2025 Audi S3 First Drive Launch Review
Audi South Africa has just unveiled the heavily updated S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan, ushering in a new era for the Ingolstadt brand's premium performance compact. I attended the national media event recently, where we had a chance to drive both the sportback and sedan variants.
More than just a mid-cycle facelift, this S3 arrives with significant mechanical revisions that finally give it the dynamic edge to truly dominate the competitive hot hatch and compact sedan segment.
Performance gets a boost
The big news is under the bonnet, where the familiar 2.0-litre TFSI engine has been substantially re-worked for the South African market. The power output now climbs to a formidable 245kW and 420Nm of torque. This is a crucial bump that places the S3 firmly ahead of its primary competitor, the BMW M135. Paired with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox, the power delivery is immediate, translating into a blistering 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 4.7 seconds for both the Sportback and Sedan.
However, the real game-changer is the introduction of the torque splitter from the high-performance RS 3. This system replaces the previous Haldex-based quattro system and allows for fully variable torque distribution between the two rear wheels. In practical terms, this means the S3 can now actively vector torque to the outer rear wheel when cornering. The result? Enhanced stability, reduced understeer, and a far more playful, rear-biased driving character—especially when engaging the new Dynamic Plus driving mode.
New wishbones with stiffer bearings and increased negative wheel camber further tighten up the steering feel and front-end bite, making this S3 feel more engaging and agile than its predecessor.
Style and Substance: Sportback vs. Sedan
While both models share the same potent hardware, they cater to slightly different tastes and needs:
Model | Price (Incl. VAT) | Body Style | Practicality Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
S3 Sportback | R 1 091 100 | 5-door hatch | Versatile load space, easy access |
S3 Sedan | R 1 106 100 | 4-door sedan | Sleek, sophisticated profile |
The S3 Sportback is the traditional choice for the performance buyer in this segment, offering maximum versatility and a dynamic, sculpted design. The S3 Sedan, priced at a slight premium, leans into a more elegant, executive aesthetic. Its lower, sharper roofline gives it a premium coupe-like profile, making it a subtle statement piece.
Inside, both models feature a cabin that strikes a balance between sportiness and Audi’s signature quality. Expect the standard fitment of the 10.1-inch MMI Plus infotainment system and the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, complemented by S-specific details, including sport seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Rivals: Audi S3 vs. BMW M135 xDrive
The price positioning of the new S3 is noteworthy, especially when compared to its fierce German rival, the BMW M135.
Metric | Audi S3 Sportback | BMW M135 xDrive (Rival) |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | R 1 091 100 | R 982 768 |
Power | 245 kW | 233kW |
Torque | 420 Nm | 400 Nm |
0-100 km/h | 4.7 seconds (claimed) | 4.8 seconds (claimed) |
The BMW M135i xDrive remains the more affordable option, still offering a higher peak torque figure of 450 Nm. It features an engaging chassis and a well-tuned 8-speed automatic gearbox; however, Audi has clearly aimed to address the one area where the previous S3 often lagged: driver engagement. With its significantly higher power output (245kW vs 233kW) and high-tech torque splitter, the new S3 is not only marginally quicker but also promises a level of dynamic control and agility that the M135 will struggle to match, especially on the track or on demanding mountain roads.
Does this mean that the days of Audi understeer are gone? Well, no, there is still understeer, but your ability, as a driver, to effectively rotate the car and induce more oversteer is significantly improved over any S3 that has come before. The addition of the torque splitter at the rear axle is a game-changer for the S3, which just graduated from a one-trick straight-line pony into a proper performance car that I thoroughly enjoyed driving. Personally, I found the sedan to be the better car, dynamically, with a more oversteer-prone nature due to its slightly more weight over the rear axle; however, preferences will differ from driver to driver.
The choice between the two now comes down to two questions: are you seeking the slightly cheaper BMW, or are you willing to pay the premium for the Audi’s superior power, cutting-edge drivetrain technology, and the renowned Audi build quality?
Verdict
The 2024 Audi S3 Sportback and Sedan are a decisive step up. By borrowing the torque splitter technology from the RS 3, Audi has transformed the S3 from a highly competent, clinical machine into a truly engaging performance compact. It’s faster, looks sharper, and now feels far more capable of delivering genuine thrills. South Africa's hot-hatch and compact sedan battle just got a lot more interesting.
Pricing
The Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro is priced at R1 091 100, and the S3 Sedan TFSI quattro starts at R1 106 100.
Both come with the brand's extendable 5-year maintenance plan.
