2022 Audi S3 Review | A better buy than the RS3?

Sized right and packing plenty of power, the 2022 Audi S3 checks all the boxes.
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Mark Takahashi joins the CarGurus crew to drive and evaluate the 2022 Audi S3. Mark knows a thing or two about small, fun Audis--he owned a first-generation A4. The A4 (like other cars) has gotten a lot bigger over the years, meaning something like the S3 is now the car of choice for drivers looking for big performance on a small footprint. Join Mark as he tests this S3 on Southern California's canyon roads.
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For more information on the 2022 Audi S3, ready our full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/Rzbcd
Presenter: Mark Takahashi
Cinematography: Phil Shuyler
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#Audi #S3 #AudiReview

[@razter6678]

News flash, RS3 is going to be a LOT more than 2k over this car. S3's tend to run around 50k. RS3's will generally run you around 70-75k.

[@rshincols]

Just ordered mine and it ended up $57,000

[@brianbenfield111]

Now 3 months into my first 2022 Audi S3 Hatchback. Your review is spot on. I've seen evey review from around the world especially waiting for 10 months for the car. This is the best balanced review I've seen. The car is special fast and understated. A perfect daily and I'm a very happy with my purchase and would recommend to anyone.

[@Jonathan-kraai]

your comment could be mine in 2 months. i ordered in january and just got called by the dealer that i can pick it up next month. also i have seen nearly evey review out there. sooo looking forward

[@brianbenfield111]

@@Jonathan-kraai you won't be disappointed. It's well worth the wait. Enjoy

[@benoit.b9337]

Really good review, loved the focus on usability. Welcome Mark!

[@marktakahashi4937]

Thanks!

[@MrDruid47]

Loved your review. Stellar work !

[@mikelobb8849]

Great review!

[@tapper701]

2022 Audi S3 understated look, both exterior & interior = looks good ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@johnforbes4795]

I recently purchased the 2023 Audi S3 Premium Plus, outfitted pretty how you recommended (adaptive suspension, beautiful Napa leather seats, S Sport package, Black Optic package, Sport exhaust package and a few other smaller things). I had originally intended to buy a 2024 VW Golf R to replace my 2016 Golf R, but the crazy dealer markups over MSRP versus the loaded Audi S3 with a year-end discount brought it within $2000 of the 2024 Golf R MSRP. I thought briefly about moving up to a 2024 Audi RS3, but to get it comparably equipped was another $15,000 or so, and dealers are marking them up from their. (I might have taken on the RS3 when I was younger, but all said and done, the Audi S3 looks great (mine in Daytona Grey), has plenty of speed and charisma, with a much nicer interior than my 2016 Golf R or even the 2024 Golf R. Now, if I could just get my wife to drive her 2020 VW Tiguan instead of regularly asking for the keys to the Audi S3. 🙂

[@Jizzin10]

8Y RS3 is a great cruiser and daily driver, no sacrifice in comfort there. I’ve had mine for about a month and a half and have 2500 miles on it already. I drive it everywhere

[@markmulder996]

Picking mine up in 2 days, can't wait!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Like your suggestions.

[@pokerfred68]

Loved my 2017 S3…would consider this, but the RS3 is the pinnacle for 65k as I specked it.

[@Republic1ders]

The S3 really is a great car for someone who likes to enjoy a sporty drive without being overbearing and screaming. Love my 17

[@android175]

Correction on the engine, its actually an update on the old engine. Old S3 used the EA888 Gen3. This one uses the EA888 Evo4.

[@russellfleming6513]

Just go for the RS3. The 5 cylinder 2.5 engine with 400 bhp is amazing .

[@TheRidersChoice]

At 45k new, the S3 could be compelling. But optioned decently it’s going to be more in the low 50s. And then you might as well get an RS3 if you’re that close to that price which will probably be a future classic.

[@bb57365]

Swiss Army Knife. Love this car.

[@ricky3506]

What’s your favorite small car? Great review as always

[@marktakahashi4937]

This is for now! Before this, it was the M2 and Lotus Elise

[@ricky3506]

@@marktakahashi4937 yeah small light powerful cars are the best

[@chrisg3780]

Wondering about reliability, particularly related to transmission issues.

[@ForkInTheButt]

The engine has some time now with audi and VW and it uses the wet clutch dsg which has proven its reliability. The dry clutch its another story.

[@rlgwoody8966]

Did Mark leave Edmunds? He’s one of my favorite mobility journalists. How about a sports car collab with Mr. Wardlaw?

[@marktakahashi4937]

I left at the end of April and am trying to make it as a freelancer. Chris is a good guy and I’m down to try anything! Thanks for watching!

[@esckms]

i would go for the rs3

[@Jacobk66]

I nearly bought a S3 but it was equipped like this one. nearly $60k! I bought a 2018 new for $42k and a loaded 2019 S4 for $52k. Sure they were heavily discounted but that’s just a steep price.

[@dg7438]

You bought 2 cars worth over 100k, but complained at a 60k price?

[@danbernstein4694]

The sound of the RS3 5 cylinder alone is worth the extra cost. And keep the radio off!

[@MemeMarketCap]

S3 and scat pack are the best cars you can get for the price

[@AlvinUT2001]

Feels like an Edmunds car review.

[@marktakahashi4937]

LOL

[@bb57365]

Ventilated seats and heated wheel should be included with a car in the 60k range.

[@jenkins85281]

Sounds good but I would go with the RS3.

[@Mr99Burns]

Why not just go with a Ferrari

[@jenkins85281]

@@Mr99Burns Just not into looking extremely flashy.

[@mfmf100]

The S3 is great, but it has a big problem - the RS3. They’re way too close in price and if you can afford one you can afford (and should get) the other.

[@myemailiscool]

the issue there is that RS3 is super limited production and you need to find a dealer not slapping $15k markup on it, the S3 is more attainable which factors in a little.

[@Retributionify]

@@myemailiscool yeah and you basically have to order it from the factory and theres a HUGE wait time for them atm... like literally a year or more out

[@KK-yn3pp]

@@Retributionify I guess I lucked out. Ordered a 2022 RS3 last month (will be upgrade to 2023 automatically), ETA is 6 months, no markup.

[@aycemanm8151]

Here in California getting an RS3 without markup or a very long wait time is a pipe dream. I ordered an S3 at MSRP in January and it just got built. With a tune this care will be a true sleeper. But just like Golf R's (dealers will gladly sell you a GTI), RS3's are not going to be easily attainable.

[@myemailiscool]

@@aycemanm8151 i test drove a '22 S3 and tbh it was great, that car will be a ton of fun and a better daily driver than an RS3 for more normal driving duties. It's a compromise sure, but in the grand scheme the new S3 is still really great in all aspects.

[@kevinchung1492]

Shouldn't this compare to 2 series grand coupe instead if the coupe which the S3 is much better?

[@marktakahashi4937]

It’s based on a Mini platform and isn’t quite as taut as the new 2 series coupe. In terms of sedan vs. coupe, yes, you’re right, but I wouldn’t cross-shop ‘em

[@colesloan4945]

How about all electric in S4 Sedan Audi

[@heartbreakkyle273]

anyone: fully loaded 2022 Audi S3 or 2022 Genesis G70!?!?!? (Theyre the same price) can't get rs3 in canada

[@maxpowder700]

Poor Canadans 😂

[@bb57365]

In reality the rs3 is going to cost a lot more. Like 20k more.

[@JI_453]

that interior is not going to age well