Audi S3 review

Category: Hot hatch

Impressive point-to-point pace, but the very best rivals are even more fun

Audi S3 2021 front
  • Audi S3 2021 front
  • Audi S3 2020 rear cornering
  • Audi S3 2020 RHD dashboard
  • Audi S3 2020 rear seats
  • Audi S3 2020 infotainment
  • Audi S3 2020 right front cornering
  • Audi S3 2020 right panning
  • Audi S3 2020 headlights detail
  • Audi S3 2020 rear detail static
  • Audi S3 2020 right panning
  • Audi S3 2020 instrument panel
  • Audi S3 2020 boot open
  • Audi S3 2021 front
  • Audi S3 2020 rear cornering
  • Audi S3 2020 RHD dashboard
  • Audi S3 2020 rear seats
  • Audi S3 2020 infotainment
  • Audi S3 2020 right front cornering
  • Audi S3 2020 right panning
  • Audi S3 2020 headlights detail
  • Audi S3 2020 rear detail static
  • Audi S3 2020 right panning
  • Audi S3 2020 instrument panel
  • Audi S3 2020 boot open
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Introduction

What Car? says...

Hot hatches used to be about cheap thrills. That's what made the category the Audi S3 slots into so irresistible – you could have a bigger engine and sharper handling for only a few thousand pounds more than you’d pay for an unspectacular runaround.

Well, there are still hot hatches that offer smiles on a relative shoestring, but the S3 is definitely not one of them. Indeed, it's among the most expensive options in the class, although it does come with the firepower to compete with the BMW M135i and Volkswagen Golf R. Indeed, it's as fast in a straight line as a V8-powered Audi R8 from just a decade ago.

You can choose between a five-door hatchback (Sportback) or a saloon body, the latter competing with the BMW M235i and Mercedes A35 AMG Saloon. But whichever body you choose for your S3, you'll get a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet, which feeds 306bhp to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

So, you already know the Audi S3 is fast – but is it good fun through the corners? And how does it square up against its closest rivals, the M135i and Golf R, as well as more hardcore hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R? Over the next few pages, this Audi S3 review will answer all those questions and more.

And whichever hot hatch or performance saloon takes your fancy, don’t forget to try our New Car Buying service to find out how much you could save on the brochure price without any haggling at all.

Overview

The S3 may not deliver the ultimate driving thrills of a Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS, but it counters with impressive point-to-point pace and a more upmarket interior. True, the closely related Volkswagen Golf R is an even better all-rounder, but the S3 isn't far behind – and it has the obvious allure of a premium badge.

  • Very fast and capable
  • Easy to live with
  • Slow predicted depreciation
  • Not the most engaging hot hatch
  • Fiddly infotainment system
  • BMW M135i has a classier interior
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Our Pick

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Performance & drive

What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is

While 306bhp might sound like a lot of power, it’s the masses of torque available from as little as 2000rpm that you notice more on the road. It doesn’t really matter what gear you’re in, the Audi S3 picks up speed very briskly indeed.

That’s not to say it isn’t worth revving the engine, though. It pulls strongly to 6500rpm and makes a pretty decent noise in the process. True, the sound is somewhat augmented by the stereo’s speakers, adding a warbly edge to the engine note that’s vaguely reminiscent of the more powerful Audi RS3, but it doesn't sound overly fake.

The S3 comes equipped with four-wheel drive as standard, so you can use all of the engine's power all of the time – even when it’s wet. If you use the launch control system, the S3 can catapult you from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds – around a second quicker than the front-wheel drive Honda Civic Type R, and almost as quick as the more powerful Volkswagen Golf R.

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The S3 certainly feels rapid from behind the wheel, yet it's never intimidating. That is partly down to the fact that there is always plenty of grip on offer, and partly because of the accuracy of the S3’s Progressive Steering system, which increases the speed of the steering the more you turn the wheel (mainly to save you a lot of arm-twirling at low speeds and when parking).

That said, you don't get masses of feedback, and the steering becomes unnaturally heavy and artificial-feeling when you select Dynamic mode. That's part of the reason the S3 doesn't deliver quite get the same assault on your senses that get from more hardcore rivals, including the Civic Type R and Toyota GR Yaris. The Golf R also offers slightly more playful handful, but the S3 is more capable and rewarding than the BMW M135i.

Range-topping Vorsprung models have adaptive suspension with settings that are wide-ranging enough to be soft and supple around town (in Comfort mode), or firm and focused when you'd prefer. Audi S3s without adjustable suspension are fairly firm, but not uncomfortably bumpy – even if you upgrade to 19in alloys (18s come as standard). 

Cars without adjustable suspension get selectable drive modes too, and when Comfort mode is set the engine settles into a distant hum at a cruise while the gearbox swaps ratios intelligently and smoothly (you might think a little too smoothly for a hot hatch). There is a noticeable amount of tyre roar – especially on the motorway – but the S3 is still a far more peaceful cruise than a Type R or Renault Megane RS, and roughly on a par with the Golf R and BMW M135i.

Audi S3 2020 rear cornering

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

You probably won't have any difficulty getting comfortable behind the wheel of any Audi S3. The steering wheel has plenty of reach and rake adjustment, and the manually adjustable driver’s seat is comfortable – if not quite as figure-hugging as the one in the rival BMW M135i and Volkswagen Golf R. It is a shame, though, considering how much the S3 costs, that you have to pay extra for adjustable lumbar support. If you want electric seats, you'll need to upgrade to the seriously pricey Vorsprung model.

Visibility is, unsurprisingly, identical to in the regular Audi A3, thanks to good-sized windows that provide a clear view out. Rear parking sensors are standard on all models. Front sensors and a reversing camera are available, but cost extra unless you go for Vorsprung trim. All S3s get bright LED headlight for great visibility at night, though.

Despite the addition of the diamond stitched sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a few S3 logos dotted around the interior, the S3 looks and feels very similar inside to any other A3. Some will, of course, appreciate this understated approach – it's arguably what Audi does best. But compared to the visual feast that is the Mercedes-AMG A35’s interior, you might think Audi has been a little too restrained. 

The S3 beats the A35 AMG and Volkswagen Golf R for interior quality, but it's not faultless. The dashboard’s prominent plastic ledge is not particularly appealing when you touch it, plus there are some fairly cheap-feeling materials between the front seats. The BMW M135i feels plusher and more solid throughout. 

BMW also has the edge over Audi when it comes to the infotainment set-up. Like the standard A3, the S3 gets a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system, but it can be a little distracting to use on the move. The system in the M135i can be used as a touchscreen but also has a separate rotary controller interface that demands less of your attention when you're driving.

On the plus side, the S3's touchscreen is sharp and responds quickly to prods. It's also packed with features – including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and built-in navigation – while the reasonably priced and thoroughly recommendable Comfort and Sound pack adds a punchy Bang & Olufsen sound system with more power and extra speakers. You get that as standard if you go for the Vorsprung model.

Audi S3 2020 RHD dashboard

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

One of the great things about the S3 is that it's just as practical as any other Audi A3. That means there’s more than enough leg and shoulder room for tall adults up front, and even those well over six feet tall are unlikely to find head room wanting. There’s even decent storage for odds and ends. 

If you're over six feet tall, you won't exactly be sprawling out in luxury in the rear seats, but you won't feel packed in with your knees tucked up under your chin either. The S3 offers a similar amount of space to the Mercedes-AMG A35BMW M135i and Volkswagen Golf R. However, if you need to carry adults in the back regularly, the more generous rear leg room of the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST might come in handy. 

The same goes for the boot. The Sportback's load bay is roughly the same size as the M135i's and Golf R's, and managed to swallow five carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf in our tests. The Saloon model (unsurprisingly) has a smaller opening, but space is roughly on a par with the BMW M235i and Mercedes A35 AMG saloon.

The rear seats in both the Saloon and Sportback fold in a handy 40/20/40 split when you need to carry more. However, if you want maximum carrying capacity from your hot hatch, you’ll want to take a look at the capacious Civic Type R or Skoda Octavia vRS.

Audi S3 2020 rear seats

Buying & owning

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.

In our real-world tests, the S3 averaged a respectable 31.3mpg – slightly better than the BMW M135i but slightly behind the Golf R. Curiously, the M135i officially pumps out less CO2, so it's slightly cheaper to run as a company car for those paying benefit in kind (BIK) tax.

The S3 didn't feature in the What Car? Reliability Survey, but Audi as a brand came 22nd out of 31 manufacturers in the overall league table. For some context, BMW finished ninth but Mercedes came way down in 26th.

In terms of safety, every S3 gets automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control and sign recognition are available as part of the Driver Assistance pack – or come as standard if you go for the Vorsprung model, along with various other safety aids.

Audi S3 2020 infotainment
At a glance
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RRP price range £44,090 - £46,485
Number of trims (see all)1
Number of engines (see all)1
Available fuel types (which is best for you?)petrol
MPG range across all versions 34.9 - 34.9
Available doors options 5
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Company car tax at 20% (min/max) £509 / £3,626
Company car tax at 40% (min/max) £1,018 / £7,251
Available colours