Test Drive: The 2025 Audi S3 Had Us Grinning from Start to Finish
The Audi S3 was last redesigned in 2022, and this year, it gets a fairly comprehensive midstream makeover. Not that you can tell by looking.
From an external perspective, modifications to the 2025 version are noticeable. Audi S3 The modifications are slight and restrained, focusing mainly on aesthetics. The headlight and taillight designs have been subtly altered, the grill is framed by body-colored accents, and the rear diffuser has become more noticeable. Inside the vehicle, updates remain understated, featuring additional ambient lighting and an updated gearshift as some of the more notable alterations.
Our focus lies on enhancements that enhance performance. Underneath the short hood, the well-known turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine receives an upgrade, now delivering 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque — this represents a rise of 22 horsepower from last year’s model. Furthermore, daily drives feel snappier due to improved throttle responsiveness attributed to a novel pre-load function ensuring the turbo remains active during low-demand scenarios for faster acceleration upon pressing the gas. The vehicle employs a seven-speed automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels; according to Audi, these shifts happen about fifty percent swifter at wide-open throttle conditions.
The most significant update lies at the back, with a new torque-distributing differential borrowed from the RS3 It can direct all of its available rear-axle torque to just one rear wheel, altering how the S3 handles. When driving through corners, this setup sends power to the outer rear wheel, which reduces the likelihood of the front end losing grip. This makes the small sedan feel more agile and fun to drive.
Off a devilish curve of road away from Oceanside, California, the S3 demonstrated that these enhancements come together to create a vehicle that is both more enjoyable and better suited for tackling winding mountain roads.
By pressing the drive-select button, you can activate Dynamic mode; however, enabling the enhanced Dynamic Plus configuration necessitates an extra touch on the screen to confirm your desire for maximum performance. This step is required whenever adjustments are made to the traction or stability controls, adding a ceremonial aspect to the process.
Here, launch control is an option—activate it by pressing down on both pedals followed by releasing the brake pedal for takeoff. Although the system allows the gearbox to apply additional torque during acceleration, we did not experience the anticipated catapult-like sensation. It seemed like the computer was adeptly controlling power delivery and minimizing wheel spin, yet the expected thrill factor was missing. Fortunately, bypassing launch control and firmly depressing the gas pedal from a stoplight still provides ample thrust. According to Audi, the S3 should hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, shaving off 0.1 second compared to earlier models. Our observations confirmed this. 4.2 seconds compared to the previous S3 , hence this iteration should be capable of approaching 4.0.
The path we took was filled with minor hills and valleys, along with numerous twists and turns. Thanks to its compact size, the S3 navigated the bends with accuracy. When we reached the highest points of the hills, the vehicle became lighter as the suspension extended, providing an enjoyable mini jump each time we turned the steering wheel into another curve.
As we approached a sharp bend, we held back using the brakes until giving them a firm press to quickly reduce our speed. The car responded with soft pops from the exhaust system. Then, we gradually eased off without succumbing to the temptation of revving the engine again. Applying some steering input resulted in a subtle shift as the rear tires took hold. Thanks to increased torque, the S3 stayed true to its path, instilling greater assurance for tackling subsequent turns. At this point, we pressed down harder on the gas pedal, and the compact Audi complied effortlessly—no fuss, no adjustments needed, only smooth acceleration.
However, the operation of the new torque splitter may not be immediately apparent. While sitting at the driver's seat, you won’t sense any change in power distribution since it operates very smoothly, which is precisely how it ought to function.
Everything here is enjoyable, yet the S3 also makes for an excellent drive when you’re cruising through the city. It handles bumpy roads with ease without feeling too stiff, though there’s quite a bit of road noise. Nonetheless, the interior stays relatively peaceful and serene. Additionally, thanks to its compact size, parking becomes straightforward, so you won’t have to depend much on the sensors or cameras.
In summary, the S3 stands as a meticulously calibrated machine within a lineup that also features the auxiliary A3 and the louder RS3. It proved especially gratifying when pushed to its limits on winding roads. While it’s clear that an RS3 would offer greater speed, you’d likely tap into only a fraction of what it can truly do.
The 2025 Audi S3 is now available with a base price of $49,995 for the entry-level Premium model. This marks an increment of $1500 compared to the previous year’s version; however, given the enhancements—especially concerning the torque splitter—it remains quite a steal. Neither the Premium Plus nor the Prestige versions introduce additional performance elements, ensuring that all variants of the S3 offer comparable handling and drive quality.
The cost seems reasonable when compared to others. sports sedans . It just undercuts The four-door BMW M235i Gran Coupe . The Acura Integra Type S Is pricier and constrained by its exclusive front-wheel-drive setup, yet it provides the additional engagement of a manual gearbox. Mercedes-AMG CLA35 is significantly more expensive.
The S3 was already highly sought after. luxury sport compact , and the modifications for 2025 have further enhanced its attractiveness. It continues to be a refined option within the entry-level luxury car segment and serves as a more well-rounded alternative to the track-centric RS3. This makes it a more practical everyday vehicle without sacrificing excitement.
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