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.
In This Article...
A S3 Audi is what?
The Audi S3 Sportback is a hot hatchback with four-wheel drive and a 261 horsepower version of the trusted 2.0 TFSI engine. S3 Sportback from Audi. S3 Hatchback from Audi.
What distinguishes an Audi A3 from an Audi S3?
The Audi A3 has front MacPherson struts, a rear 4-link suspension system, quattro all-wheel drive, and other performance-enhancing characteristics. In contrast, the S3 has a TFSI 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that gives you 288 horsepower.
An Audi S3 is it a luxury vehicle?
After spending so much time in large SUVs, driving a little car has a similar effect to dropping weight. Everything appears simpler. Street lanes and parking spaces all appear to be excessively spacious, like baggy old clothing that no longer fit. Because it is moving less weight, each unit of horsepower produced by the motor seems more energetic. It feels wonderful.
Unfortunately, compact cars like the brand-new Audi S3 are rapidly vanishing from the market. Over 80% of the new cars bought in Canada last year were SUVs or pickup trucks.
The brand-new Audi A3 and its sportier S3 sibling would serve as Audi’s entry-level models in a parallel reality. They cost, respectively, $38,900 and $47,900. In our universe, it is likely that most consumers will choose the $38,650 Q3 SUV or the larger $42,250 Q5 SUV, and with good reason. You can stop reading now if you frequently need room for a baby seat, stroller, or adult passengers; an SUV is a better option.
However, if you’re sick of dull cars and prepared to forgo a little bit of functionality, proceed in this direction.
Although it doesn’t appear to be it, Audi’s premium version of the enthusiast-favored Volkswagen Golf R hatchback is the S3 sedan. They have all-wheel drive, a two-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, and the MQB Evo architecture from the VW Group in common.
It produces 306 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque in the Audi, which is somewhat less than the Golf but better than the previous S3 model. On paper, the new Audi is comparable to the Mercedes-AMG A35, the previous small luxury vehicle champion.
Let’s start off by stating the obvious. I am just under six feet tall, and when I am seated in the rear, my knees are pressed up against the front seat, and the top of my head is in contact with the roof. Although the 2022 S3 is a tiny bit bigger than the outgoing model, you won’t notice the extra room inside, except from possibly a tiny bit more headroom. However, subcompact competitors are also confined.
The S3 receives praise for its updated cabin. It has an angular, contemporary look and a real tiny premium car vibe. The primary touch screen is wonderful, and the adjustable digital dashboard is nothing new. The latter is straightforward and simple to use, which lessens the impact of the sad absence of a physical control dial. A little round volume control touchpad is a weird choice, but if you don’t like it, the steering wheel has a conventional volume knob.
With a peculiar toggle switch positioned between the seats, you shift the vehicle into gear. The car’s performance is quite ordinary when in regular cruising mode. The gearbox and motor have slow reaction times. But the S3 exhibits promising signs. When the gearbox chooses the proper cog, the automobile accelerates quickly, making it clear that there is a lot of torque available. Although the steering lacks feel, which is regrettably standard these days, it is swift and well-weighted.
The automobile is actually exciting in Dynamic mode. On its tires, it feels light. When you put your foot down, a punch of torque that has a maximum speed of just 2,000 rpm kicks you back against the seat. The throttle is precise, and the automatic gearbox maintains ratios nicely. The motor starts to become louder and barks nicely. The speakers add to the faux engine sounds, but it’s still done effectively. The S3 is nice, wholesome, responsible fun without being excessive.
The ride is comfortable for a little, sporty car, which is the best part. That’s because the model we drove had (expensive) optional adaptive dampers installed. With a wide range of adjustments available between Comfort mode and Dynamic, Audi nailed the tune.
My favorite model from the Audi portfolio has always been the company’s smallest performance vehicle. In comparison to BMW M and Mercedes-more AMG’s extreme vehicles, the company’s larger, faster S and RS models can feel a little bland and uninspired. The brand-new S3, however, is an exception. The same goes for its luxury brand competitors; it is pricey for what you receive. However, Audi has produced a vehicle that is both comfortable and enjoyable to driveas long as you spend the money for the costly adaptive dampers. The previous Mercedes A-Class may have just been ousted as my favorite little luxury sedan of all time by the 2022 S3.
The market is moving almost entirely toward SUVs and trucks, so the days of specialty vehicles like these appear numbered. Soak them up while you can.
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.
What vehicle is superior than an Audi S3?
The inside cabin of the BMW 1 Series is filled with high-quality materials and has a top-notch infotainment system, as you could anticipate. The BMW M135i is a fantastic hot hatch that is wonderfully comfortable and a true delight to drive if you want to experience a genuine alternative to the Audi S3.
The M135i is still an exciting drive despite losing its six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive capability. The M135i is significantly more fuel-efficient than the out-of-date M140i and offers greater room in all five seats thanks to the revised engine arrangement.
If you love technology, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is a major selling factor. One of the most user-friendly and cutting-edge systems available, the standard 10.3 color touchscreen lets you control it using the screen, a rotary dial, or voice commands.
Despite the 1 Series’ advanced technical capabilities, it’s particularly annoying since Android Auto is completely absent and Apple CarPlay only comes with a one-year subscription.
- Doors:
- Engine:
- Fuel:
- Body:
- Drive:
- CO2:
A captivating hot hatch with a sporty exterior to match its potent engine is the Ford Focus Hatchback RS.
In comparison to the Focus that we all know and love, the RS has undergone a significant makeover. This car’s deep front bumpers, boot-lid mounted spoilers, and striking grille all contribute to its appearance as an elegant powerhouse.
Four-wheel drive powers the powerful four-cylinder, 2.3-liter (350bhp) petrol engine. The RS handles with flawless precision thanks to this and Ford’s innovative high-tech mechanics, making it more enjoyable to drive than the Audi S3.
What is the price of an Audi S3?
You may get the 2022 Audi S3 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) for less than the MSRP of $53,495 (also known as the sticker price). A new 2022 Audi S3 Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is often purchased for $202 less than the MSRP.
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.
An Audi S3 is it an A3?
The Audi A3 Sportback and S3 Sportback may appear to be identical twins to the untrained eye, but automotive connoisseurs will undoubtedly enjoy a subtle game of “spot the difference.”
The top-of-the-line S Line trim of the Audi A3 is the Audi S3’s closest rival. Both of them have distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels, but the S Line’s “5-arm dynamic” design is a little less daring than the “5-twin-spoke star” design, which has a windmill-like shape and a contrast-gray exterior with a glossy diamond-cut finish.
When you focus on the two automobiles’ distinctive front grilles, you’ll also detect a very slight difference between them. The S3 sports a distinctive platinum grey singleframe grille that gives the front end a polished sheen in contrast to the S Line’s titanium black front grille. Although they are both quite exquisite, we believe the S3’s flashy grille and its diamond cut alloys provide for a more eye-catching appearance.
Additionally, the S3 has upgraded “S”-exclusive style and badging, brake calipers, fully automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers that operate in accordance with the weather.
The Audi A3 is larger than the Audi S3, right?
Sports sedans have traditionally been the ideal option for individuals who adore driving but are prompted by the desire to combine performance with a measure of practicality. It’s encouraging to note that certain automakers, mostly German ones, are sticking with cars despite the recent seismic turn toward SUVs. The most recent example is the brand-new 2022 Audi A3 and its sportier S3 sibling.
Even though this most recent model has grown slightly, the A3 is still Audi’s smallest four-door sedan. In comparison to its predecessor, it is 1.2 inches longer, 0.8 inches broader, and half an inch higher. The new A3 is nearly an inch shorter and has the same width as an E90-generation BMW 3-series, dispelling any notion that it is a little car. The interior volume is comparable, however the trunk space is around 10% smaller.
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.