Positive Review
This car handles like a dream. Glued to the road with almost no traction issues. From a dig its very very quick. Interior quality is very nice and exterior is easy on the eyes. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use. The optional sport seats are really comfortable and the adjustable (to an extent) magnetic ride is great for when you want to just cruise along the highway or carve up some twisty roads. Gas mileage is decent for how quick it is, Im averaging about 23mpg 70%/30% Highway/city. Had a lot slower car with a V-6 that I averaged only 19mpg mixed driving so yeah....
Critical Review
The car is great drives smooth I love it for when we go out for a fun night. But for any type of commuting it is not my favorite car at all! It’s way too cramped in the back I don’t even like being a passenger in my own car I prefer to drive over anything! Also the trunk space is ridiculously small I always end up using my extra space in the back seat for any extra room I can get for groceries or shopping . I’ve had a for a year and I am working hard so I can trade in as soon as I possibly can.
Showing 6 of 6 reviews.
Pace, Styling, Premium Interior
Hard/Sporty Suspension, Standard Sound System
If you are looking for a small, quick (4 seconds 0 to 60 mph) and understated family sedan with all of the luxury trimmings, the S3 is it. This car can hold its own against vehicles with much more powerful engines, while being as nimble as a small compact hatch. The S3 works well in city driving situations as well as on the long road. The suspension is sporty and is something to get used to, but once acquainted with it it the driving experience will far exceed your expectations.
Smooth car to drive
Too small
The car is great drives smooth I love it for when we go out for a fun night. But for any type of commuting it is not my favorite car at all! It’s way too cramped in the back I don’t even like being a passenger in my own car I prefer to drive over anything! Also the trunk space is ridiculously small I always end up using my extra space in the back seat for any extra room I can get for groceries or shopping . I’ve had a for a year and I am working hard so I can trade in as soon as I possibly can.
Styling, digital cockpit, audio system, speed
Ride can be harsh with big wheel in sport mode
The 2018 S3 is a great car! I love the styling, quality and the speed & handling of the car. It's a handsome car and it sure does get a lot of compliments. In addition, Nano gray is such a unique color and I am really happy with it. The interior is simple and no overly busy, yet the digital cockpit feels ahead of its time. The B&O audio upgrade is a must for any audiophile! Finally, the ride can be a bit harsh when coupled with big wheels and the sport suspension, but it's a small price to pay for a quick little fun car.
Fun to drive, all the tech trinkets, usable perfor
For me, none that are apparent.
I have owned 41 cars, trucks in 62 years. Most were foreign, only a few American except for the trucks which were all Fords. After owning a superb Porsche Cayman S, I’m now on my third Audi. The S3, purchased new, is a prestige with the Black Optic package. In my four years of ownership, it hasn’t missed a beat. Sure the back sear is a little tight for adults but work in a short trip. My golf clubs and cart fit in the trunk (driver in back seat) without folding the seats down. I’m an aggressive driver so I only average about 23mpg in my driving. But I never get left at a stop light just using moderate throttle. Once maybe twice a week, it will see 100-110 mph traffic permitting. It has only been to the dealer for scheduled service. Minuses? No Apple CarPlay. My wife doesn’t care for the non power sport seats. Maybe not for everyone, but in my experience, it’s just about the best sports sedan one can get. It isn’t the fastest but it has enough usable street (not necessarily track) performance for anyone.
Super fun to drive- gorgeous to look at
No passenger space in the rear-pricey maintenance
While looking for an Allroad wagon, I ended up with an S3. Oof, what a great choice. While it does not have the cavernous cargo space of my old Allroad, the S3 is so zippy! Quick out the gate, and that near delicious feel when the boost kicks in! The growl coming out of the engine is quite enjoyable. Not too loud, but just enough to let you know there is power under the hood. The Quattro was a bit off, I did do a little slip and slide, however, I am readily able to attribute that to a combination of squirrely handling, snow conditions and slightly less than optimal tires. Under normal road conditions, the car performs exactly as I want it to. Turns on a dime, accelerates like a beast. The interior space is black, so, well, it is very clear on teaching you the value of keeping it clean. The plastic on the pillars is a bit cheap, and one small swipe of nearly anything causes a scuff that cannot be easily removed. Overall, I love my S3.
Quick, optional sport seats, Infotainment
hmmm... Maintenance costs?
This car handles like a dream. Glued to the road with almost no traction issues. From a dig its very very quick. Interior quality is very nice and exterior is easy on the eyes. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use. The optional sport seats are really comfortable and the adjustable (to an extent) magnetic ride is great for when you want to just cruise along the highway or carve up some twisty roads. Gas mileage is decent for how quick it is, Im averaging about 23mpg 70%/30% Highway/city. Had a lot slower car with a V-6 that I averaged only 19mpg mixed driving so yeah....