When pushed, the S3 hatchback will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds with the six-speed S tronic gearbox installed; with the conventional six-speed manual, the sprint takes 5.2 seconds. It can rev to a maximum of 6,800 rpm.
All body types will be able to reach a limited top speed of 155 mph, though saloons are a tenth slower from 0 to 62 mph and the Cabriolet, which is only offered with the S tronic box, requires 5.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph due to the additional weight of the roof and body reinforcement it is carrying.
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Is the Audi S3 a quick vehicle?
Following the demise of the S1 with the previous-generation vehicle, Audi’s S3 is currently the entry-point to its performance S series.
How quickly is the S3? As of 2020, Audi claims that the sedan and Sportback (hatchback) models can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.8 seconds, while the somewhat heavier Cabriolet (convertible) model can do it in 5.3 seconds.
Therefore, among their main competitors, the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) and BMW M235i xDrive (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds), the sedan and hatchback are the fastest.
Independent testing from numerous sources has produced results that are remarkably similar to real-world values, ranging from 4.8 seconds (the actual number) to 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h.
An all-powerful 2.0-liter petrol turbocharged engine with 213kW/380Nm powers all S3 variations. This is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that uses the brand’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system to drive all four wheels. The top speed of the S3 is electronically capped at 250 km/h.
The MQB A0 chassis of the next-generation tiny car does not support all-wheel drive, which is an interesting reason why Audi claims it will not produce an S1 since it will not live up to the promise made by its S performance sub-brand.
Currently, the S3 costs $64,200 for the Sportback, $65,800 for the Sedan, and $73,400 for the Convertible before taxes.
To move more quickly? Audi also provides the RS3 sedan/hatchback, which has a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo increasing output to 294kW/480Nm and enabling a blisteringly quick 0-100km/h time in under 4.1 seconds.
Is the Audi S3 a nice car?
Many of these competitors only offer hatchback body styles, therefore the S3’s availability in saloon and convertible body styles adds to its appeal. Since the A3 debuted in 2012, the lineup has undergone significant revision, and as a result, only the five-door A3 Sportback hatchback is currently on the market. The formerly available six-speed manual gearbox is also gone, leaving only a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic as a transmission choice.
Starting at roughly $36,500 for the Audi S3 Sportback, the S3 Saloon costs about $2,000 more, while the S3 Cabriolet costs about $6,000 more than the hatchback. Additionally, Audi offers Sportback and Saloon Black Edition models. For about 1,500 more, Black Editions feature black wheels and more interior equipment in addition to replacing the satin silver trim, which includes the recognizable silver wing mirrors, with gloss black accents.
Overall, the Audi S3 is a quick little hatchback with excellent grip and quick acceleration, albeit it lacks the last level of handling refinement that would make it stand out. However, most of the time it moves along quickly enough, and the upscale atmosphere makes it feel unique.
Which is quicker, the Golf R or the S3?
Although we cannot claim that these German automakers are plagiarizing one another’s work, the design of these hot hatchbacks is remarkably similar. There are certain variances, such as the Golf R’s 316 horsepower, which is 10 horsepower more than the S3 and 14 horsepower more than the M135i, and the BMW’s eight-speed gearbox as opposed to the seven-speed gearbox used by the VW and Audi, which both use the same mechanical components.
They can all reach 62 mph in less than five seconds as a result. The Golf R wins the title; although you won’t notice it in regular driving, its 4.7-second time is a tenth faster than the S3 and M135i can muster. On each model, the top speed is 155 mph. The quickest hot hatchbacks now on the market are the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and Audi RS 3, but they are also significantly more expensive. These three vehicles aren’t far behind.
Is a v8 an Audi S3?
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 306 horsepower, and a seven-speed automatic transmission are standard on all S3 versions. We complimented the S3’s agile handling on our initial test drive and observed that its engine was vivacious, eager, and thunderous. When driving in the more relaxed Comfort driving mode, we did notice that the S3’s heavy steering lacks input and that there is a significant amount of turbo lag. The S3 accelerated to 60 mph on our test track in 4.3 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph.
A supercharged Audi S3?
This little automobile is cute. It combines luxury with athleticism. It seems light and low to the ground because it is on the smaller side. Even on the comfort setting, the ride is a little rough, but that’s part of what gives it a really sporting feel. As is customary for Audi S vehicles, the seats are quite supportive. The 2.0 in the S3 does feel a touch more slow while in Drive (instead of Sport), having come from the larger displacement supercharged Audi engines, but switch it to Sport mode and it has enough of quickness and power. This automobile is fantastic all around and enjoyable to drive.
Is there a drift mode on the S3?
The 2022 Audi S3 and Golf R both have the same engine, which is where the magic happens and where everything begins. It has 306 horsepower, 10 fewer than the latter, and 295 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 155 mph and complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The well-known Audi Quattro technology distributes power to all four wheels. Along with additional cool drive modes, it has the same torque-vectoring technology as the Golf R, including drift mode. Depending on the driving situation, torque vectoring enables you to turn the wheel with the most traction, sometimes directing all the power to just one wheel. Although Audi claims it may operate as a front-wheel-drive vehicle when more traction is needed up front, the all-wheel-drive system is standard.
The S3 does offer a lot of youthful and sporty attitude, but unfortunately there is no manual gearing option when paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The improved turbo and internals help the engine produce power, giving 18 more horses compared to the S3 of 2021.
Fun fact: If the driver doesn’t shift into automatic mode, the 2022 Audi S3 will do it for them.
How long is the life of an Audi S3?
The Audi A3 is a tough vehicle that, with regular care and sensible driving, can travel 200,000 kilometers on average. Based on a 15,000-mile yearly mileage, this translates to 13 years of service before expensive repairs are necessary.
Which Audi has the fastest time from 0 to 60?
According to Audi, the performance of the new R8 V10 is identical to that of the previous R8 Competition. The reason it is at the top of our list is that it outperforms all other Audi models in terms of speed. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds, and some models can do it in as little as 2.8 seconds.
The Bottom Line
We have comprehensively covered the top 10 fastest Audi vehicles worldwide. The added benefit of getting to your location on time is essentially what having the fastest car means. We have made it simpler for you to choose which Audi vehicle to buy.
What kind of turbo is in the Audi S3?
Audi has installed a speaker in the bulkhead in addition to the sports exhaust to artificially amplify engine noise within the vehicle, with surprisingly effective results. As the revs increase, the tone becomes bassy, and if the S tronic box is specified, you may hear some fizzes and pops coming from the exhaust.
However, the steering may use some improvement. The variable ratio mechanism offers almost no feel yet is straightforward and eliminates the need for armfuls of lock.
Engines
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged TFSI engine that powers the S3 produces 296 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque across a wide rev range of 1,800 to 5,500 rpm.
The adoption of new, stronger internal parts and a new, lightweight alloy cylinder head are examples of technological advancements. According to Audi, the current engine specification is both more powerful and 5 kilograms lighter than the previous one.
What vehicle is superior than an Audi S3?
The Mercedes A45 AMG is the quickest A-Class model available, and it is a vicious beast with a sporty interior to match its dynamic performance. Performance-wise, the base “4Matic” trim is comparable to that of the Audi S3, but the top-end “S” trim is on another level. The 405bhp 4-cylinder engine, known as a “super-hatch,” has a terrifying 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds.
Despite its higher performance, the A45 AMG suffers slightly from high operating costs. The “4 Matic” specification is both more expensive initially and less cost-effective than the S3 with a fuel economy of 38.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 169g/km.
When the seats are up, the A45 AMG (370 liters) has a larger boot than the S3 (340 liters). However, this additional accommodation takes up area in the back seats, making it difficult for tall persons to be comfortable.
Does the Audi S3 resemble the Golf R?
The majority of Audi S3 detractors will argue that it’s essentially a Volkswagen Golf R dressed up, and their criticisms have a lot of merit. Both vehicles share a chassis, have roughly the same engine, and deliver comparable performance. The key distinction is that the Audi is more expensive and is meant to be a higher-end vehicle. But is the additional cost genuinely justified? The latest video from The Smoking Tire reveals the answer.
Starting with the specifications All of the analogies originate from the fact that the Audi S3 shares the same MQB architecture as the new Volkswagen Golf R and GTI. Its four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged engine produces 295 lb-ft of torque and 306 horsepower. That’s actually less than the 315 horsepower of the Golf R (though with the same torque), which can be disappointing given how expensive the Audi is. However, the performance is roughly the same, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Golf R employs a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, but the Audi S3 uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that is exclusive to Audi. However, both vehicles use Haldex all-wheel drive systems.