History/Overview
The Audi S3 is a subcompact sport sedan rooted in Europe’s long tradition of packing big performance into small packages. In today’s North American market, it’s one of Audi’s entry-level models and is positioned to appeal to shoppers looking for an alternative to small crossovers.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
The Audi S3 is redesigned into a new generation for 2022.
Available Trims
Audi makes the S3 in Komfort, Progressiv, and Technik trim levels. Power comes from a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed transmission, and standard AWD.
A less-potent, less-expensive A3 variant is covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.
Standard Features
The S3’s Komfort trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights, heated side mirrors, forward collision mitigation, rear parking sensors and passive keyless entry. Inside, you get heated front sport seats, a power driver’s seat, two-zone A/C, panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 10-speaker audio, and digital gauges.
Progressiv trim brings ambient lighting, four-way front-seat lumbar, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, lighted door sills, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, and exit warning.
Technik models gain auto-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, upgraded headlights with LED daytime running lights, a garage door remote, driver’s seat memory, navigation, traffic sign recognition, a larger gauge display, Bang & Olufsen audio, and automatic high beams.
Key Options
A tech pack of wireless phone charging, a garage door remote, and (for Komfort models) blind spot monitoring.
A Progressiv navigation package also brings an upgraded gauge display.
The advanced handling package gets a sport suspension with damper control, and 19-inch wheels. An advanced driver assist bundle brings adaptive cruise, active cruise assist, and automatic high beams.
Fuel Economy
The Audi S3’s fuel consumption estimates are 10.0/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
With the S3, Audi primarily takes on powered-up versions of the BMW 2 Series and the Mercedes-AMG A- and CLA-Class models. The S3 also competes with uplevel versions of the Cadillac CT4. Subaru’s WRX and the Honda Civic Type R offer competitive performance with less luxury.
