2015 Audi S3 First Drive Review: So fast, So Fun, and So Formal
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ธ.ค. 2024
- ( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2015 Audi S3 is entry level hot performance Audi sedan in the United States. That's enough to earn this speedy Audi AWD Quattro respect on most American Streets. But just how speedy and capable is this newest German import. Nathan traveled to Austin Texas this week to find out in another accurate, fun and informative TFLcar first drive review of the new 2015 Audi S3.
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"Audi say they uh made the engine better uh took parts out and made them better" dude its your job take the damn time to retain some of the info they gave you in the brief, thats whats its for. So you can relay it back too idk me....
Many over 23 years of age don't want an sti. I had one. Great car, but this is in a different league of refinement and luxury than an sti. Scary that ignorant haters call this car a glorified golf. That's a good thing. Like calling a Porsche macan a glorified Q5. VW group also owns Lamborghini. Vw group provides some amazing cars at different price points. s3 is close to Porsche Cayman with 4 doors and a trunk. I'll take a glorified Beatle 911 too.
Lol well that's just an assumption. There is a group of people over 40 years old that own wrx's or sti's. My pops bought a 14' hatch tracked it and daily drives it. I own one as well and absolutely love it especially in Wisconsin. While there is now a relatively large selection in the same market the golf r s3 and sti are all great but in the end different cars. It all depends on what you want.
Isaiah Ebben True, there will always be people having mid life crises who will buy sti's. It's not embarrassing per se but at a certain age you realize you want more than just a quick engine in your car, which is literally all a sti provides and not really even that anymore... there are some real fast entry level luxury cars...such as the s3 that really beat the sti in every way other than cheaper price point.
Isaiah Ebben True, there will always be people having mid life crises who will buy sti's. It's not embarrassing per se but at a certain age you realize you want more than just a quick engine in your car, which is literally all a sti provides and not really even that anymore... there are some real fast entry level luxury cars...such as the s3 that really beat the sti in every way other than cheaper price point.
STI over this car? You are either 16 yrs old or just out of your mind!
The STi is a serious car for people that don't take themselves too seriously. Depends how what you want. I love them both.
I'm newly 34 and I have a buddy with this S3 and another buddy with the STi.
S3 is a great car. You get a lot of bang for your buck. I bought one recently and love it. I was also looking at the Cayman and the F type Jaguar. Both are double the price of an S3 but only offer marginally better performance.
APR stage 2: 0-60 in 3.7 sec & quarter mi in 11.7 sec for about $1,500-$3,500ish depending on full exhaust vs DP only etc.. Bitchin fast & reliable with sleek, sophisticated Audi-sedan-styling and practicality. Hero runs at 3.4 sec to 60 and 11.4 sec in the quarter-- apr tuned stg 2 or stg3. 4.4 sec to 60 & 12.8 sec 1/4 mi stock is awesome too. Great turning diameter, tossable, fits great in garage. Not nose heavy or body roll happy. Sound is an acquired taste but the "faux-sound-engineering" & dsg grunt is nice. Fit/finish/quality is superb.
wtf is with the background music lol. I feel like I'm in the 80's or watching seinfeld
I got my 2016 S3 yesterday. I've put on 400 km so far. Love the look of the car including its style, rims (19") colour (Daytona blue) and interior. What don't I like? The ride on the highway is a little floaty as if the tires are under/over inflated. Anyway life goes on. Keep up the great work.
I saw new Audi A3 sedan about a month ago on the street and it looks great! I can imagine how this S3 looks, even better!
It does not only looks better, but sounds better ;)
Cars nowadays... press A B A A Up Down Left A B and then you enter launch control it's just that easy!
Loving the new S3.
80's sitcom theme music aside, I thought this was a decent review. I know there are a lot of comparisons to the WRX STI, and from a performance standpoint, it's hard to argue the Subie's value. But when you take into consideration what the Audi offers (a better interior, a much more compliant ride for everyday use, more elegant styling, etc...), the Subaru doesn't really stack up. Do I think it's overpriced? A bit, but when you think about how close to $40K a fully loaded STI is, then it's really not so bad.
imagine this car with a 6 speed manual.. good review
Even though this competes with the CLA45 AMG, I think if Audi would come out with the RS3 it would destroy the Mercedes.
I really like the way that the Audi emblem on the center of the wheels covers the lugnuts. Nice detail. I hope that it becomes an Audi hallmark.
That's a cool little car. Nice and stealthy. It can be nice to not announce performance. I sat in one at the car show and the back seat is pretty much useless behind me, but with 2 short passengers it could be usable as a 3 person car. You sit low enough that there is decent headroom.
No mention of the BMW M235i? I feel that is the direct competition.
RS3 coming next year :)
360hp, 5 cylinder 2.5L engine.
Considered the MB CLA AMG and the BMW M235I and this was my choice. Ive always waled a BMW, when I was a kid. As an adult, Audi has taken over that sporty spot that I always crave.
@ 6:50 really cool video shot.
Nice work Nathan. I especially like the ninja turtle video game home menu music!
I think the S3 is overall a great car, but the dashboard is just...too plain.
any dash better ?
Wtf is with the music? You guys manage to ruin every video you do somehow.
+bsfunk44 hahaha, that music just makes me laugh, but in a good way.
Nathan sounds like he's recovering from a nice hangover
i love the trolling of the old A4 at 3:55
The music in this makes me wanna have an 80s movie marathon
Great review as always. However, as nice as the car is, I miss the old hatch...and the manual tranny. :-(
fantastic review congrats
I always like your car reviews....so detailed
Little bit of an abrupt ending?
Oh wow that engine.
Looking for a nice blue to paint my mustang but don't want purple. Does this color flop purple?
Very nice car I'd definitely buy this particular Audi
Awesome review and music. Unfortunately no manual Transmission, and I am thinking now about the golf R
Thank you for this fun and complete review. Like the white so much!
are you sure the interior engine sound is not coming from the speakers?
The music makes me cringe.
I saw in Scottsdale AZ yesterday a gold colored S3 hatchback coupe. Is this going to be new or does it sound like someone imported that?
Whereas I'm rather lukewarm with the A3, I really like the S3 (especially with this blue paint). Problem is, once you start tacking on desirable options the price quickly balloons to levels approaching cars like the IS350 F-sport & ATS 3.6 Performance. It seems good value in the German stables, but I'm not sure if it's better than those two RWD performance sedans like the two I've listed.
Trades46 The cars you are comparing are higher priced when optioned, larger vehicles, and start at higher price without AWD.
sevenvt
Not really. I priced an Audi S3 Tecnik with a couple of options (Magnetic Ride, LED headlamp etc.) and the price is around ~$55k. I also priced a Lexus IS350 F-sport Series 2 AWD and it is around ~$53k. An ATS 3.6 Performance AWD is around ~$54k. (If it seems high, b/c I'm in Canada)
Also helps is Lexus & Cadillac are willing to negotiate on pricing whereas Audi pricing is (from what I heard) rather firm. I also have no doubt the Audi (being German) will probably cost the most to perform maintenance as the kms roll by. Both Lexus & Cadillac are willing to waive scheduled maintenance up to 3 years so Audi's advantage is negated.
The thing going for the Audi is the quattro AWD (which I think is superior), that rocket 2.0T, fast DSG/S-tronic and great styling in & out (I love the full LED headlights & disappearing Nav screen). However I question the driving dynamics of this FWD-biased platform & knowing the drivetrain is all new (the EA888 gen3 in the A3/S3 is actually the first application of this motor in all of VW group) doesn't inspire confidence. I will, however reserve my judgement when I actually test the S3 (I've driven both the ATS & IS350 at this point).
Trades46 Canada dollars? Now we're just talking crazy. But seriously the F-sport is bigger and costs more where AWD is throughout the range of the S3, from $42k up
sevenvt
Yeah, the insane exchange rate & shitty CDN dollar doesn't really do imported goods any favors.
Forget the $42k Audi advertises, that car doesn't even have backup camera or keyless entry/push-button start (something you'd find standard on both the ATS & IS). I would never leave out such basic things in a premium car at this price range.
This is probably why I'm cross-shopping the S3 with the IS & ATS. Audi follows the annoying German luxury tradition by making every single little thing an option (each costing ~$1500 each) whereas Lexus & Cadillac are much more generous in their trim packages (e.g. very little in way of options). The resulting final price (despite the Audi starting lower) eventually ends up being the same when equipped with the same stuff.
What cameras are you guys using that are mounted to the interior ?
It's not a "semi-automatic" transmission. It's an automated manual transmission. You'd think the reviewer would know that.
Why don’t you start making videos and we can all analyze you. Oh you’re too scared? That’s what I thought
Great first drive review. I'm curious as to what cameras you're using in cabin for this review. I've noticed in the past you've had Contour and Drift Innovation, is this new one better?
Wow, 46k, that's almost 50% more than the base A3 or still more than the base A5 that starts at 40K. A5 vs S3, as far as I am concerned, 5 is more than 3. More space, more cylinders, and possibly more attractive to girls. Only car nerds would get excited over the "S" badge,
the weight distribution must suck on these cars , the engine so far in the front
Even so, Audis drive really nicely. And the ride and interiors...
58/42% in this car. For example A45 amg have 60/40%
I don't know how they do it but they do make so very nice driving cars.
They're an 8/10ths car. They're fun for day-to-day driving, but they're not for the most hardcore. But I guess that's fine for me.
emdec55 I'll take one!
The Fast Lane Car So I've been looking at the S3, A3 Etron (when it comes out) and the current Infiniti Q60/G37 coupe. Since the price between the S3 and the Q60 is roughly the same (the Q60 being a few seconds slower) how would you compare the two and review? I've been wanting to wait for the new redesigned Q60 and to actually get a US review of the A3 etron (A3 being a completely different beast).
What happened at the ending? You said to let foot off gas for launch...ugh. Then you didn't give the other reason for why you swapped s3's?
I have to admit I would still much rather have a Mercedes CLA-45 AMG
Yeah and its ugly body style
Mercedes CLA-45 body styling looks worse than a bucket of smashed assholes.
The thing is that the CLA is more stylish than the S3 in terms of sportiness. The Mercedes has more power so that's why it costs a buttload more. I have both of them and the interior of the CLA (all low class Mercedes) is horrible, hard plastics are everywhere and you do not feel that premium feel, except the star on the steering wheel. Once you push the throttle you get reminded why that car costs so much. But the thing is that the S3 is quite the best of worlds, it is true that is does not have the same amount of power than the CLA 45, but is has better quality in terms of interior materials, and the overall drive feels a lot nicer.
Anyone know if 2015 saloon s3 comes with dynamic taillights as standard thanks
I own a 1.8 tfsi, and the only regret i have is not upgrading to this beaut!!!
Drove one today(quattri version ), and i was so impressed that i am now watching reviews off the S3! Give it a flash tune should keeo you satisfied for a bit.
gixxr88 The most satisfying thing about the S3 besides the engine is the Haladex quattro system. Front wheel drive is good but AWD is awsome!
I think that RS3 is going to be putting alot of cars to shame
gixxr88 I think RS3 is going to have a sub 5 second 0-100 km time. Currently i am enjoying the 7 speed gearbox on the tfsi. From economy mode you press once down, it shifts a gear down and goes to sport mode! The rush is pretty damn nice!
My mate just got the 2015 S3 0-100 4.9 secs!
RS3 will be ridiculously quick
wish we couldve gotten an s4 comparison
come on dude, DSG transmission ? or did you mean S-tronic + quattro + more room and that´s why the golf-r is cheapper
You do realise "DSG" "S-tronic" and even "Quattro" are just marketing buzz words don't you.
The MQB platforms cars are identical mechanically....all have the same dual clutch transmissions and haldex AWD systems.
Just isn't quite enough to catch my attention as a buyer. Nice car, but just doesn't do it for me. Not necessarily very fast. The Quattro allows for great grip but causes understeer and the car isn't necessarily the funnest thing to toss into a corner either. The car isn't necessarily radical looking or exciting to look at either, looks nice, but not "inspired" at all. The sound is pretty good, not enough to really make it desirable however. The RS3 needs to improve on this without costing more than 55k US. Probably going to go for the CLA45 as it's more exciting for me, sounds better as well and is faster. However when the RS3 comes out, whenever that is, it should be a great match up.
Yeah and have you driven the vehicle? No. So............
+1820al The reason I was brought to this video was because we just bought my brother a 2.0 Quattro Audi A3. I didn't enjoy that, just from overall the perspective of the materials, and I just didn't feel like I was driving an Audi like the A7, or even a Mercedes C-class feels so much more premium.
The A3 is not a competitor to the C class, and the CLA from Mercedes just doesn't feel at all a Mercedes. But opinions are subjective....
+1820al
True! However our A3 is pushing nearly 40,000 US, with the 2.0 Quattro and it's still not fully loaded. The C250 from
Mercedes I drove was sitting at 37,000, had rear drive standard, was larger, and felt
More premium. Opinions are definitely subjective, and the A3 is a smooth and powerful car, however when I drive a classic, well built, rear drive German saloon, the A3 just doesn't do it for me. The BMW 320i is only 2,000 more starting than a base Front wheel drive A3, and matches the price of the 2.0 Quattro. I haven't driven the CLA, however I like that it looks slightly more exciting than the A3. I don't like that the CLA isn't as tightly put together as other Mercedes however.
Well I own a 2013 S7, so Im not purchasing a vehicle in this segment. But I drove a 2012 C250 and while the transmission and torque was really good, the turbo lag and brake feel to me was HORRIBLE! The 2.0T from Audi is a better put together engine than the 1.8T from Mercedes. Again, I wouldnt compare an A3 to a C class. Its like comparing a CLA to an A4 or a 3 series, which are included into a totally different segment.
nice, looking forward to the hatchback/Golf R versions
is the mmi standard?
Let go of the gas to use launch control?
An A45 or CLA 45 AMG would eat this for dinner.
That's a different league, the rs3 will probably crush the a45
Well duh, those AMGs are on a different league.
Rob Booth Automotive to be honest it doesn't. Mb doesn't take much off msrp for those amg's
11:19 What's the 2nd reason goddammmnit!?!?!?!?
Great review, thank you. Curious about this current gen haldex vs the torsen AWD like was in my '08.
I used to have a B7 A4 quattro with s-line. Damn close in size to this thing - I miss it quite a bit, might have to consider one of these when they start showing up CPO.. :)
@7:52 does Nathan fit? I miss the "Does Nathan fit" trunk segments you guys did on earlier TFL videos
no fog lights?
Why isn't the Audi A3 and S3 ( 5 doors version ) available in the US anymore ?
Because they automatically thought that nobody wanted a hatch because nobody bought the 06-12 model A3.
Though really, the REAL reason nobody bought it was because the old A3 was shoddy, slow, boring and not that great. Fortunately the new one is better now.
Lotsa cops in Tejas ain't there.
hate that flat steering wheel, but car is nice.
Not a bad looking car, it looks comfy to drive. Not sure about the price though.
We didn't get the second reason for the car change at the end.
A more knowledgeable reviewer is needed immediately.
Just test drove one. Sounds good, drives good. Like it, but its not special enough especially at the 50k listed for the one I drove. My boosted B6 is faster. Meh. Maybe the next S5 will do it for me. I was more impressed by the 1.8T in the rental Jetta I was driving before it. Hopefully they will bring the tt sportback
I think for how underwhelming it looks compared to the CLA, they should have under cut Benz by pricing each trim level a good chunk less, this doesn't have the same level of allure to the masses, I think
This is cheaper than the CLA. The CLA45 starts at about $50k (I usually get closer to $60k with options), while the S3 is going to be fully loaded at under $50k and you get things like LED headlights and 4G wifi in the car.
Also, I think Audi buyers prefer the subtle styling. It's why I'd personally choose the Audi over a BMW/MB - it has similar levels of luxury and performance, but with more of a sleeper look.
Ah good point, I didn't even notice the price points of the AMG & S, bit out of my range so I never looked. I think the S3 will do better than the AMG in that case. I guess my initial thought applied more to the base A3 and CLA though, which both start at $29K. But I just google'd it & it seems the A3 has been outselling the CLA, & the A3 comes with more standard features + a better lease offer. Didn't know the standard features were better on the A3, that definitely helps, not to mention the average person can't even tell which model level it is so it's not as diluted in design. I mostly see CLA's around here, but now I know what's really going on, thanks
"Let go of the gas and away you go" - Well that sounds all lot like the Audi's of old.
Nice melody!
The US version is slightly altered from the uk one
Awful review. Awful music. Just plain awful. And no data of acceleration either which would have been relevant for an s3!
The shift is a bit faster than the AMG CLA45...just a tinny bit..But the rare seat is kinda small....I mean very small :D
The rear seat in the CLA45 is even smaller. The sloped roof means that average sized people will have to sit with a slightly hunched back.
Do you have the hatchback in the US? I think it is much more good looking.
292Hp out of a 2.0 is impressive ? Do you know about the Lancer Evo ?
Yes but the Mitsubishi evo is tweaked to its limit. No reliability should be expected from that car. You can chip an S3 and get 360hp.
Wat was the second reason at the end
They look so small in person!
I'd buy the Golf R personally
I've driven both and the BMW M135i has this thing beaten in all departments
Except interior quality (materials), those ugly red lights on the tachometer (BMW), outdated interiors and ride quality overall.
Seems a nice enough car, but nearly 50k for a 4 cylinder? And close to the price of an S4?
STI is a kid's car?? Never heard that one before
Too much money for s compact car if anything is wait two years and see what the used car market says
Golf R basically under the skin for a lot more money. I will take the R easily over this!
My "gaydar" always goes off when I hear this guy talk. Statements like " this interior is pretty" and in another video " car dances thru corners like a ballerina " kinda give it away.
+Jeff Smith It's not 1985 anymore. Calling someone gay is no longer an insult. People are just people. If he is gay, what would it matter? And, if he's not, do you really think it'll hurt his feelings by calling him that? Also, just to educate you a little bit, using words like "pretty" and "ballerina" cannot make you gay. As a matter of fact, most gay people I know seem to refrain from using such words or phrases out of fear for what people like you will do to them. Of course that's all changing, too, as most humans are realizing calling someone gay is about as insulting as calling someone straight.
One more thing while I'm internet-ranting: If you're afraid of using those types of "gay phrases", if you will, that tells me you are not confident with yourself. I'm older now, so I know the pressures of fitting in. I've lived that life. Over time you will realize how ridiculous your thinking is/was, and you will gain confidence. Girls are more attracted to guys who are confident. I'm just assuming you're young because of your child-like comment. If you're not that young, then you have no excuse as to why you have no confidence at this point in your life.
+John C
Gay men drive like women, which is horribly. Anyone comparing a performance car to wearing a tutu shouldn't be doing car reviews, unless it's a Toyota Corolla.
@3:29- it seems the 80s are coming back with a press of those buttons (audi what happened to your design there ?)
Please, can we stop with the d-bag grip! It gives you 0 control!
The LED in the back of the white car is flickery.
elixxur That's just how LED's show up in video. LED's actually blink at very high speeds, so fast that our eyes don't notice. But when filmed, depending on the "blink" rate of the LED and the frame rate of the camera, it can show up. In person, that LED would not have appeared to flicker at all.
What music is on 9:20 ?
id take the cla45 amg..
I'd wait for the RS3.
and its ugly ass design theme
292 hp ? Thats cute
Evo X FQ400 400 hp 2lt engine
And guess what, the Audi TT 420 has a 2.0T that has 420 hp...so yeah 400hp, thats cute.
Evo body styling looks worse than a bucket of smashed assholes.
A evo...grow up.
evos blow blue smoke after 50k
stancedchannel an Evo? for £50,000? no thanks.
One of the worst car review I've seen, I'm shocked you normally do a good job.
That's fantastic power, but it still sounds like a fart.
Which brings me to the music, which is way too loud, again. I have to ride the volume control.
Shouldn't this guy be reviewing the chevy and dodge pickup trucks?
It's only "good sounding" because they are piping artificial sound into the cabin.
It's not fake sound. It's the ACTUAL sound that the engine makes but just played into the cabin.
It's a 4 cylinder. The sound is altered.
darkpill it's the actual noise of the engine just played through the speakers. They dont change the sound
Incorrect, the audio is distorted because 4 cylinder engines don't sound good. Ford does the exact same thing.
Link? Proof? Im not just trying to be argumentative, i do want to know :)
that dashboard is from the 90s
This is why I love the VW group!
$51,000 tricked out with everything.
Beautiful car, but too small no rear leg room. I'd buy a used 535 instead, but that's just me.
JabbaDuhHut You'd buy a 535 because you aren't in the market for cars in the same bracket as the S3. There's lots of things that cost 50k... they aren't all analogs of one another. The 528 starts at the top end of the S3 range. no options. 535xi adds 10 grand to that, no options. Lets not mention the size difference Add driver assistance lighting and dynamic handling package and you are now cross shopping a ~70 thousand dollar car just to equal the options in the S3. No, you would not get a 535 for 51 thousand unless its used, and no if you were in the market for a S3 you would not be cross shopping a 535.
where's the hatchback?
I was thinking of this for my next car (have a Mk7 GTI now), but we can't get them with a hatch here in the States. I'll probably go with a Golf R because of that. It may not have the badge prestige of the Audi, but it's basically the same car with a hatch.
I actually prefer the in-dash infotainment in the Golf over the pop-up screen in the Audi, too. To me, the Audi dash just looks a bit bare, even with the screen up.
What?!? No 0-60 run?
Looks like it was around 4.5 (but that's without a stopwatch)
Audi states that with launch control, you get 4.8 s. From 0-60 (with the S tronic semi automatic transmission) and 5.1 with the manual one (which only is available in Europe)
The dash is VW-cheap, and no manual transmission sucks.
But the rest rocks!
Th A3 carries this genreic styling of Audi the best. The A4, A6, and A8 just look lame
It has one of the highest quality interiors on the market by far the best in its class. It's a sleeper not some flashy/flamboyant shit that burns your eyes and gets old after 2 years.
The Golf looks like a Golf...boring. The Subaru looks like it came from 2003. Don't know what you're on. The Audi looks classy, and as good as it needs to look, yet still manages to look slick and refined.
it's typical german understatement. good stuff. though i still prefer my 335i