Driving an RS3 Sportback (and a Mk7 Golf R) this weekend

[BillTheButcher]

Hello all.

I thought it was time I had a go in one of the RS models I haven't tried yet, so I'm test driving a 2012 RS3 Sportback this weekend.

Are there any obvious problems I should look out for; any recalls I should check?

Cheers.

[HYFR]

Open the bonnet and see how far in front of the axle the engine is then you'll understand why it drives so bad.

[BillTheButcher]

Thank you.

[HYFR]

Sorry, but genuinely it is the worst RS product I've driven. RS 5 or TTRS are better for similar money.

[doodlebug]

Seconded. Worse car purchase to date.

[BillTheButcher]

Sorry, but genuinely it is the worst RS product I've driven. RS 5 or TTRS are better for similar money.

The reason I'm looking at the RS3 is because I've currently got an Exige S which is too impractical as an only car and I can't justify running two.

I considered both the RS5 (for the noise, if nothing else) and the TTRS but they don't offer enough practicality.

[doodlebug]

RS4 then!

[marc1]

B7 RS4, B8 RS4 or C6 RS6 and keep the Exige. You'd be mad go part with the Exige. Outside Audi, I'd say C63 or E63. That said, drive the RS3 anyway and see what you think. I'm not a fan of it myself for a few reasons.

[BillTheButcher]

B7/B8 RS4: I don't want V8 running costs at the moment. The same applies to C/E63. Also, I've owned an E55K and it was constantly triggering the traction control (or lighting up the rears) on anything but a bone-dry road.

RS6 is too big.

[marc1]

B8 S4? Current S3 platform would be good IMO too, it's supposed to be a marked improvement on the previous generation.

[Nickyboy]

Current S3 is a great motor. Golf R? Recent test showed it beat the new RS 3 round the track.

[S4WON]

Golf R is a great motor, no doubt. Styling leaves me cold though, maybe being of a certain age i always think of 205 1.9s when i think golf - always 2nd best, and certainly not whatever crazy price they go for these days

[S4WON]

Just to add, for some reason id probably go merc in that category, the a45 amg?

[BillTheButcher]

B8 S4? Current S3 platform would be good IMO too, it's supposed to be a marked improvement on the previous generation.

I hadn't thought about the B8 S4. The Avant looks like a really nice car.

The current S3 Sportback looks good too.

Thanks.

Current S3 is a great motor. Golf R? Recent test showed it beat the new RS 3 round the track.

I'm test driving a Golf R on Saturday too. I tried a DSG last year. I was expecting to love it, after reading all the rave reviews, but I wasn't impressed at all. This one's manual though so I'll have another go.

[BillTheButcher]

Just to add, for some reason id probably go merc in that category, the a45 amg?

I thought about one of these but I couldn't get past the looks. Inside and out, awful-looking things IMO.

Also, I was behind one for a while on the motorway and the pops and bangs from the exhaust sounded totally contrived.