Used Audi S3 Review (2013-2020) MK3
Independent review by Bruce Booth from Driving Force
5-minute read
Overview
- High performance
- Well-equipped as standard
- Decent fuel economy
- Pricey
- Some rivals are even more fun to drive
- Tame looks
What's the Audi S3 like?
Racing car performance coupled with 40mpg+ fuel economy - all packaged into a slick compact saloon car - that's the 2014 S3 from Audi.
The German premium car maker introduced this new superfast 4-door S3 quattro saloon model to add to its already highly-successful 3-door S3 hatchback and 5-door S3 Sportback model range.
Engines
At the heart of the 155mph flying machine pumps a 295bhp turbocharged long-stroke 2.0-litre TFSI engine which propels the car from standing to 60mph in circa 4.9 seconds when coupled to the marque’s S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. The “slower” manual version takes 5.3 seconds to complete the sprint.
Peak power comes in at 5,500rpm and peak torque from between 1,800 and 5,500rpm, but in spite of all this grunt available on tap, both automatic and manual versions return combined fuel economy of more than 40mpg.
The then new engine is brimming with technology, which includes both direct and indirect injection, the integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head and the use of thermal management for faster warm-up.
Driving Experience
Power is fed to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and the S3 also features sports suspension as standard, making it stable and well-planted on the black stuff no matter what speed it was travelling.
The S3 has all the hallmarks typical of an Audi S model, with a mix of aluminium and steel construction to help keep the weight down.
Out on the road, the S3 gives an extremely polished ride, thanks to Audi’s drive select, which allowed a driver to change the setup of the car from comfort to sport to suit his or her own individual taste.
Agile yet grippy in the extreme, the car delivers masses of power in a smooth, controlled manner, while a deep throaty tone from the exhaust system helped complete the S3 experience.
Bruce Booth
Equipment
Alloy-look mirrors, chunky side sills and four chrome-tipped exhaust tailpipes add their individual touch to the exterior, while on the inside, S3 badging, Recaro-style sports seats and grey instrument dials with white needles carry on the S tradition.
A flat-bottomed leather-clad multifunction sports steering wheel, with alloy-look shift paddles on the S tronic version, helped complete the overall package.
As to be expected, the sporty Audi came with a massive list of safety equipment and comfort features fitted as standard.
However, the option list for the S3 saloon included all the latest in mobile infotainment and driver assistance solutions, including in-car internet-based services delivered via superfast 4G and on-board connectivity to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
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Find your Used Audi S3 your way with CarStore
The Audi S3 is a car that offers high levels of performance whilst maintaining a comfortable and refined ride. The powertrains also possess impressive fuel economy figures for a car of this nature, allowing the driver to enjoy the technology and gadgets within the S3 to their fullest.
