2018 Audi S3 review

What We Like

Performance: The S3 is what happens when you join a powerful engine to a small, dynamic chassis. The turbocharged engine packs a wallop of low-end and midrange power, making for eager and effortless acceleration. High-performance tires and standard all-wheel drive fix the S3 to the road through tight turns and fast cornering, while the stiff suspension squashes body roll. Enthusiast drivers may find the S3’s steering a bit artificial, but most casual drivers will love its responsiveness. This is an easy car to drive fast.

Comfort: The S3’s front seats are roomy and wide, with firmer cushions and a more sculpted sport shape than the A3 buckets. Similarly, the S3’s suspension is firmer thanks to more aggressive tuning. Some buyers drawn in by the extra power may balk, but relative to the S3’s amplified capabilities, the ride is civil and composed. The adaptive suspension included in the Sport package lets you choose among Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic modes and is useful for different surfaces and conditions. We’d encourage buyers to stick with 18-inch wheels; the 19-inch versions included in the optional Black Optic Dynamic package only stiffen the ride.

Interior: The S3 might be a high-performance, entry-level sedan, but its interior suggests otherwise. Supple leather, contrast stitching, textured panels, and aluminum accents feel lifted from a larger, more expensive car, while knobs and switches operate with weighted action that reinforces the feeling of a sturdy, well-built car. Clear views out the windows make for confident hustling or threading through tight traffic, and the thick-rimmed steering wheel feels made for the joy of driving. A pop-up infotainment dash display with crisp graphics makes it easy to view maps, media, or phone information.

What Needs Improvement

Roominess: The S3 faces the same spatial challenges as the A3 it’s based on. The rear seats are supportive but have very upright seatbacks, and there’s not a lot of legroom or headroom. The S3’s short overall length and all-wheel-drive hardware — the bulk of it under the back of the car — also limit its cargo space. The trunk measures only 10 cubic feet, less than most competitors.