2023 Audi RS3 Review // Trick And Treat
The 2023 Audi RS3 ($58,900 starting in the US) is now forbidden fruit for us here in Canada, since it is no longer sold within our borders. However an American RS3 can still come and visit, and share with us the melodic roar of the only new 5-cylinder engine on the market. A 5-cylinder turbo that makes 401 horsepower, 369 lb ft of torque, and has a blistering claimed 0-60 time of just 3.6 seconds.
But does this new and improved RS3 still suffer from the same understeer that plagued earlier generations? Or does the new torque-splitting rear differential provide just what it needs to put the power down more confidently and have a little slide-happy fun in a corner? Thomas and James are excited to see what the 2023 Audi RS3 is all about. We hope you enjoy the episode. Thanks for watching! SUBSCRIBE!
A very special thank you to Unitronic for making the journey in their RS3 to the land of maple syrup and hockey. See their stuff here! www.getunitronic.com/
EXTRA THROTTLE HOUSE!
/ extrathrottlehouse
Throttle House Merch!
www.thethrottlehouse.com/merc...
Instagram!
/ thethrottlehouse
Facebook!
/ thomashollandproductions
Post-production by Karston Chong and Thomas Holland
Sound by Harrison Dickson and Karston Chong
Magical genius logistics and planning by James Engelsman and Gregory DeCaire
Music from Epidemicsound.com and Artlist.io
#Audi #RS3 #5Cylinder
EXACTLY as James was walking along the tree line I was thinking "those are some pretty trees" and he said "British man walking along making hand gestures... you forgive him because of the trees" that made me laugh so much
I looked for the comments immediately after watching that bit 🤣
I kept waiting for a feral Mountain Thomas to come leaping from the side
Thumbs up just to make me laugh……ha ha …. Throughly enjoyable …..
See, I live here. I see those trees every day, they just blend into the background. So all I really saw was a British man walking along making hand gestures unforgivingly.
@@davidbattaglia2336 Mt. Thomas?
A new take on a classic intro? I’m here for it. Great fun as always, guys. 😂
JAX Automotive, i bet this Audi RS3 2022 looked cool.
This car costed $78000.
Interesting thing about 5 and 10 cylinder engines. They sound generally pleasing to us as enthusiasts because they naturally create harmonies that would be in major chords and are extremely pleasing to the ear. In short more v10s and inline 5s please.
I still have my mk4 r32 because of the exhaust note alone
I remember reading somewhere that a 5 cylinder engine naturally produces a strong overtone on a major 10th interval above the bass tone, which essentially makes it sound like a revving major chord - so yes, there are actually multiple notes happening at once lol
"Laughs in American." (and then cries because I probably can't afford one)
Same lol
If you'd go for a tiny, hard driving car like that means you have to be in your 20's. And only legit way you could afford one is if mommy and daddy are loaded...
@@TermlessHGW then FIAT 500 may do the trick.
@@DussyINC the Audi TT do the job better tho.
@@germanengineering204 hey, they say a man is as old as he feels. Women though are as old as they look...😁
The shots of the car driving through leaves falling down are amazing, you guys have a great team!
Er du ❤atti
*leaves but yes
@@mediocreman2 me too say yes.
@@mediocreman2 my bad
It's Karsonnn
Soak it in. This may be the last time we see Audi make a car like this with a 5cyl. Period. I wish the US got the sportback but at this point, I'm just glad we're still getting one. Btw, the intro had me rollin'. Good job guys!
I think it almost certainly will be unfortunately. I'm actually picking up mine this weekend, and my tentative plan is to keep it forever. I work remotely so only put 5k miles a year on a car, if that. So even if I exclusively drove the RS3, it would last 20 years probably, if obsessively taken care of. I really don't want to go electric.
Why isn't the sportback offered in the US? Such a tragedy
@@Jake4G To me its all about what Audi thinks is popular in the US. Maybe they do a survey amongst customers and see sales data as to what is selling here, but its done similarly with all automakers.
I read that the next A3 will be an all out EV. So this is the end of an era, sadly.
I wish they'd bring a new TT RS
I don't know why, but I love Audi Cars sooo much.
Same headlights for me stand out the most
Audi docia bmw dla merc benz
2.3M subscribers! You guys are killing it! I love everything about this channel: your humor, the chemistry between Thomas & James, the quality of your commentary, and the consistently high quality of every video your team produces. Kudos to you!
What I don't like about this channel is that if your grandma's wheelchair isn't track-oriented, then it is a rubbish wheelchair.
@@jz7551 yep. 😂
I’ve always been a big fan of the 5cylinder engines and the sound they make.. obviously before all the restrictions they’ve put on the exhaust systems due to regulations.
Hey man i also a fan of those 5cylinder cars.
@@purwantiallan5089 to be fair anyone into cars probably likes the 5 cyl engines ! I was considering buying a Volvo c30 t5 but ended up with a NA 6cyl BMW 😂
LOL I love when people act like removing exhaust components is somehow impossible/a big deal
Just cut some bits off as long as it doesn’t drone u are golden 🎃
But what of its inherent instability?
Awesome video, great editing. Immediately after James mentions that the 5 cylinder has multiple tones, they proceed to prove it with 1 sec clips of various sounds this engine makes. Legendary. Keep it up TH.
5 cylinders are some of my favorite engines. Had on in my 2005 Volvo s60r... was a super fun car with just a better tone than a 4 or 6.
Any time an "entry" level car can cost over 60k, it quickly reminds me that my salary has not yet caught up with inflation 😔
The A3 is the entry level.
Gen 3 Coyote Mustang is faster and has a higher top speed for only 35k to 50k depending on what options the 5.0 has. RS3 is only faster from a dig/stand still run. Coyote reels that ass in.
Good point
@Alaberti true, I was mainly referring to the 3 series in general. Anytime you can take the entry level car an option it out to over 60k it just 🤯. For the past 15 years I've driven nothing but Ford F150 XLTs which isn't necessarily the entry level Ford truck but it's FAR from the top of the line. 15 years ago you could get a brand new XLT for around 30k. Now it's over 60k 🤨
@@GrimReaper1675 Why search for an argument on KZhead I just don't get it!
1:49 that sound OMG
I've literally just watched the last 8 seconds and wanted to let you guys know how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you bringing yourselves and humor to help us appreciate the artistry that goes into cars. Lol thanks to you and other KZheadrs I stopped wasting my money on Netflix subscriptions. "KZhead school" as I call it is giving audio and visual learners like myself greater enjoyment of information.
you guys really are the gold standard of car reviews at this point. Keep it up!
I've always liked these. It would be cool for you guys to test drive it again after whatever tune Unitronic does to it (to see the difference).
We'd love to see that 😉
@@unitronic How did you get that car in Canada?
Yes please do this
@@sparkgrid It's only visiting for R&D :)
@@unitronic Ahh, I see… Nice
The intros in every single video of this channel are masterclass
That five cylinder sounds so good! That and a flat six are such a joy to the ear.
v10 engines sound amazing too
What an exhilarating sensory experience. Mesmerizing videography and fantastic editing. Audi couldn't have come up with a more gorgeous ad for their RS3.
Most creative car reviewers and simply the 😆 funniest, great work as always, Thomas and James
Audi RS3 is a 8/10 car for me.
That cheeky grin from Thomas when testing the rear seats is hilarious 😂
I remember when this channel had about 500k subs and I could not believe it had so little for how good a channel it is. So it’s good to see this channel is beyond 2 million and I hope it just keeps going.
TH is THE BEST KZhead based car-review/messing about channel. This RS3 checks all the boxes. I have a unitronic tuned Mk 7.5 Alltrack and it’s a perfect combination of daily driving practicality and twisty road machine.
The RS3 has to probably be one of the coolest cars of all time
Just ordered a 23 RS3, but have a 1, and a half year wait time to get it!
I got real lucky then ordered mine in June was told it will be here in December ordered it from Fremont California with no markup only on orders though.
@@dannysolano2133 congratulations!
Getting mine next week and not ordered (red)
@@germanengineering204 I placed my order in July (USA) then cancelled it a month ago. I was planning on trading in my '18 RS3 but much panic starting sinking in when it lost $5k in value within 5 months. So, I’m going to wait a few years and trade for a newer one that’s barely broken in. Smart boy I am. I paid $52,500 for it in 2018 with 8k mikes. 9 months ago it was worth $55k with 25k miles and a superficial front accident.
"Masterclass" is the Perfect word for that interior. Outstanding layout. Love the minimalist but very functional interior. I LOVE it!
Born and raised an Audi fanatic and these guys take the reviews to another level! Love all their content! Would love if they did the new S6 to my 4.0 S6 even though it’s tuned I could see James having the time of his life !
You need to have one like button for your intros, and then for actual car review
These sound clips were off the charts guys. Well done!
I cannot put into words to fully express how much I love and appreciate the creativeness of this channel. I've been following for years and it's my absolute favorite out of all the car review channels. That intro literally made me scream at my TV in the basement because I also watch a lot of nature documentaries. 😂😂 Keep up the good work guys! 👍🏽
I've watched this video no less than 10 times and I fall in love with the RS3 more and more with each view. Thank you gents for the review. I'm saving my pennies for one and can't wait till the day I order. The M340i is a bit too long and the M240i only has 2 doors... this is the sweet spot. Keep up the good work, fellas. Love the channel.
Literally you guys are unique. Every time I watch your videos I know you’d come up with funny introductions then…😂😂😂 good on you. Oh yeah great quality videos🫡
Great videos chaps; as always. Best wishes from the UK.
As a tall viewer of your channel I would appreciate a "Does Harrison fit?" segment on each car you review. Hint: see if he fits in the front too.
Same here!
I'm taller too, I've sat in many Audi 3 models and I've always felt like I was siting too high in the car. I like to be closer to the ground and didn't feel like that when I test drove these cars
Absolutely agree. It really ensures I don't (or, sometimes, do) daydream about the car in the video.
Seen 3.3seconds to 100km/h by The Topher. Just madness
Pretty sure the 5 cylinder is half of the V10 found in the R8/Hurancan, so its no surprise is sounds so good.
It literally is that. Just split the V10 in half and throw a turbo on it and boom you have the DAZA
Gorgeous car, great scenery, wonderful production (the audio montage of that ridiculously good-sounding engine was SO COOL), and laugh out loud humor. I've been obsessed with this channel for a while, and they just keep killing it. This video singlehandedly made me consider adding an RS3 to my list of potential next cars (currently waffling between a Golf R or a GR Corolla, and unfortunately the RS3 is a bit out of my price range). Keep up the great work.
Have you seen the mark up on the Golfr or the Corolla GR? Between 20k and 30k “market adjustment” on them. That pricing puts them up to the RS3 pricing
"This makes men feel like KINGS!" ... priceless.
I get what your saying about how the MQB cars always had that under steer but there was always a simple solution. A thicker RSB! In the fwd cars this is a tremendous aid as it allows you to rotate the rear end around corners via lift off oversteer.
I am just glad Unitronic has one for testing. I am waiting to see what they come up with for ECU and TCU tunes!
these intros are brilliant, love it
James' theory about shifters in German cars actually made me lol. Gosh I love the humor on this channel
You guys do an amazing job with your videos! Keep up the good work! My favorite car review channel.
Awesome video. Thank you so much for your hard work!
I gave you guys a follow just for the intro 🤣🤣🤣 IMO, as far as every day practicality & weekend hooliganism goes, nothing beats the RS3!!
Although I am not really an Audi fan (design, interior,…), I have to say I enjoyed this review. It was great 👍🏼 You 2 just work together perfectly. Concerning the criticism of paying more than the sticker price - it’s such an American thing 😂🙈 no one else in their right mind would be like “the car costs 65k, but sure, I’ll pay 75k for it.” This bs has to stop.
I’ve loved the sound of the straight 5 since the days of Stig Blomqvist and his “Ur Quattro” Rally days.
I have a tuned and straight piped Golf with the 2.5l 5 cylinder. It sounds amazing!
Your intros always get me. Please never stop doing them
Hope so.
Excellent video review! Great job. Chemistry of the team is excellent. I'm the owner of a 2018 RS3 and love it. However, just placed an order for a 2024 model. Kemora Grey actually. This review really made me feel good about changing from a near perfect car to a more perfecter car. Scrabble word, I know but it fit. Now only have to wait until June or so to take delivery. Thanks again for the great review.
Another beautiful video! hats off to you James and Thomas, well done, yet again! I've always been in love with the 5 cylinder. Ever since i did a clutch replacement on the 1997 Audi URS6 with the 2.2L 20V 5 cylinder. It was Love at first waste-gate opening. When i heard Audi started putting them back into TTRS's and RS3's it filled my heart with joy. Mounted longitudinal or transversal that 5 cyl rips regardless. Its a beautiful car if you want to feel premium, spank exotic cars and pick up groceries once you're done taking people to "gapplebees". When it comes to 'tones'James is spot on. It does have multiple tones, at low RPM it remind me of my first 24V VR6, just a little... haha
Owned a 2017 S3 and loved it, then Audi forgot the RS3 and instead I bought a 2020 BMW M340 xdrive. Now they finally brought back the RS3 and I’d get one in a heartbeat. But…I love the M340 and with prices the way they are, I’m holding onto the Beemer as long as possible. Love the new RS3!
those trees are gorgeous
What a breathtaking autumn scenario 🥰🥰🥰 it just couldn’t be better for a car review. And the shifter size theory made me burst out my tea 😂😂😂 thanks
the quality of your videos is so good!!!! this is amazing, I've always liked Rory and straight pipes and you guys are right up there. Love the content, keep it up you guys!!
Beautiful car. Some would say it's ideal as a daily and track driver, but I still think it's overpriced by about $10k.
Definitely.. should have more power at that price point. All depends on what VW is charging for the options and also, not sure how much it is for a tune.
@@ilovesundays10 S3 is 10k less and properly quick too.
Enter, the S3
quick tune can change that but then you gotta void warranty
I like Ferrari, but they are overpriced by about $150k. Porsches are great, but about 35% too expensive. Every vehicle is more than I want to pay, but that doesn't mean they are overpriced...just overpriced for your wallet or personal preferences.
You guys get better at the intros every time!
Those intros are always on target...
This is by far the greatest intro I've ever watched when reviewing any car. Thanks for the laughs. And the commentating is second to none, beating only by the legend himself, Sir David Attenborough.
Best video of the RS3 I’ve seen! Good job! I bought my 2018 RS3 a few months back and love it - still watching videos of it too🤣
The unitronic owner killed it with this spec!
It is beautiful but a touch of chrome here or there should really pop with all the black and grey.
Hate the blacked out look. It’s just creates a big void, no character or style.
i fee like the grill is too much with black optics package i want some definition in the front i agree with james that the previous gen with that quattro signage on the front splitter was rs3 perfection in terms of design
Amazing colour.
We support this statement! ;)
Omg the intro 😂😂😂 You guys never disappoint
I love watching you guys. Never a dull moment
Unitronic is the best tuning and hardware company and could always rely on them!! Best from Montreal 🔥🔥
I am becoming a huge fan of Audi.
As a classical music, I truly appreciate how James accurately and descriptively spoke of the engine sound.
The sounds it makes is amazing!
the one thing i love about the rs3 is the option/ destiny you choose for the car. Many choose it stock but a certain group take this to 700+whp
Same with most performance cars though. Many can reach 700+whp.
Yeah, I think stage2 is a must - seems like best balance and reliability. Supporting mods to max out stock turbo. (fmic, downpipe, intake) and you are in 510-550hp range depending on the fuel.
The shifter conversation was EPIC!🤣
I will now call that shifter a limp biscuit.
im always like, they can't top their previous video production level. and then they go an bring this joy of entertainment. well done.
Don’t ever change. Excellent, excellent stuff as always!!! Next Top Gear generation right here
One of your guys best openers ever. Audi's seem like a feat of engineering that are somewhat attainable or close enough to dream about but never touch.
TH always the best in terms of intros.
Any and everything is possible good sir. Good day to you!
This is the perfect car for me in the current car market. It's flawless...... If one day it comes to Canada I am buying it.
**sad Canadian noises** Me too, man. Me too. :(
Just about to hit 10,000 miles in my 23' model. Still feels new and smiles per gallon are over the moon!
Just hit 1000 miles on my 2024, good to know the grins will endure.
you guys are great, love this channel
Best compact sleeper ever, and halfway to v10, which can't be overestimated.
Great review as always! Love the 5 cylinder turbo, so much fun to drive. Especially when paired with a manual transmission!
Can't get a 5 cylinder with manual anymore. Probably been 20 years since you could.
@@superchargedsteve3411 I have a 2012 ttrs with a 6 speed. Rare, but you can
These guys are great - super funny, informative - seem like brothers - and I bet both are talented drivers - well done.
That intro was bloody fantastic, well played!
James does a phenomenal impersonation of Sir Attenborough. I would totally watch a whole nature documentary about the two car enthusiasts! 😂
Your videos keep getting more and more engaging and fun to watch.. ❤🔥
Ai Miyashita and Rina Tennoji, both members from NACHERRY also a fan of Throttle House, man
@@purwantiallan5089 sounds good😎
That was the best baby steps walk and talk I've ever seen. Nice modulation James!
That sure was a good opening scene! Im always looking forward to what you guys will do next!
Amazing as always! I’d love to see a comparison video between the R and RS3 on the road and track!
Golf R is more in line with the S3 though.
Just picked up the RS3 couple days ago and it is just wow. Leave me wanting to drive more and more even if I'm going no where. I've driven the 2022 rs5 as well and it's no where as fun as the new rs3. Nice vid! Just picked up the RS3 couple days ago and it is just wow. Leave me wanting to drive more and more even if I'm going no where. I've driven the 2022 rs5 as well and it's no where as fun as the new rs3. The sound of the five cylinder just isn't loud enough though...
Congratulations
wow glad saw your comment! I was tossing up between rs5 s6 rs3 or Genesis g70 etc but im not sure! How you finding that new shifter? its so annnoooying they removed normal tiptronic, it looks girly and tacky its so small wtf lol hows the car tho over all? i like that exhaust is not too loud. it matches the more lux look the car has now
Your videos are awesome guys keep up the good work
Love it. After my fk8 is paid off I've been thinking of a m3 pr c7 corvette. But now I've go one more to consider. Beautiful car
That intro 😂. You guys are hilarious!
THIS is the reason I love you guys 1000x better than The Straight Pipes. They don't even compare to this quality, and comical finesse. Keep it up!
Exactly. I feel the same way 100% that guy with the glasses from straight pipes always making corny jokes and sounds like he knows what he’s talking about it’s super annoying
When you think the last intro will not be outdone, Thomas and James strikes again🔥🔥🔥
You guys are both "Kings"! Well done again.
This magnificent example of a car makes me proud to own a 5 cylinder. Thanks for another great video guys!
I can say having the new 8Y verses the old model it is much more engaging. Love to see you take it for a few laps and do a comparo vs the all time list.
8V looks infinitely better... most true Audi enthusiasts will agree that every generation has been better than the last till this monstrosity. Audi lost themselves like BMW did with respect the design.
@@lsevent monstrosity? Bro try driving the new one before making stupid nonsensical comments. If you don't like the new body style that's your choice however ANYONE who's had the previous model will tell you the new one is much better.
Yeah as someone who had an 8V now an 8Y, the 8V isnt even in the same league as the 8Y. 8Y is better in every single way.
Versus* But yeah, the 8Y is better than the 8V across the whole range in every way IMO.
That intro though 🤣🤣. I'm going to need the review after it's done being tuned👌
The intro omg 😀 nice review guys!
I enjoy the sound these make on the top end. I get hints of Audi/Lambo V10 sound and freakin love it!
Same design by same builders. Just half the size.
Definitely an incredible all-rounder. I like the styling of the new interior, but I do feel like the previous gen was a touch classier and felt higher quality.
I like the new design the old one looks like its been out for over a decade.
Simply excellent video guys 🎉
David Attenborough would be proud of that intro!
LMAO That intro boys! You boys do things just a little different. Thanks as usual for the vlog eh 😉
Wish TH review Audi S1 Quattro 1986 and Audi Hoonitron S1.
I'm trading in my M2 for one of these in a couple weeks when it finally arrives. I kept waiting for the review from Throttle House though. For whatever reason I didn't connect the dots that they're in Canada and didn't really have access to it. Nice to see they give it a thumbs up. They pretty much sold me on my M2.
Countdown
How do you like your M2 bro?
@@fzr1000981 Ya I actually just got word 10 minutes ago that it arrived at the port in RI. So I should get in the next few days. Maybe a week. Pretty stoked.
@@plant-based_papi6503 The M2 is a crazy fun car, and more exhilarating than the Audi, but overall I actually like the Audi more. The interior is better in the Audi, and the stereo is infinitely better. Plus, I moved to a more northern climate, so the RWD is kind of a pain the ass now unfortunately. But I'm definitely going to miss the clutch. I really wish Audi would offer the RS3 with a manual.
@@hlf_coder6272 word is new RS3 needs a subwoofer added, I'll be curious what you think. Was your M2 stock? What are they giving you for it?