[BMW269]

That nobody should say footie starts Audi threads I am going to start one.

Audi can build cars very cheaply. I do not say they build cheap cars, but that they can build without big investissments thanks to VW and there strategy. Audi is a very reactive brand, specially towards BMW. The BMW "M1" is coming, and so the new rival, the Audi RS3, powered by the 2.5l Turbo I5 engine making 340 hp. I feel I5 vs. I6, and AWD vs. RWD. FI vs. NA is no more a discussion as both the RS3 and "M1" are going to be FI.

[gonzo]

I think it would be a cool as heck grocery getter or medium range road tripper with friends.

[BillLee]

is that the S3?

[DBFIU]

Looks like a mazda

[JoosyJoos]

They'll be good rivals everywhere else in the world... since you can't get a 1 series hatch here in the US.

I don't know if its the M1's kryptonite or anything. I wouldn't cross-shop an AWD car personally because I like RWD... I'm not saying others wont though.

I think the M1 would have more tuning potential with the extra cylinder and larger displacement and the lighter curb weight (just a guess).

[Freakazoid]

I usually like audi's style....but that thing is hideous, looks like a wagon.
MS3 looks better.

[ragingclue]

I think it looks alright, but I'm sure there'll be some sticker shock. An argument can definitely be made that the S/RS4 has nothing to do with the Jetta, but it's tougher to make that distinction between the S/RS3 and the Golf.

The Golf R is nice btw (although the numbers are really underwhelming compared to these projections).... I wonder how much of a premium this will ask.

[blue2fire]

I really dont think they will be on the same page. The 1 Series M will be based on the 3 Series and the A3 is based on the Golf. Plus, there is no A3 Coupé (Only ragtop) and there probably will be no hatchback 1M.

That is also before the fact that this probably will have the TT-RS engine. Audi never wastes synergies.

[footie]

As the M1 (we'll call it that) is a coupe and not a hatchback I don't fully see the two (RS3 and M1) as true rivals. Now the TT-RS is another thing.

[BMW269]

The BMW 1 Series Coupé is exactly the same car as the 1 Series Hatch (3-door). The Coupé is even 10 kg heavier.

[MrRoboto]

It will be 100k if it ever reaches NA.

[Garduna]

I'm sure the RS3 will be a great car but honestly, with that engine, I'd want it in the TTRS instead and the look of it just won't be as good as the M1.

[JayKay335i]

Price wise it could be a great alternative to a4/s4, but due to the a3 only being a hatch, I dont think it will directly effect the M1 in the US.

[bavarian beauty]

ok...I have owned a few Audi's and my last car before my M was an S4, i have and always will be a fan of Audi, but good lord, that is one ugly car!

Not too fond of the 1 series either, but definitely like it more than this incarnation! YIKES!

[domobrown]

I actually quite like the looks lol. Its like a mini RS4 avant, which I love. TT-RS engine will be beastly in that, especially with an active diff. It should be a fun little ride

[footie]

Whether you like or dislike the look of the Audi A/S3 and A/S3 SB the question you need to ask is whether Audi would keep the it's basic side profile or adopt the trademark flared arches that all other RS models are now receiving.

I'm sure that with such a side profile and the aggressive nose it would look every bit the mini RS6 and might just put the car on a lot more people's radar. Especially with that incredible 5cylinder engine.

[ptack]

Originally Posted by Levi

The BMW 1 Series Coupé is exactly the same car as the 1 Series Hatch (3-door). The Coupé is even 10 kg heavier.

That's because they are not the same. The coupe is larger.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by ptack

That's because they are not the same. The coupe is larger.

They have the same base.

[Freakazoid]

Originally Posted by Levi

They have the same base.

am I misreading that diagram? The diagram even shows the coupe as being longer... (i.e. larger)

[domobrown]

Originally Posted by Freakazoid

am I misreading that diagram? The diagram even shows the coupe as being longer... (i.e. larger)

you fail to recognize that the wheelbases are exactly the same. So is pretty much everything else.Also, the rear trunk of the hatch isn't long as the rear trunk of the coupe. But prtty much everything else is identical

[footie]

Originally Posted by Freakazoid

am I misreading that diagram? The diagram even shows the coupe as being longer... (i.e. larger)

It uses the exact same platform, why are you still questioning this?

[fatjoez]

I'd take All Wheel Drive over the 135i's rwd ANY DAY