Questions about 2019 RS3

[BzzzBom]

I ordered a 2019 RS3 yesterday. I have a few questions that the dealer couldn’t answer:
1. Does the passenger mirror tilt down to help with curbside parking?
2. Is there button(s) for garage door?
3. Does the engine start-stop function disable when in sport mode?
Thanks so much!

[DarkSi08]

1. Yes!
2. No. :(
3. No such thing on the RS3.

[Potatohead_RS3]

I'll only add that #1 only happens when the mirror knob has the passenger mirror selected.

The dealer seriously couldn't answer that stuff? Yikes.

[Jesse S.]

Wow RS3s don't have homelink?

[ad2330]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

[Cptpizzo]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

No, I don't think you are being dramatic...

That said, to me, it doesn't seem a big deal about garage buttons and power seats...If I wanted those, I would pick a more "luxury" type vehicle. I understand it is irking to some, but to each his/her own. I love my RS3 because of the type of car it is, not because of the car I want it to be. In the end, I didn't purchase the car for luxury amenities...thats for the RS5 and RS7 which drive more smooth and luxury :).

The "cheap" interior is again, perspective. I feel differently about the interior, which to me is minimalist and efficient. I didn't buy the RS3 to drive on long distances and play with or admire the interior. I am actually pleasantly surprised the RS3 even offers ACC and lane assist!

So, for me, I like what the RS3 offers and I bought it to reflect what I wanted in a sporty auto. If the things above you mentioned are important to you, then maybe the RS3 isn't for you, but the RS5 or 7 is? In the end, it's your perspective, your $$ and your valuation on what is important to you, so only you can make that decision...If I may be so bold, the RS5 coupe/sportback may be a fit for you :)

Good luck in your choice! Car shopping is almost more fun than the purchase (not so for my RS3 though:)

AP

[Potatohead_RS3]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

This stuff comes up over and over again

The Super Sport Seats in power do not exist. Anywhere. Some markets have the option for the regular Sport Seat in power, USA is not one of them. Also I recall reading something about Homelink not physically fitting in the cars that have auto wipers and lights, which is why some A3's have it but S3's and RS3's dont.

[5CYL_BTLSHIP]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

It is a bit odd, but I've never understood why people want power seats so bad. I set my seat up when I first got the car and haven't adjusted it since. I don't see the need for the added weight of power seats when they aren't being adjusted more than once, maybe twice. I can see it if you have multiple people driving the car, but I'm the only who drives mine so I just don't see them as necessary.

As far as the interior "cheapness". I think that is all personal feeling. To me, coming from an Abarth the interior on the RS3 feels amazing. Are there still some plastic parts? Of course. At the end of the day it is just a higher trim level of a base car that's sold at much lower price point. They aren't going to change everything, but to me what they did change to make it feel more RS works well and I enjoy it. Seeing from your signature you had an R8. That interior is miles ahead of the RS3, but again it's a car that starts at a much higher price point so like I said it comes down to personal feeling and what you're accustom to.

[DarkSi08]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

1. I know. Huge pet peeve of mine. If you get used to using Homelink, you don't want to go back to a stupid garage remote clipped to the visor. There's a retrofit kit out there, but it's not cheap, and involves cutting your headliner.
2. Understood, but it's also a weight thing. Personally, for as often as I move my seat (virtually never), I don't mind losing ~40lbs off of the car.
3. Keep in mind, this is an A3, Audi's base car in the US. While you're spending $55k+, you're spending it on the suspension, engine, trans, brakes, etc. NOT on added amenities.
4. Limited options, yes, but the only thing I find missing (other than the aforementioned Homelink) is touchscreen. CarPlay is TERRIBLE with the MMI knob - though Android Auto actually works pretty great, once you figure it out.
5. Price, again - you have a hand-built 5-cyl that only exists in one other car (the TTRS), a FANTASTIC transmission, enormous brakes, pretty darn good suspension, etc. You're not paying for nothing here, you're just not getting what you would by spending the same money on an S4.

Honestly, for those who are more interested in the comforts over what makes the RS3 special, the S4 is probably a better choice. Better in almost every way, outside of performance, and it isn't terribly far off in that aspect. A solid compromise if you're not looking to have a voracious stoplight sleeper.

[ad2330]

Wow, thanks for the replies. What I’m hearing is this likely wouldn’t be a great DD. Unreal performance, but creature comforts and ‘everyday’ activity will be amiss.

[TheContrarian]

Homelink would be nice, but has its disadvantages. If you are parked in your driveway (instead of the garage), all someone has to do in break into your car and they have access to your garage. At least with a mobile opener you can take it with you.

Power seats are really not an issue because you adjust your seat once and leave it alone.

The interior is not as luxurious as higher end Audi's, but I think it suits the car and is more "sporty" and youthful. I have had a lot of squeaks and rattles in cold weather though, something I am not completely satisfied with.

What options is the car missing?

Given the humble DNA of the MQB platform, price might seem high, but the engine and transmission are way ahead of what you get from competitors in terms of tech and durability. The 2.5L is not a warmed over version of some pedestrian economy engine like you see from many other manufacturers. It is a limited edition sort of thing that is meant to rip and nothing else.

The infotainment and virtual cockpit are pretty cool too. Analog gauges look terrible to me now.

Besides all that, I think the A3/S3/RS3 sedan exterior design is about as good as it gets from Audi. It looks beautiful from every angle and I have gotten a shit ton of compliments on the car.

Finally, RS3 is rare. If I close my eyes and throw a stone I will hit a blue WRX STI or black Golf R. There are so many nearly identical tuner cars driving around with the same mods; it just gets boring. The RS3 is like a unicorn.

I don't know why the RS3 wouldn't be a good DD. It can be a very calm and quiet ride if you want it to be. I've driven it in one the coldest winters in my lifetime (39.9 years) with tons of snow and it has laughed it off. Just the interior noises bother me at -30C.

[Potatohead_RS3]

Wow, thanks for the replies. What I’m hearing is this likely wouldn’t be a great DD. Unreal performance, but creature comforts and ‘everyday’ activity will be amiss.

Depends on your standards entirely. I mean saying this interior is low rent is kind of hilarious if you compare it to vehicles most people are driving, Mazdas and Hyundais and what not. Of course it's not a Rolls Royce either.

The RS3 is like a unicorn.

I started paying attention when I ordered my car in fall of 2017 and I have seen two others on the road ever.

[5CYL_BTLSHIP]

The RS3 is like a unicorn.

Yep. I've only seen two other RS3's while driving on the road. That's it. One was Nardo and the other was dark blue (custom color or wrap). I enjoy the fact that I'm driving something unique. I see GTI's and Golf R's all the time. I see R8's more often than I do the RS3 or RS5

[Brian@Unitronic]

Wow, thanks for the replies. What I’m hearing is this likely wouldn’t be a great DD. Unreal performance, but creature comforts and ‘everyday’ activity will be amiss.

The RS3 has to be one of the best daily driver's ive ever owned. it gets excellent fuel economy, is comfortable enough and ultimately its a rocket when you want it to be.

[cbpdpm]

Agree. Best DD ever.

[RSKYBET]

CarPlay is TERRIBLE with the MMI knob - though Android Auto actually works pretty great, once you figure it out.

I have to disagree with this. I think having a controller is actually better when it comes to vehicles with a performance oriented suspension. I don't even like having touchscreen CarPlay in "soft" cars like my company car ('19 MKC). I hate having to stare at where I'm trying to press on a screen when driving, especially as the road gets bumpier (unavoidable in the Midwest).

[Cptpizzo]

I have to disagree with this. I think having a controller is actually better when it comes to vehicles with a performance oriented suspension. I don't even like having touchscreen CarPlay in "soft" cars like my company car ('19 MKC). I hate having to stare at where I'm trying to press on a screen when driving, especially as the road gets bumpier (unavoidable in the Midwest).

+1

The more time not having to look at the inside of the car, the better everyone is at enjoying the drive and keeping all safe. That said, I would like a HUD as a factory option. I like driving elevated in my seat and the steering wheel low which tends to have the top of the steering wheel cut off the top of the dash dials in the virtual cluster..

AP

[DarkSi08]

I have to disagree with this. I think having a controller is actually better when it comes to vehicles with a performance oriented suspension. I don't even like having touchscreen CarPlay in "soft" cars like my company car ('19 MKC). I hate having to stare at where I'm trying to press on a screen when driving, especially as the road gets bumpier (unavoidable in the Midwest).

No, you misunderstand me. I prefer using the controller to touchscreen overall. With CarPlay, though, it’s terrible. I have to press things 2-3 times on occasion, etc. with Android Auto, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I agree 100% - touch screens have no place in a car. I hate what Volvo, etc are doing, moving HVAC to the touchscreen, etc. For some reason, CarPlay with the MMI is just garbage... tested with several phones, too.

[DarkSi08]

Yep. I've only seen two other RS3's while driving on the road. That's it. One was Nardo and the other was dark blue (custom color or wrap). I enjoy the fact that I'm driving something unique. I see GTI's and Golf R's all the time. I see R8's more often than I do the RS3 or RS5

The RS3 has to be one of the best daily driver's ive ever owned. it gets excellent fuel economy, is comfortable enough and ultimately its a rocket when you want it to be.

Agreed. Fantastic daily driver, to me. I came from a C450 AMG, and I miss absolutely nothing from that car. Also, I have literally never seen another RS3, aside from a used one that was for sale near me.

Op, just go find one and drive it. Our opinions mean nothing when it comes to your comfort.

[Lawrage]

I do love it when people defend the lack of power seats quoting it saves weight, I call BS on that as they then go and stick in a heavy sunroof. They could have offered electric seats on this car but they decided not to.

Aside from that and the stupid Engine Start / Stop always coming on when I start the car I have no complaints with the car. Its a very capable daily driver.

[Potatohead_RS3]

They could have offered electric seats on this car but they decided not to.

That's not up to the mothership, blame Audi USA or Audi Australia in your case for that. The normal powered seats like what are in an S3 are available in a lot of markets. I agree that weight has nothing to do with it.

[sti-tom]

I do love it when people defend the lack of power seats quoting it saves weight, I call BS on that as they then go and stick in a heavy sunroof. They could have offered electric seats on this car but they decided not to.

Aside from that and the stupid Engine Start / Stop always coming on when I start the car I have no complaints with the car. Its a very capable daily driver.

So glad we don't have this in North America

[DarkSi08]

I do love it when people defend the lack of power seats quoting it saves weight, I call BS on that as they then go and stick in a heavy sunroof. They could have offered electric seats on this car but they decided not to.

Aside from that and the stupid Engine Start / Stop always coming on when I start the car I have no complaints with the car. Its a very capable daily driver.

Just because they made one crap decision doesn't mean another isn't good. I'd just as soon have neither, on any car. I also didn't say Audi decided to do it because they save weight - I said that I would rather save the weight over having power seats I'll use once.

Thankfully, none of that start/stop BS in the US.

[RSgoals]

The stupid engine start/stop?


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[PowerStroke]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

You are paying for the engine.

[DarkSi08]

The stupid engine start/stop?


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That is a ‘feature’ the car has in other markets.

[jd_rs3]

I’m really interested and close to pulling trigger on RS3, but man alive are there some head scratchers...

1) no garage buttons?!
2) no power seats?!
3) overall interior seems ‘cheap’ and minimalistic to put it lightly.
4) limited options
5) price associated with these blatant whiffs is a deterrent

Am I being dramatic?

Nope but once you drive one you will forget about a lot of that stuff. The seats are great!

[thebc]

You can make up for the lack of interior refinement yourself. Look up Neidfaktor. I wanted my RS3 to mimic my B8 S4’s interior, so one of my first purchases was some additional CF and Alcantara finishes for my interior.

And yes, the RS3 is one of the best DDs ever. The seats while not power are super comfortable. How often do you need to adjust your seats?




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[jd_rs3]

You can make up for the lack of interior refinement yourself. Look up Neidfaktor. I wanted my RS3 to mimic my B8 S4’s interior, so one of my first purchases was some additional CF and Alcantara finishes for my interior.

And yes, the RS3 is one of the best DDs ever. The seats while not power are super comfortable. How often do you need to adjust your seats?




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Holy shit that looks fantastic. All from Neidfaktor? Mind sharing the cost?

[thebc]

Holy shit that looks fantastic. All from Neidfaktor? Mind sharing the cost?

Center console was from Neidfaktor, about 1k. Super high quality. It’s half that much if you can provide them your center console, otherwise they source an OEM one and finish it for you. The alcantara work was done by a local shop. More info in my build thread.


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[jd_rs3]

Thanks! Didn't see your build thread. Link?

Good work!

[sleeperwagon]

hold on...he asked if there is a button for the garage door. IF you have a garage door opener then YES, you should have a button for your garage door. HA, stop and get some velcro like the rest of us and that problem is solved.
thank god we don't have start stop....
26K miles in a little over a year I can say "Best DD EVER!"

[thebc]

Thanks! Didn't see your build thread. Link?

Good work!

My build thread: Gretchen RS3 Build
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sha...2&share_type=t


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[jd_rs3]

My build thread: Gretchen RS3 Build
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sha...2&share_type=t


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Word. Sub'd

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[UNFUXWITHABLE]

Center console was from Neidfaktor, about 1k. Super high quality. It’s half that much if you can provide them your center console, otherwise they source an OEM one and finish it for you. The alcantara work was done by a local shop. More info in my build thread.


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Looks amazing man you really have me intrigued . Did you send them yours or did you have them source you one ?

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[thebc]

Looks amazing man you really have me intrigued . Did you send them yours or did you have them source you one ?

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They sourced it for me. I ended up selling my spare to another RS3 owner who was having it shipped out to refinish. After a year and a half it’s still brand new. Their fit and finish is truly top notch.


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[UNFUXWITHABLE]

They sourced it for me. I ended up selling my spare to another RS3 owner who was having it shipped out to refinish. After a year and a half it’s still brand new. Their fit and finish is truly top notch.


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Thanks man I think that's one of the first things I might do interior wise . That's how it should of been from the darn factory , really completes the interior in terms of carbon especially if you get the carbon trim . Good call and thank you for sharing

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[UNFUXWITHABLE]

Btw the carbon seat covers for the back of the front seats also adds a really nice touch of carbon in the back Screenshot_20190306-213100_Google.jpeg

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[PowerStroke]

I agree about being a great daily driver. It's a very versatile car. The lack of homelink and powered seats does not bother me. I will say the only 2 things I dislike are the stock wheels and the fact that there's a few difficult to locate rattles within the cabin that are noticeable when I don't have music playing. I was hoping the fit and finish would feel a bit more high end for the price we paid.

But i think it's hard to beat the RS3s combination of practicality and power. I get nearly 30 mpg on the highway in comfort if i am taking long trips with the wife. It's terrific in the snow with a set of snow tires on it. I can't tell you how many times I've driven by stuck trucks and SUVs during snow storms out here in connecticut. And when you want to tear up back roads, well that's where it really comes alive. Need to pass someone on the highway? just point and shoot.

It's a bit on the smaller side, but i'm constantly impressed how much I can stuff into its trunk and back seat.

[5CYL_BTLSHIP]

there's a few difficult to locate rattles within the cabin that are noticeable when I don't have music playing. I was hoping the fit and finish would feel a bit more high end for the price we paid.

I've heard a few a people complaining about rattles, I don't have a single one though. My car only has 4600 miles on it, but nothing rattles, or squeaks or anything. Not a single weird noise. I love it as my daily