Used Audi S3 2013-2020 review

The Audi S3 isn't your traditional hot hatch. How so? Well, during its infancy (the '70s and '80s), the class was far from concerned with luxury, yet that's arguably the S3's defining attribute.

Based on the premium 2013-2020 Audi A3 and sitting one step below the hyper Audi RS3, this S3 offers pace comparable with the 2013-2020 Volkswagen Golf R's – in fact, the two cars are mechanically related.

Engines & Performance: Your engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. Early cars got 296bhp, with this amount upped to 306bhp during 2016. Power went back to the former figure in 2019 – emissions regulations are responsible for that.

Officially, 0-62mph is delivered in 4.6sec with the 306bhp output and 4.7sec with the 296bhp one. All S3s have four-wheel drive and you can choose between a six-speed manual and a quick-shifting auto' gearbox.

Ride & Handling: Handling is seriously impressive. The S3 eats corners like Garfield devours lasagne and you'll have to be going very fast to make it break a sweat. Grip and composure is so strong, in fact, that you might be left craving a bit more playfulness – the kind you'll get from the likes of the Renault Megane RS.

The steering could be more communicative, but it’s precise and well weighted in normal mode. Ramp it up to dynamic mode, mind you, and it gets a bit too heavy without delivering any more feel.

Adjustable dampers are available – they were optional from new on the Sportback model and standard on the saloon and convertible – but even the standard suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. The ride is firm at low speed, but, seeing as this is a performance car, it’s perfectly acceptable.

Interior & Practicality: The S3's interior is very similar to the regular A3's, that is to say good, with an excellent driving position that is multi-adjustable in the seats and steering wheel. The dashboard is wonderfully minimalist, with an infotainment system that’s controlled by a dial between the seats. It’s easy to navigate and allows you to keep your eyes on the road easily. What controls are left work with a pleasing precision.

Although there are a few areas of hard plastic, they are kept to places you rarely touch. In the areas you interact with the most, the materials look and feel of a high quality – just like the normal A3, actually.

Space up front is plentiful and there’s good space for two – three at a pinch – in the rear. If you want to maximise space (and this goes for the boot, too), you'll want the five-door Sportback model, because the three-door hatch, saloon and convertible are tighter, the latter especially so.

Trims & Equipment: The entry-level S3 gets 18in alloys, a lowered sports suspension, a sporty bodykit, a quad-exhaust system, a Nappa leather upholstery and heated front seats. Black Edition trim adds tinted rear windows, lots of gloss black exterior trim and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Interested in buying a used Audi S3? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You’ll need around £16,000 to buy a decent S3 from 2013 or 2014. Around £2000 more will net you a good 2017 example, mind you. As of writing, late S3s from 2020 will set you back around £25,000.

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MPG: The official fuel consumption figure for the S3 is 40.4mpg, according to the older NEDC tests which were prevalent at the time. That isn’t bad for a heavy-ish four-wheel-drive car of such speed, even if you’re unlikely to achieve that on the public roads.

Road tax: The corresponding CO2 emissions of 162g/km aren't bad either, so owners of cars registered before the road tax changes of April 2017 will pay £240 per year, as of writing. Examples registered after then attract a flat-fee of £180 per year.

Beware if the cost of any extras boosted your S3 over the magic £40,000-mark when it was new, though, because then it would have to pay a supplementary luxury car tax currently £390 per year, for years two to six of the car's life.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance costs should be high but not excessively so, as most S3s sit in group 39.

Servicing is due every two years or 19,000 miles, with Audi main dealers offering a comprehensive service plan for cars three years old and older. This provides an interim service and a main service. From new, many A3s were covered by an Audi Service Plan that could be used to cover the cost of routine servicing for up to five years or 50,000 miles.

Although there’s only the one engine option (disregarding the power increase and subsequent decrease, because it's so minimal,) you can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox, as we touched upon.

You can also choose the body style, as the S3 can be either a three or five-door hatchback, four-door saloon or two-door drop-top convertible. For our money, we’d stick with a five-door hatchback, as it’s slightly larger inside and in the boot, and opt for the automatic gearbox – the manual isn't the slickest we've ever used – for speed and ease of use.

Our favourite Audi S3 2.0 S3 Sportback S Tronic

The Ford Focus ST has fine handling and a great driving position, and on top of that it’s great value for money as a used buy. It’s fun to drive and yet has plenty of room inside for the family. Its steering can fight under hard acceleration, though, and it’s beginning to feel just a little dated in this company.

The Hyundai i30N is a new car here, so there are still relatively few used examples around. However, this is one impressive car, with a responsive engine, great exhaust note, awesome ability on a winding road and it’s well equipped too. It’s not quite as classy all-round as the Audi S3, but runs it pretty close.

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Interested in buying a used Audi S3? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.