Overview
Even in the Age of the SUV, the entry-luxury compact sedan segment still has juice, and Audi is set to deliver a performance-oriented challenger in the form of the new-for-2022 S3. A hot-rodded version of the new A3 sedan, the S3 goes head-to-head with the aggressive BMW M235i Gran Coupe, Cadillac CT4-V, and Mercedes-AMG A35. This pint-sized sports sedan certainly looks the part, and we’re happy to report that the fun-to-drive nature that made the last generation car so impressive is alive and well here too. The cabin is shared with the all-new 2022 A3, which borrows styling and technology from Audi’s larger sedans—the A4 and the A6—but everything about the S3 feels more youthful. If the S3 doesn’t quite hit the performance marks you’re looking for, Audi will also soon offer a resurrected RS3 model, which we review separately.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 S3 is all-new and based on the similarly fresh 2022 A3 sedan. Although both cars will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the S3’s engine makes a stout 306-hp and will send its power through a standard all-wheel drive system. Aside from more power, the S3 also gets a lowered, more aggressively tuned suspension, grippier sport seats, a special grille and four exhaust tips.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Premium Plus trim will likely satisfy the widest swath of buyers. This mid-range model adds driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, but also includes luxury features such as memory settings for the driver’s seat, wireless smarphone charging and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All S3 models come with a 306-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. This setup is similar to the last generation S3, which bolted to 60 mph in just 4.6-seconds at our test track. Thanks to 18 more horsepower than the previous S3, we expect the 2022 model to be at least as quick if not quicker, but we’ll have to wait until we get one in for testing to confirm that. During our initial test drive, we praised the S3’s lithe handling and found its powertrain to be perky, eager, and sonorous. We did note that the heavy-weighted steering in the S3 drowns out a lot of the communication from the front wheels and that there’s considerable turbo lag when driving in the less frenzied Comfort driving mode.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the S3 is good for 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway which makes it more efficient than the A35 and right on track with the M235i Gran Coupe. When we get a chance to test the S3’s highway fuel economy on our 75-mph test route, we’ll update this story with results. For more information about the S3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The S3’s cabin is nearly identical to the new 2022 A3’s but adds some racier styling elements such as sport seats with quilted leather inserts and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The S3 receives the same toggle-switch gear selector as the A3 as well. Audi offers the S3 with a more comprehensive set of standard features though, including a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, and illuminated door jamb scuff plates. Passenger space is slightly more generous in this new generation car but the trunk is smaller.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The S3 comes with either a 10.1- or 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Audi’s latest MMI software interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers of the mid-range Premium Plus trim can opt for the Technology package, which adds Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, in-dash navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Like most Audis, the S3 comes standard with several driver-assistance features; more advanced technology is optional. For more information about the S3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The new S3 comes with the same standard warranty as the rest of the Audi lineup, which includes coverage on the vehicle’s powertrain and a bumper-to-bumper policy that spans four years or 50,000 miles. Audi also covers the first dealer maintenance for new-car buyers—a nice perk—but the M235i Gran Coupe comes standard with a three-year complimentary maintenance plan.
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