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Audi S3 8Y

Current gen2022–presentCurrent

The reasonable RS3, except it isn't.

22 reviewers · 38 videos · 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 22 reviewers

// scorecard at a glance
// where reviewers split
Handling
20 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
18 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
9 say · liveable

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

Doug DeMuro · ▶ 3:58
3 say · critical

"this is well into the 50,000 Canadian"

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

Performance

4.0/522 of 22 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

“this thing is an absolute ride about 4 5000 rpm right where you want that engine to sing it just rockets away”

positive · TFLnow · ▶ 4:00
// 02

Handling

4.5/522 of 22 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

4.0/522 of 22 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

4.0/522 of 22 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

3.5/522 of 22 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
Sarah -n- Tuned
Posted Jul 7, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
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Head to head
▶ play all (10)
From the press · 1 article