2019 Audi S3 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

The Audi S3 carries over into 2019 without significant changesPart of the first Audi S3 generation introduced in the United States in 2015

　　Audi's S series models are a happy middle ground between the mainstream A models, such as the A4 and A7, and the more berserk, high-performance RS editions. The 2019 Audi S3, for example, gives drivers an extra serving of handling, performance and technology compared to the A models, without the higher price and everyday comfort compromises that mark the RS cars.

　　Like the A3, the S3 is a gateway into the Audi brand, an "entry-level" model, if such a thing can be said of a car that starts around $45,000. Its smaller shape and footprint come from its close relationship to the Volkswagen Golf, and that's not a bad thing. The Golf remains one of our favorite hatchbacks, and the S3 cranks up the VW formula with ruder performance and a trunk. The S3's compact profile makes it an ideal choice for buyers who want a premium brand and premium performance but don't need the larger, longer S4 sedan.

　　So what does the S3 give you that the A3 doesn't? To start, the S3 comes standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is optional on the A3. There's also significantly more power (more than 100 additional horsepower), more high-performance options such as larger brakes and adaptive suspension dampers, and enhanced technology and infotainment features.

　　Today's landscape of "entry-level" luxury performance is hotter than ever, though. And in light of new and updated entries such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the BMW 2 Series, the S3 already looks a bit creaky; it hasn't had a notable upgrade since its debut in 2015. But if you're seeking a small sport sedan that straddles the line between orderly and outrageous, the S3 still fits the bill.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　What happens when you combine a fantastic engine with a sensational chassis? You get the incredibly capable S3. The turbo-four is smooth and eager to rev, with a wallop of midrange torque. Handling is stunning, and the steering is near-perfect. Low-speed drivability could be improved.

　　

Acceleration

　　The turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder feels stronger than 292 horsepower. It can be reluctant leaving the line. But once it builds revs, it sprints forward, hitting 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and quick-shifting.

　　

Braking

　　Braking abilities are excellent; the pedal is always firm. It's a bit touchy at low speeds, but in most situations the brakes feel powerful and confidence-inspiring. In our panic-braking test, the S3 needed 107 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's a typical result for a car with performance-rated tires.

　　

Steering

　　The steering is incredibly sharp and quick without being darty. More importantly, it gives good feedback to the driver, meaning the electric assist steering doesn't completely isolate the road or the grip level of the tires from the driver.

　　

Handling

　　This car is glued to the road, thanks to the sticky tires but also the stiff suspension that keeps body roll nearly nonexistent. Aim this car at a corner, and it goes exactly where you point it.

　　

Drivability

　　Drivability is marred slightly by touchy brakes in stop-and-go traffic and some delay from the engine and transmission when leaving a stoplight. But it has great passing power, feels light and small, and is generally an easy car to drive.

　　

Comfort

　　The S3 doesn't coddle you like a luxury sedan. The seats don't have an abundance of cushioning. The ride is firm and not as supple as that of most BMWs, but the suspension is adjustable, and it never gets truly objectionable. Interior noise is kept to acceptable levels.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The front seats have firm cushions, but they are wide and roomy, with less lateral support than most sport seats. The door armrests have soft cushioning. The rear seats provide enough support, but the seatback is quite upright.

　　

Ride comfort

　　If you like a floaty ride, this isn't your car. Even the suspension's Comfort mode can feel stiff over rough roads. But some sport sedans are even less comfortable.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　There's some tire hum on most surfaces, but wind noise is well-controlled. You can hear the engine just slightly at highway speeds. The turbo-four makes exciting noises during acceleration.

　　

Climate control

　　The standard dual-zone climate control uses a simple three-knob system for controls.

　　

Interior

　　The interior is much like the A3's but with sportier, S3-specific touches throughout. Most controls work well, although the boost gauge is gimmicky. The trunk is small for the segment.

　　

Ease of use

　　Despite the A3's minimalist interior design, the controls are where you expect them and are easy to use, though we always turn the MMI knob the wrong direction. We love the infinitely swiveling circular dash vents. The optional finger-writing recognition is cool.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The front doors are relatively long and open wide. The roof isn't too low, and you only have to stoop a bit. On the downside, the doorsills are wide, and you can catch your foot on them when getting out. The rear doors are small.

　　

Roominess

　　There's decent but not abundant front headroom, partly because the seat height is higher than you'd expect. Door-side elbow room is excellent. The center console infringes on the driver's right knee space. Rear headroom will be tight for most adults.

　　

Visibility

　　The windshield roof pillars are very narrow, though the side pillars obstruct lane changes. The rear roof pillars are also thick, and the rear window is short. Our test car had the rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors.

　　

Quality

　　The interior materials are high-quality, and they look good, too. The steering wheel is beautiful and thick-rimmed, while the knobs and buttons have heft. We did notice a squeak from the plastic center console if we rubbed our knee against it.

　　

Utility

　　It should be no surprise that trunk volume in a compact car is limited. But the rear seat folds down, and the available cubbies and cupholders are welcome.

　　

Small-item storage

　　The door pockets are a decent size, but the front bin is a tiny sliver. The center armrest bin is just large enough to be useful. The cupholders have a good anti-tip design.

　　

Cargo space

　　The 10-cubic-foot trunk is small, but the opening is wide. The rear seats fold down, and the pass-through is large.

　　

Technology

　　The cool retractable center screen is intuitive, and it commands the MMI system. Bluetooth is standard, and the S3 is available with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot system.

　　

Which S3 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Premium Plus base trim might draw you in, but there's not a world of difference between the S3's two trim levels. If you opt for Premium Plus, you'll probably also want the Technology package for its useful Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster and premium audio system. At that point, it just makes sense to get the Prestige trim since it comes standard with the Technology package plus a handful of other exclusive features such as adaptive cruise control and a HomeLink garage door opener. Whichever you choose, we suggest adding the S Sport package for its adaptive suspension dampers, which expand the S3's comfort and performance handling capabilities.

　　

2019 Audi S3 models

　　The 2019 Audi S3 is offered in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige. They are pretty similarly equipped, but the Prestige offers more standard technology features. All S3s have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 288 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That power is put to the ground through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

　　Standard features for the Premium Plus include 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, keyless ignition and entry, front and rear parking sensors, selectable driving settings (known as Audi Drive Select), LED headlights, automatic wipers, heated side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, power front sport seats, leather upholstery, LED interior lighting, and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks.

　　For the Premium Plus, you also get a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Audi's MMI electronics interface (with a console-mounted controller and a power-retractable display), Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio.

　　Optional for this trim is the Technology package, which includes an expanded digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit), an upgraded MMI system (with an improved display and a touch-sensitive controller), Audi Connect online services (with 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi), native voice controls, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

　　The Prestige adds the contents of the Technology package as standard plus power-folding exterior mirrors (with driver-side auto-dimming), adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning and intervention.

　　Optional on both the Premium Plus and the Prestige are a Black Optic package (19-inch wheels with special exterior trim), an S Sport package (red brake calipers with adaptive suspension dampers) and an S Sport Seat package (manually adjustable front sport seats with premium leather upholstery). Stand-alone options include rear-seat side airbags and 18-inch wheels with all-season tires.

　　

2019 S3 Highlights

Trim: 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro

　　

Base MSRP	$44,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles