Audi S3 review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

The S3’s interior feels modern, sporty, and very premium. The build quality is excellent, with high-grade materials used throughout. The latest models are packed with technology, including Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit – a digital screen that replaces traditional dials – and a large 10.1-inch central touchscreen for the infotainment system.

This setup looks fantastic and gives the cabin a clean, uncluttered feel. While the touchscreen is sharp and responsive, it can be a bit tricky to use on the move as you have to take your eyes off the road. Standard features like satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto mean you’re always connected.

Comfort

Despite being a high-performance car, the S3 is surprisingly comfortable for daily driving. The standard Nappa leather sports seats are fantastic – they’re heated, supportive, and hold you snugly in place during spirited driving without feeling too tight on longer journeys.

The ride is firm, as you’d expect from a sporty model, but it’s not harsh. It does a good job of soaking up most bumps, making it a perfectly usable everyday car. Top-spec Vorsprung models even come with adaptive suspension, allowing you to soften things up for maximum comfort.

Quality

Audi has a reputation for building some of the best car interiors around, and the S3 doesn't disappoint. Everything feels solid and beautifully put together, from the feel of the switches to the soft-touch materials on the dashboard. It’s a cabin that makes you feel special every time you get in.

While some might feel its predecessor was a fraction plusher, the latest S3’s cabin is still a benchmark for quality in the hot hatch class, easily outshining many of its rivals.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

The S3 is a practical choice for a high-performance car. Available as a five-door Sportback or a four-door Saloon, it’s easy for passengers to get in and out. There’s a good amount of space up front for the driver and passenger, and the latest model is more accommodating for those in the back.

Two adults can sit in the rear seats with relative ease, with enough head and legroom for short to medium journeys. It’s a car that can easily handle daily duties like the school run or trips with friends.

Boot space

The boot in the S3 is a decent size for a hot hatch. In the Sportback model, you get 325 litres of space. This is slightly less than a standard A3 because the quattro all-wheel-drive system takes up some room under the floor, but it’s still more than enough for the weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.

The boot has a good shape, and the rear seats fold down if you need to carry larger items, making it a flexible and versatile car for its size. The Saloon version has a slightly larger boot on paper, but the Sportback's hatchback opening makes it easier to load bulky objects.

Versatility

Being based on the A3 means the S3 is a very usable car. The five-door Sportback is the more versatile of the two body styles, offering easier access and better load-carrying ability. With good visibility and manageable dimensions, it’s just as easy to park and manoeuvre around town as a regular family hatchback. It’s the perfect car for someone who wants thrilling performance without sacrificing everyday practicality.

Driving

Driving experience

The S3 offers a fantastically accessible performance experience. It’s incredibly easy to drive quickly and safely, thanks largely to its brilliant quattro all-wheel-drive system. This provides immense grip and traction, giving you huge confidence to push on, even in wet or slippery conditions. The steering is precise and the car feels stable and planted.

While it’s hugely capable, some rivals like the Honda Civic Type R feel a bit more exciting and engaging on the limit. The S3 is less of a raw, track-focused machine and more of a sophisticated and rapid all-weather road car. It strikes a brilliant balance between fun and everyday usability.

Performance

There’s only one engine choice for the S3, but it’s a great one. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 306bhp. Paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, it delivers seriously impressive performance.

A sprint from 0-60mph takes just 4.6 seconds, which is quick enough to keep up with some proper sports cars. The power is delivered in a smooth, linear way, making the S3 feel effortlessly fast. It has all the performance you could ever realistically need on the road.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

For a car with this level of performance, the S3’s running costs are quite reasonable. Audi claims it can return up to 34.9mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions from 183g/km. While you won't get that figure if you’re making full use of the performance, it’s still impressively efficient for a 300+ bhp car.

Just remember that being a premium Audi model, parts and servicing may cost a little more than they would for non-premium hot hatchbacks.

Value for money

The S3 sits at the premium end of the hot hatch market. New prices are steep, but you get a lot for your money, including impressive performance, a high-quality interior, and a long list of standard equipment.

The S3 holds its value very well for a performance car, which is great news if you’re buying new, but means used examples aren't as cheap as some rivals. However, strong demand means it will likely be worth more than its competitors when you come to sell it on.

Reliability & Warranty

The Audi S3 uses many parts that are tried-and-tested across the wider Volkswagen Group, so it should prove to be a reliable car. The brand has a solid reputation for build quality. From new, Audi provides a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which is standard for the class. If buying a used model, check for a full and regular service history.

Safety

Safety features

The standard Audi A3, on which the S3 is based, received a full five-star safety rating when it was tested by the experts at Euro NCAP. You can expect the S3 to be just as safe, protecting you and your passengers very well.

All models come with a good level of safety kit, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. The top-spec Vorsprung model adds a host of extra driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and lane change assist.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

The S3 is available in two main trim levels. The standard S3 is very well equipped, coming with 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, LED headlights, a sporty body kit, and heated Nappa leather sports seats. You also get the full tech suite, with the digital Virtual Cockpit and the large central touchscreen.

The top-of-the-range Vorsprung model is a significant step up in price but adds a huge amount of extra kit. This includes larger 19-inch wheels, a black exterior styling pack, adaptive suspension, Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, an electric boot lid, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Engines

The engine choice is simple: there’s only one. All S3 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. It produces a potent 306bhp and 400Nm of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. There is no manual gearbox option.

Browse used Audi S3 cars for sale