Audi’s A3 is the carmakers top selling compact sedan that performs even better in S3 form.
The 2022 SE with quattro AWD slots between the A3 and hot RS3 sports sedan that puts out a whopping 401-hp. But the S3 is no slouch with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates a respectable 306-hp with 295 lb/ft of torque that, according to Audi, does the 0-60 sprint in a quick 4.5 seconds when coupled to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. EPA rates the combo at an exceptionally impressive an almost hybrid 23 city, 32-highway mpg.
Performance is not S3’s only attribute. It sits 0.6-inch lower than the A3 and has an S sport suspension with adjustable damper control. The system immediately adapts to road conditions, driver input and links the quattro AWD to the Electronic Stability Control to support a spirited driving experience. Handling is sports car-like as the S3 can be tossed in the turns and remains planted and controlled. And it parks easily in tight spots as it’s very maneuverable. A Drive Select switch offers Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes.
With honeycomb type grille and air vents, black roof and large quad black exhaust tips that give out a neat rumble, they all add to the S3’s sporty, racy exterior.
This sporty treatment follows through to S3’s interior. Diamond stitched, Nappa leather heated front seats are Recaro-like boasting torso-hugging lateral support.
The vertical stack features a standard 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with handwriting recognition, Apple CarPlay and, Android Auto connectivity. It serves the audio, rearview camera, navigation with 3D view and several functions like the parking assist feature that automatically parks the S3. The screen does require some multiple touches for certain on-screen menu’s that momentarily takes the eyes off the road.
HVAC controls are set in a horizontal array below the touchscreen. Kudo’s to Audi for maintaining hard switches instead of on-screen selections for the three-zone climate selections.
S3’s 10.25-inch all digital instrument cluster serves a whole host of functions aside from speed and tachometer. It displays the navigation map and a Heads Up Display on the windshield for an eyes forward view. It also shows lap times if you’re so inclined to race the fully capable S3, a fuel gauge with mpg setting, a driver information display and more. Optionally available is a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit.
Gear changes come compliments of S3’s 7-speed automatic transmission shifter is a slick chromed toggle switch for gear selection. It’s supplemented with paddle shifters. In front of the gear selector is a wireless phone charger plus receptacles for wired charging.
The entire dash is upscale and sporty and Audi did a great job of melding the screen and instrumentation in a suave, clean design.
In the back seat, the doors open wide for easy ingress/egress but leg room is on the tight side for two adults, especially if the fronts are racked well rearward. But they are soft and comfy.
S3’s trunk space too is limited with a 10.9 cubic foot rating. It measures 35.5 inches deep or 65 when flipping the rear seatbacks that essentially doubles the space.
Beneath the cargo floor is a large foam bin for small item storage that also includes a tire inflator kit as the S3 doesn’t come with a spare tire.
Back to performance, acceleration from a standing stop and highway passing is explosive. The 2.0L pushes you back in the seat and the trans shifts lighting fast with exhaust tones emitting sweet throaty tones. There’s certainly no want for power and I can just imagine what the RS3 is like with its 401-hp.
The only S3 demerit goes to the sunroof mesh cover that doesn’t filter out total sunlight like a hard cover would. Otherwise, S3 rides quietly and smoothly on 19-inch Continental tires and this despite the beefed-up, sporty suspension. It begs to be driven hard.
As for price, S3 starts life at $44,900 that includes a long-list of standard safety features like heated/power outside mirrors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring, Audi Connect Care, LED headlights, electronic vehicle immobilization and more.
The options list is long and pricey. For example, Tango red metallic adds ($595); Premium Plus package ($2,800) includes Audi alarm w/motion sensor, Audi Advanced Key, active lane assist, side assist w/rear cross traffic alert, auto dimming outside mirrors, satellite radio and many more; Technology Package ($2,250) that includes 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, navigation system, Bang & Olufsen premium audio and more; Black Optic Package ($1,950); Nappa leather seating ($1,250); S Sport package ($1,100) with red brake calipers and sport suspension with damper control, bumps up the base price to $55,890 with delivery.
Yes, that’s a lot of money but S3 is a lot of AWD sedan that can handle Snowbelt winters.
S3
During the week we had the pleasure to test the S3, it did not yet undergo the governments 5-star safety rating.