2019 Audi S3 Sedan Review
The Audi S3 shares its Volkswagen-based MQB platform with other family-friendly performance cars such as the Golf R and has been around since 2015. It is thus nearing the end of its current lifespan and due for replacement late in 2020 as a 2021 model. Slotting between the run of the mill A3 at the bottom end and the all-out RS3 at the top, the S3's styling follows suit; the standard A3 keeps things looking unassuming, the S3 looks slightly beefier, and the RS3 looks like a barely legal rally car. The S3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that it shares with the Golf R and pushes out close to 300 horsepower. The S3 is an executive compact through and through thanks to an impressive list of standard features, but competition remains stiff. BMW's M240i and the Mercedes AMG CLA 45 are both accomplished cars with a later expiry date.
What's the Price of the 2019 Audi S3 Sedan?
The 2019 S3 is available in two models, the base model goes for an MSRP of $44,500 while the higher-spec trim, the Prestige, will cost you $49,800. These prices exclude a destination fee of $995. The more powerful Mercedes AMG CLA 45 comes in at $53,100 and the more practical Golf R costs $40,395.
Best Deals on 2019 Audi S3 Sedan
2019 S3 Sedan Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
175.8 in | 103.6 in | 54.8 in | 70.7 in | 61.1 in | 60.1 in | 3,494.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2019 S3 Sedan Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
It might not have the most power or killer straight-line speed, but one thing it does get right is to provide an edge of your seat driving experience. The suspension setup on the 2019 S3 is a rather traditional affair: the standard 18-inch alloys are joined to a MacPherson strut and four-link rear suspension system that works well on smooth roads, but as is to be expected, the ride can get harsh at lower speeds, especially around town where road surfaces aren't that great. There are mountains of grip available from the 225/40 sized summer tires.
Audi has done a praiseworthy job with its electrically assisted power steering system, which weights up just enough to make the steering feel natural, and at the same time, it returns great steering feedback. Lots of grip, great feedback, and a beautiful chassis translate into a car that is easy to drive fast. Whether you're a novice driver or an experienced pilot, anyone can extract 90%+ of the S3's performance potential, making it an ideal point-and-shoot performance car. Coming to a stop is an even simpler affair when you have 13.4-inch ventilated disks sitting up front. Stopping power is strong initially, and doesn't fade even when you're pushing on.
2019 S3 Sedan Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 S3 Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 S3 Sedan Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Audi S3 Sedan A Good car?
The A3 is noted across the world for being an excellent junior executive car which manages to strike a good balance between price, performance, practicality, and design. This ethos is transferred over to the S3 in a way that makes this 288-hp sports sedan seem completely and utterly practical. The exterior shies away from the current trend of loud and brutish looks, in preference of a more mature look and feel, which makes all the more sense once you step inside. The interior feels premium, to say the least, with special mentions going out to the cross-stitched leather seats and brushed aluminum door inserts. Probably the most important aspect of this car is how it drives, and in that category, it scores high. The balance and steering feel of the S3 is top class; it makes driving extremely fast feel easy and controllable, and the Quattro system gives a sense of surety that when things get out of hand, there's always a bit of extra grip to be found. The 2019 Audi S3 might not be the quickest, biggest or most feature-rich car in its class, but it does so many things so well, that it is difficult to match.
What Audi S3 Sedan Model Should I Buy?
Both trim levels offer good value for money, and seeing as the 2019 S3 is due for replacement soon, Audi has tried bumping up the S3's appeal by stacking it with standard features. The base S3 gets a full leather interior, heated seats, an Apple CarPlay and Google Android capable MMI infotainment system with a seven-inch display screen, full LED headlights and more. The Prestige adds a massive list of extras on top of the Premium Plus' list. Most significant is the addition of Audi's virtual cockpit system which includes a 12.3-inch display unit. The sound system also sees a major upgrade. Safety levels are improved by the addition of rear cross-traffic assistance, semi-autonomous self-parking and lane-keep assistance. For the $5,300 premium, you do get your money's worth, and with all the tech additions found on the Prestige, it will be the car that will remain the most relevant for longer. Spend the extra and buy the Prestige.
2019 Audi S3 Sedan Comparisons
2019 Audi S3 Sedan vs Volkswagen Golf R
Since they share the same platform and engine, the Golf R was a prime candidate for a comparison with the S3. The first thing to note is the fact that the Golf is a hatchback and not a sedan, so it's technically not competing in the same class. The Golf R can't match the Audi on interior refinement, but offers more interior space, especially with that hatch liftgate that makes packing and unpacking cargo a much simpler affair. Both cars are great driving machines, but the S3 is a sharper handling car. Where the Golf R starts to look really appealing is in the price department. A top of the line Golf R will set you back $40,885, well under the asking price of a Premium Plus S3, and with negligible performance differences, we'd opt for the Golf nine times out of ten.
2019 Audi S3 Sedan vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
The CLA 45 manages to trump the S3 in a few categories, most notably in power, weight, fuel consumption, and interior space. The CLA 45's 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder churns out an astonishing 375 hp yet still manages to return a combined fuel consumption figure of only 26 mpg. These are impressive numbers, especially when compared to the lighter and less powerful S3. The CLA 45's interior is on par with that of the Audi, and Mercedes' infotainment system and use of materials are right up there with the best of them. The CLA can't match the S3 for pure driving enjoyment but is most certainly a faster car, intended to rival the full-fat Audi RS3. You'll pay for the extra dose of speed, however; the CLA 45 starts out at an MSRP of $50,400 - splitting the difference between the S3 and RS3. But which to buy? In the real-world, the S3 is all you'll need and want.