2017 Audi S3 First Drive Review: Fast Things Come in Small Packages

[@ThousanWhite]

I've carried 3 adults in my S3 on a few occasions and it's not that bad at all. Neither of them were over 6 feet tall, but it still worked out!

[@volvo09]

that is a sweet take on an electronic instrument cluster! I love the nav being visible there.

[@MrRealmadridbernabeu]

$52K, same price as a new A4, 330i, C300. I traded my 2013 328i with a 2017 S3. I have so jmuch fun with the S3.

[@SeanKayGee]

Your videos are so crisp! Love the quality. Also I like your reviews of all the cars. Thanks for being so broad.

[@thenecromancer6564]

Okay let's see what european S3 gets: 10 more HP, 7 speed, tuned exhaust. and the new face. AND let's see what USA s3 gets: new face. Fuck this...

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

Liang Yan don't forget that European gets the beautiful hatchback too

[@Abbbk35]

USA S3 gets the 7 speed too.

[@thenecromancer6564]

I think Audi's msg was clear::: ALL BUYERS WAIT FOR RS3!

[@vr6gls]

Liang Yan Still no A3 sportback in the U.S. Not everyone wants a bland 4-door sedan.

[@jasonswift7098]

no one likes a sloping 5 door hatchback shape car! sedans are very nice looking.

[@stonemarten1400]

The Audi S3 looks better in the hatchback version and is also somewhat more practical, but for some odd reason, hatchbacks are not as popular in the USA.

[@NckNck-pu9vb]

Oh absolutely, just google audi s3 hatchback. A proper s3.

[@blakliffy]

hatchbacks are ugly and look like baby minivans to us

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

Stone Marten I would buy the audi s3 hatch in a heart beat!

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

or the mercedes a45 amg haha

[@Darrentzx]

absolutely agree with you on the hatch

[@JC-rm6pm]

seriously who is buying A4s, when with 5k more you can get this S3

[@regthegg2292]

A4 is more luxurious and has alot more tech

[@mike786551]

@@regthegg2292 yea but is very dull and nowhere near as fun to drive as this car

[@thehuntingfishingtv15]

@@mike786551 some people prefer luxury over speed. Of course I need the speed, thinking about rs3

[@arthurrammusa5810]

🤣 2:26 that guy was quick to clear out any misconceptions between the S3 and Amg but it's still a beast None the less.

[@cristianpop1639]

This new A3 generation is so great. I like how Audi changed the design on this one. Looks great.

[@Hiluxtaco]

$52K is still a lot of money..

[@vh9network]

Go bare bones without all the nanny tech, and price haggle the dealer to throw in the $1,500 Dynamic package for free and you can probably get an S3 for $44.5K including taxes and delivery.

[@bigjayfitness]

worlds best negotiator couldn't get a new s3 with dynamic pack for 44.5k taxes in lol..

[@hlfcoder7466]

Ya I actually test drove a 2017 S3 today. I'm thinking of trading my A4 in for one. It had the B&O stereo upgrade, Quattro, and what the salesman called the 'technology pack', which seemed to include Apple Car play, the new digital instrument cluster, side assist, and the auto radar crash thing in the front and rear, and it had a sticker of 46.5. So I don't think your theory is necessarily out of the realm of possibility. I was surprised at how quick it was, and at how well it handled though. They've made some nice improvements to the 2017 model. I was going to hold out for the RS3, but I'm leaning strongly towards just grabbing an S3 now.

[@vh9network]

Anything's possible Jason if you have faith.

[@bigjayfitness]

Well I'm in Canada so its diff from the US market for sure.

[@Raulpaezb]

I really really want this car

[@jermainerobinson7098]

Nice review 👍🏽👏🏽👊🏽

[@stevensanchez330]

Love this car, would love to bag one and apr tune it

[@abiley84]

You're right in the video. It's the 6 sp. Everyone else in the world gets the updates 7 speed dual clutch.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Audi interior detailing is so good compared to other brands. Understated but very classy. Id get this over the Golf R if I was looking for this kind of car.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Well-equipped, the S3 is not much cheaper than a RS3. I ordered my RS3 for $64,000. While the S3 is a rare car in the U.S., the RS3 is even more special. You just can't find them where I live and if you want a specific color/options combo, forget about it. That's why I had to order mine. And I'm not so sure but... people in the community think that the 2.5L 5 cylinder isn't going to continue on for long in the Audi lineup. That'll make the RS3 a unicorn in the years to come.

[@zephead2112]

Great review, thank you for posting. I just ordered one here in the UK (also Glacier White).

[@nathanspence4859]

great ending roman mica. thanking us for watching.

[@ivmurk21]

Just purchased one of these. 2017 S3 with only 9,000 miles. $36k. Good deal??

[@Jmoneyy365]

You got it for a steal actually

[@Tcflohr]

Looks nice. Costs a helluva lot less than the 1992 audi s4 I had. And that didn't have cup holders.

[@vh9network]

that's because your car then would be equivalent to the Audi S6 today.

[@marcg611]

I think your correction is wrong about the 7 speed, NA market keeps the 6 speed and no engine changes. I'd be very happy if all the other media is wrong because everyone says this car needs a 7th gear for highway @75+mph. I'm happy you guys confirmed the tweaked quattro system and adjustable quattro mode, that alone should be great improvement to make it more hoonable. I couldn't tell if we got the exhaust improvemnts tho? if I pull the trigger Awe catback would probably be first..

[@mike_prod.9224]

4:07 comes brand new with the check engine light on STANDARD😂

[@747Jumbo1]

I've always really loved the styling of the exterior and especially the size of the a3/s3. But even with the virtual cockpit, the dash still looks incredibly bland. I personally think the Golf R has a more interesting dashboard. It's such a shame because the quality is really good in these, they just need to dress it up a bit more IMO.

[@Clove_Parma]

James Watson check out the new one coming later this year, dash is the complete opposite in design.

[@Bigsmooth0926]

Hey roman, did you fit comfortably? I'm a big guy as well and was wondering if you felt comfortable in it

[@dreiz-youtube]

Its a great fun daily car, backseat is probably for groceries and occasional passenger or two but not for roadtrips. Would love to own one but the price is steep... a more refined STI for grownups. That being said, go with WRX/STI/Golf R if you cant afford this.

[@bradleysargent9803]

No manual, then not for me. Keep up the great reviews.

[@DejaVuMonDieu]

I raced my 15' CLA45 against one on the highway, there was no clear winner...

[@rowdyryan9988]

It’s 2020 and just bought mine with 40k on the clock for 19k. Crazy how much these depreciate so quickly.

[@rowdyryan9988]

PNWsergio 11 I’m in Denver but I picked mine up in Texas and drove back.

[@mike786551]

I have a 17 bought in 19 for 34k. One owner premium plus with all the options. Live in Texas bought from a dealer In Washington state. Go figure Ha Ha Ha

[@fatboy19831]

I wonder if that display will work 8 years from now? I bet it is a one pice deal that cost a fortune to replace. It is not covered in the Audi certified warranty.

[@The_Osprey]

You can bet on that. Audis are really expensive throw-away cars. I don't see how they stay in business.

[@fatboy19831]

Invincible Osprey They stay in business because they are the best driving cars with the best interior in their price range. A $40,000 Audi can drive and feel like a $100,000 car. The price of doing that is unfortunately long term reliability.

[@The_Osprey]

fatboy19831 It's hard to argue with that. They are great to drive and feel very expensive...and they are expensive to maintain.

[@spoiler9112]

Audi reliability is now higher than Honda. Google it up.

[@The_Osprey]

spoiler9112 That is in initial reliability as in before the warranty runs out most likely. I can't find anything pertaining to long term reliability.

[@STEVE33437]

More than 50 grand is too much money for this car! A lot better choices in this bracket!

[@DavidSmith-du4lu]

notice the check engine light (starts around 3:25) typical audi.

[@spacetime515]

LOL, that is every car when you have power on without ignition. Typical 40iq comment

[@matthews826]

I have a 16 S3. great car for Karting the kids around in. very peppy with a piggy back tune but doesn't feel like a sports car at all. the f80 M3 is a better mixed-role car especially if you do track days... the S3 wasn't fun on the track so I ended up buying a 718S boxster to fill the sports car role.

[@spoiler9112]

You're very fortunate to be able to dismiss a tuned S3 as just "very peppy". Hope you enjoy your exclusivity!

[@matthews826]

compared to similarly fast cars (and not necessarily more expensive, eg: Camaro, Mustang), the car feels peppy instead of fast. truthfully, it probably could be considered fast but since it's small and flicks around easily, it feels "peppy". I definitely don't feel exclusive, nor do i mean to come across that way. I do feel fortunate to be able to have fun/fast/peppy cars (and have a wife who is okay with it!).

[@matthews826]

And also, i'm not dismissing the S3, it's a great car driving around at like seven tenths. driving it really hard isn't very rewarding compared to a RWD car. as a "do everything" car it's fantastic, but on a track, it just doesn't really deliver like I hoped it would after watching a bunch of reviews on the S3 & Golf R.

[@frank8040]

I liked it when you would give the cars a buy it , lease it or rent it.

[@Michael0697]

Roman, you should have told me you were in the Triangle! We could've hung out!

[@TFLcar]

+Mihaly Lukacs roman says sorry he missed you

[@hkwise011]

The Fast Lane Car I see you filmed some around Central prison. If you crossed over western avenue there were great film locations in Dorothea Dix.

[@Bmwguy2011]

Golf R is the winner. Better headroom in the back seat. 12k cheaper. Unique because of hatchback cargo capacity and manual capabilities.

[@zikolaii]

@The Fast Lane Car The North American 2017 S3 doesn't have the new 7-Speed nor the 10hp upgrade. Only EU Cars unfortunately.

[@trickytroll4276]

I know a lot of people are saying this thing isn't worth 52 grand and I agree with you but the thing is these depreciate a lot which may make it a good used buy. I want to try and buy one of the 2015 models in 2 years hopping it will go down to like 12k (considering some 2015 s3 are 20k now) would that be a bad or good idea? Thanks!

[@lucascordon7260]

Bro said 12k😂😂😅🤣😭

[@Ibizan82]

Is the virtual cockpit by default? I mean, I loved the needles from the S models as much as the dials in silver. The new ones have lost all the charm! C'mon! Audi in some details is going backwards...I love rs6 mk1 needles!!

[@bryanosorio9331]

Can't wait to get my s3

[@SamAbraham]

S3 competes with M235i I guess. It has rear doors, yes, but like Roman pointed out they're basically useless for passengers. The Mercedes CLA250 compares more with the regular A3, and the upcoming RS3 will compete with the AMG CLA45 and the M2.

[@07wrxtr1]

I don't get why coupes in general are not more popular; having four doors says what exactly?

[@vh9network]

you have a family car.

[@SamAbraham]

07wrxtr1 I guess it's cuz people think they're more practical (4 doors) and they provide more room in the back. I think most see it as a hassle to move one seat forward and then move it back. I personally don't care, but then again I don't have a family

[@matthews826]

I cross shopped the S3 with the M3, STI/WRX, Golf R, and Focus RS. each had their pros and cons. as a commuter car the S3 is fantastic but it is not much fun to drive at the limits. I think a set of stiff-sidewall tires would probably go a long way though. the stock tires are awful when driven (very) hard. I love driving around town and down the highway in it though!

[@enjoyradiosilence]

Whatever happened to the series on the porsche with the guy from rennstall where you go over fixing things. That was actually useful. It seems like it was just stopped without finishing

[@jamesbeaman6337]

They weren't getting enough views on that series so discontinued it and sold the 911.

[@enjoyradiosilence]

James Beaman I see, that sucks

[@payasofeo69]

0:43 not... it's VW Haldex 4motion... not Quattro Audi starting to call it "smart Quattro" to fool the Quattro fan base

[@JM-nz8gw]

I'd rather go with the MK7 Golf R and do APR stage 1 or 2... would still be cheaper. I own a MK7 GTI, so I am biased. But the S3 is still nice tho.

[@bigjayfitness]

Your not biased your sensible. the 8-10k markup on this over the golf R is stupid. Only an idiot or fanboy would pick this over a golf R.

[@spoiler9112]

"Only an idiot or fanboy would pick this over a golf R." Such an ignorant response. You're only thinking of 'go fast' for the money. Obviously there are plenty of "idiots and fanboys" who know the value of Audi over a VW and choose to go that route, making Audi VW's biggest money maker. Broad statements like that make no sense.

[@bigjayfitness]

spoiler9112 There is no ignorance, I have had 3 Audis and 2 Volkswagens. The audi is beautiful, and if you want a sedan, then fine, but as a smart consumer you really have to ask yourself, what is the extra 10k getting you? I am not thinking of 'go fast' for the money, but really the overall value. Not 1 single car journalist has said a bad thing about the R, even Chris Harris (one of the best driver capable car journalists) has nothing but good to say about it. The R is just a perfectly balanced car, and sometimes you have to ask yourself why spend more than you have to?

[@spoiler9112]

Jason 56 The R is a great car. I just feel that for the 10k you get the luxury, a better looking car (IMO), better reliability, more tech (which I love) and a better warranty. I feel it's well worth it.

[@bigjayfitness]

spoiler9112 well its your money. but to claim it is more reliable is not a valid point..as these cars are too new to determine their reliability. The R is built in germany from what i know, so reliability shouldn't be much of an issue. Also they use alot of the same parts..so hard to make that claim

[@AlanChun0502]

Every time you guys sit in the back seats they look tiny, I think you guys are pretty big, how tall are you guys?

[@youngcinfamous]

That's not Durham. That's Raleigh. Boylan ave . Come onnn

[@kashiffkhan6239]

You should have asked him why North America did not get the upgraded engine and transmission Europe got with the facelift!

[@AlienNinjaPuppy]

1st Gen s3 looks way better. tho i do wish it had the digital speedometer and coolness inside..

[@iceplanetchris2052]

What's your personal vehicle?

[@iceplanetchris2052]

Lord Cyclops Acura sucks

[@sickjohnson]

Roman, such a nice car, but how did you fit in it? I can't fit in the A4...my shoulder rubs the B pillar.

[@halim124]

it has a 7-speed s tronic DQ500 and 310hp

[@TFLcar]

Roman says he made a mistake. The HP is correct but the transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@spoiler9112]

I believe European models have the 7-speed this year. Audi USA site says 6-speed for 2017 S3.

[@thenecromancer6564]

why Europeans always get the best

[@ThRS-ef9ph]

Liang Yan dude these car are Europeans...In Usa you have good cars as well

[@BigBoss-ps6vk]

spoiler9112 is US have too many bullshit regulations that's why

[@clint7312]

i want the black optic package, but it only comes with summer wheels. Do dealerships ever swap tires at your request?

[@kevinwiltshire4445]

Can't wait for the rs3

[@spinnetti]

Odd place for an Audi intro...

[@ramothepharaoh3]

Are you sure it has a 7 speed transmission because I thought only Europe has the new 7 speed and 310hp engine while the U.S has the old 6 speed?

[@jakebell755]

See create trust region capability meaning fly characterize.

[@ScottAllenBugsy]

This car is a BLAST to drive... and every now and then, my wife let's me behind the wheel!~ (her car).

[@STICKSHFT]

nice car. not worth +52k though. at that price point there are much nicer cars

[@ftffighter]

Tbh, i'd rather cough up the extra dough for the S4

[@xuhdi]

smelly cat please tell me, what nicer car can you get? And I'm serious, I can use some help since I'm shopping in this price range for a cool, quick, car

[@STICKSHFT]

Zuhdi Ar if you're not worried about passenger room you can get a 2017 camaro ss. (yes I can't believe I said a camaro is better than an Audi either but the 2017 is really a great car) for a little bit more money you can get a mustang gt350. (again I can't believe I said that too but trust me they're awsome!) if you must have a German car the BMW m2 is great and for a lot less money you can get golf r which has the exact same drivetrain as the s3.

[@ftffighter]

All great choices, but the Golf R has been having some reliability issues(what a shocker) despite being built to a very high standard compared to other VW's.

[@spoiler91129112]

Good cars, certainly not "nicer" though. Drove the Mustang, horrible interior imo. Both the Stang and Camaro look like giant two-doors to me. Love the size of the S3. Good value, worth the money.

[@delsol67]

love this car

[@PS3TheJamesS]

You can get manual in the UK

[@constischmitz9904]

I take it you guys won't be getting the hatchback in the states? I've also noticed that here in Germany the S3 is advertised as making a little more power (310 PS or 305 hp). I've noticed that with a bunch of European sports cars for the US market (e.g. older M3s); are they just tuned a bit differently? Do you happen to know why manufacturers do that?

[@maximebintz4795]

In America they mesure bhp(Brakehorsepower) not hp(metric horsepower), so it's a little diffrent Grüße gehen raus

[@constischmitz9904]

Even if you take 292 bhp that only translates to 296 PS or about 218 kw. The Euro-trim makes 228 kw.

[@sic22l]

In Europe it also has 7-speed DSG, not 6-speed.

[@HYITHO]

would be really nice if it comes with a standard manual transmission.

[@SSJI_87]

Didn't this dude do 0-60 video of S3 and BMW 2 series and complained of "turbo lag" when he didn't even put the car into "dynamic" mode?

[@jeebs621]

Does this still have the Haldax drive train

[@nickpurdy]

I'll take the practicality of a hatchback in the Golf R

[@Ibizan82]

Golf is VW. AUDI > VW.

[@King716]

How big is the guy who said that the rear seat space is small?

[@thepanayiotis1990]

In Europe i see only hatchback S3's

[@nac5000]

this car is amazing but the reviewer is like "meeeh..." 😄

[@Edwin5467]

When is the US getting the RS3 [hatchback]?

[@foxalive3554]

Wish audi made a s3 hatchback for 43k, I want a classier golf R

[@RangerxTurbo]

Late response but could do the tdi hatch from the a3 and swap engines with the rs3

[@jacques2007smith]

I am trying to figure out why I would buy that for 53-54k?

[@spoiler9112]

Because it's the Prestige level that includes nearly every option that costs way less than a comparable BMW for instance (240i, 340i). It's just as fast, better gas mileage, better reliability, and holds its value better. No brainer.

[@samsara3694]

In the UK the real world price for the S3 is greater than the 240i. For me, the S3 is superior on a number of fronts, including more sophisticated exterior and interior looks, and traction control. Where the 240i trashes the S3 is the engine: the 240i behaves closer to a NA engine and is much more flexible. Kinda amusing when the reviewer says that the turbo in the S3 spools up instantaneously when in fact the lag is obvious. If you want a car that you have fun with by pressing hard, it's the S3. If you want a little more luxurious feeling from your engine (at this price point) then it's the 240i.

[@PapiAndrey]

samsara Actually, he never said instantaneous. He's been saying that it gets a hint of lag and then it quickly spools up. There is lag, but barely any, like I've driven a Golf R and I actually enjoy playing around with the turbo lag. I have a Gti and the lag is slightly less, but it's *Almost* instant on my car.

[@CPUspeed]

sweet, and you look like you actually could fit in it too. tall people unite!

[@2006stiguy]

the mproduct mgr for Audi was very abrubt stating the S3 doesnt compete with the CLA Amg!!! If i was shopping a $50k small sedan it would be S3, CLA AmG, M2 and Lexus! So he was very arrogant saying the AMG isnt a competitor !! Wow I personally would take the CLA all day over the S3!!! More power and personality!!

[@Alex-wh2ud]

Why do they make these euro cars with that annoying exhaust sound you hear on the upshifts? Its got a strong sporty tone as you drive but when you shift up it sounds choppy, flat and cut-off to early.

[@theodorenixon6612]

What's the name of this song in the video?

[@muxcan956]

1:46 name of the song please

[@msbtennis]

does it have quattro or Haldex?

[@Vlican]

quattro is an umbrella term covering all of Audi's AWD systems... that said, this is haldex

[@07wrxtr1]

Great trans, crappy diff...

[@mikesilverii7535]

For 52k brand new, May as well get a performance Tesla model 3. Wayyyy quicker and superior technology, less maintenance, etc

[@A_guan]

Wish America got the hatch version of this! Because I'd spend a bit ore for this over a golf R....stupid vw don't want us to o have entry luxury hatch

[@A_guan]

Well the s3 is more luxurious then the golf and I wouldn't mind paying an extra 10k

[@jasonswift7098]

Sweet car!

[@chrisxx8033]

7 speed ?

[@futeanie]

6dsg? But rs3 will come with 7dsg right?

[@spoiler9112]

USA is 6 DSG for 2017

[@bwlingenieur]

Beautiful car. But a diesel would be more cooler

[@killermarine2]

No, its not quattro its haldex

[@Ibizan82]

Is the new S3 coming with the virtual cockpit by default? I love the needles from S models such as RS6 and old S3. I think new S models are losing the charm and little details that made them special: grey dials, black piano in the console, handles, etc. It's like Audi going backwards...Engines ok, tfsi is mind blowing, ok but interior quality plommet.

[@spoiler91129112]

Ibizan82 No. Virtual cockpit is an option.

[@Ibizan82]

Thank you for your reply Spoiler9112 T, btw, do you like the virtual cockpit?Cheers

[@spoiler91129112]

Ibizan82 Yes! The display is crisp, clear and bright. Several customizable screens are available, including one that looks like the standard analog gauges. The Google map screen is especially impressive.

[@BBoard-yk8en]

Haldex but I guess call it “Quattro”

[@TheOnlyHMR]

For 52k you could get a fully loaded q60 redsport with 400hp

[@hakopknajian2475]

TheOnlyHMR still a slow car for what it is

[@kanaric]

Q60 red sport is hot garbage.

[@beyondrepair8949]

No you don't have to have a big car anymore but your still going to have to pay the big car price. If you think the neighbors will think less of you for owning the same car in VW form, yes by all means buy the Audi. Can anyone really put a price on status? Well yes I guess they can.

[@kubaziubinski9818]

s3 to super bajkaaa audi s3 to moje ulubione

[@kamiljay2697]

No to fajnie

[@cowbalala]

check the grill

[@jiminkrott1569]

so I can get a 2017 a4 or a golf r with a manual but not this. I don't get it. too bad, because that's exactly what i want.

[@unknown-sj1zc]

come on audi, make it two door and it will be a hit

[@spoiler9112]

That would be the A1, in Europe.

[@JakeTheSnakeProductions]

$50 + k for a 4 cylinder sedan?? I don't care how high or low you are in life, that is a butt load of money for a car like that, not to mention the instant slap-in-the-face deprecation hit as you exit the car dealer lot...

[@spoiler9112]

It's a better value than BMW 340i. MANY more standard options than you'd pay through the nose for on the Beemer, and just as quick, more reliable. No brainer. Oh, and ANY car you drive off the dealer lot has that "slap-in-the-face depreciation" factor. Having said that, Audi's also hold their value better than BMW.

[@ydoron]

The person from Audi has a dead pixel on his beard

[@Flip_Angle]

Really! lol! "It's not exactly a Hellcat". I think you are just rubbing it in now to all the critics. That was hilarious, ...I'm one of the critics. I can't wait to see the RS3. I like small cars so RS 3 would do it. Ya, the Golf R is a pretty good option but Audi ups the luxury ante.

[@ejmichigan4545]

The rs3 will destroy the hellcat in everyway and save half the gas

[@natet53]

Almost bought this car over the IS350 F SPORT. However, the dash is just soo plain...

[@spoiler91129112]

nathan t Some call it 'plain' , others minimalist. The point is all the tech is there and easily accessible. For the money you get a much quicker enjoyable car imo.

[@RarelyReplies]

durham? you're right down the road. that is not a lovely city. that is a crappy place with a ton of crime. only pieces are nice. and i mean small pieces. glad you didnt get shot.

[@ssdivizion]

OK,I understand it's a premium car,but by my opinion this shouldn't cost more than 35.000 bucks but 50 thousand for this? Some car buyers are really crazy people,with that amount of cash I can buy 10 Dacia Sanderos or 10 Skoda Fabias in mym country,hehe

[@BigD751]

i will have this car.

[@gianni8209]

Awesome car, but a little steep for me.

[@maximebintz4795]

I don't like frontwheeldrive-besed Allwheeldrive, i want permanent 4-Wheeldrive or rearwheeldrive 52k for a Golf !

[@jakp8777]

Maxime Bintz I say the same thing about the Lexus ES or the Acura ILX or almost every Nissan. VW hardly invented rebadging platforms as luxury vars. Every other Audi is a unique platform except the Toureag which is really a Q7. Atleast the golf is a much nicer car then a civic or avalon.

[@hlfcoder7466]

Part of the 2017 facelift was to make the S3 rear wheel drive biased. They only made the change to the S3 though. Not the Golf R.