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Audi S3

8V · 8V / 8V.52014–2020

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

12 reviewers · 22 videos · 1 press article

Generations
8V2014–20208Y2022–present
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on value.

across 12 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Value
7 say · liveable

"This is 14 15 grand less than the other two aspects."

Throttle House · ▶ 15:03
2 say · critical

"I find myself going s3 good rather have the Golf R rather save the money get a car that feels the same"

EverydayDriver · ▶ 31:57
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

Very punchy little four-cylinder turbocharged engine. There's so much low down torque.

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 5:21

Dude, this thing is a rocket.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 5:03

Power continues to be put to the ground exclusively through Quattro all-wheel drive. All that taken together is enough to get the S3 to 60 in a blistering 4.7 seconds.

positive · Car Confections · ▶ 5:17
// 02

Handling

4.0/512 of 12 reviewersconsensus

Dynamically, these cars feel very front heavy, frontwheel drive as well. You can feel the weight on the front end as you try to change directions.

mixed · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 5:14

You feel that perfect balance. It's almost 50/50 front to rear balance. And well, what effect has that? You don't really under steer.

positive · Autogefuhl · ▶ 12:28

when you feel the s3 into a corner it just operates like a front-wheel drive car it feels it just like that especially compared to the BMW

mixed · EverydayDriver · ▶ 21:30
// 03

Fun to drive

4.0/512 of 12 reviewersconsensus

the s3 is good in pretty much every category but it isn't amazing

EverydayDriver · ▶ 23:11

I'm going way too fast on this side road with a huge smile on my face.

positive · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 8:08

The S3, I would say on the spectrum of things, is high on the competence, but low on feel. It's definitely more numb.

mixed · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 8:58
// 04

Daily drivability

4.0/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

the nicer interior of this Audi, the fact you somehow seem a bit more cocooned in it, just feels like a more expensive car

positive · carwow · ▶ 6:24

It can seat five adults... and it gives you that typical Audi confidence when attacking corners. It's not going to be super exciting... but it is very easy to drive.

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 15:01

daily driver like it is the perfect car almost for that I mean you have plenty of horsepower you're going around town you're really comfortable

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 3:48
// 05

Value

3.5/512 of 12 reviewerssplit

This is 14 15 grand less than the other two aspects.

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 15:03

I find myself going s3 good rather have the Golf R rather save the money get a car that feels the same

critical · EverydayDriver · ▶ 31:57

I believe you can pick these up for under $30,000 nowadays. As a sporty and practical little daily driver that can get over 30 miles per gallon.

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 15:35

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Jubbal & Cars
Posted Sep 29, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Zygrene
Posted Apr 23, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Car Confections
Posted Feb 3, 2018Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Audi S3 reviews
▶ play all (11)
Head to head
▶ play all (8)
From the press · 1 article