Like numerous different Volkswagen Group merchandise, a 2.0-liter turbo-four motivates this sedan. But to ship efficiency worthy of an Audi S mannequin, this engine has been completely massaged to crank out a sturdy 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, figures which are mainly in lockstep with the S3’s closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG CLA35. If you are counting, the S3 has 105 extra hp and 74 extra lb-ft of twist than a daily A3. Managing all that fury is an ordinary, seven-speed, dual-clutch computerized transmission that shifts with immediacy, but it is by no means clunky or tough. This is likely one of the greatest twin-clutch gearboxes I’ve ever skilled. Unleash the S3’s full fury and it could possibly attain 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, the engine hitting like a roundhouse kick to the face previous about 3,500 rpm. Ensuring this Audi by no means loses its footing is normal Quattro all-wheel drive. Given the S3’s efficiency, you may count on it to be thirsty, however it’s not. This automobile stickers at 23 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 27 mpg mixed. In blended use, I’m getting about 26.1 mpg, which is rattling spectacular for an all-wheel-drive luxurious automobile with greater than 300 hp.Despite its rowdy character, the S3’s engine is extremely clean, feeling prefer it churns away in a crate of packing peanuts as a result of zero vibration or harshness is felt within the cabin. Despite its refinement, this four-cylinder can placed on fairly a present. A element known as a “soundaktor” (German for “sound actuator”) pumps up the powertrain’s vocals, emitting a stunning quantity of snarl within the S3’s extra dynamic drive setting. Refreshingly, no artificial vroom-vroom is piped by way of the sound system.Keeping velocity in test are beneficiant 14.1-inch entrance rotors and vented rear discs. Modulating these brakes is lifeless easy because the pedal is nearly completely tuned, neither too gentle nor overly grabby.Like bigger Audis, the S3’s steering is decently weighted and freed from kickback, which supplies this automobile a planted and premium really feel. At low speeds, the steering additionally will get tremendous gentle for easy-breezy maneuverability and parking. Despite its substantial and trendy five-spoke, two-color wheels (included within the $1,950 Black Optic Package) wrapped in low-profile 235/35 19-inch Continental VikingContact winter tires, the S3 has a dreamy journey. The approach this automobile handles bumps and roadway imperfections, it feels prefer it’s about two dimension lessons bigger than it’s because of the $1,100 S Sport Package, which incorporates adjustable dampers. You can fine-tune their firmness by switching between driving modes, however even at their starchiest the S3 is totally livable, by no means crashing over bumps or broadcasting roadway grit.
Enlarge Image
There’s little to complain about in right here. Craig Cole/RoadshowThe S3’s heated, eight-way power-adjustable entrance seats preserve you locked in place whereas exercising the chassis, although they don’t seem to be so aggressively bolstered as to be annoying. I notably just like the slide-out decrease cushions as a result of they make these chairs much more hospitable for taller of us. What the lengthy of leg won’t respect, nevertheless, is that this Audi’s backseat. It’s brief on headroom and when you’re round 6 toes tall your knees will in all probability kiss the entrance backrests. Easing the sting is my tester’s buttery-soft Nappa leather-based. Embellished with a diamond sew sample, these rich-feeling cow hides come within the $1,250 choices group that additionally consists of textured Carbon Atlas accents.The remainder of the S3’s inside offers me some critical 1980s vibes, however not in a foul approach. The dashboard is blocky and startlingly angular, with the motive force’s air vents perched up excessive, sort of like ears on the instrument cluster. Yes, there are some shiny, laborious plastics on the door panels and heart console, however there’s nonetheless loads of gentle stuff and a great deal of tech.A 10.3-inch digital gauge show is normal, although this automobile options the obtainable 12.3-inch panel. That improve is bundled within the $2,250 tech package deal that additionally will get you site visitors signal recognition and a rockin’ Bang & Olufsen sound system. As for infotainment tech, a 10.1-inch touchscreen is normal and properly angled towards the motive force so it is simple to achieve. Audi’s snappy and very intuitive MIB 3 infotainment system lives right here. Thanks to its unflappable responsiveness, easy menu construction and wi-fi help for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, that is certainly one of my favourite multimedia arrays obtainable at the moment.
Enlarge Image
Who says large issues do not are available small packages? Craig Cole/RoadshowUnexpectedly, the S3 lacks a standard quantity knob, however I’m not mad about it. Instead, the automobile has a small, touch-sensitive pad on the middle console, which helps you to skip tracks, mute the audio system and, by utilizing round finger motions, elevate or decrease the quantity. In conjunction with a separate dial on the steering wheel, this contact management is so responsive and exact I have never as soon as missed a bodily knob.Helping shield you on this loopy, unpredictable world, the S3 comes with an honest quantity of normal security gear. Frontal collision warning with a precrash system that raises the home windows and tightens the seatbelts earlier than influence is included at no additional cost, as are computerized excessive beams and lane-departure warning. Of course, options like blind-spot monitoring, entrance and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise management are all obtainable when you pay additional. A fast phrase about that final merchandise: Audi’s implementation of adaptive cruise within the S3 is best than most. The system is clean and makes the automobile monitor virtually like a monorail, although there are two uncommon facets to it. First, the management stalk for this technique is tough to see and it is fairly unintuitive. Resuming or cancelling a set velocity is achieved by both pushing the stalk ahead or pulling it again, and I can by no means keep in mind which is which. And second, when the adaptive cruise is ready and also you modify the velocity, it will increase and reduces by increments of two.5 mph, which is extremely uncommon. When utilizing nonadaptive cruise management, nevertheless, 1-mph increments can be found.
Enlarge Image
The 2022 Audi S3 is a delight. Craig Cole/RoadshowWhat’s additionally a bit surprising is that this automobile’s pricing. Skip each add-on and you’ll nab a 2022 Audi S3 for about $46,000, a wonderful determine. With a smattering of choices, this instance is about 10 grand pricier than that, testing for $55,890. In addition to all of the choices listed beforehand, that not-unreasonable sum consists of $2,800 for the Premium Plus Package, $1,045 in vacation spot charges and $595 for pretty Daytona Gray pearl-effect paint. More exuberant colours together with two vibrant blues in addition to purple and yellow are supplied, too.Despite its petite proportions, the S3 is the true deal. It offers you all of the refinement of bigger Audis plus kickass efficiency in a smaller, extra inexpensive package deal.