Testing the turn signals
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There are more exciting hot hatchbacks on the market but it’s no surprise that Audi has been making versions of the S3 for more than 25 years, as there’s a ready market for its blend of strong brand image, easily-accessed performance, and levels of perceived quality beyond most other cars in its class.
The latest generation of S3 arrived in 2020 and has recently undergone a small facelift and some technical changes, but there are plenty out there to choose from, and even more if you open up your search to previous generations. With standard all-wheel drive, more than 300 horsepower and a quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox, it’s a quick and confident all-weather performance car, and used models are temptingly priced.
Audi’s S3 has always had a grown-up image, as hot hatchbacks go. Less about regular B-road jollies than making a good impression in the company car park, but still with the kind of performance you’d hope for from a car in this class, and the security and appeal of Audi’s all-wheel drive Quattro system. As if to reinforce this maturity, the last two generations have been offered in saloon form too.
True to form, the most recent S3 isn’t the most exciting hot hatch (or hot saloon), some of which is down to the regular A3 it’s based on not being one of the best in its class to drive either. Audi does carry across the A3’s modern design too (inside and out), and it’s well-built just like any Audi. A set of well-bolstered seats help with the sporty feel, but there aren’t many other striking cues inside to let you know you’ve bought the fast one.
The all-wheel drive setup does impinge slightly on boot space but it’s far from bad in either model - the saloon’s boot is the same size as the Sportback’s, to the litre, but differently shaped and without hatchback practicality. There’s good space in the cabin though without the S3 feeling too large on the road.
Under the skin the S3 shares much with the Volkswagen Golf R, from its engine to its all-wheel drive system. The Audi is just as quick but a little more tied-down, and possibly less engaging for enthusiastic drivers. The tradeoff is impressive refinement and grown-up motorway manners - provided the car you’re looking at hasn’t been modified too much by its previous owners.
The Golf R is one alternative if you’re not quite sold on the S3, while other rivals include the BMW M135i, which feels just a little more engaging than the Audi, and the Mercedes-AMG A35, which like the Audi has both hatchback and saloon variants, and very similar performance.
All S3s use the same drivetrain so your choice of model instead comes down to trim level, and body style. The saloon is pretty popular among new Audi S3 buyers so there’s a good selection on the used market, but naturally it doesn’t quite have the utility of the hatch, so bear this in mind if you’re planning to use your S3 for family duties. All models are well equipped, though once again, new buyers liked to spend a little extra for the Black Edition and Vorsprung, which could be why Audi dropped the base model shortly after launch. Buying used though, don’t pay over the odds for the better-specced cars, as the regular one is hardly sparse.
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If you’re familiar with other Audis then you’ll recognise the S3’s trim lines, with the same structure of a regular model, an enhanced car (in this case Black Edition trim), and a range-topping Vorsprung, playing on Audi’s ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ slogan. All three of these trim lines are available on both Sportback and saloon, though the base model was only available new for a couple of years.
The Audi S3’s dimensions are:
The Audi S3’s boot size is:
When the latest Audi S3 came out some models were priced just under £40,000, which avoids a VED surcharge and results in a yearly tax bill of only £180. Most though cost more than £40k, so you’ll currently pay £570 a year to tax them. The surcharge disappears from year seven onwards.
By high-performance hatchback standards, the Audi S3’s insurance ratings aren’t too bad, with a starting group of 31, and topping out in group 34 for the Vorsprung. This compares with groups 31-35 for the mechanically similar Volkswagen Golf R.
£36,616
£36,995
£41,250
£33,199
£29,495
£46,499
£39,985
£54,400
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£26,740
£740 off£37,495
What is the most popular colour for Audi S3 ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Audi S3 ?
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What is the average mileage for Audi S3 ?
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How many Audi S3 cars are available for sale?
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