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Audi S3 8V

8V / 8V.52014–2021

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

28 reviewers · 45 videos · 1 press article

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

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

across 28 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Fun to drive
21 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
20 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

4.5/528 of 28 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

4.0/527 of 28 reviewersstrong consensus

“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

4.0/528 of 28 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

4.0/528 of 28 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

4.0/528 of 28 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
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Head to head
▶ play all (10)
From the press · 1 article