Highs Excellent build quality, high-tech interior, and zesty acceleration. Lows The European hatchback version would be preferred due to its cramped rear-seat space and lower fuel efficiency than the A3. Verdict The 2020 Audi S3 has many of the same appealing qualities as its larger, more expensive stablemates, including speed and pleasure.
In This Article...
Is buying an Audi S3 wise?
The Audi S3 is a fantastic example of the breed. Audi’s S series have always given understated performance. Although it has a powerful turbocharger and excellent quattro 4WD traction, it is less noticeable than some wild-looking rivals due to its mature driving style and subtle appearance.
The conservative driving style matches the austere appearance. Although the Audi S3’s performance delivery may disappoint some keen drivers, it is hard to match the S3’s speed and sophistication.
It’s a strong, premium substitute for the many other sporty hatchbacks available today. The S3, despite not quite being on par with the best-handling vehicles on the market and having styling that may not be thrilling enough for some, is nonetheless a force to be reckoned with.
Although the Audi S3 isn’t the fastest A3 of them all, it is still a versatile performance vehicle because it is offered as a hatchback, saloon, and convertible. Some people like the S3’s understated appearance since, despite being a little sporty, it doesn’t look all that different from an Audi A3 in S line gear and can thus easily slide under people’s radar.
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.
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.
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 the Audi S3 enjoyable?
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.
The Audi S3 is secure.
The Audi S3 will undoubtedly use up tires and brakes more quickly than a conventional A3 because it is a high-performance hatchback. However, since the quattro drivetrain, as well as the engines and electronics, have been so carefully tested across so many various models within the VW Group, there is no reason to think the vehicle will be any less dependable. The automobile feels very solidly put together and is free of fragile trim or materials that could cause irritating squeaks or rattles.
Euro NCAP gave the A3 a perfect five-star certification in 2012 after evaluating its performance in the field of adult occupant protection, where it scored 95%. Additionally, the S3 is available with a wide range of cutting-edge safety features, as you would expect from a premium brand like Audi.
These features range from lane maintain assist and radar-controlled cruise control to traffic sign identification and a self-parking feature, albeit they are not always inexpensive. Even so, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and many airbags are all standard.
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.
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. Owners, for instance, have complained about older models like the 2011 Audi A4.
Are Audi S3 still worth anything?
In the first three years after purchase, we calculated that Audi S3 cars lose 33 percent of their value on average. 92 percent of us are confident in our estimate.
Months:
Whether buying a new or old Audi S3, you may estimate the value loss with this depreciation calculator. We can calculate the car’s future value using our depreciation models by providing some information, such as the purchase price, the age and usage of the vehicle, and the length of your ownership.
Our calculations are based on the predicted depreciation for the first three years. We do market research on the automotive industry to find out how much each car depreciates on average over the first three years after purchase.
We can predict the car’s future value using the first three years’ depreciation curve, and we can make a comprehensive table that details each month of ownership, the subsequent depreciation, and the car’s new value.
This calculator will help you make decisions when you’re thinking about buying a car.
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.
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.