When the third generation of Audi A3 underwent cosmetic and technical changes for the 2017 model year, the sporty version S3 also inherited those changes, both in the S3 Sedan and S3 Sportback variants. The lights and bumpers are updated, as usual for the facelifting, but the most significant changes also happened in terms of equipment and under the hood. With all those changes, the S3 remained one of the hottest 300hp compact cars, halfway between the ordinary A3 and high-performance RS3.

AT A GLANCE

Upsides

• Great engine/gearbox combination
• Comfort and well-equipped cabin
• Usable as everyday family car

Downsides

• Sportiness isn’t visible at the first sight

Design: 4/5

On the first sight, Audi S3 Sedan is a sleeper sportscar because it doesn’t show its character through some extreme stylistic details. The Audi S3 Sedan shows its pure sportiness with S-specific exterior details, such as exterior mirrors in aluminum, the single-frame with the S emblem, and chromed twin struts. The expressive rear diffusor with S-specific twin exhaust system also provides further impressive aesthetics. In the interior, the S badges on the front seats are the first marks to signify the car you are entering.

Engine, drivetrain, and performance: 5/5

In Singapore, the Audi S3 Sedan uses the 2.0 TFSI engine which produces 213 kW (290 bhp) and can deliver 380 Nm of torque in the wide range of 1850 to 5300 rpm. The new Audi S3 Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. It also includes the new seven-speed S tronic and Audi’s signature quattro permanent all-wheel drive system which ensure a smoother and safer drive no matter how the road conditions are. Audi claims that sportiness can be economical and declares fuel consumption of 6.5l /100km but it is actually closer to nine liters.

Trim levels: 5/5

The MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard and gives drivers a convenient and intuitive way to play a song, make a phone call, or even get directions to their place. The equipment highlights for Audi S3 Sedan offer a number of intelligent solutions. These include the optional Audi Matrix LED headlights, S sport seats in the front, flat-bottomed multi-functional leather sport steering wheel, and brushed stainless steel pedals. The Audi-visual cockpit is also an option.

Safety: 5/5

All usual safety features of the Audi A3 are also standard equipment for Audi S3, such are six airbags, ABS, stability control or anti-whiplash head restraints. The safety is improved with numerous driver assistance systems, such are Audi active lane assist or Audi pre-sense front, including predictive pedestrian protection. All these systems make town and country driving even safer. New in the segment is the traffic jam assist, which works together with Audi adaptive cruise control (ACC) and its Stop&Go feature.

Conclusion: 4.75/5.0

The Audi S3 Sedan is a special sporty version of Audi A3 and it needs a second impression to be recognized as a unique car which is above the A3 range, looking at it from the outside or pushing the gas pedal. When using it in comfort mode, the driver can’t even notice the difference between the regular A3 and the one with the S badge. It’s a premium compact sedan which is usable as an everyday family car. But, when you decide to push it hard, the S3 becomes the beast. The steering is firm, the gears are shifting quicker, the Quattro system shuffles power across both axles for maximum grip and the flaps in its quad exhaust pipes make some more noise. Just a few moments later, you can be the calm family driver again.