The third-generation Audi S3 made quite a splash in the South African market, but should you consider it as a used buy?
Image: Audi
When the third-generation Audi A3 range arrived in South Africa in the early 2010s, it brought with it the high-performance S3 derivative, initially launching in three-door hatch, five-door Sportback, and Cabriolet guise. The highly popular Sedan model completed the lineup. Positioned firmly in the premium compact performance segment, the S3 was Ingolstadt’s competitor to cars like the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A45 (if the Audi RS 3 was out of reach), yet it carved its own niche with restrained styling and a solid build quality.
The S3 was built on the Volkswagen Group’s highly versatile MQB platform, sharing its mechanical DNA with the Volkswagen Golf R, but elevated by Audi’s premium interior and brand cachet. The car’s core appeal, however, lay in the effective deployment of a potent turbocharged engine, reliable quattro all-wheel drive, and a rapid dual-clutch transmission, making it a performance car suitable for daily driving and when you need to lay it down on a mountain pass.
The third-generation Audi S3 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged (2.0 TFSI) engine. In its initial, pre-facelifted form (launch mid-2016), the South African-spec S3 delivered a strong 206 kW at 5 500 r/min and 380 N.m of torque from a low 1 800 r/min. This power is channeled to the Haldex-based quattro all-wheel-drive system via a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. This combination resulted in a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.0 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The mid-2016 facelift brought crucial updates. The local power output received a boost to 228 kW, with torque upped to 400 N.m. More importantly, the older six-speed S tronic was replaced by a smoother and quicker seven-speed S tronic unit. This change, along with other refinements, shaved a tenth off the 0-100 km/h sprint time, to 4.9 seconds. The interior saw a significant technological update with the introduction of the optional Audi Virtual Cockpit: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that significantly modernised the driver interface.
In our 2016 driving impression of the Audi S3 sedan, we noted:
“The 18-inch wheels and sports suspension render the ride a bit choppy, even on fairly smooth tarmac, but it’s nowhere near unbearable. The progressive steering and wet-clutch system also make for an easier drive than before. Once you kick things up a notch, the true capabilities of the S3 become apparent. Much like before, it is exceptionally grippy and deals with high-speed corners with little or no signs of understeer. Here, the extra power really makes its presence felt, and there’s very little turbo-lag to speak of. Overall, the S3 Sedan does a fine job of inspiring confidence, all without sapping the driver’s energy levels, which makes it particularly adept at long-distance driving.”
Image: Audi
The best overall package is the post-facelift Audi S3 Sportback. It offers the refined seven-speed S tronic gearbox and, crucially, access to the Virtual Cockpit. The updated styling keeps it looking fresh, and the higher 228 kW power output is a bonus. For those on a tighter budget or planning extensive performance modifications, the pre-facelift Sedan offers the strongest value proposition. These earlier models are typically priced lower than their facelifted counterparts, and the six-speed S tronic is a reliable unit. The rare manual three-door remains the enthusiast’s choice and its rarity will drive its appeal upward.
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