1st Drive New Audi S3, is it worth £47k....? 2024 Hot Hatch.

[@steerj07]

Not sure if I'm just getting grumpy in my old age but its just another soulless box to my eye.

[@kdm_entertainment]

Ditto

[@ahorton6786]

Agree, where's the flair, its like a computer did the design, to the human eye it's just another euro blob. If Audi concentrated as much on design as the fairy lights they seem to be obsessed with it'd be better.

[@s.-8406]

Exactly the same car again, Golf R, Audi S3, 4 cylinder w/ DSG has been the same for 10+ years.

[@larrylong9367]

Yep, Too bad, the Audi S3, looks like my mother's station wagon of yester-year

[@beatles4sale2007]

£47K is nuts, but if you walked into any showroom of the German big 3 with £30K, you’d just about (with haggling) get a new base A class / 1 series / a3 and some change. And they aren’t as premium as they used to be…..good review Joe, keep up the good work!!

[@thelastemperor3704]

Totally agree regading the quality these days. I had a Merc C class rental car recently, absolute garbage materials and build quality. I also went to look at a BMW M240i and can't believe the materials used on part of the door cards, it is like something you'd find on a budget car and they're using the same material on the new M2 aswell. The things that used to make German premium cars stand out have been eroded.

[@deshapedttv1033]

I bought a C43 AMG sedan with full spec in grey matte with 3 year warranty that covers almost everything with about 40.000 km down for about 53.000€ which already was expensive bc I bought it directly from a dealership in that exact spec. You could get that car around 45K with a bit more extras, and that Audi looks so stupidly expensive compared to that. Even used RS3 facelift is about 60K

[@Idk910]

The RS3 fits perfectly in its $60k-70k MSRP price bracket of high-performance cars. The S3 however, is priced about $10k too high. 333hp and a 0-60mph of 4.7 seconds out of a $50,000 4-cylinder Euro-peanut is not proportionate in the US/Canadian market. A 2024 Mustang GT in the US starts at $40k (31.5k GBP) and comes with a high-revving 5.0L V8 and 480hp... and you're still left with $10k on the table to load the mustang with options or invest in a supercharger kit warrantied by Ford. I currently have a '21 RS3 8Y sedan in Kyalami Green, love the car, and want to upgrade to the '25 refreshed RS3 unless Audi puts the MSRP over $70k. Once Audi charges above $70k I might as well just move to the G87 M2 Comp xDrive coming the end of this year with an S58 inside it.

[@Shawshank00]

RS3 used to be 40k. Now you can't even get a 4 pot S3 with plasticky interior for that. Madness. The car world has gone potty.

[@ifyouarefeelingsinister]

RS3s were just over 40k in 2016 which is just under 53k in today’s money, accounting for inflation. Even so that still makes this seem pretty expensive

[@Ernie703]

I bought a 2 year old rs3 for 32k in 2018. Felt expensive at the time but looking back I reckon I got good value

[@ahorton6786]

100% agree, crazy.

[@milinddixit6583]

​@@Ernie703 Hold onto that one if you can, I think it'll start to appreciate in value in the coming years.

[@AdhirSingh_SA_1995]

​​​@@milinddixit6583 with that engine, most probably. I do also think (opinion) that the cars to watch for value gains in this sort of price range is the Mk3 TTRS, and the Mk3 TT Roadster Final edition, if you're from the US (TTRS Heritage as well, but less so). Could be wrong with the last one but it just looks amazing, and I don't like convertibles to begin with.

[@teikarate]

Just picked up my brand new S3 today. Absolutely love it. Should i have waited for the 333bhp version? Maybe, but the Audi dealership knocked about 4,000 off. Highly recommend checking out offers with Audi now as they will be trying to clear out their stock before the new model comes in.

[@gw7624]

Absolutely nuts charging M240i money for this. They should be positioning this against the M135i.

[@HaruHaruman]

and even so, I'd get M135i over this anyday

[@Chris-hy6jy]

The price for the M240i is way too high too.

[@HaruHaruman]

@Chris-hy6jy M240i is a wonderful machine though, its B58 engine is phenomenal whereas the Audi S3 is just boring and way overpriced.

[@Chris-hy6jy]

@@HaruHaruman having owned a 140i for quite a while I agree, the B58 is great. New car prices are too high though. People need to not buy unless good discounts are offered.

[@ResevoirGod]

@@HaruHarumanThat would be a silly thing to do

[@johngoodwin1710]

I didn’t want to like the S3 but I do. It’s understated performance in a quality package.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Thats an S3? Looks more like a regular A3.

[@doublefault8850]

Configure both cars and compare . Not as boring as you think .

[@R8andGT3Fan]

I agree with you on the front-end updates, and I just noticed the new "S" badge on the rear! Total mistake, especially when they use the traditional badge on the seats and other places. The rear bumper looks worse than the pre-facelift model too. Performance-wise, very nice upgrade as far as I can see in this great review. 😃

[@UCZ15]

If you don't need backseats, you should be shopping Porsche Approved Used with that budget and looking for a Cayman. If you want a hatchback which doesn't have a bone shattering ride or isn't insanely noisy - this is probably it I guess. BMW M140i slightly cheaper? Who knows. Hatchbacks are too expensive now.

[@hxndley2131]

Can pick up a decent untouched 140 for about 20/25k nowadays so i know which id choose, or even an 8V S3, they’re about the same price

[@neillgowans4350]

Cayman is a great option until it needs servicing and repairs.

[@BobK5]

I test drove a Cayman and hated it, noisy old tech engine, unrefined suspension, gearbox not as good as a GTi, I was very disappointed and won’t be going Porsche or BMW

[@hayk903]

That steering wheel has been in use since 2016. Thought they would’ve updated that at least in the facelift!

[@R03333]

The new "S3" badge styling on the back looks so eBay spec I had to pause the video to check I wasnt seeing things. How have they managed to mess that up?

[@larrylong9367]

For authenticity, I really like this guy. Too bad, the Audi S3, looks like my mother's station wagon of yester-year

[@kofib3]

As for the four rings on, this, its like someone nicked the chrome badging from it..

[@geronimooo260]

Odd that in the UK the S3 and the Golf R are close in price. On the « continent », there’s a 10K euros difference starting price (fully loaded Golf R vs non optioned S3)

[@MrQuashu]

No, no, nope. First of all interior quality is still terrible and for this price i would rather buy used rs3. Lets wait for new BMW 1.

[@TheEryk03]

That's big improvement in driving dynamics.

[@monkeymanprophecy]

Shocked to see the number of subscribers you have….Man, you deserve way more. Thanks for the content and please keep it up.

[@LA-st6dq]

3 Things that still keep me away from even considering the A3/S3/RS3 1. The lack of quality especially (e.g. door panels are hard plastic) compared to the competition A-Class and 1-Series/2-Series GC. 2. the rear of the center armrest exposing that ridiculous drum/barrel, overall poor design. 3. Doesn't have a proper automatic shifter from the e.g. A4. Though, few things they upgraded the cup holders now have proper design with seperated sections and lighting. However, the positioning is still awful. Overall, offerings more amebient lighting known from the upper classes. Personally, just go with the A4+ or the 2 Series Gran Coupe you get so much more.

[@frankcouper9377]

£47k WTF 😂

[@PeterSothern]

Rs3 money

[@geronimooo260]

@@PeterSotherna brand new RS3 is a lot more expensive man !

[@xu10j4rs1]

Totally inline with the market. Have you been under a rock for four years? 😂

[@gregs8685]

The rear looks great, the front is not good.

[@davetomley3145]

Great video. Will be really interesting to see your back to back. £55k for one specced like you would really want is steep, especially when it still only comes with a piddly warranty.

[@simonbird785]

Still take an S3 saloon 8v model

[@DavidCarterVideos]

For a £47K car, that plastic front grille looks horribly cheap and tacky. Nowhere near as good as the previous version.

[@RANDA11FLAGG]

Looks cheap cost lots . I’ll keep my 17 scirocco r . Get loads of appreciation comments about it and it’s only got 29000 miles on it . 47000 lol

[@chroniccrypto75]

Prefer my old 8V S3 interior is more refined.

[@Chris-yg3nj]

For £50k you can get a G82 M4 2021+ on the used market. What a farce this new car pricing has become...

[@steveowen9740]

Another great video Joe ,does it still sound like a 5 cylinder in any of those dynamic modes inside the car?

[@edward92128]

Am I wrong in thinking that the mk8 Golf R has always had the diff that they’ve subsequently put in this? I think that was the main reason to buy that over the S3 previously. As I say, I might be wrong though! Nice video as always, Joe 😊

[@davidbatty2416]

correct, the mk 8 golf R has always had the same diff as the RS3 while the S3 retained the previous diff

[@celticfan67]

I’ll wait for the new RS3 and hope they drastically improve the front end otherwise I’ll stick with my old Polo

[@kenrossaukrsa]

Once you have driven an Audi A3 , you can’t downgrade to any VW, you will always feel short changed

[@motlatsikhomari7254]

You'd have to be be a heavy Audi fanboy to buy this over m340i for 47k

[@adwinadwin100]

M240i list price is £48k...no brainer.

[@KTMLOL10]

Those that are willing to spend that on a car like this would probs splash the extra for the RS3 and those that want the S3 but not for this price could always look at the A3 S Line. Feels a bit disappointing

[@AxelBitz]

Used to look a lot sportier and aggressive, now looks very conventional and boring. VW keeps shtng on their costumers.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Used to be dull as dishwater to drive, on a completely different level nowadays

[@Nades_]

The previous gen S3 (2017 facelift) was one of my favourite looking cars ever, love the interior too. This is awful compared to it. It’s to busy looking, the previous one looked sporty but in a nice classy way. Such a shame.

[@pulixpulix2420]

Great review, as always, well documented and concise. My only issue is with the car itself. Why would I buy this one over the RS3? I will add a couple of thousands and that's that! Why go for number 2? Anyway ... that's my opinion, I'm sure there are people who say that a couple of thousands on a 47K car mean something. How much ia the RS3 .... 55K with all the discounts, blah blah?

[@adamg6849]

also - its base is 48k and it comes stripped basically. Equipped equally to Golf R its pushing 60K.

[@haughey2011]

If I see anyone in this car and paying 47 I’ll just 😂

[@johnl.38]

wish we got this in the US but we only have the golf R and VW dealers are horrible

[@rebel1052k]

Yessss, the video I was waiting for! Planning to order one of these when the books are open on 15th May.

[@HiiiPow3r]

What is the application used to measure the 0-60 miles / hr?

[@eddyjohnson1096]

Still prefer the 2016-2020 models

[@REDOUTE94]

Seat Léon with audi badge

[@Da-Real-Cookie-Monster]

It's got that mercedes esque slightly bloated from being dead for 3 days fish look to it.

[@producermathew]

Can anyone explain how does one buy a new entry level BMW or Audi without needing to earn £100k per year? What the hell is wrong with the car market...

[@MrTomik777]

Where is an S3 badge from the front?

[@mrlv8126]

I would have a BMW over an Audi product now…..

[@ells-aviation]

Rather have a 2018 s3

[@GBFeb72]

I’ll eagerly await the new BMW135…

[@davc73]

It's so dull. Like the 8V generation, the pre-facelift is the better looking car IMHO Nice to see Audi has finally fitted the magna rear diff from the RS. The MK8 Golf R would be my choice between the two.

[@DeanoEV135]

Hi Joe - How does it compare to the M135i xDrive?

[@coops111s]

The Audi UK choice of spec will be dreadful, I was about to buy a red one and just before signing the contract Audi said we’ve pulled red, why why why I was pissed and walked out

[@thesockdoctorr]

Specced a new one out… £52k, absolute insanity are they actually selling cars at these prices?

[@f.b.i6660]

a million other cars you could buy for 47k 😂 cpo m340 looking at around 44k

[@6820berlin]

M340 is like 70k

[@f.b.i6660]

@@6820berlin Certified pre owned models specifically 22s going for about 44k mate

[@f.b.i6660]

@@6820berlinmate a cpo 22 is about 44k pretty well optioned

[@shanyebyt4899]

Never is an m340 44k, bloody wish it was

[@juvenil6969]

Joe, where are those boots from?

[@MikeSkelch-nh1no]

£47k! I'll stick with my mk1(8L) S3. Car prices have gone crazy

[@Shumitu]

It is quite a shame that if you want to have heated seats you need to choose a package with third AC zone. With prelift it was a separate option.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Uk heated seats are standard.

[@Shumitu]

@@JohnGuidetti751 lucky you! In Poland seems that you need to get the most expensive comfort package which has 3rd AC zone and heated seats. Before facelift It was a separate option here.

[@tigerbalm666]

Front looks like a Hyundai...

[@wolfqlf2287]

Would this akrapovic exhaust fit in the older 8y s3 from 2021?

[@egekaratayli5855]

Most probably yes, you'd just need to do it at a garage but would cost about 5k for an identical one

[@davidwebb5811]

Great video. Mad price !,

[@witton6475]

A decent car and with internet brokers, should easily get £2.5 - 3.5k off that list price and at that price point it’s a good buy.

[@robru]

This or a Civic Type R? Both are similar money

[@Peekfit]

Cool jacket

[@colors6692]

An S3 as a company car...yeah right🤣🤣

[@paddycoleman1472]

Owned Audis for decades. They used to be excellent cars with sharp design and class leading quality and aesthetics. Sadly Audi is a shadow of its former self with interior design/quality at an all time low. Prices are insane and the cars simply no longer justify such a premium. The penny pinching on new Audi’s is terrible and reminds me of Rover’s Project Drive. I guess all those dieselgate fines have to be paid for…

[@francescosaia4475]

M140i is thé King!

[@Alexatorr]

If you want an audi hatch, simply buy a used rs3, much better product

[@veselingramatikov]

I find the old a5 best looiking audi so far. The new one is not bad but...its boring compared to old one.

[@jackdanielsamarreto]

At least Audi hasn’t gone electric mad there still making petroleum and diesel 👍👍👍

[@jayasea4027]

Id never pay 50k plus for something that looks so bog standard

[@smyffmawzz]

Thought it was a Golf ! Ooooops

[@ImFromDenmark1980]

ill pick the new Cupra Leon over the new Audi s3

[@bst857]

The exhaust seems so pointless... £4k? That puts the price of the car at £51k, so close to RS3 money (about £54k with sports exhaust) that you'd have to be mad to do it. Also its just a plain rip off, its £4k for a BACKBOX, and you're forgoing the OE backbox, so if the OE backbox costs £1k..? Then it means the Acrapobitch costs £5k. Whats so damn special about it, seriously? I remember buying a nice sounding backbox years ago for £30, it was stainless steel with nice welds, and it really did sound nice, sure it probably could have been better, but idk, it just seems like such a con. On a car which is lets be honest, never going to sound that good, certainly not when its put against the RS3 or BMW 6 cylinder cars. Audi have this habit of messing up the finer details, rendering things pointless or stupid. Why are they even bothering with an aftermarket exhaust anyway? Why does the RS3 have a £1k option for a sports exhaust, but the S3 is £4k? Makes no sense. I blame the popularity of finance deals - they've realised they can get away with charging crazy prices, because people have got used to just closing their eyes and signing on the dotted line, and just worry about it later.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Doesn't even look like an s3 I rather pick the previous gen 8v or rs3 8v for that money

[@WhatDooYouThinK]

These prices are getting out of hand

[@matias7566]

Yup... this car will cost around £60k in Finland

[@Birmingham_racing]

You mean out of pocket?

[@MCorrigan]

Then people need to stop buying them, simple. In my opinion it's only mugs who buy this junk.

[@valerystoichkov7429]

​@@MCorrigangood for europes economy if people buy these cars.

[@MCorrigan]

@@valerystoichkov7429 no, it's not. The only winners are the top executives of Audi and the shareholders.

[@Abdi_Mohamed_]

Even by pcp or hp standard £47k is a tough pill to swallow Surely anyone that wants a s3 and has 50k to spend would consider a mint late prev gen rs3 surely no?

[@ineedthatcar7169]

That's the challenge for the Audi sales team indeed. I still try my old mans RS3 Saloon (2017) - at 70 years old he is convinced its all the car he's ever needed and doesn't see the basis of the change to a newer model 7 years later

[@scytheofvyse1264]

​@@ineedthatcar7169 He is kind of right tho.... The only thing lacking in 2017 rs3 is infotainment system but for a 70 years old it doesnt matter that much I guess.

[@jonodunn2592]

@@scytheofvyse1264?? 2017 has same infotainment as 2018 19 20

[@Bewareofthedog69]

100% yes

[@noneB974]

or you can get a 240i brand new for same price which rivals/beats rs3, while rs3 is being priced at £61k new. Audi has gone bonkers lmao.

[@RuhDolu]

wow this car will never turn heads :)

[@juicybear7696]

It actually does, bitches be loving it.

[@jettavrsix]

What the hell have they done with the badging? No S3 badge on the front end is a mistake. Why have they changed the S3 badge on the back? The red flag and the S3 is supposed to be integrated. It’s been that way for over 20 years. Is this so they can put the red flag on an A series because they’ve thrown on $15k of overpriced S-Line upgrades? I have a 2023 S4 and I would never consider this car , the face lift is soulless - I’m starting to wonder if a BMW is my next car. Never thought I’d say that.

[@phumeleleshabalala333]

Talking about S3, I still believe the previous generation was much much better looking and I can still buy it even today.

[@AR-fw5bn]

The old one looks better. Would also rather buy a 2022 RS3 instead

[@Account1746]

Yous smarts

[@eannamc]

Same had the 35 TSFI

[@g.d2450]

no definitely not worth that amount of money, car makers must be thinking wages are going up in line with inflation 😂😂😂

[@kagisomogoshane5094]

That front badge is very important.......so for me it would be a problem especially with that price it must look different from the standard A3

[@Sean-tj5cu]

Looks soulless, sounds awful and costs a ridiculous amount of money. I can't believe people actually pay this amount of money for these cars.

[@fabiopessoa9312]

Different motor but for roughly the same price I would take the M240I

[@kdm_entertainment]

Previous gen I hope!

[@geronimooo260]

It’s not a better all rounder than the S3, especially as a family car

[@TheEryk03]

I would not. BMW sucks.

[@neillgowans4350]

Not a better all rounder but definitely a better family car if the +2 are adults rather than children.

[@drunkenwhiskeyeu]

It looks like the Hyundai i30 N. Why should I not buy the Formentor VZ/5?

[@Quazi83]

47k no thank you!!!

[@GBFeb72]

That looks dull… and 47k 😮

[@dannym670]

The badge on the front grill looks rubbish, can't believe that they've removed the S3 badge from the grill too, thats what gives the S3 an identity from the front otherwise its no different from a regular A3. The S3 8V facelift is by far the best looking S3 inside and out, personally I prefer the analogue dash over the virtual one, just more classic and i think it looks more classy.

[@ElSumero]

Chromo package (L) is reserved only for S3. You cant get it for A3.

[@bignae8845]

@@ElSumeroYh who the Fuk wants a chrome package on a s3

[@ElSumero]

@@bignae8845 me, because it looks bad in black package :)

[@bignae8845]

@@ElSumero fair enough

[@paolozmm]

Grille looks kinda like a hyundai Tucson....

[@MrAchilles113]

Looks so much better than the sedan we get in the USA. Hey @Audi, bring the hatchback to the USA already!!!

[@Bat02051]

Predecessor 8y is much more aggressive than this, especially the front part. Hyundai grill, front lights are awful and the logo rings looks like it's from some cheap store.

[@alancorr7807]

The car is terrible mate, stick to the BMW!!

[@mattr9003]

And you should probably stick to your BMW fanboy vlogs.

[@alancorr7807]

@@mattr9003 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@darkclouds5261]

What happand to the S3 badge?? Looks so cheap.

[@reset1101]

Another fantastic review from Mr. Achilles

[@rjmacf0015]

Unbelievable levels of over charging were always an Audi speciality. Never hit this level however. VW group are dead in the water. Unsustainable to try to sell old technology at ever increasing prices. They are the Kodak of 2024. Bye bye 👋

[@andrewwass8429]

Great video, will be interesting to see what you think when you get a uk version and if its worth swapping out of the prefacelift 8Y S3.

[@petermosley4515]

In 2016 I got a brand spanker S3 for £27k on PCP, £320pm… A rough guess in this would put it at £650pm, £10k deposit, plus tax and a decent sized petrol bill… I’m on significantly better money than I was in 2016 and I couldn’t justify spending £800+ per month on something you couldn’t necessarily call a premium motor

[@shanyebyt4899]

Don't forget your luxury motor tax on that too. Spec'd my 135i a smidge over 40k and tax is £600 a year. The way it's going seems like soon you won't get a car under 40k 😅

[@gullible119]

Everyone acting suprised about the price, it's a brand new car hello?

[@fireworks368]

The previous gen S3 to this started at £30,640 - yes inflation but fucking hell

[@geronimooo260]

Every new car is more expensive than it’s predecessor, even a Clio, it’s unfair, but I don’t see the fuss

[@neillgowans4350]

It’s not that it’s expensive it’s that it’s sooooooooo expensive.

[@robsmall6466]

​@@fireworks368Nothing to do with inflation. Everything to do with filling the black hole in their finances after the covid pandemic, R&D for EV models and pushing buyers away from petrol, diesel and hybrid towards electric. You then have the one model to rule them all SUV mentality. They don't want to make different model shapes and styles. The answer is to make the hatchbacks expensive. Look at Ford and getting rid of the Fiesta and concentrating on the Puma. It's about creating an environment to push the direction of travel. Make the hot hatches more expensive, FOMO them, less available. Then they will say no one wants them and buying habits have changed

[@muzzamiel5550]

Absolutely disgusting - Audi has really lost the plot, regurgitating the same car since 2017 and charging higher prices..

[@WesleyH85]

Looks very cheap and poor quality in this video. Apart from the quad exhausts I'd think it was a basic A3

[@ashmeada]

Just looks like a boring A3 as you said Jo, other than some quad tail pipes....