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Audi S3

8V · 8V / 8V.52014–2020

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

5 reviewers · 11 videos · 1 press article

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

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling.

across 5 reviewers

// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/55 of 5 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

3.5/55 of 5 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

It definitely feels like the front axle is mostly pulling the car forwards and out of corners versus being pushed by the rear.

mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 6:46

I think the steering in this is the best... it feels the most nimble.

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 12:38
// 03

Fun to drive

3.5/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus

it's brutally capable but also a bit detached

mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 7:41

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

what I really like about the s3 is also the the size and the fun to drive package because you have this very nimble car it's very quick and very fun to drive

positive · TFLnow · ▶ 7:15
// 04

Daily drivability

4.0/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus

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

all in all the cabin of the S3 checks all the boxes this is a simple but well furnished place

positive · Car Confections · ▶ 17:25

A lot of the inputs are more daily driver focused with just a little hint of that sportiness, which makes sense.

mixed · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 11:37
// 05

Value

4.0/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus

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

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 15:03

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

this is standard on both trims so you don't have to pay extra like you do on BMWs

positive · Car Confections · ▶ 16:28

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 (7)
Head to head
▶ play all (1)
From the press · 1 article