← Carshot hatch · germany · AWD · sedan

Audi S3 8V

8V / 8V.52014–2021

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

45 reviewers · 76 videos · 14 hours watched · 1 press article

Generations
8V2014–20218Y2022–present
// 00 the verdict

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

across 45 reviewers

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

"the chassis is very predictable"

TheSmokingTire · ▶ 7:17
1 say · critical

"We feel a little detached, even very strongly detached, especially because of this steering which is completely numb."

Auto Trends · ▶ 10:50
Fun to drive
32 say · liveable

"it's a car that kind of hits above its price point where even if you're driving a Lamborghini you hop into this and you can have a blast"

Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 7:52
3 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
27 say · liveable

"this car represents excellent value for money"

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 12:15
8 say · critical

"if you're looking for performance and value matters there are better options"

AutoGuide.com · ▶ 5:54
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/545 of 45 reviewersstrong consensus

“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

“it's like a rocket ship and you can just launch it over and over again”

positive · carwow · ▶ 4:00

“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
// 02

Handling

4.0/543 of 45 reviewerssplit

“the chassis is very predictable”

positive · TheSmokingTire · ▶ 7:17

“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

“this has a heavier steering feel which I prefer and possibly a little bit more feel through the corners”

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 7:43
// 03

Fun to drive

4.0/545 of 45 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

“it's a car that kind of hits above its price point where even if you're driving a Lamborghini you hop into this and you can have a blast”

positive · Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 7:52

“the 2015 Audi S3 is lots of fun it's surprisingly comfortable and pretty luxurious”

positive · AutoGuide.com · ▶ 5:01
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/545 of 45 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

“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

“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
// 05

Value

4.0/543 of 45 reviewerssplit

“this car represents excellent value for money”

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 12:15

“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 a lot of car for sub 30 grand.”

positive · Ross Reviews · ▶ 8:46

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
ReDriven
Posted Jun 27, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
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From the press · 1 article