New Audi S3 review

This facelifted Audi S3 has been described as "more than a mere product upgrade", and to cynical automotive journalists that would usually sound like marketing hyperbole. In this case, Audi probably has a point.

You see, the S3 in its pre-facelift form felt a touch half-baked for a hot hatch. It was quick, sharp to drive and imperious in dodgy conditions, but nowhere near as fun as an Audi RS3 or VW Golf R. To add insult to injury, it had to make do with a cheaper-feeling interior than the previous-generation S3.

In other words, Audi’s engineers and design department had plenty to go at with this update, and the most exciting changes they've come up with are mechanical. We’re talking increased power, faster shift times for the automatic gearbox and the introduction of a rear torque splitter differential (we’ll explain what that does later). 

As before, you can choose between the S3 Sportback (hatchback) or S3 Saloon, the former competing with the BMW M135i and Golf R and the latter with the BMW M240i and Mercedes-A35 AMG Saloon.

Those are very accomplished rivals that will take some serious beating, so is the Audi S3 good enough to challenge the best hot hatchbacks? Read on to find out...

In pre-facelift form, the Audi S3 was never short on power, but that hasn’t stopped Audi squeezing an extra 22bhp out of its turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, for a total of 328bhp.

Moreover, there are mechanical changes that enable the turbocharger to keep working more of the time, resulting in improved accelerator response.

The official 0-62mph time has dropped by a tenth to 4.7 seconds, but we’re convinced that's a conservative estimate. As you put your foot down, you’re hit with a tsunami of turbo torque, triggered from so few revs. It feels just as quick as the now discontinued but mightily impressive VW Golf R 20 Years, and not far behind the Audi RS3.

Audi says shift times from the S3's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox have been halved, a claim we find entirely plausible. When you engage the right paddle behind the steering wheel, the upshift happens in the blink of an eye.

With the delightful pops and crackles emanating from the optional Akrapovic exhaust, it’s hard not to giggle when scything down a country road – and that's not something we'd say about the pre-facelift model. 

Nor could you say earlier S3s felt lively in the bends, but that has changed with the addition of the torque splitter differential. Like on the RS3 and Golf R, the system sends as much torque as physics allows to the rear axle and from there to the outside rear wheel while cornering. The upside is that you can feel the back end moving on the exit of corners, allowing you to indulge in some mild (not wild) angles where it's safe to do so.

The feeling isn't as natural or consistent as it is in a proper rear-wheel drive sports car but it makes the S3 come alive in a way it simply didn’t before. And for that alone it is a worthwhile addition. As are the tweaks to the steering, which have improved accuracy and turn in response.

It’s just a shame that you still don’t get a huge amount of feedback streaming to your fingertips like you do in, say, a Honda Civic Type R or Mercedes-AMG A45, but then the same is true for the Golf R. 

Adaptive damping is reserved for Vorsprung models, which is a touch disappointing considering that it's a vital part of the car’s armoury. It enables a comfortable ride around town and a tighter more controlled set-up on a country road. Without the adjustable suspension, the S3 loses some of its bandwidth, with the ride remaining fairly firm at all times. 

At a cruise there's a noticeable amount of tyre roar – especially on a motorway – but the S3 is still a far more peaceful cruiser than a Type R or Toyota GR Yaris and roughly on a par with the Golf R and BMW M135i.

Driving overview

Strengths Feels mighty quick in a straight line; playful handling; strong brakes; comfortable ride

Weaknesses Sounds good, but not as good as an Audi RS3; adjustable suspension is optional

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 VW Golf R.

Electric adjustment is reserved for the pricey Vorsprung model but powered lumbar adjustment is now standard on all post-facelift models.

Visibility is, unsurprisingly, identical to in the regular Audi A3 thanks to good-sized windows that provide a clear view out. A reversing camera (360-degree on Vorsprung) as well as front and rear parking sensors are included on all versions.

You even get an ingenious parking assist feature that can detect a suitable parking space and will manoeuvre you in. Bright LED headlights also come as standard, and you can option matrix LED headlights that can be left on full beam at all times without dazzling oncoming drivers.

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 with the visual feast that is the Mercedes-AMG A35 interior, you might find it a little too restrained. 

The S3 does, however beat the A35 and VW Golf R for interior quality. Like the regular A3, the mid-life facelift introduced some minor but impactful improvements. Notably, the prominent plastic ledge on the dashboard has been replaced with a suede wrapped panel, lending both a refined appearance and a high-quality feel.

Audi has also incorporated additional interior lighting strips, and we like the new perforated door panel inserts, which allow the ambient lighting to softly illuminate the cabin after dark. The changes stop short of being completely transformative though. Cheaper-feeling hard plastics, especially on the centre console, remain noticeable, giving the more solid-feeling BMW M135i the edge. 

BMW also has the edge over Audi when it comes to the infotainment set-up too. 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 an infotainment 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 packed with features – including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and built-in navigation – and comes with punchy Sonos speakers.

Interior overview

Strengths Decent touchscreen infotainment system; plusher interior than found in a VW Golf R; supportive seats

Weaknesses BMW M135i has the edge for interior quality; BMW iDrive system is easier to use

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 6ft tall are unlikely to find head room wanting. There’s even decent storage for odds and ends.

If you are over 6ft, 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 A35, BMW M135i and VW 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 S3 Saloon has a smaller opening, but storage space is roughly on a par with the BMW M240i and Mercedes-AMG A35 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.

Practicality overview

Strengths Plenty of room upfront; decent boot; seats fold in flexible split

Weaknesses Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST offer more rear-seat space

As part of the S3’s mid-life facelift, Audi increased the levels of standard equipment, which explains why it now carries a slight price premium over equivalent versions of the BMW M135i, Mercedes-AMG A35 and VW Golf R. For the latest prices, see our New Car Deals pages. 

The regular S3 Black Edition comes with 19in alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, Nappa leather upholstery with heated front seats, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting and a racy body kit to set it apart from lesser Audi A3s.

However, we suspect most buyers will opt for the range-topping Vorsprung model as it comes with the superb adaptive dampers, matrix LED headlights, carbon-fibre interior trim, electrically adjustable front seats, a panoramic roof and a power-operated tailgate. 

The S3 didn't feature in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey but Audi as a brand came 26th out of 32 manufacturers in the overall league table. For some context, BMW finished 12th while Mercedes came 24th.

In terms of safety, every S3 gets automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition as standard. Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane-change assistant, an exit warning system and rear cross-traffic alert comes as standard on Vorsprung models.

Costs overview

Strengths Generous standard equipment

Weaknesses Audi doesn’t have the best reliability record; high list price

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