Review: 2022 Audi S3 - Better or Worse than Golf R?

[@markmulder996]

Glad you like it. I'm picking mine up in a couple of days. And after driving absolute shitboxes for a lot of years, putting family, house, work and whatnot before my own pleasure, i can't wait to have a proper car that i can actualy love and enjoy.

[@_Mario_PL_]

After driving an Audi with a DCT for over 3 years, I can't see myself going back to a regular auto. Next up would be a PDK... One day.

[@cjflysociety1950]

Agreed

[@Jacobk66]

I’ve had Audi DCTs, VW DSGs, Porsche PDK and BMW ZF 8 Speed normal auto and the BMW’s is the best for everyday driving.

[@andrelimanegreiros3266]

Facts, can't stand the sloppiness of these " regular " auto gearboxes, either manual or dct no in betwen !

[@_Mario_PL_]

@@andrelimanegreiros3266 I agree. I don't get why people complain about stop and go with a DCT. That makes me feel like I'm still driving a manual transmission, by feeling that engagement. Unlike auto, you give it throttle, engine speed increases, but the car hasn't moved yet.

[@SychicGamer]

@@Jacobk66 facts. Ive had auto, manual, and dct, and can confirm, ZF8 for daily >

[@pokerfred68]

I owed a 2017 S3 and it was a great car. I would recommend the S4…for a few thousand more you get the V6 and a few more options not available on the S3. The Golf R offers more equipment, is quicker 0-60, and is 10k less than the S3.

[@Jacobk66]

I’ve had a 18 S3 and a 19 S4. Interior alone on the 4 is much better. Not a huge fan of the V6 though, I now have a B58 and it’s soooooo much better.

[@android175]

The new S4s are no longer DSG which is a shame :/

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Yeah, the R’s torque vectoring rear dif shifts the power to outside rear tire, up 95%. That alone makes it more worth buying then the S3, that and it’s a hatch. I believe the S4 can also be had with the torque vectoring rear dif. That’ll help keep your nose from understeering when driving with more spirit…

[@nozopoke1782]

S3 has physical buttons for the radio and all that so way better than the R

[@pokerfred68]

@@nozopoke1782 I agree but for 10k I may be able to overlook.

[@EvenBiggerPharma]

The deal breaker for me in the availability of a 6MT in the Golf R, huge respect to VW for doing that - we all had no idea they would offer it especially after the hiatus.

[@matthewj16]

I have a 2019s3. By far my favorite car I’ve ever owned. Third Audi. So much fun to drive.

[@Blank00]

Interior is hands down better than that new Golf

[@vr6gls]

The Golf R would be my choice. It’s just dynamically better than the S3. Only downside I see is the infotainment, which I believe VW will update based on the negative feedback from consumers. The Golf R has a better AWD system and more practical hatchback. The A3 sedan has a comically small trunk and cramped interior. On top of that, I would rather have a premium VW over an entry-level Audi.

[@money_773]

You've got to be kidding calling a Golf a premium VW 😂 the entry level Audi had a much much nicer interior. That's basically what ur paying more for is the better cabin

[@MK4vDubbin]

@@money_773 Yeah, in most cases I'd agree with vr6 put the interior in the S3 is magnitudes better than the Golf R.

[@scottstallard6214]

The negative feedback is only from journalists. I own the Golf R, no complaints about the controls.

[@irl-hdr4080]

Really appreciating the time stamps 👍

[@Gr8WhiteGuano]

Can I make a suggestion/request. When reviewers talk about “interior room” it always refers to legroom and headroom. As a larger male it would be very useful to hear about hip room and shoulder room and hear how a vehicle compares to others in its class. I don’t think a lot of time needs to be spent on this more of a quick mention would suffice. Thanks and keep putting out great content,

[@KO-iw3vu]

I can’t stand all of the blacked out things on the rs3, for this generation I think the s3 looks better, as far as the front goes at least

[@gns942]

The interior from this car, with a 6MT, in a Golf R would be a near perfect home run.

[@lash9400]

I would struggle to choose between the S3 and the Golf R especially as the Golf R is around $45k, either you get a basic Audi or a posh VW. I prefer the interior in the Audi over the VW but like that the Golf offers a manual gearbox which I would choose, decisions, decisions….

[@aycemanm8151]

Sorry but the S3 is not a basic Audi , the flip side is 45 k for a VW? And one with what works out to be the worse ever infotainment that has been universally trashed by every reputable reviewer out there.

[@lash9400]

@@aycemanm8151 I mean in basic trim level Premium which is around the $45k mark

[@aycemanm8151]

@@lash9400 well yeah but honestly most won't order it like that my order came out to 52k. It's going to be a long wait though will enjoy my GLI while I wait.

[@lash9400]

@@aycemanm8151 Did you get the premium plus pack? Congratulations. I really like the look of the new S3

[@aycemanm8151]

@@lash9400thanks actually no got the regular premium/blackopticpkg/convenience package/ sport suspension PKG . Thinking about adding a sport resonator exhaust but not sure. My suggestion is to try out the infotainment on the GTI or R I did and absolutely hated it. And I am in IT and I cannot believe VW did what they did.

[@MrDaveaccord]

Audi makes some impressive vehicles. Wish I could afford one.

[@spencer82rocks]

Think first of your future , let’s say you can actually afford one right ? But then the maintenance kicked in and you’ll pay for a new engine or transmission or wiring harness , could cost you a fortune, I learn over the years stay away from what you love and can be rewarding at times when you look back and think about it, what if I got me a s3,s4 or even better rs5 ? What’s my life going to be ? 😅😅😅😅,

[@MrjavoiThe]

@@spencer82rocksthose things are covered by the warranty, unless you keep the car after the warranty expired.

[@kndli67]

Jesus this interior is so much better

[@davidpate6095]

I love it. I liked your thoughts on the Cadillac, but the Audi is so much more cool.

[@Justin_GFM]

That’s definitely the best sounding 4 cylinder I can think of

[@jasonsammons8253]

pops happen between 3 and 4000 rpm. That's when the exhaust vales open. If you delete valves you can get pops below 3k rpm

[@jongib6096]

Much better. No RS but a Great car..

[@STAK_22]

He lost me on 306 hp vs Golf R's 315 hp from the Same Engine!

[@Ch1797]

Hey Matt, Long time watcher here, since the subaruwrx fan days. I was wondering, are you ever going to produce videos in 4K? I noticed other channels always have 4K options. I don’t mind watching in 1080p, but was just wondering. Stay safe!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for the long time support Coty! I definitely would like to upgrade to 4K eventually, but a majority of my views still come from mobile devices where 4K wouldn't really be appreciated. I first need to buy a new computer to handle editing 4K along with upgrading a couple of my cameras. It's a big investment for me since the channel doesn't get a lot of views, but hopefully I can do it sometime later this year.

[@sfoonsfo]

Sadly the reason for the BMW 2 series Gran coupe having limited options is currently due to the supply chain issues. I actually was lucky to get one with a list of options that are no longer available - Harmon Kardon surround sound is no longer available.

[@TheAbenunez]

How about maintenance costs for this model? I'm so tempted about this car but some of the reviews online are just horrible in terms of reliability and overall cost

[@oneblach]

I love that interior

[@aycemanm8151]

I have an S3 on order it was a no brainer , I don't see myself dropping 45k for a VW with a horrible infotainment system (I already tried it out ). I would much rather have the Audi experience plus not a hatch fan .

[@MrTARIQSs]

This car is way more similar to the MK7 Golf R than the MK8 Golf R is to the MK7 Golf R. So I think if Golf R owners are looking for an upgrade that has no compromises then this is the one. S3 = small upgrade (in quality and tech), no compromises (same performance and identical soundaktor sound) Mk8 R = big upgrade (in performance and handling thx to the AWD system and bigger brakes, and the removal of the rev limiter), big compromises (in quality and usability, and the soundaktor sounding like a generic V6 rather than the unique i5 sound)

[@joshuaciccoricco2947]

Great review. You made clear that the Golf R is better for what I want than this.

[@sameerpandya1947]

I can't tell if the transmission has a manual mode still like in the past, as in staying in manual? In my GLI i can move the shifter to the right which leaves it in manual. If you tap a paddle while in Drive or Sport, it reverts back to auto mode after a few seconds.

[@seinsmeld13]

It's a shame the 2022 RS3 is not available here in Canada. It looks like I'll be driving me 2019 RS3 for another year. What can you do?

[@geronimooo260]

Nice ! The back is a bit funny though, it looks too high. They should have lowered it a bit. But overall good looking car

[@ahmedsyed3436]

They should make it a hatchback 🤔

[@Revvinthe417]

Miss my TTS

[@MrjavoiThe]

Way better than the Golf R

[@jasonmoore3980]

My question is what’s the leg room difference between the Golf R and the S3?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

You can check out rear legroom in the interior reviews for the Golf R and S3 to see more exactly but I'd say the S3 probably has about an extra inch or so.

[@NotoriousAloosh]

2:43 I’m surprised 😂

[@blackedout5.0fan39]

Hi Matt! Awesome review as always! The S3 is an interesting vehicle for me because I really love the idea of a turbo AWD sedan. I am really loving your take on this! :)

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks man!

[@lilrockstarrs]

Love the review as always Matt! The new S3 is pretty sweet!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Jorge!

[@sandilemajiya7831]

To drive a car of this class is a blessing. What a great car .

[@williamlong2682]

I’d take one of these over a Golf R for the interior knobs and buttons alone

[@STAK_22]

Good Point!

[@geronimooo260]

I disagree. Choosing a sporty car based on « knobs alone » is plain nonsense to me. If it was a luxury car, I would agree, but it’s a hot hatch man, it’s all about the driving experience and driving dynamics, and the Golf seems better in that perspective (plus, who cares about knobs??) 😉

[@williamlong2682]

@@geronimooo260 Oh I’m talking strictly between the Golf R and S3 when I say that. And since they’re based on the same platform anyway, there’s not much to compare besides body style and interior. And of course there’s the question if the luxury upgrade is worth it to you. But between those 2, interior knobs and buttons would be the ultimate deciding factor for me. If we open it up beyond those 2 tho, I can actually think of quite a few options I’d rather have for $50-60k.

[@MsCliveharper]

“You press the start button and it starts right up” 😅

[@boost331]

The S3 is way better for the money. The interior is so much nicer and more importantly.... useable.

[@kristians2704]

it’s not better for the money in the US. The Golf R fully loaded is $45k, the S3 is $57k. A base S3 has way less equippment than the Golf R

[@geronimooo260]

Agreed, you get more with the Golf for a lower price

[@boost331]

@@geronimooo260 But its more crap that is more gimmicks than actual features. IMO the golf has cheap crappy interior. And dont get me started on the haptic touch everything with unusable controls. I say in this case less is more.

[@MrTARIQSs]

@@kristians2704 yeah, in my country a fully loaded S3 with all bills and whistles is $10k cheaper than a half loaded Golf R (no Harman Kardon sound system, no adaptive cruise control, no IQ headlights, no HUD), I guess it's because the dealer foolishly ordered all Golf Rs with Akrapovic exhausts as standard In that case, the S3 is a no brainer If they both were priced the same fully loaded then I would've probably gone for the Golf R because I actually don't mind the interior

[@pashonic]

Drive it for 50k miles than dump it.

[@dominiquecovin4170]

Man, u speak the absolute truth. I owned a 2016 s3 and once you hit 50-60 miles it’s a money pit. The tires will be $2,000, next is the brakes for 1,600 and then you have to follow the Audi matienance interval which goes for about 1,400 all this expense adds about $7,000 and let’s not forget I’m still financing the car for about $480 with insurance for about $130 and last but not least premium fuel. If you don’t make 150,000, I recommend not to buy this car and I bought my car for $39,000 with 8,000 down. The car is uncomfortable too! This is a real car owner review, not some guy who rides for two day.

[@android175]

Its a VW with a premium badge. The EA888 and dual clutch combination is surprisingly reliable. I wouldn’t say the same thing about the Audi V6 engines however.

[@dogchainsaw3923]

@@android175 Audi V6 engines are historically more reliable than their 4 cyl counterparts. What are you talking about.

[@android175]

@@dogchainsaw3923 Wow, we really have different views. The EA888 is iconically more reliable than most engines that VAG has developed

[@seinsmeld13]

If I was ordering a 2022 S3 I'd get the summer tires then get a second set of smaller tires wing winter tires.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

A4 45 is cheaper, bigger and nicer. S4 with plenty of toys for the same price. What’s the point of this car?

[@onefm1]

Is Volkswagen ranking lower than 34 in the reliability index?

[@jordynhixson655]

I'm curious about the reliability of Audi cars, especially the S3. Never had an Audi and always had Hondas and reliability is important for me

[@kmac720]

80k on our A3 (very similar motor, smaller turbo.) It's been pretty decent, but the DSG service windows are something to think about. Not cheap, (and more complicated than a traditional trans service) and you hve do them every 30-35k miles.

[@Mexxx65]

Matt!!!!! What happened to my Gobsmacking S3 Convertible????

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I wish they still made the S3 Convertible!

[@728GT]

It's better than a Golf R just because the infotainment isn't pure garbage alone 😂 VW really screwed up the Golf interior.

[@geronimooo260]

Have you tried it ? I have, and therefore I can say you’re wrong man, it’s been updated

[@728GT]

@@geronimooo260 cant update those garbage capacitive steering wheel buttons

[@BN99239]

Definitely would go S4 for this price. Either that or go RS3 for a step up. I test drove an M340i, C43 and S3...multiple times in the same day, and ended up deciding on the C43. It's just got best sounds and felt the least numb and most involved. The M340i is definitely the fastest in a straight line though. Mercedes also has more luxurious "looking" interior.

[@coops111s]

S4 is diesel 😳 that means it’s a taxi 🚕

[@BN99239]

@@coops111s S4 isn't diesel here

[@coops111s]

@@BN99239 what on the latest model 🤔 it is here in the UK

[@trackntrail2869]

At $57k this car is a really hard sell over the M240i

[@F83.M4]

Only problem is the new m240i is so ugly

[@trackntrail2869]

@@F83.M4 I don’t think so 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@reqqwrq24]

Waiting for new RS3 here!! Might be impatient and get a 718 S instead.

[@skyscrapesthetower]

I wish we could get the euro hatch with a MT, but Audi isn't going back to MT nor will we get the hatch.

[@MikeKonkle]

It's missing a pedal

[@Flex_WRX]

‘And it starts right up’ like as if it’ll do anything else like dig a hole to the center of the wart

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha it's just something I've said for years.

[@jacquesc3166]

...and Matt, you know this thing won't just start right up in about 4 years. Future PITA.

[@TheSometimeAfter]

The reason why Audi didnt give the S3 that little more horsepower is because the German manufacturers have been manipulating the power to price ratio between Audi / Merc and VW for years.

[@Andy-Andeee]

Front end reminds me of SubSero/Smoke from Mortal Kombat

[@RobHTech]

car sure is nice. But what about reliability? Have they fixed that, yet?

[@onefm1]

I believe Audi still ranks 34 out of 40 on the reliability index.

[@RobHTech]

@@onefm1 haha. Ya, on who's scale? I went to VSTT, which is basically an Audi, and have worked on both quite a bit both at the dealer and private work including changing light bulbs to rebuilding engines to souping them up. I know very well what VW AG does to cut costs to increase profit. That said, the 2.5 I5 and the EA888 engines are both some of the best engines I have ever seen, worked on, or driven. But, the upkeep....

[@Katiemtz099]

I’d get the S4

[@Da__goat]

I feel as though they didn’t want to cannibalize the appeal of the RS3 over the S3, which is why they didn’t give it the same turbo as in the Golf R. That being said, by comparison between the S3 and Golf R, the interior of the S3 is significantly better from a user interface standpoint, the haptic buttons feel cheap and the lack of separate climate controls in the R is inexcusable for something that costs in the neighborhood of $48,000. The top range S3, at $55,000, is a significantly better deal even if its more expensive. The RS3 is still not in the states yet, really annoyed by that, don’t know why they haven’t brought it in yet. I knew Audi was having emissions issues with the 5 cylinder in Canada but that shouldn’t necessarily delay it in the states. But the RS3 is significantly more expensive and at that price point it starts to compete with things like the IS 500 from Lexus, that naturally aspirated V8 is just leagues better and produces 70 more hp with Lexus reliability and the M3 produces almost the same hp as the Lexus for the same price. MB seems to be having some kind of crisis that they are going through and have suddenly dropped any and all V8 and AMG is going all in on turbo 4 cylinders so don’t touch them with a 10 ft pole.

[@android175]

Its the same new continental turbo, its just tuned differently. once stage 1 tunes come out they will make identical power.

[@MrTARIQSs]

@@android175 I think the S3 shares its tune with the GTI Clubsport since both the S3 and the GTI CS have one of their side vents on the bumpers blocked off (and both have the same horsepower figures) while the Golf R has both sides fully open

[@android175]

@@MrTARIQSs Clubsport is rated at 296hp. S3 is rated at 310hp 👀

[@MrTARIQSs]

@@android175 oh dang the new S3 is detuned to 290 here due to hot weather lmao

[@android175]

@@MrTARIQSs Whoa really? And here i am complaining about the S3 being detuned in the US to 306hp lol.

[@andrekelly8456]

Man nobody cares about a Golf R . Why not compare the golf R to a civic or Accord .

[@gennaromontagna9482]

How much fake engine sound are they pumping into cabin?

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

This Audi S3 looks nice~ I love Audi's design language honestly. Although someone tell me what the difference is between their S line cars and the RS line cars?

[@AK-qe3pz]

Mainly just the engine & power,and probably some minor cosmetic changes.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@AK-qe3pz Yeah I see that the S models have more performance than the normal models, but in between that of an RS model.

[@AK-qe3pz]

@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan the RS model apparently is the ultimate. The new RS3 has 5 cylinders and 400 bhp while the S3 has 4 cylinders and 310 bhp i believe. Also the RS3 is 10 mm lower and has some minor cosmetic upgrades. However the price difference say between RS3 and the S3 is over $20 000 here in Australia,which is absolutely ridiculous.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@AK-qe3pz Yeah the RS models are the top line performance cars from Audi and yeah they can get quite expensive. I don't see many RS cars in Canada. I do see some S models tho.

[@AK-qe3pz]

@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan The cheapest quote for RS3 sportback I’ve got was $101 500, and it was a base model,no sun roof,pretty much without any options. So I’ve decided to put a small deposit on a fully optioned MK8 Golf R.

[@rudfil]

This S3 has awesome performance but I just can't see myself spending over 50k for a car that looks like a Sentra or a Forte by the casual observer. I just wished Audi was more daring in their designs.

[@F83.M4]

Why would you buy a car just to show off to "casual observers"

[@rudfil]

@@F83.M4... you like boring?

[@dominiquecovin4170]

I owned a 2016 s3 and once you hit 50-60 miles it’s a money pit. The tires will be $2,000, next is the brakes for 1,600 and then you have to follow the Audi matienance interval which goes for about 1,400 all this expense adds about $7,000 and let’s not forget I’m still financing the car for about $480 with insurance for about $130 and last but not least premium fuel. If you don’t make 150,000, I recommend not to buy this car and I bought my car for $39,000 with 8,000 down. The car is uncomfortable too! This is a real car owner review, not some guy who rides for two day.

[@jameshuegli3534]

You just described any high performance car that has larger wheels/tires/brakes. Also, most people in this demo will not hold onto a car , especially a VAG product, for 50-60K miles - they dump it before then.

[@bucknut2000]

Maybe go buy an Acura next time or get a car with smaller tires and a manual or automatic.

[@dominiquecovin4170]

@@bucknut2000 it’s still a money pit and I had to experience it for myself.

[@bucknut2000]

@@dominiquecovin4170 Thats too bad. I have a GTI I nought new which is now at 195K and a civic Si with 260K miles on them. From my experience, the GTI is about twice the cost on most things. Like the clutch was 900 bucks at the dealer for the Honda and the GTI was like 2K. I’d still buy another TI though

[@jacquesc3166]

Came here for this. Thank you. Seems like everyone and their dog has super deep pockets. Infiniti G37x sedan here, very low ownership cost since 2016 when I bought it with 79,000 km on the clock. Audis are pretty I'll give 'em that... had a friend who had a "reliable" A4 with the old 3.2 FSI and he said stay away.

[@markday5797]

OK Matt sign me up.

[@SaintMecha]

The Sportback (hatchback) version is the only version they sell here. I really think the sedan is better looking.

[@gorgonismztruth1551]

damn only rich folks get the sport compact sedans

[@Jacobk66]

13:58 - that’s my neighbor! Seriously!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Lol! That's crazy!

[@farhancsgo_25]

Worse Word Is An Poison

[@aliabdi6094]

It kinda looks like a Kia

[@mikeolson7557]

I don’t see that at all. Which one?

[@aliabdi6094]

@@mikeolson7557 Kia Cerato from the rear

[@gorgonismztruth1551]

S3 is nicer by far but over priced

[@chucko83]

This might sound crazy (because it is), but I am about to sell my s3 for an outback lol. Love this car, just too small for my preference. And I'm getting older so I want to relax a bit when I'm driving.

[@oliversun5968]

Can someone explain to me why would anyone get this over the new M240i? Except for the fact it hurts my eyes?

[@ak2112]

I used to think Audis were cool but man, they've gotten stale and boring.

[@erodz1892]

Almost 60k find it too much money. Think golf r makes more sense. But all theee cars are overpriced

[@gennaromontagna9482]

Nice plastic paddles...like hot wheels

[@andrefrbk]

Looks cheap now, reminds me of a KIA. Rear screams cheap looking. For $50k+ it should look better.

[@JI_453]

The interior is pretty bad and won't age well. not sure what they were thinking.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

That grille looks terrible!

[@dj2000lbs]

No shift nob is perfect for some road head 🤔😅👌

[@Bigguns761]

He look's like he is the brother of that used kid called Greta! lol same eyes lol

[@dllemm]

Piano black interior is ass. Come on Audi.

[@AntLive29]

Looks like a pinto bean. Can’t stand how stubby it looks

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

The piped-in engine sound makes me want to vomit.

[@Digiphex]

The weakness for the Golf is the "Bar of Soap" styling.

[@jadijada7887]

Audi fucked up on new steering wheel its ugly nice ones stoped in 2019

[@joe6759]

THE S3 LOOKS AWFUL

[@kennybrunton4944]

golf r is junk

[@Anonymous-mu5bl]

S3 all the way golf r suck 😂

[@zubuxstein]

Horrible car, remove the Audi logo and is a boring Camry Lia lines. The cabin is too high, front and back are typical. Nothing attractive.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

All Audis are Volkswagens with Audi badges. Stay away.

[@SonOfTamriel]

All InFantasyIDie comments are trash. Stay away.

[@stephenmccabe9507]

Def not but VW is super meh right now especially with their interior designs.

[@dogchainsaw3923]

Okay bmw fanboy. We get it you’re mad they are pumping pig nosed cars 🐽

[@spencer82rocks]

Find a car that’s reliable,never breaks down and when they do , can only cost you less than the other automakers, the answer to that is Toyota ,Lexus if you will

[@spencer82rocks]

S3’s are over priced , by the time you drove of the dealership you could be driving a c-class or cla class or better

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Pete!