New Audi S3 review: Better than an M340i?

Mat’s got his hands on the new Audi S3!

It’s a facelift more than an all-new design, and Mat’s about to find out how much it’s improved over the previous edition.

For starters, let’s check out the engine! It arrives with the same 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo as the previous car, however, the performance has been increased. It can now produce 333hp and 420Nm, 23hp & 20Nm more than the previous car. It’s still equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch, and it also has Quattro all-wheel drive.

When it comes to the design, it’s still relatively similar to the previous edition, with a couple of tweaks. Around the back, there’s a bootlip spoiler, as well as an updated aggressive rear bumper. As usual, there are also quad-tailpipes. Along the side are some side skirts and black door mirrors. Up front, there’s a new aggressive bumper, as well as a blacked-out grille. The air intake on either side of the grille looks pretty menacing, too.

Step inside and it’s all largely the same as the previous edition. There’s a Sport S steering wheel, as well as the usual S sport seats. There are soft-touch materials throughout most of the dash, as well as Alcantara on the dash. Otherwise, it’s all pretty much the same, apart from the gear selector design changing slightly.

But is it worth the £47,000 starting price? You’ll need to stick with Mat to see for yourself.

Chapters
00:00 Dynamic Plus
00:42 Engine
01:09 0-60 & 1/4-mile
01:51 Saloon v Hatchback
03:42 Price
04:18 Design
07:01 Interior
07:40 Back Seats
08:03 Cool Features
10:46 Annoying Features
12:16 Driving
15:06 Verdict

This is more of a competitor for the M235i rather than M340i

[daxair]

These S3 prices are bonkers. I paid 34k for a brand new 2019 S3 and these are now 10k more for not much difference!

[Auditography]

The removal of the front badge on the S/RS models, must be the worst decision by an automaker ever. First the fake exhausts and now this.

[adrianbennett]

I don’t mind either of the black 4 ring badges but I definitely think they need to keep the S3 badge on the front grille.

[xoFinley]

The title had me in stitches? Better than a 340i. Dream on. Comparing the B58 to a 2 litre 4 cylinder.

[edward]

The S3 isn’t a competitor to the M340i. The S3 is a smaller platform. The S4 (now S5) is more in line with the BMW

[Chris-jtux]

What a silly question. it's leagues behind the M340

[derbigpr]

The interior doesn't feel premium anymore unfortunately, the exposed bare metal on the doors around windows is cheap and the plastic is too hard. It's a huge step down in quality from the A4 and from the old A3.

[Stevex]

This is one of very few new car interiors that I like. I like where they put the infotainment screen and I like the way the instrument panel behind the steering wheel isn't just a tablet slapped on top of the dashboard like some cars. It's more of a normal design with the instrument screen inside a binacle.

[sadsismint]

What's mad, is that my RS3 was about £47k new just a few years ago... now that only gets you a basic S3.
You can get used RS6's for that kinda money quite easily too and that's a LOT more car for your money.

[MaxxKoggen]

The new grill is definitely objectively ugly

[unorodriguez]

Who remembers when Audi made good looking cars with the best interiors in the business?

[KYRJAMESEY]

I'll keep my popping 2017 one thanks

[TheUncleGoat]

Is it better than a M340i? Lol no 🤣 Despite being over 5 years old it still looks better, it has that glorious straight six engine, and even Matt did a 0-60 3.81s in negative degree weather. The M340i still is the perfect all rounder car, no competition.

[matteopascotto]

However, this isn't about fear. As a proud owner of an M340i, I believe the Audi S3 isn't in the same league. I'm looking forward to a comparison with the new S5, which I think would be a much fairer match-up.

[mrlilmatt]

With a 4cyl?? I think not a competitor... lol 😂

[Frlja]

I own a Golf 7 GTD from 2013. and can not wrap my mind around the fact that it has better interior material on may parts of the car, compared to Audi A3 from 2023., which I drove just this week, booked a test drive from local dealership. Specifically, the material on the doors, from top to bottom and ending in the door bins, which are made from worse plastic and are not covered with soft cloth. For a 45k € car which is supposed to be premium, I can't understand this.

[nicopillay]

These new audis with the bulging front end look silly. Like elaborate cheese graters

[lamadrague]

Better than a M340i? In what planet? They are literally uncomparable

[lm_]

I would much rather an M340i in every single scenario that I've had and will ever have. The B58 engine paired with the refined, smooth ride along with that lovely interior trumps the S3 anyday. There's always a car faster than yours, so don't try and compromise a lot to get a slightly faster 0-60 with slightly better handling