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2018 Audi S3
#5 Best Luxury Compact Cars of 2018

Used 2018 Audi S3

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4.5
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2018 Audi S3 Exterior: 0
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2025
2018
Fuel Economy
25 combined mpg
Horsepower
292 hp
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L
Cargo Volume
10 cu ft
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2018 Audi S3 Review

Joe Tralongo

By Joe Tralongo

Updated December 02, 2019

Joe Tralongo is an author specializing in finding those unique aspects of each car that everyday drivers want to know about. He began his career in 2000 as Kelley Blue Book’s first in-house automotive reviewer. After a long career as a freelancer, Joe returned to the Cox Automotive team in 2022 and remains a dedicated part of the KBB team, providing reviews that are both informative and easy to digest. Now living in Montana, Joe continues to enjoy driving and learning about new cars. In his off time, Joe collects and restores classic 1970s American cars.

Pros

With a base price starting around $33,000, it’s easy to load up a 2018 Audi A3 Sedan or Cabriolet convertible with familiar Audi luxury features and still walk away for less than $40K. The sport-oriented S3 and RS 3 offer sizzling performance, but at a hefty price.

Cons

The 2018 Audi A3 doesn’t have the same visual pop as a Mercedes-Benz CLA or an Infiniti QX30, and you’ll find a better price and more legroom in an Acura ILX. Although its base price is attractive, once you start piling on options, the A3/S3 can easily approach the $50,000 mark.

What's New?

Audi’s 2018 A3 Sedan and Cabriolet gain standard heated front seats and two USB charging ports. The Premium Plus trim gains Audi Side Assist, while the Technology package now includes the Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade. The S3 gains a new S sport package and the e-tron, optional 18-inch wheels.

For 2018, Audi’s A3 compact-luxury sports car is offered as a sedan, convertible and, in the A3 Sportback e-tron, a plug-in hybrid hatchback. Although small, the A3 contains all the requisite Audi parts, including a powerful engine lineup, a quality interior, loads of high-tech goodies, and the option of quattro all-wheel drive. This combination of features and performance gives the A3, and its high-performance S3 and RS 3 (reviewed separately) cousins, a leg up on rivals like the Infiniti QX30, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Acura ILX, all while keeping its pricing well below that of the BMW 2 Series. Audi’s 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid is the line’s fuel-economy leader, but sadly it doesn’t offer the option of quattro all-wheel drive.

2018 Audi S3 Pricing

2018 Audi S3 pricing starts at $20,120 for the S3 Premium Plus Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $44,625 when new. The range-topping 2018 S3 Prestige Sedan 4D starts at $26,219 today, originally priced from $49,925.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
$44,625
$20,120
$49,925
$26,219

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2018 Audi S3 models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

Driving the Audi S3

The 2018 Audi A3 compact sedan is offered in four flavors. At the base end, the A3 Sedan offers the perfect balance of performance, luxury and price, while the performance-oriented S3 gives more power and better handling. The 2018 A3 Cabriolet delivers similar performance as the sedan, but with the added benefit of a much larger sunroof. Priced less than many loaded family sedans, the Audi A3 delivers impressive performance, quality and technology, but is woefully lacking in rear-seat legroom. With nearly 300 horsepower on tap, the 2018 Audi S3 Sedan has no problem with acceleration, and its standard quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) makes it a dynamic performer both at the track and when driving through inclement weather. The A3 Sedan and Cabriolet come standard with Audi’s 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic automatic, while the S3 and e-tron use a 6-speed version of the same transmission.

Interior Comfort

Audi has set a high bar with its interiors, with high-style design and immaculate fit and finish. Yet while the 2018 A3 scores well on materials and assembly, it’s a little on the bland side compared with other Audi vehicles. That said, it is cleanly designed and suitably sporty, with simple audio and climate controls. We wish the MMI infotainment interface wasn’t placed quite so low on the console though, as it makes it hard to see which button does what until you’ve learned it by touch. Not surprisingly, rear-seat accommodations are pretty tight, especially for three passengers.

Exterior Styling

If you like the Audi styling aesthetic, you’ll love the 2018 A3’s defining look. Looking a lot like a smaller Audi A6, its standard bi-xenon headlights, big sunroof and standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels make even the least expensive A3 look great. Bigger 18- and 19-inch wheel-and-tire upgrades jazz up the exterior, and S3 models offer unique styling touches to emphasize the sportiness. Under the short rear deck is a 12.3-cubic-foot trunk, which reduces to 10 cubic feet in all-wheel-drive models. Convertibles of course offer two doors, and look especially sharp with the power soft-top lowered.

Favorite Features

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
Exceptional sound reproduction is the hallmark of this 705-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which is optional on the 2018 Audi A3 and standard on the S3. Now part of the Technology package, for an audiophile it’s a $3,200 upgrade that’s an easy investment.

AUDI ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WITH STOP & GO
The 2018 Audi A3’s available adaptive cruise control is more than just a convenience option, it’s a valuable safety asset that could one day save your life. Audi’s radar and camera-based system can bring the car to a complete stop and then resume speed, the perfect companion during stop-and-go traffic.

Standard Features

Standard on every 2018 Audi A3 are a rearview camera and rear-parking sensors, along with heated mirrors, front seats and windshield-washer nozzles. Other standard equipment for the sedan includes leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-way-power driver’s seat with power lumbar, LED taillights, Bluetooth with audio streaming, 10-speaker audio with single CD player, sensors for automatic windshield wipers and headlights and a 7-inch audio/information screen controlled by Audi’s MMI interface. Opt for the sporty S3 and you’ll get more power, along with quattro AWD, 18-inch alloys, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Factory Options

If you’d like to make Audi’s inexpensive A3 as pricey as possible, Audi is perfectly happy to help. There are LED headlights, an excellent Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a navigation system with Google Earth map technology viewed through Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit. The last of those includes a clever touch pad atop the MMI knob that recognizes handwritten text entry. Dynamic safety features include active lane-keep assist, blind-zone warning and dynamic cruise control. Lastly, S3 models can be had with a $1,500 Magnetic Ride Control suspension system featuring three driving modes: Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.

Engine & Transmission

Multiple engine configurations confront prospective Audi A3 owners, although all displace the same 2.0 liters. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models employ a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder boasting 186 horsepower, which gets delivered through a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. If you want quattro AWD, you’ll get an engine upgrade as well: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 220 horsepower, as well as a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (which is also used in the econo-oriented A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid). Audi S3 models get a version of the 2.0-liter engine that sends its 292 horsepower to all four wheels. Note that both the A3 and S3 require premium fuel. The A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid diverges from its siblings, using a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor/generator.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (FWD)
186 horsepower @ 4,400-6,000 rpm
221 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (Sedan), 25/33 mpg (Cabriolet)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (AWD)
220 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg (Sedan), 22/30 mpg (Cabriolet)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (S3)
292 horsepower @ 5,400-6,200 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 + electric motor (A3 Sportback e-tron)
Engine:
150 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-3,500 rpm
Electric motor:
102 horsepower/243 lb-ft of torque
Net output: 204 horsepower/258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 83 MPGe/34 mpg combined


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2018 Audi S3
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

4.5
Consumer Rating
Based on 6 Consumer Reviews
Write a Review
80%Recommend this vehicle
5
67%
5
67%
4
17%
4
17%
3
17%
3
17%
2
0%
2
0%
1
0%
1
0%
Value
4.0
Performance
4.8
Quality
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
4.8
Styling
4.8

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2018 Audi S3 Styles

Style
Price
Combined Fuel Economy
Horsepower
Engine
Cargo Capacity
Torque
0-60
Top Speed
Curb Weight
Premium Plus Sedan 4D
$20,120
25 MPG
292 @ 5400 RPM
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L
10 cu ft
280 lb-ft
4.6 seconds
155 mph
3461 lbs
Prestige Sedan 4D
$26,219
25 MPG
292 @ 5400 RPM
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L
10 cu ft
280 lb-ft
4.6 seconds
155 mph
3461 lbs
See Full Specs for All 2018 Audi S3 Styles
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2018 Audi S3 Depreciation

A 2018 Audi S3 has depreciated $14,378 or 46% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $16,814 and trade-in value of $15,424.

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2018 Audi S3
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2018 Audi S3 Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2022
+ $1,547
$31,192
$29,801
2023
$6,855
$24,337
$22,738
2024
$3,552
$20,785
$19,402
Now
$3,971
$16,814
$15,424
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

2018 Audi S3 Depreciation

Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.


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Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
3461 lbs.
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gallons
Front Head Room
36.5 inches
Front Leg Room
41.2 inches
Max Seating Capacity
5
Overall Length
175.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room
54.8 inches
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
10.0 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
36.1 feet
Wheel Base
103.6 inches
Width with mirrors
77.2 inches

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Available
Moon Roof/Sun Roof
Available
Number of Doors
4 doors
Panorama Moon Roof
Available
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Available
LED Headlights
Available
Rear Spoiler
Available

Fuel Economy

City
22 mpg
Highway
28 mpg
Combined
25 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
AWD
Transmission Type
Automatic
7 speed
Available
Recommended Fuel
Premium
Hill Start Assist
Available

Performance

Horsepower
292 @ 5400 RPM
Torque
280 @ 1900 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L
0 to 60
4.6 seconds
Top Speed
155 mph

Warranty

Basic
6 years / 72000 miles
Powertrain
6 years / 72000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100000 miles

Comfort & Convenience

  • Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
  • Integrated Garage Door Opener

Entertainment

  • iPod Connector
  • iPod Interface
  • MP3 Player
  • Premium Radio
  • Satellite Radio
  • Bluetooth Streaming Audio
  • CD Player

Interior

  • Power Windows
  • Power Outlet
  • Steering Wheel Controls
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Leather Seats
  • Folding Rear Seat
  • Heated Seats
  • Dual Power Front Seats
  • Power Driver's Seat

Security

  • Alarm System

Technology

  • Bluetooth Wireless Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Internet Access
  • Proximity Sensing Keyless Entry
  • Push-Button Engine Start
  • Remote Engine Start
  • Smartphone Interface
  • USB Port

2018 Audi S3 Safety

2018 Audi S3 Safety Technology

  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Rear Side Airbag
  • Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Blind-Spot Alert
  • Collision Warning System
  • Driver Knee Airbag
  • Front & Rear Parking Sensors
  • Front Head Curtain Airbag
  • Front Knee Airbag
  • Front Side Airbag
  • Rear Head Curtain Airbag
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
5.0

Crash Test Rating

Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Frontal Crash
4.0
Side Barrier
5.0
Rollover Rating
4.0
Side Crash
5.0

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Mercedes-Benz CLA
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Volvo S60
See Details
Price
$20,120
$22,740
$16,260
$17,306
KBB.com Rating
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.2
Consumer Rating
4.5
4.1
4.5
4.5
Fuel Economy
City 22/Hwy 28/Comb 25 MPG
City 32/Hwy 41/Comb 36 MPG
City 24/Hwy 37/Comb 29 MPG
City 25/Hwy 36/Comb 29 MPG
Fuel Type
Gas
Gas
N/A
N/A
5 Year Cost To Own
5-Year Cost to Own includes out of pocket expenses like fuel and insurance, plus the car’s loss in value over time (depreciation).
N/A
$51,163
N/A
N/A
Safety Rating
5.0
N/A
N/A
5.0
Seating Capacity5555
Basic Warranty
6 years or 72000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
Horsepower
292 @ 5400 RPM
147 @ 6200 RPM
208 @ 5500 RPM
240 @ 5500 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0L
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, Drive-E, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
FWD
FWD

2018 Audi S3 Rankings

More Audi S3 News & Information

FAQs

Is the 2018 Audi S3 a good vehicle?

Yes, the 2018 Audi S3 is a good car, as reflected by its above-average Kelley Blue Book rating of 4.6 out of 5.

What is the MPG for a 2018 Audi S3?

The 2018 Audi S3 is rated to return city/highway fuel economy of 22/28 mpg.

How much should a 2018 Audi S3 cost?

Used 2018 Audi S3 prices currently range from $20,120 for the Premium Plus Sedan 4D to $26,219 for the Prestige Sedan 4D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.

What's the cheapest Audi S3?

The cheapest 2018 Audi S3 is the Premium Plus Sedan 4D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $20,120.

Is the 2018 Audi S3 reliable?

The 2018 Audi S3 is part of the 1st-generation S3, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5.

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