The 2023 S3 builds on the strong foundation of Audi’s entry-level A3 car with a faster 306-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a suspension optimized for extra enjoyment. Even when compared to competitors like the BMW M235i Gran Coupe, Cadillac CT4-V, and Mercedes-AMG CLA35, enthusiast drivers will find plenty to enjoy about the S3, fitting into a small niche for sports sedans of this size. Similar to the standard A3, the S3 boasts a modern, young exterior and an interior that is packed with intelligent technology. Our favorite aspect of the S3 is how it drives, since it has a high fun-to-drive factor and great acceleration despite some turbo lag. Given its starting price, which is quite low, the S3 offers an amazing blend of elegance and performance. The loud RS3, which we separately assess, will appeal more to those who seek even more power.
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Is the Audi S3 trustworthy?
The A3 on which the S3 is based, which did appear in our most recent reliability study even though the S3 did not, came 16th out of 25 vehicles in the family car category with an overall score of 98 percent. Up our most current reliability survey, which included 30 manufacturers, the Audi brand came in at number 18.
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.
How it copes with people and clutter
One of the best things about the S3 is how practical it is compared to other Audi A3 models. In the front, tall people have more than adequate leg and shoulder room, and even individuals who are significantly taller than six feet are unlikely to have a problem with headroom. Even good storage is available for miscellaneous items.
Over six feet tall people won’t exactly be able to sprawl out in luxury in the back seats, but they also won’t feel crammed in with their knees tucked under their chins. Comparable amounts of space are provided by the S3, Mercedes-AMG A35, BMW M135i, and Volkswagen Golf R. However, the larger rear leg room of the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST can be useful if you frequently need to transport individuals in the back.
Is buying an Audi A3 worthwhile?
Yes, the Audi A3 is a quality vehicle. It boasts three eager turbocharged engines, two of which are in high-performance variants, and has nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The interior of the A3 is gorgeous and has many high-end materials. Additionally, it offers user-friendly technological elements and two rows of roomy seats.
Years of the Audi A3 to avoid
Each of the two iterations of the A3 has its own problems. We’ve decided that you’re better off avoiding the third generation using the same PainRankTM system (20132020).
Volkswagen Golf R or Audi S3?
The Audi S3 and VW Golf R’s identical 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines produce 310 horsepower, therefore there is minimal performance difference between the two vehicles. Both vehicles can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in less than 5 seconds and have a powerful top speed of 155 mph.
The conventional gearboxes of these two speed demons are one way in which they diverge. The quattro all-wheel drive technology and the automated, seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox (S Tronic) in the Audi S3 cooperate to provide fluid shifting.
The six speed DSG manual gearbox that comes standard in the Golf R can be upgraded to an automatic version for an additional 1800 if desired. The update is best if you just drive in the city, but the manual is excellent on winding routes.
Because the steering in the Audi S3 lacks the same level of feel as that in the VW Golf R, it is less enjoyable to maneuver through curves. Due to the four-wheel drive system’s excellent grip, the Golf R can fly through bends at a respectable speed of knots.
The Audi S3 is a lot better cruiser on straight roads and in traffic, but the VW Golf is a much more engaged and fun drive on your weekend escapades. We’ll leave the final decision up to your personal preference as it’s too close to call.
BMW or Audi, which has superior handling?
BMW’s vehicles, which are made to provide the “ultimate driving experience,” frequently outperform Audi in terms of handling. Because of their overall stronger suspension systems that promote a smooth, pleasant ride, Audi vehicles are significantly less agile than BMW vehicles. BMW is routinely ranked higher for reliability.
Why is Audi a bad brand?
Nevertheless, despite producing some excellent vehicles over the years and having the greatest of intentions, Audi has a history rife with issues, from major oil leaks and blown cylinders to widespread electronic failures.
Why are Audi vehicles such a hazard?
From the small Audi A1 Sportback to the spacious Audi Q7 SUV, Audi provides a wide variety of automobiles. They’ve also experimented with hybrid and electric vehicles, with the Audi E-Tron Sportback being praised as a strong entry into the field of green vehicles.
Audi’s share a lot of its architecture and underpinnings with Volkswagen, though high-tech features and cabin materials are entirely unique to Audi.
But does that imply that Audi automobiles are prone to the same problems as VWs? In our post comparing the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R, you can see how the two stack up.
Will you discover the same problems if you only look at Audi, from the most popular Audi A4 Saloon to high-performance sports cars like the Audi R8 Coupe?
The data below, which comes from Reliability Index, shows the different problem types that Audi owners report, how much of the total number of defects they make up, and how Audi stacks up against other manufacturers in each category.
- 16th place, 2.43 percent, was air conditioning.
- Fifth, 14.10 percent: Axle and Suspension
- System of Brakes: 7th, 3.56 percent
- System for cooling and heating: 31st, 7.83 percent
- 29th place, 23.13 percent: electrical
- 39th, 30.21 percent for the engine
- 28th, 7.10 percent: Fuel System
- 23rd, 6.06 percent: gearbox
- System for steering – seventh, 2.85 percent
- 20th place for transmission, 2.74 percent
The engine, cooling and heating system, electrical components, and fuel system seem to be the most frequently affected systems. We may perhaps explain why Audi receives lower marks for things like electrical components, despite the fact that these are some of the most expensive items to fix.
When compared to Skoda and Vauxhall, Audi delivers a ton more functionality. They provide a fairly extensive infotainment system with sat-nav and various touch screens, similar to many other luxury brands. The number of potential problems increases if you include features like cruise control, driver safety systems, and all the cameras, sensors, electrically operated seats, and other bells and whistles that the best new cars from these luxury companies come equipped with. Audi outperforms all other top luxury automobile manufacturers (apart from Jaguar) in this category, including Porsche, Volvo, Aston Martin, and Mercedes.
Is the S3 from Audi a supercar?
Audi has unveiled the new RS3, which has possibly permanently altered the hot hatch phenomenon. It moves absurdly quickly. The headline figure is 3.8, which is how long it takes the RS3 to accelerate to 62 mph from a complete stop. To put that into perspective, it takes 4.4 seconds for a Porsche 911 Carrera 4a vehicle that most people would deem to be fairly quickto do the same task. Yikes.
Of course, it is the fastest hatchback ever to reach production. The price, which is 51,000, clearly reflects that. And that’s before you add any upgrades, like the “RS Dynamic Package,” which removes the speed limits and adds carbon ceramic brakes while still allowing the car to reach a top speed of 155 mph. It can reach 180 mph.
Is there a turbo on 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.