any extra cash, but I’ll be part exchanging the RS4 at trade having paid retail 4 months ago. The Tesla was an unexpected purchase, it replaced an X1 that was cramped and not a good drive. Hindsight would have been nice.
The pounds and pence (alongside some of the pretty damning reviews from owners on audi-sport.net) is what’s also giving me pause for thought. Tentative enquiries against a new RS3 were mine plus £20k and I just don’t know if I’m going to feel like I’m in a 20 grand better car than the CTR.
Be interested to hear your thoughts if you do decide to test drive.
Be interested to hear your thoughts if you do decide to test drive.
My wife had the previous model RS3 and then decided she wanted the latest RS4 instead - really because of the boot size but also because of how it felt to her.
I did drive both but I have to say that the 4 if you only had to have one car would be a very happy choice.
It feels more “ grown up “ , feels decently quick and there is just so much more room.
Hers has the optional RS exhaust fitted and whilst the noise from the 3 was good , the 4 beats this in our book.
I did drive both but I have to say that the 4 if you only had to have one car would be a very happy choice.
It feels more “ grown up “ , feels decently quick and there is just so much more room.
Hers has the optional RS exhaust fitted and whilst the noise from the 3 was good , the 4 beats this in our book.
Change of tact. Decided an RS3 is not for me and I’m now looking at the F87 M2 Competition. Figure I can free up some cash and it gives a better blend of being able to handle the occasional daily duties and fun. It will be a bit tight for the kids in the back but it’s only handling the nursery run, plus it can also take roof bars/bike rack. My concern is >2 hour Motorway journeys, but that’s only the odd occasion.
roadie said:
Would you consider other hot hatches? For instance, the RS Megane is 5 door and has a DCT option and there is always the Golf R etc. That may help free up even more money to save/invest for the future.
I wish I found them more appealing, but I can’t get on the the megane looks or interior, and the golf just won’t feel special compared to an M2 - to me at least! As you know mate I’ve an M2. Do the full works in mine from track days, daily driving, commuting and stick the winter tyres in and go through the snow. Love the M2 it’s just loads of fun and I always describe it as a Fiesta ST for adults.
I’d advise test driving both an OG N55 M2 and a M2 Comp. They are different flavours and a lot folks who have multiple M2s across the generations seem to always end up in the OG LCIs. I test drove both and went the OG LCI with no regrets.
My M2 is wider and just as roomy inside as my wife’s G21 3 series. It’s bigger than the normal 2 series cars. I’m over 6ft and I’ve had 3 other lads the same size in the car on the way to football matches no problem. Though comp bucket seats can limit back seat space. Shouldn’t be an issue for practicality.
On the motorway you’ll have no issues as they settle at speeds. Where they can get tiring is they are very stiff cars and at low speeds you feel a lot. Also with electric seats it can be a pain in the ass getting people in and out the back.
Do love mine but and in all honesty and can’t see me changing it.
M4s offer more comfort and straight line speed for the same price. Though they don’t drive as nice and aren’t as fun. Worth consideration as well however as another great car.
By pure chance Thomas at Throttle House is now selling his M2 and just reviewed it: https://youtu.be/kAmhsBDTtic?si=26c0JX7yTAHnfzOs
I’d advise test driving both an OG N55 M2 and a M2 Comp. They are different flavours and a lot folks who have multiple M2s across the generations seem to always end up in the OG LCIs. I test drove both and went the OG LCI with no regrets.
My M2 is wider and just as roomy inside as my wife’s G21 3 series. It’s bigger than the normal 2 series cars. I’m over 6ft and I’ve had 3 other lads the same size in the car on the way to football matches no problem. Though comp bucket seats can limit back seat space. Shouldn’t be an issue for practicality.
On the motorway you’ll have no issues as they settle at speeds. Where they can get tiring is they are very stiff cars and at low speeds you feel a lot. Also with electric seats it can be a pain in the ass getting people in and out the back.
Do love mine but and in all honesty and can’t see me changing it.
M4s offer more comfort and straight line speed for the same price. Though they don’t drive as nice and aren’t as fun. Worth consideration as well however as another great car.
By pure chance Thomas at Throttle House is now selling his M2 and just reviewed it: https://youtu.be/kAmhsBDTtic?si=26c0JX7yTAHnfzOs
Edited by CG2020UK on Friday 5th July 03:49
For completeness, the RS4 has gone and I’m hoping to pick up this M3 shortly. Tried the M2 but I do need that extra level of practicality.
Took a while to find an unmolested M3 but this seems to tick all the boxes, plus it’s a good chunk less expensive than my RS4. Shout out to M3 Cutters, a great forum with some really helpful and knowledgeable members.
Took a while to find an unmolested M3 but this seems to tick all the boxes, plus it’s a good chunk less expensive than my RS4. Shout out to M3 Cutters, a great forum with some really helpful and knowledgeable members.
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