Audi S3 | evo REVIEWS

Dan Prosser tests Audi's hot 296bhp S3 hatch on road and track. Can it really match the likes of the BMW M135i and VW Golf R for pure driving thrills?

[@sodoffb]

I've seen more energy and enthusiasm from people reviewing kitchen utensils...

[@Maxximtl]

It's like Dan has had Botox injections for his personality.

[@tvanb]

did you just watch the CES Bluetooth Fork or something?

[@pd4165]

Wooden. I'll save this to watch when I have insomnia.

[@atahanozaydin]

He told us everything we need to know but he is probably a cylon or a terminator. You can see him malfunctioning in 10:27 ( jokes aside he isn't impressed by the car, probably that's the reason )

[@DumpValvesAndDnB]

I agree. I fealt like i was being read the dictionary. As said above, the car probably doesn't help so i'll hold my tongue until he's driving something with a sense of humour. Go watch Bovingdon's speciale video if you need cheering up. Weeeeeeeeeeee!

[@MrSalomondrin]

I'll be this excited when I get married

[@ayrtonatif572]

Lolz mate

[@FreeRsGuides]

Is that when you get your s3 mate?

[@MrSalomondrin]

Drugs Bunny nah! It's adorable and all, just not my cup of tea. :)

[@ayrtonatif572]

Drugs Bunny​ he was referring to the presenter of this vid. Can you not see from the thumbnail of the vid he looks like proper high or about to fall asleep behind the wheel.

[@MrSalomondrin]

Ayrton Atif THANK YOU SIR! :)

[@ag1447]

The S3 is hardly track-focussed so don't see the need to critique it in this way, it's obviously not going to be "fun and engaging" on the track because it is not built for that... And as for the term 'drivers car' and constant referencing to the rear end, not everyone appreciates going sideways, some people appreciate a car that will stay flat and planted through a corner with plenty mechanical grip without the arse end kicking out. Driving is subjective. We're not all car journalists with endless track at our disposal, some of us live in the real world.. Maybe an RS3 would be more relevant to EVO for a track review...

[@Neil2022]

The problem here is this guy is wanting to do stuff on a track that 99.9% of people would never want to do on a road. The negatives that he points out are actually what an average driver (99,9%) would actually want to be safe on the road.

[@lapamful]

I was just thinking the same thing after watching this. It would be nice if you could turn off all the safety stuff I suppose. The BMW 1 series now comes in AWD too. Would be interested to see if it affects the driving dynamics of the 1 series in the same way.

[@ST.DEWYIV]

The Ironman 100%. I'd rather have a very grippy car. It's fun and engaging when you're giving it full beans knowing it won't oversteer wildly!

[@georgemcdougall5355]

Exactly I have facelift S3 and in the real world there’s not much to compete with it perfect daily along with straight line missile performance and looks the part

[@natel5370]

Obd eleven turn off all assists fit 25.7 mm rear arb its like a sti or evo sideways lift off over steer

[@anotherone10]

Audi S3 is very serious, Dan Prosser is very serious - Perfect match.

[@nikb6528]

C'mon Dan, smile just for a split second. You can do it! Let's support him together.

[@Worldsupercars]

Good review, but I don't think it is really relevant to bring the S3 to a track... How many owners will do that? It's a great usable sporty car, not a trackday Ferrari...

[@kyledadswell7835]

I take my s3 to the track all the time

[@larry12345]

as an owner of the s3 reviewed in this video, what he says about the car is spot on. its a very serious car with high stability and precision but you just dont get that connectedness with the machine like you want to. you naturally wear a straight face while you drive it spiritedly

[@TomRopez]

I dont get why everyone wants oversteer so much most people who own an expensive hatch or saloon for that matter wont track it and who wants oversteer on the road. Get over yourselves reviewer. In the REAL world most want stablity and grip. But you keep your m135i and slide off the road.

[@elliotbaldwin545]

Damn right!

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

it is fun did it yesterday with my brothers car dont tell on me #.#

[@Dgannt]

It's not so much the wish for oversteer as it's the wish for less understeer, which is an Audi trade mark. It has got a bit better in resent years but the faulty engine placement is a big problem. In all front engine Audi cars the entire engine is in front of the front axle and despite diffs, torque vectoring and a lot of electronic helps, the cars keep understeering in the corners. It's a revers Porsche 911 situation, but a bit worse. Audi has mentioned they are trying to fix it by trying to move their engines back in the chassis little by little.The older AWD systems kept increasing the understeer as it induced the pushing in a straight line when cornering. It's no wonder most people who start a family and get kids buy an Audi as they are extremely safe (a lot of understeer) and have AWD in almost all of their cars. But if you're interested in driving (and don't see it as transport only) and enjoy a car with a very good balanced chassis and handling, then buy the BMW. There are traction control in all cars these days that will help you in tricky conditions. I've driven a RWD BMW for many years in Sweden with all the snow and ice, without any problems. And you know you can get your BMW as AWD also. But the BMW AWD is more rear bias for their cars to feel more as a RWD car, something Audi has started to use also to get a bit more fan in their cars and also less understeer.

[@TomRopez]

You maoe a good point but how many Audi s/rs buyers are tracking the cars. Weather in the UK is scetchy most of the year and i moved from BMW for the safetty issue and the fact it wouldnt move an inch in the slighest bit of snow. Sure theyre fun but again my point who really wants oversteer apart from track goers. No one is really sliding around on public roads hopefully.

[@Dgannt]

Tom Peary No one oversteers anywhere. It's only in these videos we see this kind of driving. Not even on a track people would drive like that. I think if you got proper winter tires you can manage with most cars, including RWD BMW. If conditions are too bad and you need AWD, then buy a X-drive BMW.

[@brendangunning5156]

This guy has a cheek calling it boring given his presentation style ;-)

[@bampie1]

On the track the BMW is the better car in the real world the Audi leaves the BMW in the dust, you can't drift a car on the road and in the wet just leave the BMW in the garage. Had a S3 15 years ago and it was just fantastic, Add the quality interior and better reliability and the Audi is a no brainer.

[@alexanderyoung8628]

He's just starting out, it would be pretty nerve racking. Keep up the nice work Dan, you're heading in the right direction.

[@lukeh008]

fancy buying a 4 wheel drive and expecting it to drift..stick to bmw's

[@jamiroquai01fan]

All of the points he stated as negatives are actually positives in the real world. How often do you see an F1 car sliding around a corner. Oversteer is slower on a track and is certainly not what you want on the road. The brakes fade on a track but that's under extreme punishment. Also it's not really a track car.

[@1seipai]

I like this review. It's clear, objective and informative. Unlike Catchpole there are no smug, elitist and offensive comments.

[@adzmorris]

Bit harsh! I find Catchpole hilarious and entertaining. Dan is great too and a serious journalist. I like that Evo give us a range of presenting styles.

[@kraenk12]

I can only imagine someone overly serious to have something against Henry. Catchpole is so much more entertaining as expected from a british motor journalist.

[@stewartmurray4658]

In what way is Henry elitist?

[@kraenk12]

Stewart Murray I don't know...maybe he means because he knows his stuff?!

[@AndrejGobec]

I don't want someone this clinical reviewing cars I lust after but will never be able to buy!

[@andrepol6568]

Your negatives are positives for me. I am scared that I lose my grip in corners and crash.... I want a everyday car that has some extra kick to it, not a drifting machine???

[@Chris-qb4xh]

Am looking at this or the Focus RS mk3 and 2. The RS interior put me off but I haven't yet test driven the RS's. The mk2 is loads cheaper at £22k compared to the Audi S3 and the Focus RS mk3. Should I look more into getting an S3 or should I look into the RS or even the mk2 RS?

[@1995ALSTOM]

hi Does anyone know why the s3 has a boost gauge what is it for and why does it need to be displayed to the driver surely the car ecu controls boost

[@Kaipeternicolas]

Great review! Like that he is straight to the point and not jerking around with fake enthusiasm for the car or anything like that. If the car isn't that exciting, why fake it?

[@nathanielrosa1]

I really like this guy! Excellent review, thanks!

[@ABDsang]

I like this Dan Prosser guy. he seems to give you the information that you want. or at least i find him to be as such.

[@dln.sweeney]

I for one, like Dan's straight ahead approach. I'd much rather see this compared to feigned enthusiasm.

[@spdcrzy]

what's with the red frames? in between transitions?

[@RussellRobinson77]

bad cuts? I noticed too. your not going crazy

[@spdcrzy]

Russell Robinson good lol I thought my comp was spazzing or something?

[@beracinq]

Sai Namuduri Maybe it´s just a hidden ad from Coca Cola? You never know...

[@diegowerbrouck3014]

***** My initial thoughts exactly. :-p

[@caoYB]

+1......

[@krzych91krk]

I like the serious and informative approach. If you want to have a laugh during a lazy afternoon - go watch Top Gear, for instance. Mr Prosser's style fits the purpose of the review. The video left me with a feeling that the reviewer took the car and focused on comparing it to class rivals in key aspects, instead of repeating what others say, or what the Audi PR says about the car. I'm looking forward to seeing more content like this!

[@alexandrefernandes9233]

I like it! Very quick and efficient!

[@king0vdarkness]

what are your thoughts of this vs s1?

[@niltonl2640]

Best to leave in WHAT mode?

[@arnomaas6452]

nice presentation without any BS !

[@paulhenricksen5728]

I just bought a new S3, almost identical to this one he's driving. I'm from Scotland so the last thing I need is oversteer. It's still fun to drive but any more fun and I'd be in the heather. I would like to see more enthusiasm even if he hates the car, which he is entitled to do of course.

[@kevinukuk]

I've had this car for two months. Forget sliding into corners on your daily commute and enjoy the B&O sound system instead. Also spend the £750 on the super sports seats which do hug you nicely. Also kinda ironic that 'this' guy wasn't excited by this car? Zzzzzz

[@minityper]

Not an Audi fan but it looks really composed on that b-road.

[@LancelotMooreYorke]

this wont be coming to america will it?

[@kylehargy2749]

I hate it when car reviewers put audis down because they aren't that engaging on track when actually they are meant for the road.

[@cristianpop1639]

As a daily driver this car seems to be very good. For me it doesn't need to be perfect on the track.

[@gullyrounere]

Good reviewer..I too am tired of the over enthusiastic clownish nature of some journos..the wooping and wailing at being able to drift..sometimes you just wanna know the facts..this guy delivers them without allowing his ego to bias the verdict; which is helpful if you REALLY intend on buying some of the cars reviewed.

[@ProZackBoy]

Audi market their performance line as "Quattro", but it's pretty clear that transverse-engine Quattro is just front-wheel drive with a little push from the rear.

[@victhaking3158]

thats why the presenter is in a huff he cant get the arse end to slide under power in the corners, think it only 50% of the power to the rear wheels?

[@ProZackBoy]

Vic Thaking S3 is transverse, transverse is Haldex and (at least in VAG cars) Haldex is front-wheel based and sends power to the rears when the fronts start to slip.

[@nikb6528]

Well pushing from the front is more entertaining and exciting than from the rear, if you know what I mean.

[@ProZackBoy]

EricPisch I stand corrected on the performance line comment, totally forgot about RS Audis. I think that all Haldex-equipped Lamborghini's are mid-engine, essentially making them the equivalent of a front-engine Torsen-equipped car: power mainly goes to the rear "closer" wheels and the rest to the front "further" wheels. If the new S3 had been mid-engine then using Haldex would send most of the power to the closest axle (rear) and the rest to the front axle. Agree?

[@v_alexiadis]

That's a beautiful colour!

[@TSracer1]

Good and informative review.

[@anjoLas]

awesome review, i like this guy

[@jamesj97370]

Drove this and an S1 back to back and the S1 cleans up after this after this every day 👍 if u don't need the space, have an S1.

[@RussyG32]

I like these clinical informative reviews, If i want to watch a funny clown with jokes, I'd watch Top Gear. Keep up the good work chap!

[@sahil_55]

I test drove the s3 two days ago. If you lock it into manual mode it doesn't change up automatically (unless you are sitting at the rev limiter, which you shouldn't be doing anyway). This is what annoys me about most reviewers. They either don't understand the technology fully or they only give half the information.

[@Acanders1980]

Is it better than the new Golf R? Would you buy it over the VW?

[@RookieRay]

this should be marketed as a "TRACK review"

[@vivalaphill]

who takes an S3 to a track? just review cars where they should be used. its a fast safe car for the average hobby driver driving a bit faster on the street.

[@greyyoutube]

M135i, Golf R, S3, what about the A45 AMG?

[@Rahhhhhnman]

Excellent review, concise, accurate, and no BS.

[@Jubbbbb]

Y'all are rude as hell. This guy is an excellent reviewer. Informative, objective, and easy to listen to (unlike the terrible guy on XCAR whose weird, breathy, disjointed narration makes me cringe)

[@rqkeating]

Lots of really good information presented in a clear and straight forward manner without the typical cliches of many internet driving shows. Good stuff. Too bad the car isn't that good.

[@ethicalelectricalgroupltd3153]

But which is better..Golf R or Audi S3?

[@TheAegisClaw]

This guy is what I need to help with my insomnia

[@jamesramsden8119]

This is an unfair review. The car isn't aimed at the same market as the R or the likes or the megane sports, seats etc. This is more for the more relaxed type driver who also like to have a capable car not a all out drift machine! The audi does whats asked of it very well, that's to be fast, spacious, safe, quality, and fairly economical for 300bhp. If you want to drift buy a 200sx! If you want a classy, quick and safe handling quality piece of kit really you can't go far wrong.

[@ianb1042]

Agreed - I've had one from new for the last three months and your spot on. I want everyday useability and the safety factor that I can put my missus in a 300Bhp car and know shes not going to end up facing the wrong way the minute it rains a bit!

[@rhyssprules671]

however it is in the same price point...

[@ianb1042]

rhys sprules They are also chalk and cheese, the R is a less refined and probably more 'sporty'... I spent almost £40k on my S3 and its a completely different beast to the R... My boss has an R and side by side the R is just 'cheaper', both in look and feel.. So whilst with no options they are only a couple of grand apart, once you add a bit, the Audi is in a different league.

[@Trendyflute]

I like Prosser's style thus far. Yes it's pretty restrained, but it's generally informative and he has a precision with his language that I appreciate. So many other reviewers think they need to be super artistic and flamboyant about the whole thing, but informational is good. As to his points about the car, better brakes is a pad and fluid change away. A more dynamic rear axle under power is a haldex control unit reprogramming away. And while he mentioned the everyday usability of the fast Audi, he didn't touch on cabin space or luggage room in this review, even briefly...just brittle ride quality at lower speeds. Still find it interesting he recommends the Golf R over this considering they are mechanical twins.

[@Jedi_Order81]

Man the S3 sure looks good in the 3 door version. Too bad that and the manual trans. isn't an option for Canada.

[@derbigpr500]

Audi's were never tuned for a track, but always for the road.

[@Sleepy.Time.]

good review

[@jr800w]

I have to admit, a very detailed review and good long 11 mins. But reviewers need to get over this drifting thing with all wheel drives.

[@tjfSIM]

Why is Chris Martin doing motoring reviews?

[@NorfolkN]

Cannot fathom how this sloth-like performance is what evo are looking for in a presenter

[@CleaningMyGun]

How about a Head-to-Head with the Subaru WRX STI?

[@natel5370]

Fit a bigger rear arb to bring the rear into play it’s simple best mod in an MQB

[@reubengoh7728]

I don't get the hate the reviewer is getting; he's giving a LOT of information and feedback, you understand completely what the car must be like to drive.

[@erixerix113]

Random red frames?

[@robbylebotha]

Subliminal manipulation mate

[@ametti000]

Ooops, I seem to have stumbled across a What Car review... I'll search again for EVO.

[@stuartcalder806]

I used to own the previous model S3 and sold it after a year - so disappointing. I drove the mark 7 Golf R at the Bedford track in the summer and it was fantastic! Alive and reactive. Enormous fun on UK back roads, and with very good ride comfort. Very,very different to what you see on this S3 video. Not surprisingly I now own one and every day I look for excuses to drive it…

[@TheOrangep7]

My god I'm sure he must be related to Steve Davis(sorry steve). I think it's the only time I've ever fallen asleep three times in 11:14mins watching this guy.

[@seatrader8404]

Any big differences between Audi S3 and Golf R?

[@Scottixi]

Audi has nicer interior especially the newer model with the virtual cockpit but supposedly the Golf R is a bit more lively at the rear end.

[@lapamful]

Chassis, aero, weight, suspension? Could be why there's such a big difference.

[@jijdom]

giulio frangini the Golf has a much nicer interior with the piano black and the big sat nav discovery pro. i have been in a lot of hatchbacks and Golf has probably the nicest and best interior. the audi s3 on the other hand is too similer to the older audis from 2005. it only got upgraded not completely changed....

[@Scottixi]

Ive owned both golf gtd and now an audi s3 and I can safely say the Audi is much nicer. Also the audi is completely different from previous gen s3 and has been fully revamped

[@ilovelimpfries]

domo arigato for the reviewo mr roboto.

[@GabrielBrumaru]

Smile dude you are driving a fun car!

[@tan9640]

Cant wait for the rs3

[@tagerung90]

I don't think needs more power I'd put a 70/30 power diff between front and back like the r8

[@jonathanclarkewater]

This guy does an excellent review here. I now have a great idea of what the car is like to drive. Please could he do some more reviews please?

[@Rei_n1]

Not a fun car? Fine. Got it. Can we make the review more fun and ask for some adjustability in the voice, more emotions ;) ...and variety in camera angles (like in the evo magazine)

[@djteknovibe93]

I absolutely love the S3 but I was very dissapointed to find out that the shift paddles don't respond sometimes unless you pull them twice and that the gearbox will upshift on it's own when you wanna stick with the same gear you're in. That for me ruins the S3 and would drive me insane, i've always wanted an S3 but now I don't, i'd rather have a TTS.

[@lukeh008]

+DJ Teknovibe put it in manual and it'll do what you want. Shit review...

[@djteknovibe93]

You mean manual with the paddle shift? I'd like a full manual one.

[@elastictangent]

+luke herdman It won't. I've got the same box and it won't change down if it feels like your going to hit the limiter and it'll auto change up before you hit the limiter. The last one can be annoying as you sometimes pull the paddle just before the limiter and the car throws a change in as well taking you up two gears instead of 1.

[@HariboAdvent]

i love evos videos, watch them all the time! but this time the only thing i seem to hear is "its not possible to play with the rear axle" i got that that the first time he said that.. no need to repeat antothrt 30 times… regards from germany

[@ronstarm3]

I swear at 10:28 he smiles. I might be wrong due to having my eyes closed throughout that whole video!! Also did he say the suspension was passive, think I missed it the first time!! :)

[@applebitefool]

Good review, I for one appreciate a man who doesnt giggle like a little girl for the camera.

[@crazzy88ss]

Is he awake? Or is the S3 that boring?

[@_chipchip]

Well it is an Audi so.....

[@neiapomodori2]

You are not funny so STFU idiot...

[@wzae234]

Why not talk about the A45amg as an other competitor?

[@Francoberry]

he seems perfectly fine to me - how can you get super excited by a pretty boring car? keep at it, i liked this video

[@TheRandomtechreview]

bloody hell the suspension must be stiff as fk.... his body is bobbing about when driving the car lol

[@MadMax-zn5it]

Serious dude :))

[@bismarchiavelli]

This guy has the personality of the Stig.

[@sugarsaint]

yet another jurno finds out to his horror that Audi doesn't build tail happy death traps. Well i NEVER.

[@melmossalvage8944]

Yeah, the car will just understeer into a tree

[@sugarsaint]

@@melmossalvage8944 because Audi's do that everyday all day all over the world right? You aimless TOOL

[@melmossalvage8944]

@@sugarsaint arrr you are so so sensitive. Maybe if you found a partner male or female to play with instead of a car you wouldn't get so upset and offended about what is a fact about a FWD bias car

[@sugarsaint]

@@melmossalvage8944 it's your lack of facts thats so disturbing tool

[@melmossalvage8944]

@@sugarsaint i own a MQB 8V

[@OkulSmoK]

I must say I quite fancy this serious review. Its very thorough, informative and I because I find this Audi dull and boring (apart from the exceptional interior) its also telling something about the car as a whole.

[@gb_291]

Stick another 60 horses under the bonnet gives some figures like the RS model A3 / S3 / RS3 this gen RS3 will be good

[@sneak916]

The thumbnail made me think it was Pau Gasol reviewing a car

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Now I remember why I switched off half way through. The reviewer asks "does it reward?" Of course it does. But not in the way you want as some form of track day enthusiast. If you want bucket loads of quality, power on tap, comfort and a nice warm feel of ownership that is a million miles from the track day 30 somethings (said the old git) that this reviewer seems to be aiming for. I'll leave you to read the other commenters views on his enthusiasm and personability. But just watch it and see if you can see him smile... If you are the reviewer and you are reading this may I suggest you lighten up and put some of your own humour (I'm referencing Mat Watson he of Car Wow...) into your presentation. Honestly you will engage far more with us, the grumpy British (other nations are available on request) public.

[@tnetroP]

Reviewer takes a warm family hatchback on track and is surprised it isn't a track car. Well obviously!

[@1nt123]

soooo, Golf R is better?

[@HEKTIC458]

3 door!!

[@spagboldave]

Worthy of evo?

[@jonny5777]

"Bring our fun to an end" God I'd hate to see this guy when he's not having 'fun'!

[@zhemin]

Wheres the old Evo guy >.>

[@harryc266]

I'd be happy with the fucking entry level a3 !

[@king0vdarkness]

I would never want to "provoke the rear axle" on a small country road, on an empty track perhaps (If I had a few years experience on track days maybe I'd think differently)

[@letsavittvbirminghamuk9688]

After the 8p they soften them made them tame I'll keep my 8p

[@masmouta1994]

he made a laugh at 10:25 xDD nahhh, joking, too serious, but nice review

[@Meta99ica]

When I read stuff like 'can a Audi S3 match the Golf R for pure driving thrills?' I start to wonder. Is this really an Evo review I'm watching? :) It's the exact same car with the exact same engine, powertrain and gearbox :)

[@Neil2022]

How many people who buy these cars "hustle" the fuggers around a circuit??????What utter bollocks.