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Audi S3

8Y · Current gen2022–presentCurrent

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

15 reviewers · 26 videos · 1 press article

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

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and daily drivability, but split on handling and fun to drive.

across 15 reviewers

// scorecard at a glance
// where reviewers split
Handling
13 say · liveable

"The handling dynamics of this car have also been improved thanks to that rear torque splitter. The ride quality is also nice."

Redline Reviews · ▶ 46:54
1 say · critical

"this just under steers"

Throttle House · ▶ 5:33
Fun to drive
11 say · liveable

"I am really impressed with this car. I think the powertrain is like tremendously punchy and potent and exciting to like get going."

Doug DeMuro · ▶ 21:27
2 say · critical

"It doesn't have the personality so therefore this car is great for commuting and great for high-speed road trips."

EverydayDriver · ▶ 30:52
Value
8 say · liveable

"It's cheaper than its rivals, more powerful, quicker. It all is pretty appealing."

Doug DeMuro · ▶ 3:58
1 say · critical

"this is well into the 50,000 Canadian"

Throttle House · ▶ 5:00
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/515 of 15 reviewersstrong consensus

0 to 60 in 4.16 seconds there. So, that's a 22 second improvement... That again all day long you can do sub 4 and 1/2 second 0 to 60s in this vehicle.

positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 33:34

The old S3 had 306 horsepower. The new one moves up to 328 horsepower. So just shy of 330 horses in a car this size. It's a pretty impressive figure.

positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 2:47

The 306 horsepower engine is a beast for what it is for a factory four-cylinder turbo it is a force to be reckoned with.

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 4:56
// 02

Handling

4.0/515 of 15 reviewerssplit

The handling dynamics of this car have also been improved thanks to that rear torque splitter. The ride quality is also nice.

positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 46:54

you can definitely feel that rear end coming around this is the mode that you want to be in it is a hoot

positive · TFLnow · ▶ 7:17

The result is that this car should under steer less and feel a lot more playful and eager around corners.

positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 1:48
// 03

Fun to drive

4.0/515 of 15 reviewerssplit

I am really impressed with this car. I think the powertrain is like tremendously punchy and potent and exciting to like get going.

positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 21:27

definitely a fun fun car to drive.

positive · Raitis Rides · ▶ 14:54

From a smile factor, this has easily beat my expectations.

positive · Realistick · ▶ 7:45
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/515 of 15 reviewersstrong consensus

So, this is going to be your better daily driver around town car. you know, it's just going to do that aspect better given it's a more conservative car.

positive · Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 20:34

in Comfort mode it was soft enough and then here we're in Dynamic but it's not super hard

positive · TheSmokingTire · ▶ 6:07

I have gotten 475 miles out of one tank... that's pretty rare and I still have 80 to go.

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 10:42
// 05

Value

4.0/515 of 15 reviewerssplit

It's cheaper than its rivals, more powerful, quicker. It all is pretty appealing.

positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 3:58

I don't see why you wouldn't pick this over a Golf R. I would. Every day of the week, I'm picking this over a Golf R.

positive · TopherDrives · ▶ 31:54

The S3 is outshined by quicker cars for less money, but behind the wheel, the experience makes the $55k price feel justified.

mixed · Realistick · ▶ 0:00

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Realistick
Posted Jun 12, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
TheTopher
Posted Aug 10, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
TopherDrives
Posted Jul 6, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
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From the press · 1 article