Audi S3

Audi's S3 small performance sedan is designed for the performance enthusiast who also needs a functional daily driver for work and family use. The S3 is a four-door sedan featuring a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with up to 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system. 

Inside, you'll find a comfortable yet sporty cabin design with bolstered seats to keep the driver in place along with a tech-forward set of features that buyers expect in a premium European car. There's a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation. The navigation instructions can also be projected onto the windshield with the available head-up display. In recent model years, a standard Sonos audio system is included, along with four USB-C ports and wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® support.

The Audi S3 came to America in 2015, but Audi had been building this car in Europe since 1999, making the American first generation the third generation for European buyers. That gave Audi plenty of time to refine the S3 sedan and balance its performance and comfort. While the S3 is fast and nimble, it's also small, so be sure to test-fit the back seat if you regularly transport adults. 

The first-generation S3 comes with a 292-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. That engine was initially paired with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission but switched to a seven-speed unit in 2017. All S3s come standard with Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system. The S3 also includes larger brakes and a sport-tuned suspension. On the outside, it gets some exterior cues to differentiate it from the more basic A3 sedan. Notable features include xenon headlights, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a premium audio system.