CARS

Review of the Audi S3 Sportback: A raw edge turns this attractive hatchback from competent to captivating

Torq SpeedNovember 12, 2024

Audi S3 Sportback: The Audi S3 has the vibe of “always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” It has been forced to take a backseat ever since the more powerful RS 3 was released in 2011; it is ostensibly a more balanced, less concentrated option, but it lacks the RS’s character and speed.

That story was maintained by this fourth-generation model. We were disappointed by its dull and somewhat uninvolving, yet brutally rapid, advancement when we evaluated it in 2021. There was no denying that the car was a masterpiece, but it lacked the glitz to match its hefty price tag.

Audi seemed to have concurred. The Ingolstadt engineers could have easily nipped and tucked for this facelift, but they have done much more. Can the S3 finally break the mold? It’s time for round two.

Table of Contents

Pros

Now genuinely excited to drive
Beautifully finished Interior
Blistering pace

Cons

Cramped rear seats
Small boot
Firm low-speed ride

Audi S3 Sportback Ringing up for Upgrades

To begin with, there is more power—22 horsepower more, to be exact—bringing the output to an incredible 328 horsepower. That will enable it to reach the typical regulated maximum speed of 155 mph after accelerating from a stop to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds.

However, the headline change isn’t the increased power. More significant is the addition of the clever torque-splitting rear differential from the Volkswagen Golf R and the current RS 3. Because each driveshaft contains an electronically operated clutch, up to 100% of the torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

The rear axle doesn’t lock while it’s engaged, which makes the car seem more nimble and agile. This is a little departure from the standard method of doing this, which is a limited-slip differential. Another benefit is that each clutch can be electrically controlled, allowing you to precisely regulate the amount of torque applied to each wheel by using inputs from several sensors, such as steering angle and yaw angle.

Together with updated steering to enhance feel, this is paired with a redesigned front axle that has a new pivot bearing and increased negative camber, improving steering response. Larger brakes and updated stability control are also included.

The final effect is a vehicle that can react more quickly. The new rear axle in the Golf and RS 3 made it possible to add a Drift Mode, which kicks out the tail and keeps it there (not on a public road, of course) by sending extra power to one or both wheels.

This drift mode is absent from the S3. Rather, the torque splitter has been adjusted to facilitate turn-in, enabling the vehicle to more eagerly pursue the bend’s apex. With the additional power and the new, optional sports exhaust from Akrapovic, along with the other chassis modifications, the goal is to increase the S3’s sense of exhilaration and involvement.

Audi S3 Sportback Excellent Interior Design

Inside, there are many of the same features as previously, including a feast of premium plastics and clever style. Previously, a few design decisions let the side down, such as the cheap-feeling imitation metallic trim and the artificial stitching over the top of the dash.

Fortunately, the latter has been replaced by a far more expensive piece of suede. Even though the stitching is still present, it now appears more realistic because it extends to the dash’s edge rather than stopping abruptly halfway.

There are still physical buttons on the steering wheel and two rows of beautiful, tactile switches for the climate controls and other minor driving settings, even though Audi hasn’t fully embraced the rest of the Volkswagen Group’s blind devotion to its touch-sensitive philosophy.

The infotainment screen’s software is quick and rather straightforward to navigate, making it a reasonably user-friendly experience. Turning off the blaring speed limit and lane departure warning systems is also easy.

Longer journeys are easy with the ample support and adjustment provided by the large bucket seats, which embrace you tightly without ever feeling restrictive.

The only drawback is that the large seats encroach on the already somewhat claustrophobic rear quarters; the S3’s back is too small for anyone taller than average, and the small door aperture and sloping roofline make it difficult to lean in to fasten a large child’s car seat. Additionally, the boot is pretty small.

Hard and quick

Therefore, it’s not the most useful hot hatchback. Has the driving experience improved as a result of such little changes?

At first, you won’t notice much of a difference. In fact, you may be wondering why everyone is so excited.

With a relaxed accelerator pedal and progressive brakes, the S3 remains docile in urban settings. However, it still has a large power reserve that can be used to overtake easily at lower revs.

Around town, the ride is firm, and even if it becomes less noisy on a motorway, the large tires still make a lot of noise. However, if a hot hatch had significant dynamic ability as its payoff, you could overlook these flaws.

Fortunately, you can now say that the S3 has been on an open road. You can sense the benefits even while you’re driving slowly: the improved steering feel, the more responsive front end, the additional power, and its quicker accessibility. In the old car, you would have felt somewhat detached from the action, but as you pick up the pace on a difficult route, you’ll find yourself smiling.

However, it doesn’t stop there. You must choose the new Dynamic Plus mode in order to benefit the most from the modifications. The gear changes are smashed home as quickly as the hardware will permit, the accelerator response is further refined, and the traction and stability systems take a backseat.

Additionally, there is a stronger exhaust note. Although the optional exhaust was not installed in our test vehicle, the engine nevertheless has a pleasant, hard-edged note that gets louder with each upshift.

The exceptional rear axle and additional steering feel transform the S3 from a car with brutally competent but somewhat anodyne reactions into one that dances to your favorite music.

It no longer performs the same function regardless of how you handle it; instead, releasing the accelerator lets the S3’s nose spread wide, and resuming power propels you in the direction of the apex and out the other side. Additionally, you always feel in total control and fully comprehend what’s happening underneath—you’re driving the car instead of being driven by it.