Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott.T
Test drove a 2012 RS3 sportback Saturday.
It had a bit more poke (335bhp) than the S3 and was S-tronic.
It was a little dated inside and similar style to a B7 2007/2008 A4/RS4 so not as good a perch as in the later S3.
What it did make me realise is that in order to get the 'fun factor' from an Audi that the S-tronic and Damper control is a must.
It brings that extra element that allows you to convert from wafting to hooning in the paddle shift mode.
The S3 would manage this better than the earlier RS3 as the S3 will waft or hoon depending on settings. However in the RS3 it was neither a wafter or hooner but somewhere in the middle.
I was disappointed with the RS3 exhaust note and almost non-existent up shift barks. My old S4 was more audible. I think the latest RS3 has gone full-on in this respect.
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A lot of reviewers picked up on the dated look of the cabin in an RS3 and said pretty much the same as you. The new one is meant to be better and improves upon the mk1's floors but is very expensive still.
There is supposedly a sport button you push which increases the exhaust noise but having driven Subarus as long as you have, I guess most cars seem tame in comparison when it comes to noise! I'd love one as it gives the best of both worlds but at (currently) circa £25k, is out of my reach.