Audi S3 Status 2.0 TFSI Quattro Evaluate: Compact Luxurious Sports activities Sedan

The Audi S3’s backstory dates to 1999, when the 8L (Audi’s inner designation) S3 debuted as a three-door hatchback. This marked the primary time Audi utilized the “S” nomenclature to a automobile with a four-cylinder engine. Primarily based upon the platform underpinning the VW Golf GTI, the S3 supplied extra energy and an inside therapy befitting a premium compact automobile.

Base Trim Engine

2.0 Turbocharged four-cylinder Gasoline

Base Trim Transmission

7-speed dual-clutch Automated

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

328 hp

Base Trim Torque

295 lb-ft

Make

Audi

Mannequin

S3 Sedan

Phase

Full-Dimension Luxurious Sedan

The 8L S3’s 1.8-liter turbocharged 4 produced 210 horsepower, 199 pound-feet of torque, and fed all 4 wheels by means of a six-speed handbook transmission. Some 26 years later, the topic of this overview, the 2025 Audi S3 Status 2.0 TFSI Quattro, brilliantly illustrates the longevity of the idea. Now in its fourth era, the Typ 8Y S3’s pricing begins at $48,700. Worth as examined for the instance reviewed right here is $59,740.

Audi S3 Status 2.0 TFSI Quattro First Impressions

As understated because the S3’s stylish appears are, its efficiency intent turns into wholly evident when considered subsequent to the usual A3. Without delay lithe and muscular, the 8Y S3 appears, nicely—ripped. The muscular fender flares, barely lowered stance, and big entrance air intakes say this compact sedan got here to play.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

Amongst its mannequin yr ’25 updates, the S3’s acquired L-shaped grille accents with a shiny end. These complemented the brand new entrance spoiler, which included a pair of upright parts to make it look much more aggressive.The L-shaped accents are repeated within the decrease valance on the rear, which additionally options diffusing strakes.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

The non-compulsory Black Optic Bundle ($1,650), with which the S3 I drove was fitted, consists of Anthracite-colored Audi rings along with black exterior trim. Darkish chrome exhaust ideas and 19-inch multi-spoke Audi S-design wheels, fitted with low-profile 235/35-19 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, full the bundle.

Exterior Dimensions

Associated

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Driving Impressions And Efficiency

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Thrust is sourced from a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline 4, which is tuned to make 328 horsepower at 5,450 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm on premium gasoline. The all-wheel drive powertrain (Quattro – in Audi-speak) employs Audi’s seven-speed S-Tronic transmission. The twin-clutch gearbox provides each handbook and automated modes, with unimaginably fast handbook shifts, punctuated by audible “poofs”. Throughout my testing, the S3 repeatedly executed four-second zero-to-60 runs, in line with my Omega Speedmaster.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

Its dealing with sublimely impartial, the 8Y S3 provides direct turn-in with utter obedience to driver inputs. What’s extra, the brand new torque-splitting rear differential let me get on the throttle earlier to carry the rear finish round so I might exit turns carrying extra velocity. Attempt as I’d, the tenacious little S3never threatened to interrupt away. It simply took a set and caught. Even higher, thanks partly to its adaptive suspension system, the S3 will do that whatever the drive mode setting you’ve chosen. With that stated, Audi additionally provides a Dynamic Plus mode, which allowed me to hold the S3’s tail out as if it had rear-wheel drive.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

Getting again to the engine for a second, the turbo is configured with preloading now. With it, the turbo continued spinning even once I was off the throttle in efficiency driving conditions. Eliminating turbo lag, this gave me peak torque on demand when utilizing the automobile vigorously. Because of this, the little Audi pulled prefer it was working a small V-8, reasonably than a turbocharged 4.

Efficiency Specs

Audi S3 Gasoline Economic system

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

Proper about now, given the S3’s aptitude for efficiency, about which I’ve waxed so enthusiastically, you’re most likely anticipating gasoline economic system to be measured in smiles per gallon — reasonably than miles. Fortunately, the 8Y S3 comes with an EPA ranking of 23 mpg within the metropolis, 31 on the freeway, and 26 mixed. Nevertheless, that mixed quantity is extra prone to be achieved with out the brisk canyon runs I went out of my option to do. With them, I solely noticed 22 mpg total, which I believed was cheap, contemplating how a lot enjoyable I used to be having.

Inside Design And Consolation

Lengthy praised for each the standard and aesthetic of its inside therapies, Audi’s choices have a excessive bar by which they’re measured as of late. With that stated, on condition that the S3 is predicated upon the marque’s entry-level sedan, you is perhaps ready to provide the S3 one thing of a cross on this regard. There isn’t any want to take action. The requirements by which each and every different Audi is judged will be utilized right here as nicely.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

The 8Y S3’s featured modern ambient lighting that glowed by means of the material on the entrance doorways in a graduated sample. This was along with the standard linear accents present in most upmarket automobiles as of late. Enjoying round with the colour settings, I discovered 30 completely different mixtures from which to decide on. Contour lighting enhanced the middle console, too.

Lyndon Conrad Bell

One other side of the design of the Audi’s inside I appreciated was the therapy of the digital shows. In a time when everybody appears to be racing towards a single body housing the instrumentation and infotainment screens, Audi retains them separate within the S3. As odd as this would possibly sound, it offers the inside extra of a conventional look. It additionally appears lots much less busy.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

As for passenger consolation, the Audi supplied ample leg, shoulder, and headroom up entrance. As maybe is to be anticipated of a compact sports activities sedan, rear seat legroom was significantly much less beneficiant in that regard. A lot so, I wouldn’t put any grownup — whose consolation mattered to me—again there. It’s fantastic for youthful kids, although. Upholstered in quilted Nappa leather-based, the seats made a powerful visible impression. Ingress and egress had been simply completed, outward visibility was good all-around, and the driving place was spot-on.

Inside Dimensions

Know-how And Ease Of Use

Tech-specific parts of the $6,200 Status Bundle with which the S3 I drove was fitted included navigation, site visitors signal recognition, good cruise with lane conserving, a 12.3-inch infotainment display screen, and a head-up show. Commonplace tech options included 4 USB ports, wi-fi telephone chargin,g and a 360° overhead digital camera. Driver’s aids includedautomated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, ahead collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross site visitors monitoring.

Cargo And Storage Area

We’re speaking compact luxurious sport sedan right here, so the trunk is greatest characterised as diminutive. You’ll be taking a look at eight cubic ft of cargo capability, which is sufficient for 4 carry-on baggage. Folding the rear seat ahead prolonged the trunk into the passenger compartment for extra carrying capability. Doing so will get you nearer to 12 or 14 carry-on baggage. However in fact, with two folks aboard, will you actually need to hold 14 suitcases? Seatback pockets, door cubbies, the glove field, and middle console storage spherical out the S3’s stuff-carrying lodging.

2025 Audi S3 vs. Its Rivals

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

Acura

The Audi S3 Status 2.0 TFSI Quattro’s two most formidable rivals are the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and the Acura Integra Sort S. Just like the Audi, the BMW runs a turbocharged 4 and will be fitted with all-wheel drive. In the meantime, the Acura, although supplied solely with front-wheel drive, does supply a conventional six-speed handbook transmission. This can be a vital differentiator, because the Audi and BMW are solely supplied with dual-clutch automated transmissions. Whereas technically superior, DCTs do not present the visceral reward many driving fans respect when in comparison with totally handbook transmissions.

How The Audi S3 Compares To The Acura Integra Sort S

Base Trim Engine

2L I-4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

6-speed handbook

Base Trim Drivetrain

Entrance-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

320 HP @6500 RPM

Base Trim Torque

310 lb.-ft. @ 2600 RPM

Base Trim Gasoline Economic system (metropolis/freeway/mixed)

21/28/24 MPG

Base Trim Battery Sort

Lead acid battery

Make

Acura

Mannequin

Integra Sort S

A front-wheel-drive-only proposition, the 2025 Acura Integra Sort S employs a six-speed handbook gearbox, making it the one member of this trio to take action. The transversely mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 is claimed to be good for 320 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm. This makes the Audi probably the most highly effective providing among the many three. Acura’s quoted zero to 60 time for the Integra Sort S is 5.1 seconds, which illustrates one of many advantages of the all-wheel drive powertrain employed by Audi and BMW. Afforded extra grip, the M235 and the S3 are faster off the road, posting occasions almost a full second forward of the Acura, although they’re almost 300 kilos heavier.

How The Audi S3 Compares To The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe

BMW

Just like the Audi, the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is an all-wheel drive providing based mostly on a front-drive platform. Additionally, just like the Audi, the BMW runs an automatic dual-clutch gearbox. The similarities proceed in that BMW’s engine is mounted transversely versus longitudinally, which is the best way BMW normally does it. Additionally just like the Audi, the BMW runs a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4. Nevertheless, the BMW’s gearbox has seven speeds, and the engine is claimed to be good for 312 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm. The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe’s quoted zero-to-60 time is 4.2 seconds – as soon as once more, similar to the Audi.

Our Suggestion For Which Mannequin You Ought to Purchase

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

With all due respect to Acura and BMW, the Audi is the one I’d most prefer to have at my disposal. To my eyes, the 8Y S3’s exterior design is best wanting than these of the Acura and the BMW. The S3 additionally has a nicer inside therapy. In fact, the Audi is the extra expensive selection right here, so this stuff ought to be true. In the meantime, each the M235 Gran Coupe and the Integra Sort S are supplied with complimentary upkeep packages – making them extra sensible selections when in comparison with the S3.

Lyndon Conrad Bell – Picture

And but, regardless of these issues, that little Audi simply sings to me. I’d be very completely happy to have a 2025 Audi S3 Status 2.0 TFSI Quattro observe me house.