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Audi S3

8V · 8V / 8V.52014–2020

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

24 reviewers · 35 videos · 1 press article

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

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

across 24 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Fun to drive
17 say · liveable

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

The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 8:08
1 say · critical

"An automatic all-wheel drive four-cylinder Audi from the mid2010s is about the dullest hot hatchback driving experience I can possibly imagine."

KiwiCarLife · ▶ 12:13
Value
16 say · liveable

"I feel like these offer so much value for money especially when you compare uh you compare them to the newer one"

EMBA KUB MOTORING · ▶ 18:40
4 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

4.5/524 of 24 reviewersstrong consensus

oh man this thing is still so fast oh my goodness I kind of underestimated it a bit wow that pull was actually quite strong

positive · EMBA KUB MOTORING · ▶ 16:48

despite weighing nearly 3500 lb the S3 can hit 60 M an hour in just 4.7 seconds and that is a damn impressive number

positive · AutoGuide.com · ▶ 1:59

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

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 5:21
// 02

Handling

4.0/523 of 24 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

4.0/524 of 24 reviewerssplit

An automatic all-wheel drive four-cylinder Audi from the mid2010s is about the dullest hot hatchback driving experience I can possibly imagine.

critical · KiwiCarLife · ▶ 12:13

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
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/524 of 24 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 is unbelievably comfortable. You can tell it's like a sporty ride... but it's still just supple enough where on the open road... it still soaks them up nicely.

positive · KiwiCarLife · ▶ 6:52

I won't even bother talking about ride Comfort because it's just exceptional it's really good the dampening is marvelous it soaks up pretty much every bump

positive · EMBA KUB MOTORING · ▶ 18:12
// 05

Value

4.0/524 of 24 reviewerssplit

I feel like these offer so much value for money especially when you compare uh you compare them to the newer one

positive · EMBA KUB MOTORING · ▶ 18:40

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

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Jubbal & Cars
Posted Sep 29, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
KiwiCarLife
Posted Sep 23, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Zygrene
Posted Apr 23, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Audi S3 reviews
▶ play all (24)
8V Audi S3 3 Year Ownership Review - Do I Regret It?Auto Autopsy
2020 Audi S3 8V Full In-depth Review | Is It Worth Buying Now? |EMBA KUB MOTORING
Audi S3 8V Buyers guide *2 Years Ownership review*Sa3 Tv
2018 Audi S3 Detailed Review | Start up, Exhaust, Tour, and DrivingQuick Look Automotive
2015 Audi S3 Honest Review - It's Better Than My RS3!!!Will Motivation
2016 Audi S3 Prestige: Start Up, Exhaust, Test Drive and ReviewBros FOURR Speed
2018 Audi S3 Sedan: FULL REVIEW | Prestige & Premium PlusCar Confections
Audi S3 sedan 2017 review | road test videoCarsGuide
2017 Audi A3 & S3: Everything You Ever Wanted to KnowTFLnow
Why Buy? | 2016 Audi S3 ReviewMotor1
2015 Audi S3 ReviewAutoGuide.com
2015 Audi S3 - POV test driveZygrene
2015 Audi S3 - One TakeTheSmokingTire
2015 Audi S3 2.0T Quattro Start Up, Test Drive, and In Depth ReviewSaabkyle04
New Audi S3 sedan 310 hp FULL REVIEW test driven Audi A3 family Facelift 2017/2016Autogefuhl
2015 Audi S3 First Drive Review: So fast, So Fun, and So FormalThe Fast Lane Car
2017 Audi S3 First Drive Review: Fast Things Come in Small PackagesThe Fast Lane Car
0-60 Monster! Audi S3 Review!ThatDudeinBlue
2015 Audi S3 F1 racetrack review: Yes, we drive & review the COTA racetrackThe Fast Lane Car
2015 Audi S3 Review - Compromised Pocket RocketZygrene
Audi S3 2018 review - here's why it's the ultimate sleeper carcarwow
2015 Audi S3 - Launch Control through a Tunnel!Zygrene
2016 Audi S3 - POV Winter Driving on Snow TiresTheTopher
2016 Audi S3 Sedan - POV First ImpressionsTheTopher
Head to head
▶ play all (8)
From the press · 1 article