It's No RS3, But It's Better Than A Type R... | 2023 Audi S3 Review
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- Опубліковано 28 лис 2022
- What? Audi vs Honda? I might not normally go there, but the S3 and Civic Type R are very similar in price, horsepower, and torque. The big difference is in the kind of fun you can have in either. The Type R feels younger and rebellious, the Audi is more mature and calculated. The Type R might be more fun on a track, but the Audi is more fun... everywhere else...
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It looks like you've got a mistyped number in the driving segment: "Compared to compact luxury sedans over $80,000."
Give it another few years and we'll get there
I bought a base 2022 s3 back in august and I love it for the most part! It definitely feels like a big occasion every time you get behind the wheel. The only complaint is the base non-adaptive suspension is rough and the runflats don’t help. It makes me feel like something is going to break every time I hit a larger than average bump….
I recently ordered a 2022 s3 they told me around 8 months wait. I’m curious how long it took for your to arrive?
I heard the RS3 is even worse! Harsher!
@@buildmorefarms1007 yes it’s much worse. I was originally going to order a base RS3 but then they told me about a year and a half to about two years wait. That’s why I went with the s3 instead
The RS3 suspension is great. It has 3 modes. The softest is almost too soft IMO.
@@nygelldiaz2948 I bought mine off the lot, just so happened to check the dealer site and found it listed. It even still had the shipping plastic on it when I went and first saw it.
Personally if I thought about this car, I'd get a Golf R instead. However, I had a chance to drive an RS3 and I agree it's truly one of the best cars available period, but good luck finding one for sale at MSRP. To add the G70 3.3t is technically a class up, but not much bigger than this car and you can get the 3.3T Genesis for basically the same cost as this Audi S3
This seems like an impressive daily driver. The design is timeless and the interior is Audi-great.
is the S3 was a hatchback in the USA that would be a pleasure!
It's the Golf R :)
@@Shankovich ummm 🤔 maybe in engine alone but the materials, nvh, sound system. It’s superior in the Audi
All sedans should be liftbacks.
Your reviews are the most informative I've seen on any channel. Lots of popular ones out there with lots of entertainment, but you get straight to the point on the real issues with a car. Thoroughly enjoy your content. I'm looking at this vehicle and a few others now. What you had to say here was very helpful.
These are ALL lovely cars, compared with the volume of SUVs, E.V.s and hybrid stuff produced presently. Whether it is an S3, RS3, Golf R, Type R, i30N, Focus ST, anything like that…. Just enjoy it… and keep it……
Absolutely love the backdrop with the redwoods.
As an 8Y RS3 owner you nailed it, especially with the seating configuration. The backseat is just big enough for a short weekend trip and the front seats do slide back pretty far
Since you've had your Audi for more than 10 yrs, what's the maintenance,/reliability been like? I had an 02 A4 and 04 S4, and they were fun, but both money pits. Constantly changing tail lights, oil issues and the S4 needed a whole new intake.
@@lions208436 😂 I’ve only have the car for four weeks. The “8Y” refers to this generation of RS3. I will be happy to do a reliability follow up down the road.
@@CCC-DID learned something new, thank you and I look forward to the update
@@lions208436 I had an 02 A4 as well and agree, total money pit. I’ve had the 22 S3 for about 7 months now. No issues to report but somewhat holding my breath.
Very comprehensive analysis. I'm a car guy and I'm impressed with your overview. I just bought a 2023 Audi S3 at year's end to replace my recently totaled 2016 VW Golf R (not my fault and I'm fine). I bought the Premium Plus model for a very attractive discount versus the 2024 VW Golf R where local dealers were asking for $15,000 over MSRP. Versus my 2016 Golf R, the 2023 S3 is faster, has a better interior, better damping, better sound system, and the moonroof that wasn't available in my 2016 Golf R. Does it handle better and sound better than the 2024 VW Golf R? Dealers in my area wouldn't even let you take the Golf R for a test drive, so I'll take the word of the reviewers that the 2024 Golf R excels in these areas. So far, I don't really miss my 6-speed manual as the Audi S3 is surprising engaging as I put the first few miles on it. Well done, Audi.
You do really excellent reviews.
Excellent review Alex..very thorough and informative. I just drove the A3 Quattro and loved the experience and the gas mileage is astounding
I’m not saying that YOU have to, but… every time I click on an Alex on Autos video, I immediately hit that LIKE button 👍
Brian?
Really nice, except for gloss black interior bits, and the rear bumper fake vents. The fake vents reminds me of last gen Civic.
Would like to see a comparison to the M340i
Please do a review on the Q8 or the all road models
This guy is good. Please make your own channel, you give the perfect amount and type of information. Well done.
Alex is the creator and fearless leader here at Auto Buyers Guide! -Travis
I owned a 2017 S3 and it was a terrific car. Still don’t know why they don’t offer a heated steering wheel and remote start. Also, should offer vented seats like the sister VW Golf R. They charge a ridiculous price for navigation when it’s standard in other similar vehicles, albeit few are in competition in this class.
The remote start isn’t offered for Audi because out in Germany, they have strict EPA laws that prohibit a car for idling for too long without anyone in it. So Audi doesn’t incorporate it.
You’ll see Mercedes Benz offer it because a good portion of the vehicle is assembled in the US.
FWIW- I just learned this but interesting nevertheless
@@Teedohs odd because my S3 was built in Hungary.
@@pokerfred68 maybe same EPA restrictions in most places in Europe or outside the US? Not sure, though but this is what I was told by Audi
these reasons are why i am hesitant on purchasing the s3
I swore I'd never buy another car with leather without vented seats and I went and bought a 2023 S3 in November. We've had a couple of 80° days and damn that black leather is hot. I keep thinking I could have bought a new GLI and got the vented seats and saved $20k.
The thing I struggle with is - how does the S3 compared with a loaded A3? Yes you do lose around 100hp which is the main selling point, but at the same time you save ~$8k upfront for largely the same chassis, wheels and interior (is you go for the S-line package). Not to mention the regular A3 has a 48V MHEV system not present on the S3 and RS3.
Trying to decide whether the forthcoming Integra Type S is a better value. Same drivetrain as the Civic Type R. More practical being a hatchback, has a nice audio system, and will probably be more reliable long term. But apparently will only come with a stick. Audi dash is more integrated than Integra.
I hear a lot of people struggle to explain AWD. All it does is provide effective acceleration. If it’s snowy and you have less grip, this helps you accelerate. Wet and rainy? Bumpy? Gravel? Sand? It only provides grip for acceleration because more tires are turning.
It doesn’t help you turn. It helps you accelerate through the turn or out of it. Because acceleration is what it does. But if your tires lack traction you’ll understeer all the same.
It doesn’t help you slow down or stop. All wheel drive doesn’t help you slow down or stop in wet/bumpy/snowy conditions.
It helps with acceleration and only acceleration. Straight line or turn. Uphill or downhill.
What? The ability to push power to each of the 4 wheels absolutely creates traction in the sense of the car being able to maintain control and maximize effectiveness of the grip of the wheels that are gripping. If three wheels have no traction and one wheel does, and that one wheel is able to receive power, traction is gained over an FWD car. And that's especially true in cars with limited slip differentials where power is used to help a car rotate in a turn and thus handle. Why else would RWD, FWD, AWD cars have different handling characteristics? If AWD is only about acceleration, that wouldn't be the case. What you're saying would only maybe apply in a zero-friction setting like an entirely ice surface like a frozen lake.
@@KevRC4130 I feel like I explained it. You asked a general question. I don’t know which part isn’t making sense. The issue may be my original write up.
People have a poor understanding of what AWD really does for the car. I feel like that’s hard to disagree with.
AWD doesn’t help you brake better. That’s just not what it does.
AWD doesn’t really help you turn better. I’m assuming this is where you have the issue. Imagine an AWD car not applying acceleration going through a turn where it loses traction (gravel, mud, ice, wet leaves, water … whatever reason). Does AWD help it? Nope. That’s the core concept. What does the drivetrain actually do for the car?
At the core, what it does is provide better acceleration. That acceleration may happen throughout a corner or in a straight line. But, all it can possibly do is help the car move forward.
Have you ever seen a summer Vs winter tire comparison? It’s amazing what better tires does. A FWD car on winter tires will dramatically out accelerate an AWD car in summer tires when both cars are in a lot of snow. That is easy to see in a straight line. Those impacts continue when the two vehicles try to do the same turn at the same speed with constant acceleration applied (like cruise control at 25mph).
Straight line or corner. If you’re braking AWD has no benefit.
Straight line or corner. If you’re neutral with no acceleration and no brake AWD has no benefit.
All the car can POSSIBLY do is accelerate better because more of the tires can try to apply torque to the ground using available traction. Straight line or corner … doesn’t matter which.
That core concept has a lot of impact on driving characteristics when driving at the limit of what the car can do. And, there are lots of subtleties with how limited slip systems may be used to put power down to the ground. And there are lots of subtle differences based on how much power is being sent to each of the four corners (typically).
Still, fundamentally, the benefit of AWD is the ability to accelerate. Confusion seems to come up because that acceleration can happen in a corner which gives the impression that the drivetrain helps the car turn better. Doing the same turn at high speed but without using the accelerator will give you the same characteristics as another car without AWD (assuming same tires, same weight, same weight bias ….).
@@zero11010 I think you are incorrect. Throw a 200 hp front wheel drive car into a corner under power and you have the front wheels trying to lay down 200hp and steer the car, 100% level of traction trying to do two things. Throw a 200hp AWD into the same corner and you only have the front wheels laying down 100hp and trying to steer the car, leaves more traction to steer.
@@robstone4537 I feel like we are saying the same thing. If that car wasn’t trying to accelerate (“under power” as you say) then in both scenarios they would be roughly the same. Because the car is trying to accelerate, the AWD drivetrain will be beneficial as I’ve previously laid out.
With a good traction control system power in that FWD car will be cut and the FWD car will still turn just fine.
Just like you see cars with lesser tech traction control systems and limited slip systems and many AWD systems are still infamous for understeer in that same scenario.
It’s up to traction control to limit power and let the front wheels do the turning.
AWD doesn’t help the car turn because it doesn’t do that kind of thing. Tire traction (and tire heat), weight balance, weight (and downforce), traction control (human or AI), and a limited slip system (clearly related to traction control) will all combine to help make the car turn better.
Love the show Alex ...... When are you going to do a Comedy video with Brian 😊....HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️
I think rear leg room is much more difficult to measure than it should be. Because a manufacturer could just not let the front seat move back as far.
This review got my attention as I normally look past Audi in terms of sporty and attainable options. I'd probably compare this to the Golf R but frankly between the two my wife would vote Audit every time.
No manual transmission available on the A3...pass.
More length in back of A3/S3 with seats down than Golf R. Can easily fit surfboards, snowboards etc in. Long enough even to sleep in. DSG is so fun to drive!
I am wondering which one has better cabin noise score and ride comfortable score
@@davidb7358 DSG's are problematic and expensive to maintain also.
@@buildmorefarms1007 what type of problems specifically? I've used mine with DSG for 6 years without a problem. Doesn't lose boost at WOT shifting.
S3 for me. I like a little wiggle room to put performance parts on my car so I can have fun making it faster
I’m much debating between S3 and A4/5. Those are a bit slower but more spacious and luxury overall.
I was debating between the S4 and the S3 (because the RS3 is hard to find at MSRP). The S4 is a great all around car for the occasional street fun or longer family trips. It definitely has lots of potential with its V6. However, it’s still a hefty car to throw around here and there and doesn’t feel as fun.
The S3, though, has a more aggressive and sporty look, more forgiving with handling in tighter areas and just all around a much more fun car. Did I mention that it really does look sportier / nicer than the S4 (yes, that’s subjective 😉)
When deciding between the two, it came down to this: “Do I want the Civic Type R (S3) or the Accord Sport (S4)?” ….figuratively speaking, of course 😉
I had the same debate and went the A4 way for several reasons: better engine (direct and port injection), much better AWD system due to the longitudinal powertrain (the real Audi Quattro system), much better ride and larger cargo space. The A4 has quite better interior materials (which Audi may ruin on the next redesign unfortunately as they do not have the same standards on the recent redesigns).
If the smaller format appeals to you than the S3 then go for it but or if you are debating go for the A4 or A5 which would be my choice nowadays. By the way the A4 is very quick.
Goldilocks is a good description 👍
I love my 2023 Audi S3 premium plus
If it was my only car the Audi but for pure fun the ctr is amazing.
I feel the Golf R is a direct competitor, despite being from the same conglomerate. Same engine (but more power), same transmission (although you can get the R with a manual), a hatchback instead of a sedan (for some strange reason German luxury car brands won't offer hatchbacks in the US). Unfortunately the haptic buttons aren't great as reported by GTi and R owners.
Perception of hatchbacks in the US is cheap economy cars not luxury cars.
Agreed. The Golf R is a better package, with significantly more features. If someone can overlook the haptic button issue, then the Golf R is the obvious choice.
@@darrell9616 Better value at top trim comparison. Comes down to preference of sedan vs hatch and looks. I think the new Golf R exterior is a bit too Hyundai ish.
@@Brad633 You're right about the looks. Personal preference. However, regardless of configuration, the Golf R is better equipped for the same or less money. The Golf R has standard features that aren't even available on this car or the RS3.
Objectively, the Golf R is a better package. Subjectively, you can make a case for the S3.
@@darrell9616 Agree. Just wondering if the Golf R will have better cabin noise control and ride comfortability (DCC set to soft) for daily driving compared to S3.
Completely disagree about what’s “better” but I ain’t mad at you. I prefer the interaction of manual and RWD dynamics, generally. Blistering speed and the car being easy to whip around a corner are less important. So I would probably lean toward a CT4 Blackwing vs a RS3 on the high side or a Acura Integra MT or Giulia on the low side (giving up the RWD or the MT). My actual personal cars are a 2021 Odyssey, 2022 ND RF Miata and a 2014 Mazda 6 MT.
Nice car, but I think I'd rather have a Cadillac CT4-V since I can get a manual transmission.
i thought only the blackwings get manuals? and not the regular ct4 v
@@ShaiyanHossain Yes, you're right. Only the 10spd is available.
As a previous owner of 4 GTI's and a MK 7.5 Golf R, this is way more interesting than the new Golf R, I'm considering one.
VW has waged war on interior buttons/switches.
Ok, S3 vs Golf R...Please let's have that discussion....Great reviews here.
My next car. Have a GTI which I really love. Both great cars.
Can you please do a review on BMW M340i and comparison with RS3. Thank you.
If you prefer manual, maybe Civic Type R but S3 is just better. Cant compare RS3 to M3, its $50-80k difference in price.
How about M340i VS RS3 very similar price. RS3 for speed but M340i more space. There is also Supra at this price range.
A4 45TFSI is probably the steal in Audi's lineup though. Looks good in Daytona Grey and Ascari Blue. Quite fast.
I am looking at an S3 or an M240i, I feel like you get more for the money with the BMW (V6 and more standard options tech wise like the HUD) but as a long time VW owner I can't help but gravitate towards the Audi.
m240 is a straight 6
I find it hard to believe any BMW is more for the money even at MSRP. I think their prices are all slightly higher as is their horsepower. BMW 10-yr maintenance cost is significantly higher as well. VW/Audi have arguably the best engine platform for tuning too. Save the money and get an s3 with a stage 1 tune =p
@@Brad633 the b58 is more tunable and has more power and more room for more power with bolt Ons. The b58 is one of the best straight 6 engines with great tuning capabilities to exist in the modern world.
@@trevine33 Not denying it's one of the best engines as is the EA888, but to say it is more tunable is highly questionable. You'll get no argument that a 6 cyl has a higher ceiling (duh), but I feel like the 4 cyl has just as much room if not more, possibly due to it being undertuned stock. An s3 stage 2 on 91 nets you about 400hp (36% over 292hp stock). An m240i with a similar tune and bolt-ons nets you 460hp (37% over stock 335) with 93. The m240i will cost you more all around. Higher sticker price, higher maintenance costs, worse fuel economy. Now, if price was not at all important to me, I'd choose the m240i too, just saying.
@@Brad633 only prob is with more tunes the ea888 will start to valve bounce and the stock turbos turn red hot. I've seen a couple that are tuned to close to 400 and have to ease up when pushing it coz they can blow something.
The Honda Civic Type R dealer markup is around $25k bringing the price before taxes and fees to $70k. This S3 is probably the better choice.
Type R is larger inside and has more cargo capability. Seats 4 full adults and will keep its resale value. The audi will drop in value off a cliff
@@abelalba3111 S3s are tarted up Golf's- Type Rs sell higher than that in California apples to apples
@@TheFK8Life Audi interiors > Honda/Acura interiors
@@KP-xi4bj no doubt - but what good is the interior when the rest of the car is in the junkyard lol
@@TheFK8Life Rest of the car is junk? I think you're confusing Honda/Acura with Audi. LMFAO SMH
Audi lost me when they ended the A/S3 hatchback.
I think the VW Gold R is a more realistic competitor to the S3 - especially in countries where the Audi is only available as a hatch (like mine). They both share the same engine and the R is slightly quicker. Sadly, the entertainment system in the Golf is pretty bad - a touch screen and no buttons, so I’d go Audi.
I don't think Honda has the issues that Audi has with carbon buildup. That would make a difference.
pretty much a common issue for all DI engines, honda no exceptions.
For the money, I think the VW Arteon is the one to buy. Basically same performance, way more practical and I think a better looking interior surprisingly.
An arteon does not do 0-60 in 4.3 seconds lol
Have a RS3 on order for MSRP just look around you find it
So S3 vs S4 comparison (keeping the RS3 in mind too...)? -- which one to buy?
I have an 8Y RS3, and if you can get that at MSRP (I did), I definitely would go with that. They're probably really hard to find though. I waited a year and a half. S3 vs S4 will come down to space, fuel economy, and handling. They're both tunable. If you want good mileage, S3. If you just want something for the street and don't care to much about gas prices, S4 (and a tune). I would go RS3 or Golf R for the track. The RS3 also gets pretty great mileage for what it is. I get 34 highway.
@@keithemanuel1072 Thanks!! I would never be on the track 😞 - but love the idea of the RS3... but your comments make me think S4. Thanks again!
@@JesseProwisor The price difference between the S4 and RS3 isn't big though, and the RS3 is still a great daily. The RS3 should hold value really well, so I would still get it if buying new. A used S4 and a tune is a good option though.
Any idea when the 2025 Golf R will arrive in USA?
I would take the Golf R over this from a performance standpoint. I personally went with the 340i which was just slightly more expensive but quite a bit of a step up in terms of terms of refinement and engine capability.
The s3 is faster than the golf R ever so slightly due to (I believe) wheelbase.
@@freezingdragon6988 Audi said this but it hasn't proven to be true. I've seen articles that said the Golf R is slightly faster. Plus the Golf R has the torque vectoring rear diff that the S3 lacks. So mechanically the Golf R is superior.
I would get the S3 over the RS3.
Drive the RS3 and won't want the S3, fact.
@@luciussander8217 it all depends on the person. It's in the eye of the beholder.
0:45 when you were comparing 3 different cars and kept pointing at the one car next to you as a reference it was pretty confusing. I kept losing track of what you were saying and the numbers you rattled off, and what we were actually here to talk about (the S3).
Numbers on screen help a lot.
A3 this much power and price
S3 numbers
RS3 numbers
After you start talking about the RS3 it’s harder for me to keep that in mind while remembering the numbers for the S3 and also the A3 and keep in mind value proposition:performance for each.
I’m watching this again … you point at the S3 and call it an A3 and talk about the engine and power and price of the A3 gesturing at an S3 …. Then you talk about the S3 while pointing at the S3 and rattle off a bunch more numbers. As you make that transition I have to remind myself that I’m here to listen to you talk about the S3, and these are the numbers for this vehicle …
Which makes the A3 numbers and gesturing confusing.
I think this is like presenter UX.
S3 just need some messaging seat, then it be perfect.
How is the reliability? Does it hold value?
@@naveenthemachine I expect VW & Audi to have electrical gremlins, mechanical issues early and often. For Audi, I expect shop visits to be expensive and for parts to be expensive.
But, I always give them a chance to improve.
Yeah, I like the S3, S4 and their RS variants but I definitely have an aversion to spending any time on the shoulder or repair item that take more than an hour of shop time. Honda products come up short on OEM performance but that’s the only area it comes up short. 😎
Reliability should be rock solid. I've owned 8 Audis from new, all S or RS models. Never had an issue with any of them, not one. I do around 15-20,000 miles a year as well. Hold value? It's an Audi, so hell yeah. My new RS3 is worth 10k MORE than when I bought it! I recently sold my 3 year old TTS and only lost 35% in depreciation.
@@DavidDLee Weird? May be things are different elsewhere? You buy a new Audi in the UK it comes with a warranty, so no matter what happens, you pay nothing during the warranty period. You can also pay to extend that period from 3 years to 4 or even 5 years. I just get a new car every 3 years, so suits me. Cheap motoring. Just got a new RS3 and all I'll pay in that 3 years is tyres, road tax, servicing and petrol. Servicing was free for first 2 years as well - compensation for the 18 month wait to get the car.
Make it a drinking game, everytime he compares it to an RS3.
My next car.
Is it a fake engine noise or not?
Yes. Pumped into the cabin through the speakers. Doesn't sound that bad actually.
Wowzer
Alex, Does this run on Hydrogen? It looked like the only thing coming out of the tailpipe 2:08 was water. 😉
Get this than a Civic Type R
Nah
😂
S3 price will go down and Type R price will go up. One is a liability and one can be an investment.
Indeed with the RS3 being the best long term investment, and the most fun of them all!👍
The Golf R is the best value
Costs more than the S3 in my country, so no, Golf is not best value.
this car is comically tiny. it reminds me of a bean when i see it LOL
I prefer it over the rs3
The S3 is the perfect Jetta GLI
The RS3 is the perfect Volvo
S3 doesn’t come in a manual
If he says RS3 one more time...
I still rather get a Civic Type R. I value reliability and resale value most.
Don't compare this Beast with cheap honda cars
Eh, I just can’t get behind this generation of Audi, especially the A3/S3. The interior looks horrid and a far cry from the previous generation’s clean and timeless design. Guess I’ll just save 15k and buy used lol
Like that pop up screen in the dash was classy! I hated that in my RS3 8V, along with the dated tech. The interior is much better in the new car and far more modern. I have the new RS3...
For me personally I never call the gla, a class as a Mercedes nor the new gen 1,2 series and the X1 a BMW .... Same applies to this front wheel driven a3 .... It's same that the A4 not the S4 decent have the inline 5
Can’t stand the new RS3 look. Older RS3 was better. Once again Audi had to messy with the look.
Truthfully, Porsche is the only german manufacturer that hasn’t “messy” with their look. New Audi, BMW, Acura, and Mercs all look strange.
@@SilverScarletSpider acura doesnt look strange
I think the opposite. Last RS3 looked bland and boring, you could easily walk past one and not even notice it. New one, which I own, looks damn amazing. I'd bet you have not seen one in the flesh or you need to see an optician.
Give me the type r or Elantra n over this shit anyday. Whocares about the luxury
RS3 all day for those who have deep enough pockets 😂
@@germanengineering204 not as fun
@@mharro88I'd go for the new Integra type S if I need a manual, and a drop dead gorgeous design!
5 cylinder is a masterpiece compared to any 4 cylinder ever built! Sound is incredible, and all the owners of these along with all reviews say it's super FUN to drive! Engine won international Engine of the year award 10 years in a row!!😀
@@germanengineering204 it's amazing , it's quick and it's clinical but I had more fun in the Elantra N to be honest. It's overpriced.
Better than a Type R at what? Other than understeering
Looks for one 😁
It’s really not that serious. The Type R is a great car. But it’s not sliced bread. Say it with me “other cars are just as good, some are even better at certain things”.
I would definitely take a GR Corolla over a CTR. I’d take a Golf R over one too. But you’re right about one thing, I wouldn’t take a S3 over a CTR on any day.
@@chowsquid nah the new fl5 looks sick, especially the front.
@@Soh90S3 over type R😂😂😂 naaaah
Yeah, no Audi S3 is better than the Type R.
Not one bit.
That would depend on your personal priorities.
Just get a Golf R and get better performance for less money. Unless you are a badge snob.
Horrible interior and terrible infotainment system. For those reasons, S3 > Golf R.