16 May 2025
The compact car segment has seen some exciting transformations over the years, particularly with the introduction of sporty hot hatches that promise both performance and agility. Audi responded with the original four-wheel drive S3, which played a significant role in shaping the premium compact car segment and set the benchmark for high-end performance hatches.
Since then, Audi has continued to build on its mastery of creating a classy and refined driving experience, perfected over generations of brilliant models. With competitors like Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen recently updating their lineups of performance hatches, Audi has responded by giving the latest S3 a visual and competitive facelift.
The facelift includes more than just a few aesthetic changes; it features enhanced engine and drivetrain modifications that should pique drivers’ interests. The latest version boosts performance with increased engine power, the torque splitter transplanted from the RS3 for rear-wheel torque vectoring, a refined gearbox for shorter shift times, and a reduced ride height of 15mm. These improvements result in an engaging and responsive ride that offers constant power, even mid-corner.
The new upgrades also have an impressive lineup of numbers on the spec sheet. The 2.0-litre TFSI engine produces a whopping 245kW of power and 420Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox and Audi’s esteemed Quattro drivetrain. The car launches from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250km/h.
The stated fuel consumption is 8.6l/100km, an acceptable figure for a hot hatch we reckon. While driving on a variety of roads outside Auckland, we noticed our fuel consumption dip to 7.8l/100km. However, once we hit the back roads, that number started to climb.
At first glance, the car appears deceptively quiet and ordinary. Around town, it can have a benign and unassuming presence, while on the motorway, it functions as a tame and economical cruiser. However, unleashing it on a winding ribbon of tarmac reveals its true capabilities, demonstrating why it deserves the 'S’ badge. The four-wheel drive system provides excellent grip as you power through corners, the preloaded turbocharger delivers power on demand, and instant gear changes result in an assertive driving experience that's borderline scary.
Audi has refined the Dynamic Plus software in their drive mode to deliver sharper throttle response, more direct steering feedback, and enhanced chassis control. This results in a more engaging and responsive driving experience, particularly suited for those who appreciate precision and agility on winding roads or track environments
Rest assured, Audi has also loaded the car with many passive and active safety features to keep you safe. From distraction and fatigue warning, which lets you know when you’ve taken your eyes off the road for too long, to proactive occupant protection covering every angle, you’ll be relieved knowing you’re in safe hands surrounded by the latest safety technology.
Audi has kept the S3 relatively unchanged in terms of styling. Apart from the lower ride due to the sports suspension and updated bumpers (which strangely no longer include the ‘S3’ badge on the front grille), it retains a flat, menacing appearance, especially in black. The new 19-inch rims really enhance the car's overall style, giving it a classy appearance from every angle.
Stepping inside, the rhombus-patterned Nappa leather sport seats (with electronic memory function) are excellently styled and provide a comfortable and embracing feeling. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with flat bottom and paddle shifters gives a sporty and solid feel with excellent force feedback without being too heavy for everyday use. In fact, it’s a dream to drive in the city.
The interior offers ample space and legroom, with a mix of glossy and leather details providing a refined, premium feel (although the glossy trim does show fingerprints easily). A few obvious upgrades include a new drive selector and ambient lighting in the front door cards. Physical buttons are a welcome feature (no touch or haptic buttons here!), and everything is practically laid out. The AC controls are aligned and include seat heater controls, and miscellaneous buttons are grouped above the phone box. This results in an elegant and orderly dashboard – can we expect anything less from German engineering?
Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) is displayed in an upgraded 10.1” touchscreen, featuring connect navigation with satellite view that shows traffic density, helping you trade chokepoints for the exciting backroads. Audi has bucked the trend of installing an enormous central tablet-like touchscreen to house its MMI. This is a refreshing choice and reminds you that the real entertainment in this car, and driving in general, comes from the journey and the driving experience, not just the tech on the centre console. That said, the smartphone interface is fast and easy to use, even for those new to Audi's MMI.
Audi’s virtual cockpit includes a vibrant and sharp 12.3” digital instrument cluster, allowing you to cycle through key driving information. The customisable virtual cockpit allows you to adjust views based on drive mode and preference, while retaining a traditional touch with its view mode featuring large dials for the tachometer and speedometer.
The updated S3 delivers RS3 performance in a sophisticated, compact package with sharp handling, loads of instant power, and an interior that inspires premium comfort. With a renewed price tag of $103,990, the new S3 upholds Audi's tradition of offering a high-end performance-focused experience over affordability. It's hard to rationalise that cost when similar models, like the Golf R, provide a comparable driving experience for twenty grand less. With that in mind, you need to ask yourself how much those four rings are worth to you.
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