8Y RS3 Initial Review from a previous 8V RS3 Owner

**Alex D** · 07-20-2023 01:26 PM

I recently picked up my 2023 RS3 and have logged on about 200 miles after owning my previous 2018 RS3 for almost 3 years. I placed my order in August of 2022 for an exclusive color 2023 and received my allocation at the end of April. Unfortunately, the allocation came at the expense of my exclusive color option or risk getting back in line to wait further. I decided to just change it to a standard color, in which I chose Turbo Blue and waited for the car to be produced. I got an email at the end of May from Audi's production status email that my car was leaving the factory. One month later, the car was on its way to the US. The journal took about 2 weeks from the date it left Germany to get to Baltimore Port. One week after it arrived at the port, it was available for pickup at my dealer after my sales assistant notified me. Shoutout to Daniel Gugger at Audi of Frederick for taking care of me on this car and getting it ordered.

Initial Thoughts on the Interior/Exterior:
I thought the biggest improvement was the interior of this car as it has a much more modern feel. The one thing I do love is the ambient lighting on the dash, which is being eliminated in the 2024 models, unfortunately. The seats are supportive and the updated honeycomb stitching looks fantastic. I opted for the black/black stitching as I could not do the kyalami green stitching on the RS design package. The rear view camera picture quality seems to have slightly improved slightly due to the new larger screen. The MMI system takes getting used to and the touchscreen is an upgrade from the old system. The Bang and Olufsen system seems pretty comparable to the 8V, maybe slightly less bass, but overall I am happy with it. The dash takes getting used to as I still prefer the big 8V tach as the hockey stick/runway display of the 8Y. I also found the placement of the screen on the new car not quite as good as the 8V in my opinion. When I turn my head, I have to look slightly down to see Waze when driving. The heads up display is a nice add on even though i feel this is nothing new as my old Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from the 90s had this technology.

For the exterior, I was really on the fence on the exterior and was afraid I wouldn't like it. Once I saw the car in person, that opinion quickly changed. I think Audi did a great job with the exterior of this car to make it more aggressive and standout a bit more than the standard A3, where the 8V could pass as the regular A3 to the average joe. They did a great job keeping the 8V under the radar with its subtleness.

Performance/Road Manners
In comparison to the 8V, it feels pretty comparable to the power of the former 8V, with the 8Y feeling slightly quicker. The transmission seems much smoother and more refined compared to the 8V. I have not tested the launch control yet, so I will provide updates later. The handling aspect of this car I feel is the major improvement of this car over the 8V. The car is much more confident around the same roads and feels much more planted with less body roll. The brakes are also a noticeable upgrade, despite moving from an 8 piston caliper to a 6 piston caliper as it seems to have great initial bite and feel. The ride quality has also improved significantly as it seems to take the bumps much better than my old car.

Overall, the car is much slower than my old stage 2 8V RS3 but I enjoy all of the improvements and refinements of this car as I wait for a company to develop a tuning option for it. I'm glad I pulled the trigger and ordered it when I did and, luckily, it qualified under the MSRP Lock Program, which saved me $2000. Would I pay $15-20k over MSRP for this car? Probably not. At MSRP or even slightly above MSRP, I feel this car is a bargain for what you are getting. The updates to the handling and ride quality really make this a very fun and enjoyable car to drive.

**kashikoi** · 07-20-2023 07:19 PM

Gorgeous color and thank you for the write up. I'm getting close to 1 year on my new to me 8V. I haven't seen an 8Y in person yet but I'm starting to really dig the more aggressive look from viewing a lot of pictures from various angles. If I ever trade up in the future, turbo blue would definitely be at the top of my list.

**Vegasgolds** · 07-20-2023 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by kashikoi

Gorgeous color and thank you for the write up. I'm getting close to 1 year on my new to me 8V. I haven't seen an 8Y in person yet but I'm starting to really dig the more aggressive look from viewing a lot of pictures from various angles. If I ever trade up in the future, turbo blue would definitely be at the top of my list.

you won't be getting a brand new one in that color.... you'll have to settle for a used one if you want that color in factory paint.

**AudiRS#** · 07-21-2023 06:02 AM

Nice review. I havent seen or driven the 8Y but can see where you are coming from on all points. I agree the look is cooler which i wasnt sold on until someone posted a side by side pic and then you can really see how much nicer the 8Y looks. The upgraded interior is the biggest reason i would want to switch with the bonus of the handling upgrades.

I already know the 2 things i wont like which are the loss of console shifting and the change in tach that you talked about (the 8v is perfect). Dont even get me started on the one that goes down toward the bottom of the screen as rpm increases. The hockey stick is less than ideal but that one actually bothers me.

What exclusive color were you going to get?

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**PlanetExpress** · 07-21-2023 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by AudiRS#

Nice review. I havent seen or driven the 8Y but can see where you are coming from on all points. I agree the look is cooler which i wasnt sold on until someone posted a side by side pic and then you can really see how much nicer the 8Y looks. The upgraded interior is the biggest reason i would want to switch with the bonus of the handling upgrades.

I already know the 2 things i wont like which are the loss of console shifting and the change in tach that you talked about (the 8v is perfect). Dont even get me started on the one that goes down toward the bottom of the screen as rpm increases. The hockey stick is less than ideal but that one actually bothers me.

What exclusive color were you going to get?

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Not sure if I am misunderstanding but you can certainly have the larger round tach on the 8y. I don't have access to mine at the moment to take a Pic but look at post 9 here: https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/sport-layout-on-standard-cockpit.432104/

**CW98** · 07-21-2023 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by Alex D

I recently picked up my 2023 RS3 and have logged on about 200 miles after owning my previous 2018 RS3 for almost 3 years. I placed my order in August of 2022 for an exclusive color 2023 and received my allocation at the end of April. Unfortunately, the allocation came at the expense of my exclusive color option or risk getting back in line to wait further. I decided to just change it to a standard color, in which I chose Turbo Blue and waited for the car to be produced. I got an email at the end of May from Audi's production status email that my car was leaving the factory. One month later, the car was on its way to the US. The journal took about 2 weeks from the date it left Germany to get to Baltimore Port. One week after it arrived at the port, it was available for pickup at my dealer after my sales assistant notified me. Shoutout to Daniel Gugger at Audi of Frederick for taking care of me on this car and getting it ordered.

Initial Thoughts on the Interior/Exterior:
I thought the biggest improvement was the interior of this car as it has a much more modern feel. The one thing I do love is the ambient lighting on the dash, which is being eliminated in the 2024 models, unfortunately. The seats are supportive and the updated honeycomb stitching looks fantastic. I opted for the black/black stitching as I could not do the kyalami green stitching on the RS design package. The rear view camera picture quality seems to have slightly improved slightly due to the new larger screen. The MMI system takes getting used to and the touchscreen is an upgrade from the old system. The Bang and Olufsen system seems pretty comparable to the 8V, maybe slightly less bass, but overall I am happy with it. The dash takes getting used to as I still prefer the big 8V tach as the hockey stick/runway display of the 8Y. I also found the placement of the screen on the new car not quite as good as the 8V in my opinion. When I turn my head, I have to look slightly down to see Waze when driving. The heads up display is a nice add on even though i feel this is nothing new as my old Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from the 90s had this technology.

For the exterior, I was really on the fence on the exterior and was afraid I wouldn't like it. Once I saw the car in person, that opinion quickly changed. I think Audi did a great job with the exterior of this car to make it more aggressive and standout a bit more than the standard A3, where the 8V could pass as the regular A3 to the average joe. They did a great job keeping the 8V under the radar with its subtleness.

Performance/Road Manners
In comparison to the 8V, it feels pretty comparable to the power of the former 8V, with the 8Y feeling slightly quicker. The transmission seems much smoother and more refined compared to the 8V. I have not tested the launch control yet, so I will provide updates later. The handling aspect of this car I feel is the major improvement of this car over the 8V. The car is much more confident around the same roads and feels much more planted with less body roll. The brakes are also a noticeable upgrade, despite moving from an 8 piston caliper to a 6 piston caliper as it seems to have great initial bite and feel. The ride quality has also improved significantly as it seems to take the bumps much better than my old car.

Overall, the car is much slower than my old stage 2 8V RS3 but I enjoy all of the improvements and refinements of this car as I wait for a company to develop a tuning option for it. I'm glad I pulled the trigger and ordered it when I did and, luckily, it qualified under the MSRP Lock Program, which saved me $2000. Would I pay $15-20k over MSRP for this car? Probably not. At MSRP or even slightly above MSRP, I feel this car is a bargain for what you are getting. The updates to the handling and ride quality really make this a very fun and enjoyable car to drive.

I would attest to everything you said as well here. I just picked my 2023 up 2 weeks ago, and had a 2018 since new for 5 years.

It's a much more "refined" car in everyway - smoother transmission tuning around town in stop and go traffic, better shifts, quieter interior, very comfortable stock suspension (even in dynamic), and a big leap in tech. Sitting next to a 8V, definitely more aggressive on the front and side profile.

My only gripe so far - its extremely quiet stock, vastly so from the 8V. Higher RPM's it's not bad, but they clearly rather tuned the valves for quieter operation around town, and got rid of any pops and burbles - the rev startup from the 8V is gone now. Not sure what exactly could be changed from the sport exhaust, but it's very tame - and I even added the cat-delete mid-pipes which was just a slight improvement.

One welcome surprise though - MPG improvement! I've consistently been getting mid-high 30's on the highway, where my 8V was low 30's at it's best.

**Alex D** · 07-21-2023 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by AudiRS#

Nice review. I havent seen or driven the 8Y but can see where you are coming from on all points. I agree the look is cooler which i wasnt sold on until someone posted a side by side pic and then you can really see how much nicer the 8Y looks. The upgraded interior is the biggest reason i would want to switch with the bonus of the handling upgrades.

I already know the 2 things i wont like which are the loss of console shifting and the change in tach that you talked about (the 8v is perfect). Dont even get me started on the one that goes down toward the bottom of the screen as rpm increases. The hockey stick is less than ideal but that one actually bothers me.

What exclusive color were you going to get?

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I ordered Nogaro Blue. I placed another order for 2024 in the exclusive color just to see if I am able to get another allocation with a exclusive color.

**AudiRS#** · 07-21-2023 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by Alex D

I ordered Nogaro Blue. I placed another order for 2024 in the exclusive color just to see if I am able to get another allocation with a exclusive color.

Nice that is my favorite car color i reckon.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**AudiRS#** · 07-21-2023 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by PlanetExpress

Not sure if I am misunderstanding but you can certainly have the larger round tach on the 8y. I don't have access to mine at the moment to take a Pic but look at post 9 here: https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...ockpit.432104/

Yeah it just isnt the round one in the center like the 8v.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**Jetdriver** · 07-21-2023 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by Vegasgolds

you won't be getting a brand new one in that color.... you'll have to settle for a used one if you want that color in factory paint.

As long as you order prior to Nov 26th, you can.

Sent from my SM-F721U using Audizine Forum mobile app

**Alex D** · 07-21-2023 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by CW98

I would attest to everything you said as well here. I just picked my 2023 up 2 weeks ago, and had a 2018 since new for 5 years.

It's a much more "refined" car in everyway - smoother transmission tuning around town in stop and go traffic, better shifts, quieter interior, very comfortable stock suspension (even in dynamic), and a big leap in tech. Sitting next to a 8V, definitely more aggressive on the front and side profile.

My only gripe so far - its extremely quiet stock, vastly so from the 8V. Higher RPM's it's not bad, but they clearly rather tuned the valves for quieter operation around town, and got rid of any pops and burbles - the rev startup from the 8V is gone now. Not sure what exactly could be changed from the sport exhaust, but it's very tame - and I even added the cat-delete mid-pipes which was just a slight improvement.

One welcome surprise though - MPG improvement! I've consistently been getting mid-high 30's on the highway, where my 8V was low 30's at it's best.

I have the non-sport exhaust which is fairly quiet. I purposely chose the non-sport exhaust as I wanted it a little quieter in the event i decided to go full catless downpipe and midpipes. My 8V with the sport exhaust was a little loud with it being catless so i figured with the non-sport, it might be ever so slightly quieter.

**PlanetExpress** · 07-21-2023 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by AudiRS#

Yeah it just isnt the round one in the center like the 8v.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Oh gotcha. I only have experience with my 8y. I like the hockey stick tach and it's been wheat I primarily use but never got to experience the 8v gauge cluster.

**Alex D** · 07-21-2023 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by PlanetExpress

Oh gotcha. I only have experience with my 8y. I like the hockey stick tach and it's been wheat I primarily use but never got to experience the 8v gauge cluster.

IMG_3100.jpg
The 8V had the large tach centered in the dash cluster which was my favorite.

**Vegasgolds** · 07-21-2023 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by AudiRS#

Nice review. I havent seen or driven the 8Y but can see where you are coming from on all points. I agree the look is cooler which i wasnt sold on until someone posted a side by side pic and then you can really see how much nicer the 8Y looks. The upgraded interior is the biggest reason i would want to switch with the bonus of the handling upgrades.

I already know the 2 things i wont like which are the loss of console shifting and the change in tach that you talked about (the 8v is perfect). Dont even get me started on the one that goes down toward the bottom of the screen as rpm increases. The hockey stick is less than ideal but that one actually bothers me.

What exclusive color were you going to get?

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

when you are in RS mode, the tach is on the windshield. The tach goes from GREEN-YELLOW-RED... 2 things that the 8V doesn't do!!

**Vegasgolds** · 07-21-2023 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Jetdriver

As long as you order prior to Nov 26th, you can.

Sent from my SM-F721U using Audizine Forum mobile app

yes, but the person I was replying to won't. He's not currently on ANY wait list, so he won't even be able to get a brand new 2024 before that color isn't available

**AudiRS#** · 07-22-2023 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by Vegasgolds

when you are in RS mode, the tach is on the windshield. The tach goes from GREEN-YELLOW-RED... 2 things that the 8V doesn't do!!

I havent used the HUDs in any cars ive had that have had them. Not good enough fidelity for me.

And the 8V will do green-yellow-red just have to be in manual mode. There is plenty to like on the 8Y but no one is going to convince me the tach is better, sorry.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**FSTSNAL** · 07-22-2023 09:46 AM

I agree even coming from a golf r the virtual display is not adequate. Have to go into the tiny tach and speedo mode just to get coolant temp on the display. I wish it was customizable like the digital dash in the 911. 2 things should always be in the display, fuel level and coolant temp and they aren’t.

**nesbit** · 07-22-2023 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by FSTSNAL

I agree even coming from a golf r the virtual display is not adequate. Have to go into the tiny tach and speedo mode just to get coolant temp on the display. I wish it was customizable like the digital dash in the 911. 2 things should always be in the display, fuel level and coolant temp and they aren’t.

Coolant temp or Oil temp? In that mode I only have oil temp that I know of. Coolant has the LED bars. I hate that the little icon of the car takes up so much space that could be used for other info.

**xeonoex** · 07-24-2023 09:57 AM

For the MPG, make sure you have it on MPG US, not EU, as it will be higher than what you would expect. Mine has switched back before.

Also, yeah the sound is a disappointment. Even with the exhaust package (which doesn't seem to be anything other than black tips). I also did mid pipes and it gave it a little more character but not much more volume.
Even worse is that most of it is fake. You can adjust it with ODB11. Default is 80% volume. I switched it to zero to hear the difference, then went to 100 right after because it's almost non-existant. I get that it is a luxury car, which means sound deadening, but they really muted the exhaust. I don't want to buy a whole catback but I might.

**Alex D** · 08-08-2023 07:35 AM

Just a update of almost a month. One thing i noticed is that this model gets great gas mileage. Just filled up and put 320 miles so far and still had slightly above 1/4 tank left. My 8V, i was at best able to get 360 miles to a tank full. So far i am really happy with this generation and honestly don't miss anything on my 8V except the additional power. This car just drives significantly smoother and handling is night and day different as well as the improved brakes.

**grandpab** · 08-08-2023 07:40 AM

lol, All my driving is city driving, best I can do is 250 miles a tank.

**fzr100098** · 08-09-2023 11:33 AM

Good review and yes this car will easily get 28-30 mpg highway. I always set the display to round dials but haven't figured out how to do it in RS mode - apparently it is possible

Louder exhaust and 500 whp and this car would be about perfect for it's price range. I've considered a new M3/M4 but, while faster, common report is that it's a sterile to drive boat, and $90+k is kind of nuts for what it offers

I really want an Emira, too bad they jacked the price $20+k and they still aren't here (in US)

**Alex D** · 08-09-2023 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by fzr100098

Good review and yes this car will easily get 28-30 mpg highway. I always set the display to round dials but haven't figured out how to do it in RS mode - apparently it is possible

Louder exhaust and 500 whp and this car would be about perfect for it's price range. I've considered a new M3/M4 but, while faster, common report is that it's a sterile to drive boat, and $90+k is kind of nuts for what it offers

I really want an Emira, too bad they jacked the price $20+k and they still aren't here (in US)

Agreed. 475-500whp and this car would be perfect.

**theworldisyours** · 08-11-2023 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Jetdriver

As long as you order prior to Nov 26th, you can.

I just submitted my build today, and Turbo Blue and Tango Red are gone from the dealer order guide at this point. So far, Audi has not announced any replacement colors that I’m aware of.

**Cyrus27** · 08-12-2023 09:15 AM

+1 on the gas mileage. I drove from CT to ME, admittedly mostly highway, and got 32.9 MPG, which is just crazy good. Better than my old car even (MK7 Golf R.)

**993140** · 08-12-2023 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Cyrus27

I drove from CT to ME, admittedly mostly highway, and got 32.9 MPG, which is just crazy good. Better than my old car even (MK7 Golf R.)

That's excellent. I am getting low 30's mostly highway averaging 70-80 mph in my 8Y S3.

**Cyrus27** · 08-12-2023 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by 993140

That's excellent. I am getting low 30's mostly highway averaging 70-80 mph in my 8Y S3.

Yeah that's in comfort mode, and it's actually noticeable how little throttle you are using on highway trips. As we all know, one of the great things about this car, and the S3 too, is that it's really multiple cars in one.

**Alex D** · 08-14-2023 07:11 AM

Did some back roads runs this weekend through Clifton, VA and this car continues to impress. The roads aren’t in the best shape and the car stayed planted and absorbed the bumps much better than my old car. This car continues to reenforce that it is one of the best daily/weekend warrior cars on the market for the money. Snagged a picture with a buddy of mine while we were doing some early morning runs.
0FBB6A12-B853-4440-BFB8-8457764FE13A.jpg

**DumpsterRatz** · 08-23-2023 10:13 PM

I completely believe that the 8Y Rs3 is a step forward in handling as the new owners are reporting, but I have trouble understanding how it could be more planted than the 8V already is. I will just need to feel it I guess, because as is, with michelling pilots on the 8V Rs3 it feels incredibly stable and planted, even erratic behavior, mid turn to avoid debris etc, ive never felt the 8v lacking..its the most stable little car ive ever driven. ill have to feel it.

does the 8Y indeed hold more on a skidpad than the 8V?

**Alex D** · 08-25-2023 04:20 AM

Originally Posted by DumpsterRatz

I completely believe that the 8Y Rs3 is a step forward in handling as the new owners are reporting, but I have trouble understanding how it could be more planted than the 8V already is. I will just need to feel it I guess, because as is, with michelling pilots on the 8V Rs3 it feels incredibly stable and planted, even erratic behavior, mid turn to avoid debris etc, ive never felt the 8v lacking..its the most stable little car ive ever driven. ill have to feel it.

does the 8Y indeed hold more on a skidpad than the 8V?

According to many test reports, surprisingly the 8Y has similar if not slightly less numbers on the skid pad but it could have been due to different conditions as one media outlet mentioned. My old 8V did not seem to have the confidence around the corners and was not quite as confidence inspiring especially uneven road surfaces on the back roads. The new car takes uneven surfaces much better and seems more flat around the turns. Its possible a set of new tires could have changed my thoughts on my 8V but just doing the best apples to apples comparison with the stock pirellis on both cars.

**SlackerMN** · 10-16-2023 07:47 PM

Pushing this thread up. Hoping to ask for other 8y owners who cane from a 8v rs3. How are you enjoying your 8y? Do you miss your 8v at all? Thanks

**Alex D** · 10-23-2023 05:23 AM

Just a 3 month update: I ended up selling my 8Y RS3 and not because i didn't love it but another opportunity came up that i couldn't pass up on. Still after 3 months, i never looked back on my purchase or wish I had my 8V RS3. I think its possible i may add another one to the stable whenever i have more space. This is truly the best daily driver on the market today in my opinion.

**fzr100098** · 10-23-2023 11:12 AM

G80 M3?

**Alex D** · 10-23-2023 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by fzr100098

G80 M3?

MKIV Supra

**fzr100098** · 10-23-2023 02:49 PM

Haha ok the time machine - prices have gotten completely out of control. With that said, wish I have bought the new '97 (final year) when I had the chance (vs FD RX-7)

**Alex D** · 10-23-2023 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by fzr100098

Haha ok the time machine - prices have gotten completely out of control. With that said, wish I have bought the new '97 (final year) when I had the chance (vs FD RX-7)

1998 was the final year for the US market.

**Xandynasty** · 04-10-2024 11:08 AM

Hmmm I had a hard choice as well to upgrade to the 8y rs3 from my 2020 rs3 but I ended up keeping my 8v. As a car enthusiasts to me the 8v is more fun to drive while having the option to use the gear shifter in manual mode. The new 8y are not loud but they did very well with the interior but it seems like they made the car less fun in my opinion. Definitely not as loud as the 8v and in my opinion this is a sports car and should be fun to drive. Last thing I prefer the front grill on the older models than the newer ones. It seems like they just joined everyone else and made the front all Grill like bmw. At the end of the day I love my 8V model but the 8Y do come with its perks. If you don't care about the stuff I mentioned then the 8Y would be a good choice.