2015 Audi S3 Review
2015 Audi S3 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- upscale interior
- nimble handling
- standard all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Cramped trunk
- limited legroom in the backseat.
What’s new
The 2015 Audi S3 is an all-new model.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Audi S3 brings high performance to the popular A3 lineup. It may not be a perfect road-trip vehicle, but if you're looking for an engaging compact luxury sedan, the S3 is excellent.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Audi S3 2.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$203/mo for S3 2.0T Premium Plus quattro
S3 2.0T Premium Plus quattro
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
If you're looking for performance and luxury at a relatively affordable price, Audi might just have the car for you with its all-new 2015 S3. As the S4 is to the A4, the S3 is the higher-performance version of Audi's equally new A3. Basically, Audi has taken its A3 compact luxury sedan and, in the words of Nigel Tufnel, turned everything up to 11.
"Louder" starts under the hood, where you'll find a heavily modified version of the A3's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Here, it generates a stout 292 horsepower, an increase of 72 hp over the A3. That power is applied to all four wheels through a standard six-speed automated manual transmission, which, according to Audi, is good enough to fire you off to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
You also get the requisite suspension tuning tweaks to increase handling precision, bigger brakes and various exterior styling mods that give the S3 a more aggressive look than the A3. Pleasingly intact is the S3's interior, which is stately and high class without being overdone. The S3 comes well stocked with features, too, as even the "base" Premium Plus trim level comes with items like xenon headlights, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker sound system.
While the S3 offers a more thrilling driving experience, it does suffer from some of the A3's same pitfalls. The backseat is cramped for adults and the trunk is quite diminutive, too, offering just 10 cubic feet of cargo space. That sport-tuned suspension will be a drawback if you drive on a lot of poorly maintained city streets, as the ride quality gets pretty harsh in those situations.
Realistically, though, just about everything you compare the S3 to is going to be cramped and rather stiff-riding. That's certainly true of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. It boasts more power, but the S3 is less expensive and wins out in terms of personality and interior quality. We do recommend the two-door 2015 BMW M235i, whose handling abilities are unmatched in this grouping. Or, if you want to get similar performance at a lower price, you could check out the 2015 Subaru WRX STI or the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R hatchback (which is mechanically related to the S3). Overall, though, the 2015 Audi S3 deservedly turns it up to "11" in our book.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Audi S3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 292 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automated manual transmission (called S tronic) are standard.
Audi says the S3 will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds using the car's integrated launch control system. EPA-estimated fuel economy checks in at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway).
Safety
The 2015 Audi S3 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Optional safety equipment includes rear seat side airbags, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist and frontal collision warning/mitigation.
The S3 has yet to be crash tested, but the similar A3 sedan on which it's based received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest score of "Good" in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact tests. It also earned a "Good" score in the side-impact, roof-strength and whiplash protection (seats and head restraints) tests. In government crash testing, the A3 sedan received five out of five stars for overall protection, with four stars for total frontal-impact safety and five stars for side-impact safety.
Driving
The 2015 Audi S3's turbocharged engine provides smooth and quick acceleration. Since this isn't one of Audi's more hard-core RS models, it's not going to pin you to the back of your seat with outrageous power, but there's a clear difference between the S3 and its less powerful A3 sibling. The automated transmission is also on point with its timely and quick shifts.
We've only driven an S3 fitted with the adaptive suspension so far. With it, the S3 feels agile and light on its feet. There is quite a bit of steering feedback, which should be welcome news for driving enthusiasts. That adaptive suspension can be switched between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic modes, the latter providing increased steering response and additional stiffness in the dampers. Dynamic mode makes for more precise handling and allows less body roll in the corners, though the price paid for this additional athleticism is a notably stiffer ride. The optional 19-inch wheels make things particularly rough, but if you're interested in the sportiest driving experience, this may be a sacrifice you're willing to make.
Interior
Up front, the S3's sport seats are supportive for aggressive driving, yet pretty comfortable on longer drives. Being related to Audi's smallest sedan, though, the S3 isn't all that roomy. Headroom up front is adequate, but rear legroom is pretty tight for adults. (The S3 certainly has more headroom in the back than the CLA45 AMG, however.) The S3's trunk is also quite small. Its 10 cubic feet is certainly fine for daily errands and such, but it becomes more problematic if you're thinking about packing up for a long road trip. The rear seat does fold down in a 60/40 split, at least.
There's nothing to fault with the S3's overall design, though. Though some may prefer flashier cabins adorned in swaths of wood or metal, the ultramodern S3 is beautiful in its simplicity. Yet when you look deeper, beyond its broader, minimalist look, you begin to appreciate its top-notch materials and intricate details, like its ornate, jet-engine-inspired air vents, finely crafted switchgear and the fluid action of the MMI display as it rises from and lowers back into the dash.
Every S3 includes that screen, but its display size depends on whether you opt for navigation. So, too, does the rotary controller. Without nav, it's just a knob. With it, there is a pad on top that allows you to write letters with your finger when entering a destination. It's cool and it works. Regardless of MMI version, however, controls for the stereo and other audio systems may take some time to get used to (especially if you're used to a car with traditional dash-mounted stereo buttons), but they eventually become second nature.
2015 Audi S3 models
The 2015 Audi S3 is a higher-performance version of the A3 compact luxury sedan. It's offered in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige
Standard features for the Premium Plus include 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, keyless ignition and entry, selectable driving settings (known as Audi drive select), automatic xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, automatic wipers, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, eight-way power front sport seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), driver memory settings, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather and simulated suede upholstery, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, iPod interface, HD radio and satellite radio.
The Prestige adds full LED headlights, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind spot monitoring, an MMI controller mounted on the center console, Audi Connect smartphone integration and a navigation system. All these items are available as stand-alone options for the Premium Plus as well.
Available only with the Prestige is an Advanced Technology package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, frontal collision warning and crash mitigation. Other options (for both the Premium Plus and Prestige) include 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, rear seat side airbags and all-season 18-inch tires (no charge).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Audi S3.
5 star(80%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
15 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
How Ended Up with the Audi S3
cheetah77, 05/12/2015
2015 Audi S3 2.0T Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I did not set out to buy an Audi & I don't care about having a "prestige brand"...in fact I'd prefer not to have it. However we needed AWD, fast (300ish hp), high quality, cargo space, fun, cool looking, DSG type auto transmission car. Audi is the only one building that and it's the S3. Considered S4 but MPG too low; Golf R has too little cargo room but nice car. S3 combines amazing … refinement, quiet ride, taut but comfortable euro sedan ride, throaty exhaust when punched, great looks, good MPG, driver assistance that can be shut off, & much more. The 2015 S3 is dual personality and you decide which one you want: rip roaring sports car or a easy driving luxurious touring sedan. Amazing.
Update 11/2017: Still love this car and will never sell it. It draws many compliments and I never seem to see that many S3s running around. I like this 2015 styling better than the "update." The update has more "check mark" style of headlights which I do not prefer. I ran the S3 at the track and it was 100ºF that day. With Nitto NT05 tires it performed well but wasn't scary fast; cornered very well however. For me though it's not a track car but a perfect street car. 298hp Is adequate (and I'd like more). But the S-Tronic transmission is the win in the S3: it uses the power very efficiently and you'll be able to beat a lot of cars that should be faster (I know b. I've done it). Interior is amazing still, very comfortable and upscale showing very little wear with the high class materials. No reliability problems whatsoever have cropped up although my car is fairly low miles. MPG is around 25 which is amazing for an AWD sports car with this power. When the warranty wears out I will put a Stage 2 APR chip in it to easy and safely unlock more power. Guys who've bought the RS3 say the cars run about the same until you hammer the RS3 which on public roads is ill advised. Anyway, I'd buy this car all over again and I don't say anything out there that I like better. If I did I'd buy it.
Update 11/2018: I still own this car and have no plans to sell it. I've had no reliability problems with it although it is still pretty low miles. Still getting 25 mpg overall. This 2015 S3 version appears to be very rare on the road; I see VERY few. I like the styling better on this model vs the newer headlights that look like check marks. I get lots of comments on the car and it seems to be popular.
5 out of 5 stars
Best of all worlds
steve_in_az, 07/07/2015
2015 Audi S3 2.0T Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I picked up this car on 5/30/15. So far, I am amazed literally every time I drive it. Full disclosure: this is my fifth Audi in 30 years, so I am definitely a fan. The S3 is an incredible amalgam of power, speed, comfort, features and appearance. It includes Homelink (garage door opener), manual sport seats (Recaro quality), nav system, and a "jukebox" (hard drive) that will hold up to … 3,000 songs. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is great, so I rip my .mp3s at their highest resolution. The sales staff even made an after-delivery tutorial session where we set up the car's parameters. Switchable magnetic suspension, multiple drive and shift modes. Shocks Corvette and Mustang drivers! 4wd!!!
After 18 mos, this car is still incredlbly fast and agile. Yet it can be driven in 'granny mode' very comfortably. A good radar dedector is helpful, as simple passing maneuver acceleration can put the car at 85-90 with no conscious effort. Takes gentle mountain curves at 110 with ease and a remarkable lack of drama, making a pleasant Sunday drive into take-me-to-jail territory. Not that I have done this, of course, but I have read glowing accounts on forums and YouTube.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Pocket Rocket
ssincl3, 01/30/2015
2015 Audi S3 2.0T Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I really love this car! Gorgeous looking inside and out. Probably my biggest impulse buy of all time. I wanted a Golf R but didn't want to wait much longer. Got the Sepang Blue and everyone falls in love with the color. It has all the options included, makes me nervous to see it practically drive itself. Of course the downsides. I really wish it had a manual trans. My drive gets boring … real quick with the DSG. I'll change as soon as one comes available. $50k car in 2015 with no Homelink, memory seats, data USB, boggles me. Interior storage also sucks. Glove box is a joke! All the items fall out when you open it. This message is for Audi but I DO encourage anyone to buy it. Its awesome!!
4.13 out of 5 stars
Audi's "Baby S" is a sweet little gem!
Peter Baek, 04/09/2015
2015 Audi S3 2.0T Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I recently traded in my '14 Audi A6 Prestige (which was a great car) for a '15 S3 Prestige. There is certainly no doubt the S3 is a heck of a lot more fun to drive! Power delivery is excellent...although there is a small bit of turbo lag (esp. in regular "D" mode). I think a 7-sp DSG (like in the S4) would've been better. Grip is outstanding and the car handles like it's on rails. … Braking is outstanding as well. I didn't get the 19" wheel and performance package because I live in Chicago where the road quality can be hell. Some of the cons for me are the lack of storage spaces (for sunglasses, etc), no memory seat settings, no built-in garage door opener, and no heated steering wheel.
2015 Audi S3 video
JAMES RISWICK: I'm here at a special sneak preview event for the Audi A3 sedan, just hours before it's officially unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show. There's champagne, hor d'oeuvres, European techno, and two cars underneath sheets just waiting to be unveiled to the world.
[TECHNO MUSIC]
These are the Audi A3 and S3 sedans. And as Audi sees them, they represent the beginning of a huge new future for compact luxury sedans. And given the buzz surrounding the Mercedes-Benz CLA class, we'd agree with them.
Now, this might not be as sleek as the CLA, but it still looks really good. Although, it also looks like just a miniature version of every other Audi. Now, under the skin is the same MQB platform shared with the equally new VW Golf. Now basically, what that means is that weight has been dramatically reduced, especially up front with the extensive use of aluminum and the suspension and body components.
You might be wondering about the hatchback. Well, we will be getting it, but only as a plug-in hybrid model months after the sedan shows up at the beginning of 2014. Now, those models will come standard with a 1.8 liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 2 liter gas and diesel turbo 4s available as options.
[TECHNO MUSIC]
This S3 gets a 300-horsepower 2-liter turbo. Both it, and the A3 2-liter get quattro standard. While the others, they're front drive. Every A3 and S2 get Audi's dual-clutch auto.
The cabin is gorgeous. It's simple, elegant, very German. Check out the center console. You may have seen the touch pad on the A6, 7, and 8, that would allow you to write letters and numbers on it. Well, the A3, they've integrated it into the MMI now.
The backseat isn't as cramped as you think it would be. Think as original A4. Now, just because this is the smallest and cheapest Audi, doesn't mean it skimps out on the high-quality materials, construction, and high-end features we've come to expect from Audi. And for that reason, this A3, as well as the compact luxury sedan segment, looks like one to watch.
[TECHNO MUSIC]
2015 Audi A3 and S3 | New York Auto Show
The new Audi A3 and S3 were introduced at the 2013 New York Auto Show. There will be a TDI and two gasoline turbo engines available. S3 gets a 300 horsepower turbo-4 and quattro.
2015 S3 Highlights
2.0T Premium Plus quattro
Base MSRP | $41,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.9%
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