2019 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, 29 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2019 Audi S3 blends performance and luxury in a small package with a big bite
Nearing the end of its first generation run, the 2019 Audi S3 carried over with no changes from the year before. That’s typical of cars due for a generational update, but short of structural changes, there wasn’t much tinkering left to do on the S3. As a rowdier version of the A3, the S3 checks all the boxes for a fun, fast, and comfortable entry-level luxury sedan. Upgrades from the A3 include a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes for delightful handling and forceful stopping power. Even fuel economy is respectable, 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.
But the S3 doesn’t coddle like the A3. The ride is firm, even stiff, but rarely objectionable. The back seat and trunk are cramped and tiny. Competitors like the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 35 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe debuted in 2020 with more room and slightly more power, while a second Benz, the AMG A 35, has an even smaller trunk and back seat, yet is a formidable challenger.
All Audi S3 years
What is new for the 2019 Audi S3?
- S3 trims have been upgraded with Rear Spoiler, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The Prestige trim now comes with Cruise Control as standard equipment.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2019 Audi S3 trims
Premium Plus:
- 288-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Sunroofs
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- View our Audi S3 Premium Plus inventory
Prestige:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Plus
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
Audi S3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Audi S3
What We Like
Performance: The S3’s 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 keep the S3 stuck to the road in tight turns and fast corners, while the stiff suspension makes body roll nonexistent. 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. However, that additional handling doesn’t mean a bumpy ride; instead the S3 is civil and composed. Models with the available adaptive suspension let you choose from Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic modes, 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 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 enhances 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: Like the A3 it’s based on, the S3 is short, which means there isn't much room inside. The rear seats are supportive but have very upright seatbacks, and there’s not a lot of legroom or headroom. The S3’s size and all-wheel-drive hardware — the bulk of it under the back of the car — also limit its cargo space. The trunk measures a meager 10 cubic feet.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2019 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
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- 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
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
288
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 36.5"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P225/40YR18
Rear tires
P225/40YR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Audi S3 FAQ
The 2019 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 29 MPG Highway
- Prestige : 22 MPG City and 29 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 2019 Audi S3:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Cruise Control
- Navigation System
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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.
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