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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Shaped1124]

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.

[@phumeleleshabalala333]

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

[@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.

[@johngoodwin1710]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrAchilles113]

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

[@kagisomosiane89]

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

[@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

[@drunkenwhiskeyeu]

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

[@AR-fw5bn]

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

[@Account1746]

Yous smarts

[@eannamc]

Same had the 35 TSFI

[@Hermanbey]

wow this car will never turn heads :)

[@juicybear7696]

It actually does, bitches be loving it.

[@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

[@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. 😃

[@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 😅

[@87JRox]

Think thats the crux of it isnt it, salaries just havent kept pace with cost of everything

[@Hertfordshire_Biker]

One neighbour just bought an MG BGT and another bought a Capri 2.0S. I'm tempted to start looking for something similar. £47k is nuts!

[@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?

[@tomashley5869]

Brilliant video Joe of a great car in that superb Bavarian countryside ! Really enjoyed the ride! Cheers, Tom

[@Flip_Angle]

Good to see you back Joe. I ended up cross-shopping the S3 and the m240.

[@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.

[@reset1101]

Another fantastic review from Mr. Achilles

[@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)

[@scottmcintyre551]

As always, I enjoyed this well rounded and entertaining vehicle review 👍

[@BullettGuy]

I hope they resolved the SOS emergency call issue. Mine showed up after 33K. Many under 10k.

[@Bewareofthedog69]

Did the 0-60 in a pre face-lift 2023 Vorsprung Sportback in 4.5 sec. Always quicker than the manufacturer stated times.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Thats an S3? Looks more like a regular A3.

[@doublefault8850]

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

[@brubru6819]

Loving the 5 spoke twin wheels not the multi spokes. Just something about them. But each to their own.

[@51madmitch]

£47K for a hot A3 is crazy, so much of the car is already made for an A3, so many decent tuning firms can improve power and torque outputs for £1K options so OTT in price, most average people just can’t afford this price range of cars these days, then they drop in price like a stone in a pond, often because hard to sell as to expensive.

[@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.

[@brycebrown1]

Looks like a lot of fun! But, the grille/front seems a little incongruous, almost like it's been clipped on to to this car from another.

[@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!

[@nigelsmith3144]

Another great video Joe!

[@TheEryk03]

That's big improvement in driving dynamics.

[@andrewsnape1705]

Great video Joe as always. It's a lot of money, but I really like the Q-car looks and performance is ace. All the best

[@HiiiPow3r]

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

[@kofib3]

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

[@craigblakesley4397]

Are they face-lifting the RS3? and do you (or anyone in the chat) know if the UK will get the 'performance edition' RS3? Great video Joe 👍

[@jamiebell5362]

Yes they are - spy shots already on line of it testing at the Nurburgring

[@almac9203]

There is video and photos of the facelift RS3 testing. It will probably be released either late 2024 or early 2025.

[@Adrian-bt4nf]

Wait a couple of years and the price will drop and I’ll buy it then …. Love it ❤

[@chroniccrypto75]

Why has the S3 got a square bottom steering wheel but a round one on the Rs3

[@andrewsymes249]

Hi Joe, you liked the seat cupra st r which I’ve still got had it from new, should you say this would be a good replacement?

[@monkeymanprophecy]

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

[@stevewallace1387]

Would you buy this over the cupra formentor VZ2 which is £2000 cheaper

[@cephasmakuzva]

Great review Joe. Yes i get the price is expensive but that doesnt mean its a bad car. Its a good car, i see the updates but not for 47k starting.

[@alko_xo]

It was minus 15 degrees outside when we shot the intro?

[@edwardowen3212]

Thankyou for the limiter comment! All I want is an auto that lets me completely control what gear I'm in. Shame about the price- it cannot be sustainable today

[@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.

[@nealjoyce8696]

Love this car, not sure whether to buy new pre facelift or wait for the new one, they are both great

[@sv-rh4dz]

Does it still feel like a front wheel biased four wheel drive system . I have had a haldex, xdrive and a 4 matic+ and the haldex was so dull compared to the others!

[@boemomolefe8303]

Such a beautiful car.

[@derekgb3780]

When it comes to Audi (any model), you car reviewers always seem to trot out the same question "is it worth the price tag". However, whenever I've done a detailed comparison with manufacturers like Ford or even the Korean and Japanese ones, once you spec-up like-for-like, there is little difference. For example, a Ford Focus ST Edition (280 PS) STARTS at £43,000 and isn't in the same league. Audi over 300 PS, automatic and Quattro.

[@steveowen9740]

Also do you know if on the uk models we will be able to option the adaptive dampers on any model other than the top spec car ,this was a fail on the current out going model.

[@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

[@cklam8722]

Love that exhaust noise of a 2 litre 4 pots engine. Is it real?

[@CarObsession]

Good video Joe (as always), it's been a long time since I've visited the channel - apologies! As other have said, it's a fair chunk of money for the car, but sadly that is simply the state of new car prices at the moment. I do hope the new S3 is more engaging/fun to drive than the last one as I found it to be too clinical and it had a certain numbness about it. Hopefully the new Torque Splitter will help to address that. Like you, I'm not a fan off the new rings, they looks as if they've been 3D printed (they may well have been for all I know) and look a bit cheap because of it. Also, the choice of four designs for the daytime running lights seems awfully needless lol. Good news about the rev limiter, though!

[@boogboog8097]

Im out of touch i drove past a VW place a few months ago and saw a golf for +50 thousand think it was 55k couldn't believe it 😮

[@kenrossaukrsa]

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

[@eklektikTechno]

I wish we got these in the US because all we get is garbage big SUV’s and Mopars, luckily the Golf R is available

[@JackKing12.]

Agree with you on the rings...prefer the previous.

[@TheVicarsNade]

What a legend. Always love a Joe drive, even if it’s an Audi 🤣

[@larrylong9367]

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

[@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

[@stu1wyatt]

I used to change my cars quite regularly but given the price hikes for fairly average cars I refuse to play the game and will run my cars until they are no longer viable

[@NJRacer623]

If the new S3 is this impressive, I just know the new RS3 is going to be an absolute beast. Even more so than it already is.

[@juvenil6969]

Joe, where are those boots from?

[@adamg6849]

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

[@fairygodbrother]

what is with all the bot comments? To me it just looks like a cheap audi hatch back. Can't believe the cost of them. It looks no where near that value.

[@JoeAchilles1]

The bot comments drive me mad, I must block about 30-40 per video....

[@edithwhitebrownhall]

"Cheap Audi hatchback" New that's never really existed in the A3, has always been seen to be a bit more upmarket than an average hatch, I'd never really call any Audi "cheap".

[@larrylong9367]

June 14th 2024 ...Would you like a better looking and $10,000 dollar less expensive car ... Check out a Ford Focus ST ... and you can get a Manual tranny if you so desire. I'm an American, and will come to Germany to buy my second Focus ST ... Loved that car, (but, manual is a more sure-fire dependable transmission). Some of you may laugh, but other cars I've owned are: 81-RX-7, 88-BMW M5, 93-Supra Turbo, 2007-MazdaSpeed-3, (each of the aforementioned were the first year of each) and about 6 different Mazda 626 Turbo's (1986-1991). The Focus ST was a perfect car from 2013-2020. All cars mentioned were Manual transmission.

[@GazMoz78]

I like the 18’ wheels over the 19’

[@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.

[@MrTomik777]

Where is an S3 badge from the front?

[@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.

[@simonbird785]

Still take an S3 saloon 8v model

[@neillgowans4350]

I test drove the last Gen S3 and explained to the salesman that while roomy the materials are plasticky and the 4cly engine was underpowered for the price. He argued for a minute and then I mentioned the BMW M240i at almost the same price and he shut up. No emotion just like the Audi.

[@philedwards7174]

Great review. Price. That's where we are today. I just wished cars held their value. Seems to me we just accept 50% depreciation over 3 years. There lies the problem. You only lose money when you sell. Car looks good, 4 rings look crap. I'd take a BMW or a Cupra

[@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

[@NY20N]

Keep the hot hatches alive ! Cheers mate

[@benmaher8333]

🤯 47k wow wouldn’t go anywhere near it. Just look at what that could get you in the used market. You would have to have you head seen to if you brought it.

[@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.

[@crocoman776]

Yep.

[@MrQuashu]

@@crocoman776 looking at what the new BMW 1 looks like.... well this post aged badly 😁😁

[@gregs8685]

The rear looks great, the front is not good.

[@xu10j4rs1]

Instead of whining about the price, change the record and be grateful they're still making cars like this.

[@b71071]

Cars like this is what we're supposed to be grateful for?

[@robru]

This or a Civic Type R? Both are similar money

[@johnl.38]

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

[@DeanoM3]

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

[@Chris-yg3nj]

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

[@WayApp]

Cruising with cool confidence

[@RobHTech]

It's a nice car, nice engine. The engine is one of the best; and, I'm not surprised. But the cost is too high.

[@eduardmihaila]

thank you!

[@rupertm2542]

Must be a VAG special map! I’ve got a golf r 20 years. Which is the same 333ps engine. The best draggy I’ve done on sports tires is 4.6, and that’s on winter tires!

[@24jaked24]

Audi’s Quattro just puts the power down better than 4matic

[@rupertm2542]

@@24jaked24 pretty sure that’s the same diff as the new Golf R has. They no longer use the old Haldex system and have a rear diff which can torque vector. Google “new golf R diff” and read the Jalopnik write up.

[@rupertm2542]

@@24jaked24 having just read up on the proper Quattro setup, it seems the S3 only ever had a Haldex (4motion) anyway.

[@Swiss4.2]

@@24jaked24 It's the exact same system; even down to the part numbers. All Audi's based on a transverse platform either have Haldex or the Magna diff.

[@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.

[@CasualAndyGaming]

Is almost £50k reasonable for a mildly hot hotch? the short answer is no, the long answer is no.

[@paolozmm]

Grille looks kinda like a hyundai Tucson....

[@chroniccrypto75]

Prefer my old 8V S3 interior is more refined.

[@sparkgsparks1736]

Good review, personally I think it’s expensive but hey, what do I know it’s not a BMW 😂

[@rebel1052k]

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

[@Quazi83]

47k no thank you!!!

[@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?