Fast Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Vehicle Type | Compact sedan |
| Engine | 2.0 litre Turbocharged Petrol 4 cylinder |
| Power | 245 kW |
| Torque | 420 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (S-Tronic) |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 7.8l /100km |
| Tested Fuel Consumption | +- 10l /100km (Driving without dynamic intention) |
| Price as tested | R1 332 000 (Options fitted) R1 106 100 (Base Price) |
| Safety Features | 6 opt 8 airbags, Audi Pre-Sense Front, ISOFIX, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Assist with Park System Plus |
| Service Plan | 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan |
Want the video version of this review? Check it out here.
Pros
- The Torque Splitting Differential is a welcome addition
- Strikes a nice medium as far as intermediary sports cars go
- Still maintains the practicality of a sedan
Cons
- The Akrapovič exhaust system is too quiet
- Needs more frontal body kit to differentiate itself from the pedestrian A3
- Rear headroom is not as great
There's a certain charm that comes with intermediary sports sedans. They strike a nice balance between the full-fat performance models but also have the appeal of the non-sport models. The S3 in this case slots in between the A3 and RS3. The S3 has now received a few bits in its life-cycle update to sweeten the deal it offers, in the form of more power and raiding the RS3's toy box for a beneficial component.
Styling
The facelift A3 comes standard with the S-Line bodykit, and you'd be forgiven for doing a double-take when looking at the front end, as the kit is worn so well. The devil is in the details, though, as your giveaways would be the Audi Sport wheels, big brakes with accompanying red callipers and the rear end with the spoiler and quad exhaust tips. Subtle, yet effective. However, a little more could be done to the S3 as standard to distance itself more from the A3, such as a front lip and front badging. Despite these, though, our test unit finished in Python Yellow Metallic with contrasting black accents, and is undoubtedly a looker.
Space and Comfort
As expected of Audi, the S3 has a driver-focused cabin. The dashboard, including the air vents and centre console controls, is centralised towards the driver. It also helps that the ergonomics in this respect are pretty good, too. It doesn't take long to find a comfortable but also functional driving position. This is complemented by the S-Line seats, trimmed in this spec with Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather. That combo includes Black Rock grey interior trim pieces with grey stitching. It's all premium feeling. Regarding space, in the front of the Audi, it's pretty spacious, but headroom in the rear is limited. The boot area is rated at 325 litres of space.
The low-profile tyres slightly compromise harshness, but it's not spine-shattering. The optional Adaptive Suspension reduces that when you're in the Comfort setting. Though even in Dynamic mode, it's compliant.
Our test unit came equipped with Audi MMI, including navigation and smartphone connectivity. It works well and is snappy enough. That is paired with the SONOS 3D Premium sound system to provide tunes for your cruise. It's a system that shines in the clarity department with suitable punch.
The interior of the S3 is nicely balanced. There isn't much emphasis on touchscreens, and there's a decent array of physical buttons that make operating the various vehicle features easy.
Performance
Giving thrust to the S3 is the famous EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, with Audi's tune applied here. Pair that with the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission to send power to all four wheels via Audi's quattro system, and the rear axle receives the torque-splitting differential from the S3.
The Drive
The turbocharger here comes into song from mid-RPM and stays on the boil to the redline. When you stay within that range, the S3 accelerates linearly, and the gearing is more on the shorter ends when you drive with dynamic intention. Controlling the spring in the S3's step is the optional adaptive suspension, and this is one of those options that's well worth the money. On the one hand, the S3 can be compliant, and on the other, it can be more on the razor's edge. The crown jewel, though, is the RS3 borrowed differential, which mitigates much of the understeer associated with All Wheel Drive vehicles. When the rear of the S3 steps out, it's easy to control with minimal countersteer. The performance on hand here is best felt on a racetrack, where you can really play around with less fear. I would like to see some temperature sensors and gauges for the driveline, given how active it is; it's best to monitor it all.
My least recommended option, though, is the Akrapovič optional titanium exhaust system. While I personally like exhausts that are subtle, this system is too quiet, even on its most pronounced setting. The general expectation is that it will be more raucous, as it is valved so you have the exhaust quiet when it needs to be, then loud and proud when you want to put on a show. Though it's worth noting that there were recent EU regulations requiring noise reduction in car exhausts, so unfortunately, this exhaust system may have been a victim of them. The one benefit, though, is that you can have a slightly bumped-up sound without having your factory warranty cancelled.
Fuel Consumption
Audi's claimed fuel consumption is rated at 7.8l /100km. In our testing, we achieved +-10l /100km when I didn't drive with dynamic intention. With a lead foot, you can expect that figure to jump into the 20s.
Safety
Notable safety includes:
- 6 opt 8 airbags
- Audi Pre-Sense Front
- ISOFIX - Outer rear seats and front passenger seat
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Assist with Park System Plus
Price
| Model | Price |
| Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro | from R1 091 100 |
| Audi S3 sedan TFSI quattro | from R1 106 100 (R1 332 000 options fitted) |
Pricing for the S3 includes:
- 5-year /100 000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan.
*The pricing stated here was correct when published and is subject to change without further notice. The pricing shown here is base pricing.
Rivals
- BMW M235
- Subaru WRX
- BYD Seal
The Verdict
Arguably, the S3 is probably the best out of the bunch when you look at its rivals. It's the most driver-focused, and you can have a whale of a time in it. The performance is satisfying, with a strong driveline and good road-holding. It strikes a balance of being a 'middle child' in the A3 range if you're up for a little performance but something that's not as hectic as the RS3. Best of all, it's practical for daily usage. It's well worth a test drive.
