2015 Audi S3 review

1. Powerful engine 

Underneath the hood of the 2015 Audi S3 is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 290 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. For a compact sedan, that’s plenty of performance. Audi claims a zero to 60 time of 4.7 seconds using the car's integrated launch control system, and the S3’s lightning pace certainly won’t leave you feeling shortchanged. The six-speed S tronic^® transmission automated manual transmission makes extracting the S3’s performance fun and the quattro^® all-wheel-drive system will keep you on the road, whether you’re carving through the canyons or crossing state boundaries. 

2. Balanced performance 

The engine of the 2015 Audi S3 has smooth and fast acceleration, but it achieves a good balance between performance and gas mileage, and doesn’t drink fuel overly fast. An EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined for models riding on standard 18-inch wheels is admirable given the performance on offer.

3. Understated looks 

The 2015 Audi S3 is a compact sports sedan that doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to itself, or you. The upmarket looks of the regular A3 are added to with alu-optic side mirrors and front blade spoiler, body-colored side sill extensions and rear spoiler, and a set of quad exhaust pipes with chrome finishers. Move inside, and you’ll see aluminum pedal covers, a three-spoke sports flat-bottomed steering wheel with shift paddles, matte brushed aluminum inlays, a black headliner, and leather seat surfaces. 

4. Feature-packed trims 

Billed as a compact sports sedan, the 2015 Audi S3 has a wealth of big car features. The Premium Plus trim includes automatic xenon headlights with LED daytime running and taillights,12-way power front sport seats, and a color drive information system. Your passengers will appreciate the dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD Radio, and Bluetooth^® streaming audio connectivity. Prestige trim has power-folding mirrors, ambient interior lighting, an MMI^® (Multi Media Interface) navigation system, a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen^® sound system, and a rearview camera as standard. 

5. Available packages 

Available packages boost the 2015 Audi S3’s appeal. Premium Plus options include the Convenience package that adds an auto-dimming interior mirror, power-folding exterior mirrors, and ambient lighting. The Prestige trim has this package as standard, but more driver assist systems can be found with the Advanced Technology package. Add the S Sport package to either trim to be cocooned in Nappa leather seats with contrast diamond stitching, or choose the Performance package for polished and anthracite-finished 19-inch wheels, and Audi’s magnetic ride suspension system that controls the car’s dampers electromagnetically.