Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
The Audi S3 is – perhaps surprisingly – slightly cheaper to buy than the closely related Volkswagen Golf R. That's true no matter whether you're paying cash or signing up to a PCP finance agreement. Yes, the S3 has slightly less firepower than its German comrade, but then it does have the allure of a premium badge.
The regular S3 comes with 18in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Nappa leather upholstery with heated front seats, and a racy body kit to set it apart from lesser Audi A3 models. You have to pay extra for keyless entry and it's also worth adding the Comfort and Sound pack which, as we've already mentioned, adds front parking sensors and a reversing camera, but also the great-sounding Bang & Olufsen sound system. Range-topping Vorsprung models are crammed with luxuries, but command too much of a premium over the regular S3 to earn our recommendation.
