2018 Audi S3 review
Audi S3 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Upscale interior that looks and feels expensive
- Precise handling makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads
Cons
- Small trunk can’t hold much more than a suitcase or two
- Small, cramped back seat
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 28 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2018 Audi S3 amplifies entry-level sport and luxury
One year after an update that added new standard driver-assist features (front collision warning, automatic emergency braking), Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a single USB port, the 2018 Audi S3 carried over nearly unchanged. Models with the available Sport package include red brake calipers and an adaptive suspension, and even that was a repackaging of already available options.
But why fix what isn’t broken? Like its more reserved A3 counterpart, the S3 checks all the boxes for a fun, fast, and comfortable small luxury sedan. Except that it’s faster and even more fun. The turbo four-cylinder engine makes more power — 292 horsepower — and hits 60 mph about one second faster than the A3. A sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes make for stunning handling and immediate stopping power. Given the S3’s swiftness, fuel economy is respectable at an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. The S3 requires more from its driver, though. The ride is firm, even stiff over rough roads, but never objectionable. As in the A3, the back seat and trunk are cramped and tiny.
All Audi S3 years
What is new for the 2018 Audi S3?
- S3 trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor and Navigation System as standard equipment.
2018 Audi S3 trims
Premium Plus:
- 292-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Sunroofs
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Mirrors
- View our Audi S3 Premium Plus inventory
Prestige:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Plus
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
Audi S3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Audi S3
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.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2018 Audi S3 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Audi S3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi S3 14th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi S3Audi S3 features and specs
Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- CD Audio
- Navigation System
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
292
Torque (ft-lbs)
280
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
103.6"
Overall length
175.8"
Width
70.7"
Height
54.8"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 35.1"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 36.4"
Front tires
P225/40YR18
Rear tires
P225/40YR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Audi S3 FAQ
The 2018 Audi S3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium Plus : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Prestige : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Audi S3 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Audi S3 as 13 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
Here is what's new for the 2018 Audi S3:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Navigation System
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.